The modernPokemon TCGlandscape is always changing, especially in terms of the artistic styles and themes each new set offers.The Glory Of Team Rocket boasts a beautiful collection of valuable cardsto admire, and while Special Art Rares will get most of the spotlight, there are some stunning Art Rares to collect as well.
While their price tags will likely never reach equilibrium with their Special Art Rare cousins, the most visually appealing Art Rares don’t slouch. The attention to detail in Art Rares like Meowth and Wobbuffet is breathtaking, and there are a few other diamonds in the rough among the featured Pokemon.
8Team Rocket’s Tarountula – 99/98
An Underbug Rises
There’s no escaping the truth thatmany of the most valuable modern Pokemon cardsfeature well-known, beloved Pokemon who stand out from the pack on appearance alone, but Tarountula isn’t one of them. However, this Paldean Pokemon makes a strong impression thanks to this standout card.
The black and green color palette is an excellent combination that perfectly sets a sinister tone for this card. The Rocket Grunt in the background of this art provides the perfect detail to complete this card’s evil undertones.
7Team Rocket’s Weezing – 105/98
Petrel’s Pondering Pokemon
Weezing stands out as one of the most iconic Team Rocket Pokemon ever, as James' Weezing from the Pokemon anime enjoys several episodes' worth of action with Team Rocket. Weezing is joined in this scene by Petrel, one of Giovanni’s most trusted administrators, and one of three others – Proton, Ariana, and Archer.
Petrel, unfortunately, has the least interesting scene among these Team Rocket members as he sits against a dirty wall while Weezing floats harmlessly beside him. Petrel may be lost in thought, but this card isn’t the most memorable in The Glory Of Team Rocket.
6Zamazenta – 107/98
An Epic Moment
Zamazenta stands out as the sole Pokemon not associated with a Team Rocket member to land among the best Art Rares in The Glory Of Team Rocket. This card’s subtle lighting and the shining sunset in the background are key to creating this impressively intimidating scene.
While Zamazenta is typically seen as a hero figure, its ferocious energy and this scintillating scene perfectly blend into the dark, nefarious themes embodied by Team Rocket. Zamazenta is difficult to appreciate through a screen, but you’ll love this card’s stunning beauty when you get it in person.
5Team Rocket’s Raticate – 108/98
A Rocket Classic
Raticate is typically regarded as one of the most uninteresting common Pokemon you can find in the main series games, and this artwork only reinforces that preconception with its pack of rats.
This art style is featured on another Art Rare in this set, providing an impressive balance between the evil undertones and adorable Pokemon scenes.
The Scarlet & Violet era of cards leaned heavily into the depiction of iconic pairings, and this set is an excellent example of what can happen when you give underappreciated Pokemon the room to shine. Raticate’s fantastic slice-of-life scene stands out as one of the best Art Rares in the set.
4Team Rocket’s Murkrow – 106/98
A Bright City Night
Murkrow, much like Weezing, is arguably one of Team Rocket’s most iconic common grunt Pokemon, joining classics like Koffing and Zubat among some of the evil organization’s favorite fighters. Murkrow and Team Rocket admin Ariana enjoy a glittering view of the city outside their window in this vibrant scene.
The nighttime background is reminiscent of the one seen behind Giovanni in English’s Shrouded Fable set.
The scene’s composition and excellent use of color to highlight the two subjects is nearly perfect, as Pokemon, trainer, and background exist in perfect harmony.
3Team Rocket’s Houndoom – 100/98
Fiery, Ferocious, And Fearless
While this card’s Pokemon TCG career is still young, this artwork boasts everything you would expect to see from some ofthe best Houndoom chase cards.This Pokemon already has a collection of expensive cards to its name, and this artwork is likely to count itself among Houndoom’s best cards once its value settles.
Houndoom’s fiery maw is open and ready to take a bite out of the nearest opponent, portraying the Pokemon’s unbridled rage. Archer stands calmly in perfect juxtaposition to the Dark-type Pokemon’s searing fire.
2Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet – 103/98
Reporting For Duty
Wobbuffet joins Weezing as one of Team Rocket’s favorite Pokemon to bring along on their adventures in the Pokemon anime. Wobbuffet’s signature goofy personality is perfectly captured in this scene, as the blue and pink blob sits scrunched alongside some Rocket Grunts on the couch.
Wobbuffet has a penchant for appearing at the least opportune times, and it’s clear that this Pokemon hasn’t lost that ability in this scene. This card’s ability to communicate the Pokemon’s personality so well in a single frame is difficult to replicate.
1Team Rocket’s Meowth – 109/98
Mafia’s Best Friend
Even though the best Art Rares in The Glory Of Team Rocket can’t compare to the values ofexpensive Special Art Rares like those in Super Electric Breaker,this Meowth could make an argument for being considered special. Still, Meowth earns its place as the best Art Rare thanks to the added presence of a cartoon Giovanni.
The lighthearted artistic style we saw in the Team Rocket’s Raticate art returns in this Meowth art, and it’s perfectly suited to the unassuming scene we look in on, featuring Team Rocket’s iconic boss and his beloved Meowth.
