As a massive WOTC fan, it can be difficult to appreciate cards outside of set collection goals. In this thread please share your favorite card artworks not produced by Wizards of the Coast (1999-2003 ending with Skyridge).
I’ll start with my favorites from the EX series:
Ruby-Sapphire:
Unseen Forces:
FireRed LeafGreen:
Hidden Legends:
Dragon:
Sandstorm:
Team Magma vs. Team Aqua:
Other more well known cards would also include Gold Star Rayquaza, FRLG Charizard Ex and Gold Star Charizard.
I will be honest, although I like the WOTC artworks more for most part, I also really like the modern artworks as well. So my favorite artworks contain both kinds.
Anyway, here are some of my favorite cards from after 2003:
Starting with my three favorite Pikachu Artworks:
And then some random other artwork I really like (mainly looked at cards I have in my collection):
Yeah I know, the style is all over the place. The list I really like with artworks from before 2003 is a bit bigger though. Although I must admit I also have a lot more pre-2003 cards in my collection than the newer sets (apart from Pikachus).
My favorite artwork of them all is probably this one:
The pose and colors used are just plain awesome (but kinda off-topic, since it’s pre-2003 )
I’m confused, I’m sure you meant artwork not imprinted on WOTC information layout. Or cards past 2003 artwork. As the artwork was not produced by WOTC but by the respective artist, correct?
Edit: I get what you’re trying to say now.
BREAKpoint-Suicune
XY Promo 64-Rayquaza
XY Promo 96-Umbreon
B&W Legendary Treasures-Kyerum
Ancient Origins-Gardevoir
B&W Legendary Treasures-Sigilyph
I’m sure there is way more, but these are the first to pop up in my mind. Good thread by the way.
So, hear me out before casting judgement on my selection! I’m more inclined toward the hand-drawn, simple style, or the alternative mediums like clay or just totally out there styles, that are unique. But for anything that looks rendered, it takes a little more for me to get into it. I will say that spending time looking at people’s collections and reading threads like this (or those about people’s favorite cards) has really expanded my poke palate, so to speak, and I appreciate a wider variety of rendered styles.
Some pokekyuns I really like, that take me back to wotc era artwork: (images from Bulbapedia)
And there are others, but these have more of the hand drawn feel.
And I absolutely love this (Breakpoint) hypno because it is so creepy, and it’s also hand-drawn, or seems “painted”.
I love this artwork! It makes me smile everytime I see it! Ill tell you whats happening in this picture:
HYPNO: “Don’t be shocked by the tone of my voice
Check out my new weapon, weapon of choice”
CLEFAIRY: “HEY MISTER YOU CAN"T G…”
HYPNO: “Listen to the sound of my voice
You can check it all out, it’s the weapon of choice”
CLEFAIRY: “IT’S DANGEROUS OVER THERE YOU WI…”
HYPNO: “You can go with this,
Or you can go with that,
You can go with this,
Or you can go with that,
You can go with this,
Or you can go with that,
Or you can throw with us”
CEFAIRY: “LOTS OF POKEMON VENTURE THERE AND NEVER RETURN! YOU W…”
HYPNO: "Walk without rhythm
and it won’t attract the worm
Walk without rhythm
and it won't attract the worm
If you walk without rhythm
ah, you never learn"
Apart from the epic Hypno/Clefairy duo, obviously I am going to pick a DOS but this card is just too legit. Call back to the WOTC shining with unique/inspired design what more could you want?
I’m not gonna link them all but how has nobody mentioned the goldstars! Umbreon, espeon, pikachu, mew, rayquaza, metagross… the list goes on and each one has amazing art! Also the BW UR Rayquaza.
Although I must admit I also have a lot more pre-2003 cards in my collection than the newer sets (apart from Pikachus).
)
