The Glory Of Team Rocket wasanother hotly anticipated seton the Japanese side of thePokemon TCGmarket, offering cards themed around the iconic evildoers of the Pokemon world: Team Rocket. While this mafia-adjacent organization is typically associated with stealing Pokemon and bullying trainers, some of the best Special Art Rares in The Glory Of Team Rocket stand out thanks to their whimsical tone and colorful palettes.
Giovanni is unquestionably the main attraction among the best Glory Of Team Rocket Special Art Rares (SARs), appearing on half of the set’s SARs. There’s no doubt about whom the main man in Team Rocket is, but who is the main Pokemon?
6Team Rocket’s Ariana – 128/98
A Strong Start
Ariana kicks things off as one of the brightest and cleanest SARs in The Glory Of Team Rocket, as the white background provides the perfect canvas for Ariana’s predominantly red color palette. Although her popularity prevents her from finding a home amongthe most expensive full art trainer cardsin the Pokemon TCG, Ariana’s crisp design makes her card pop.
However, this card’s clean finish is also the main aspect of the card that feels lacking, as there aren’t many notable details or unusual inclusions to enjoy. If you enjoy Ariana’s design and don’t want anything to muddle it, then this is the perfect card for you, but there are more visually stimulating options to consider in The Glory Of Team Rocket.
5Team Rocket’s Giovanni – 129/98
The Whole Team Shines
On the other end of the design spectrum, Team Rocket’s Giovanni stands tall as the clear best trainer card in the set. This will likely be one ofGiovanni’s most valuable cards once the dust settles,though it’s difficult to say with certainty whether the English or Japanese version of this card will garner more attention over time.
Price points aside, if you’re a fan of Team Rocket, then Giovanni’s appearance alongside Ariana, Archer, Proton, and Petrel in the background makes this one of the most stimulating cards in the set. Although sometimes less is more, the characters on this card sit in perfect harmony, as everyone gets to enjoy a taste of the spotlight, despite Giovanni holding the lion’s share.
4Team Rocket’s Moltres ex – 124/98
Lost In Flames
You might be slightly underwhelmed by Team Rocket’s Moltres ex if you’ve only ever seen it through a screen, as this card offers another example of how differently a card can appear in person as opposed to virtually. The most impressive part of this card is the subtle, sizzling details, from Moltres' wispy flames to Archer posing coolly in the background.
A closer inspection of this card will reveal the same city backdrop as the one you’ll see in the Team Rocket’s Murkrow Art Rare in this set.
While this card will set your heart on fire when you see it in person, you’d be forgiven for not being particularly moved by its appearance on a screen. Moltres will likely remain in demand due to its status as a legendary Pokemon, but there’s more to this card than a first glance will reveal.
3Team Rocket’s Crobat ex – 127/98
A Plethora Of Pokemon
You can probably count on one hand the number of times you’ve been impressed by a Crobat card in the Pokemon TCG, and this fantastic Crobat SAR from The Glory Of Team Rocket likely sets the bar. You’ll struggle to find a depiction of Crobat that comes close to this gorgeous scene featuring a collection of Golbat and Zubat flying alongside Crobat.
Like Moltres, this card is packed with stunning details, but the colors and composition allow them to pop without so much effort from the viewer. Crobat’s collection of peers and pre-evolved forms combine to make this one of the most visually distinct and impressive Glory Of Team Rocket SARs.
2Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex – 126/98
It All Pops
Team Rocket’s Nidoking has a legitimate argument for the top spot as the best SAR in The Glory Of Team Rocket, but it faces stiff competition from the set’s most valuable card. Nidoking’s visual appeal is immense, and the bright purple and other colors used in this scene make it stand out more than any other card in terms of brightness.
Nidoking might typically be regarded as one of Giovanni’s most iconic Pokemon, but there’s one more Pokemon that forms another powerful duo with the Team Rocket boss.
1Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex – 125/98
The Dynamic Duo Reigns
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex stands tall as the best Special Art Rare in The Glory Of Team Rocket, thanks to the undeniably popular combination of Giovanni and Mewtwo.
Thiscard is likely to remain among Mewtwo’s most valuableeven after prices drop post-release.
Giovanni’s position in the foreground reverses the trend of the Pokemon appearing closer, but this change works perfectly, as Mewtwo’s perspective makes it appear to tower over the Team Rocket boss in the background, adding to the already impressive intimidation factor.
