ThePokemon TCGis full of cards that have risen to iconic status, from the vintage favorites like the first edition Charizard, to the modern marvels like the Latias & Latios GX. However, Umbreon also has a notable claim to fame with its ubiquitously belovedVMAX Secret Rare from Evolving Skies,affectionately dubbed ‘Moonbreon’.
You may not know that the Umbreon VMAX from Evolving Skies isn’t the only Moonbreon card, but rather is just one of the most recent entries in a long tradition of Umbreon cards. To be considered a Moonbreon card, the artwork must feature an Umbreon with a moon in the night sky above.
Only cards with ‘Rare’ or better status are included. Common cards and non-holographic variations of cards with a Holo version are not included.
8Umbreon: XY Promos (Promo)
We’ll Allow It
This Umbreon promo from the XY era mightseem pretty average, but a closer inspection of the scene will reveal why it’s more expensivethan you might expect. This card meets all the criteria to be considered a Moonbreon, but there’s no denying that the subject and the moon are barely visible compared to some of the other top-tier options.
Most of the scene is shrouded in darkness, while the light breaking through the clouds from the moon is focused on illuminating the background more than anything. It’s a cool card that earns its spot, but there’s so much more potential left on the table that it’s hard not to call it disappointing.
7Umbreon: Skyridge (Rare)
Look To The Sky
The Umbreon Rare from Skyridge is another card that barely makes the cutoff due to its rarity status, but there’s no denying that the artwork lives up to any other Moonbreon you can imagine. Skyridge is a legendary set packed with gorgeous cards, and it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to call this card the belle of the ball.
Despite Umbreon facing away from us, the glance over its shoulder is pretty cold – this card invented aura farming before social media even existed. If that’s not iconic behavior, then we’re not sure what is.
6Umbreon V: Evolving Skies (Alternate Full Art)
Ready To Evolve
Though it’s not even the most famous Moonbreon in its own set, the Umbreon V Alt Full Art stands out as one of the best examples of what a Moonbreon card should be. Umbreon stands tall above a crowd of Pokemon, with a spotlight of sorts shining down on it from the moon’s light.
The positioning of the moon directly above Umbreon’s head is perfect, as it illuminates the Pokemon’s silhouette and creates a framing that makes it easy to enjoy the background and foreground simultaneously.
5Umbreon Prime: Undaunted (Ultra Rare)
A Crescent Party Crasher
You might need to do a double-take, as this Umbreon Prime’s crescent moon is perhaps one of the most hidden examples of any Moonbreon card. Despite its unusual perspective, Umbreon and the moon in the background combine to form a striking duo, as the Pokemon’s deep red eye perfectly directs your attention behind it.
The subtle choices made in this artwork contribute to its overall visual appeal, even though you might not associate this card with the Moonbreon title. Preconceptions aside, this Umbreon Prime ticks all the boxes and is sure to keep climbing in value.
4Umbreon: Neo Discovery (Holo Rare)
The Original Moonbreon
The Neo Discovery Umbreon is the true OG, as the first iconic example of Umbreon appearing in front of the moon, and remains as perhaps the most perfect example of a Moonbreon. While your taste will ultimately decide if you prefer this version or one of the more modern interpretations of Moonbreon, it’s easy to see why this card led to the creation of the term ‘Moonbreon’.
You won’t see a better example of a Pokemon drenched in shadow that still stands out thanks to the background lighting and its beautiful color palette. Even if you think the new ones are better, you have to respect the card that started it all.
3Umbreon: Aquapolis (Holo Rare)
Barely Enough Moon
The Umbreon from Aquapolis cuts it extremely close when it comes to its inclusion of the moon in the background, but luckily, the bright semi-circle at the top of the frame makes it clear that the moon is present. The background also features a spire, which is eerily similar to the one present in the Evolving Skies Umbreon VMAX.
This version focuses on the massive architectural feat and the majesty of the moon lurking behind Umbreon, but its modern counterpart brings these elements together in an unexpected way.
2Umbreon VMAX: Evolving Skies (Secret Rare)
Reviving A Legend
Aside from being one of Umbreon’s most valuable cards,this Moonbreon pays homage to the Aquapolis artwork, bringing the spire into the scene as a stool for Umbreon to use as it reaches for the moon. The VMAX tag, the Pokemon TCG’s version of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, makes this incredible scene possible, as Umbreon reaches a mammoth size.
The newly gargantuan Umbreon climbs the tower from its prior artwork and gazes into a cloudy sky, where the moon’s bright light illuminates the entire scene. On brightness and clarity alone, this Moonbreon deserves its flowers as one of the best variations.
1Umbreon ex: Prismatic Evolutions (Special Illustration Rare)
The Moon Rises Again
The latest entry to the Moonbreon club competes with the Evolving Skies version in its brightness and beautiful focus on both Umbreon and the moon behind it. This card is like a hybrid between both Evolving Skies artworks, as the colors and eye-catching composition work in perfect harmony.
There’s no doubt that this card will remainthe most valuable in Prismatic Evolutionsfor years to come, but who knows when the next Moonbreon will come along to steal the spotlight from this newcomer?
