Chen the launch of each new expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, we consider it important to stop for a moment to enjoy its incredible illustrations. And now that Sword and Shield-Fusion Strike is here, we want you to join us so that you can appreciate its artistic value. You may discover your next favorite artist or a card to add to your collection!
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Want a Pokémon TCG card to turn heads? A splash of color can make the difference between standing out or not. Chandelure’s dark and unnerving color palette creates a striking contrast around Chandelure VMAX. The addition of colors also elevates the Cinderace VMAX’s triumphant pose. The orange tones are the protagonists of the illustration, but it is the rainbow touch behind the Pokémon that generates the impression of an overflowing energy about to be released. Smeargle, the Painter Pokémon, also impresses at the center of a rainbow vortex. Conversely, the brushstrokes and swirls of color in the water and sky at Croconaw add an ethereal and calming touch to the scene.
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It is almost impossible not to notice Mina Nakai’s magnificent illustrations when browsing through the collection of Sword and Shield-Fusion Strike. His style is so unique that it immediately grabs attention. Just look at this letter from Helioptile, for example. It captures the face of the Pokémon in such an outlandish and sketchy way that, when combined with the dotted background, it is reminiscent of the pop art style that can lead us to compare the card with the works of Roy Lichtenstein. Judging by the kinetic lines above Helioptile’s head (the graphic symbols reflecting the movement and emphasis in the illustration), this little Pokémon seems just as surprised as we are by the playfulness of the design. The Toxel and Pancham cards aren’t all that experimental, but their thick lines, bold colors, and prominent shadows make them equally eye-catching.
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Pokémon, it’s no secret, they are the stars of the Pokémon TCG. And as such, it’s easy to focus our full attention on them when looking at a Pokémon TCG card. However, if you focus too much on the protagonist of a letter, you may miss the incredible scenery that surrounds him. The background of the image is much more impressive when it is represented in a more realistic way than the Pokémon. Note the dense field of flowers on the Appletun card V, where the intricate details create a curious contrast to the innocent sweetness of the Pokémon. Ninetales’s pose, meanwhile, seems even more regal thanks to the realistic sunlight that bathes him. And similarly, Delcatty is sitting in the sunlight, his fur dotted with shadows cast by the sun’s rays as they pass through the leaves of the trees. All these shades give Delcatty a sense of depth that makes him seem more alive than ever.
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Pokémon battles are fun, but sometimes we have to take a break and relax, which can only mean one thing: Let’s dance! And, of course, Meloetta is one of the first to join the party. With his graceful pose and illustrated singing, he’s ready to move his body. Genesect also carries his ability to dance break dance at levels singular in Genesect V. And it’s not just Pokémon who want to dance. As we see in the standard version of Dancer and in its version with expanded illustration, this Trainer card is ready to hit the dance floor at any time.
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Some Pokémon have the ability to attack and damage opponents, but with the unfortunate side effect of hurting themselves. The expansion Sword and Shield-Fusion Strike
features various cards with these Pokémon that are willing to play them for the good of the team. Take a good look at Electrode’s crooked gesture, as he already knows that the Blast attack is not going to sit well with him. Golem, for his part, is completely focused as the rocky parts of his body move to reveal his glowing core. If we were close to him, that would be the glowing sign that it’s time to run! Cufant may not be going to explode, but that giant rock that he has raised over his head is anything but light. Don’t feel bad, Cufant. We all get a little hurt when we lift heavy objects.
With more than 260 cards in total, many more surprises await you in the expansion Sword and Shield-Fusion Strike from the Pokémon TCG. Be sure to pay attention to all the amazing illustrations that give the game its unique flair the next time you open an upgrade pack.
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