Every newPokemon TCGrelease generates hype, but certain special sets, like White Flare, stand out as particularly worthy of the excitement surrounding them. White Flare, along with its companion set, Black Bolt, features a Special Illustration Rare or Illustration Rare of every Pokemon in Unova, also known as the fifth generation of Pokemon.
The roster of 156 Unovan Pokemon is split between the two sets, so you’ll need to open both sets if you hope to collect them all. In addition to the impressive dedication to showcasing each Pokemon in the best way possible, you’ll also find three total Black White Rare cards, with Victini’s version appearing in both sets.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGplayermarket price, which is subject to volatility over time. Any card without a market price was not included.
8Chandelure (Illustration Rare) – $48.20
A Terrifying Dinner Party
Chandelure carved out an impressive place among the best competitive Pokemon in the VGC scene, but it hasn’t had a notable TCG impact until now. While its competitive viability isn’t particularly great, the visual appeal that this card offers is second to none when it comes to Chandelure.
Chandelure seems to be in the middle of a particularly lonely dinner party, based on the lack of guests seated at the table in the background. The chaos created by this ghostly chandelier is beautifully captured in motion, giving this card much to enjoy in a simple scene.
7Keldeo ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $61.92
A Bright Spot
Keldeo was one of themost underrated cards in the Japanese version of White Flare,and despite its respectable price tag, it still feels underrated given how the bright colors make this card stand out. While Keldeo’s popularity might not reach the heights of other similarly rare Pokemon, it theoretically towers over the next Pokemon on the list.
However, popularity doesn’t necessarily dictate price tags, as there are many factors at play, but it’s still surprising that this card isn’t a bit higher priced compared to some of the other Special Illustration Rares.
6Jellicent ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $70.08
Shaking Like Jelly
The price tag on this Jellicent will have even the most stoic collector shook, as this Pokemon has never made such a massive splash in the Pokemon TCG. This Pokemon gets a leg up on Keldeo, with both of its versions appearing in this artwork in the pink and blue Jellicent forms floating underwater.
While it’s nearly guaranteed that this card’s price tag will take a dive as the set ages and hype gives way to longstanding favorites, Jellicent’s strong start is incredible. Maybe it will prove us wrong and keep rising; that’s the beauty of the Pokemon TCG’s unpredictability.
5Hilda (Special Illustration Rare) – $77.78
Full Of Favorites
While Trainer cards have fallen out of favor after their massively hyped run up the price charts in the Sun & Moon era, Hilda might be part of a new wave of love for beautifully designed cards featuring trainers with their Pokemon.
Valuable sets like Destined Rivalsreinvigorated this style of card, and Trainers will likely increase in value as they continue to receive impressive cards like this.
Hilda is joined by Unfezant, Zebstrika, and Pignite – three of Unova’s most recognizable Pokemon. While Pignite is the sole canon part of her team, each of these Pokemon helps to contribute to this card’s impressive price tag.
4Hydreigon ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $147.66
Another Dark Hydreigon Scene
Hydreigon is undoubtedly one of the coolest Dragon-type pseudo-legendaries ever introduced, but this card suffers from the annoyingly dark representations that have become typical for Hydreigon cards. While this card is arguablyeven nicer than the Surging Sparks Hydreigon,it’s hard to see the Pokemon when you’re not holding the card.
The lightning bolts help illuminate the background to make Hydreigon’s color palette pop, but it makes us wonder when we’re going to get a version of this Pokemon that is bright enough that you don’t have to squint or bring your screen to your face.
3Reshiram ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $228.68
Bringing The Heat
On the other end of the spectrum, the Reshiram ex SIR is one of the brightest and most visually stimulating cards in White Flare, with a stunning white coat and the orange-red flames that accent the Pokemon’s regal design.
The green coloring is a nice reference to Reshiram’s canon trainer, N, who is best known for his green hair. Overall, this card offers immense appeal to wider audiences than the most valuable cards in the set.
2Reshiram ex (Black White Rare) – $475.19
Off White, On Point
Reshiram gains another footholdamong the most valuable Unovan Pokemonwith this incredibly valuable card, which boasts the set’s signature rarity. While the all-white coloring makes it a little hard to distinguish Reshiram from the background, the clever use of shading and shadows helps.
The all-gold predecessor to this card was much more difficult to appreciate, given the overwhelmingly bright shade. This version emphasizes the details and accentuates Reshiram’s wings and head to increase its visibility.
1Victini (Black White Rare) – $512.50
Now There Are Two Of Them!
While this Victini wasn’tincluded in the Japanese version of White Flare,it’s the most valuable card in the English counterpart, and is the third Black White Rare across Black Bolt and White Flare. Even though this card appears in both sets, each version is distinct, and you’ll notice that their prices aren’t identical.
The value fluctuates thanks to the Pokemon around it, as Victini claims the top spot as White Flare’s most valuable card, but faces stiff competition from the best Black Bolt cards. The all-red design choice is divisive, but Victini’s rarity and desirability are undeniable.
