Destined Rivals is probably one of the most excitingPokemon TCGreleases in years, given that Team Rocket appears as the main focus ofthe most beautiful cards in the set.It’s not the first time Team Rocket has featured heavily among the main chase cards in the set, as ex Team Rocket Returns and the original Team Rocket set both gave ussome iconic Rocket cards.
Besides the famous references like the return of Team Rocket’s Mewtwo, there are a few cards in Destined Rivals that give a nod to some unusual vintage cards. Can you name every card in Destined Rivals that has deep roots in the Pokemon TCG?
8Misty’s Lapras & Lapras (Platinum)
Fun In The Sun
Misty’s Lapras might not be the first pairing you imagine when you’re checking out the top hits in a Team Rocket set, but they’re here to shake things up all the same. There’s no vintage card also named ‘Misty’s Lapras,’ but this Lapras card from Platinum shares several similarities.
The Destined Rivals Lapras is enjoying a sunny day, while the Lapras from Platinum seems to have just finished a long day of swimming, with the sun setting in the background. They may be at different times of day, but the beach vibes and presence of sunlight feel inspired by the original.
7Team Rocket’s Murkrow & Murkrow (Neo Genesis)
Thematic Alignment
Team Rocket’s Murkrow also doesn’t have any direct descendants that share the same name, but these cards share a scene featuring the moon. Both nighttime backdrops still have major differences, but showing off the range of Murkrow personalities in these two cards makes this an unusual but perfect pairing.
The bitter look over the shoulder of the Murkrow in Neo Genesis couldn’t be more opposite to the sweet, tender moment of Ariana gazing out at the city with her Murkrow.
6Team Rocket’s Houndoom & Dark Houndoom (ex Team Rocket Returns)
Shades Of Dark
Team Rocket’s Houndoom is another new card in name, but the Dark Houndoom from ex Team Rocket Returns is a clear inspiration, although the new version leans into a bright color scheme. In both artworks, Houndoom still keeps up a ferocious facade, but it’s more difficult to appreciate Dark Houndoom unless you see it in person.
The addition of a Team Rocket Admin gives the newer version even more color to enjoy, and will probably make it the more popular card to collect out of the two.
5Team Rocket’s Meowth & Giovanni’s Meowth (Gym Challenge)
A Cat With Attitude
While you might associate Giovanni with Persian more than Meowth, the leader of Team Rocket doesn’t discriminate between the two. The Destined Rivals version is a perfectly goofy scene that makes you smile as you take in every detail – from Meowth bathing itself, to Giovanni’s colorful bookcase.
The Gym Challenge version lacks a lot of the overall charm, but Meowth’s slightly annoyed attitude still gives it plenty of personality to enjoy, even if Giovanni is reduced to a floating head in the corner.
4Misty’s Psyduck & Misty’s Psyduck (Gym Heroes)
Just A Girl & Her Duck
The direct references roll along with Misty’s Psyduck getting another variation in Destined Rivals. It’s hard to argue that either of these cards is worse than the other, given the major stylistic differences and the fact that they each have something cute about them to enjoy.
Whether you prefer Psyduck’s concerned appearance from Gym Heroes or Misty’s happy expression as she swims next to her Psyduck, each of these cards is adorable in its own way.
3Team Rocket’s Moltres ex & Rocket’s Moltres ex
A New Vibe
Team Rocket’s Moltres ex has had quite a major makeover since its original appearance, and it’s hard to compare them because their only real similarity is the name. Despite the massively divergent takes these artists had on Moltres, each one is meant to be intimidating.
While it’s hard to see, the addition of another Rocket Admin, Archer, in Destined Rivals adds something else to the card for people to enjoy, even if you don’t love Moltres.
2Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex & Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (ex Team Rocket)
Now There Are Two Of Them
Mewtwo is one of the most difficult Pokemon to collect, giventhe high cost of some of its best cards,and these two Rocket’s Mewtwo ex variants are some of the most expensive.
You’ll notice that these two Rocket’s Mewtwo cards are also ‘ex’ Pokemon, but there’s a third ‘Rocket’s Mewtwo’ from Gym Challenge without the ‘ex’ suffix.
These cards couldn’t be more different, as the new school interpretation adds Giovanni to the mix, following along with the typical style used for this era of Scarlet & Violet. On the vintage side, the original Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about Mewtwo, though with much redder eyes than we’re used to.
1Giovanni’s Nidoking & Giovanni’s Nidoking (Gym Challenge)
The King’s Reign
While Mewtwo has taken a clear lead in terms of value, there’s no doubt that Nidoking is one ofGiovanni’s most iconic partner Pokemon.The new Destined Rivals artwork might offer the best balance between paying respect to the original while giving an updated interpretation.
While choosing between these two cards is a matter of preference, Nidoking’s rage is portrayed in such different ways that it might be a matter of whether you prefer action shots or those that capture the moment before an attack.
