The 7 biggest chase cards in Pokémon Pitch Black
As Abyss Eye launches in Japan, we’ve got our first look at some Pokémon cards from the Pitch Black expansion, and here are my favorites.
While Chaos Rising has only just washed up ashore, all eyes are on the metal-sounding, Dark-type brooding Pokémon Pitch Black set coming in July. Full of Pokémon cards that I personally need for my collection, this smaller set is bursting with SIRs and IRs that I can’t wait to not add to my binder, with a frustratingly poor amount of luck that only a Pokémon TCG collector could understand.
Just like my usual chase cards list, this isn’t based on value, but rather on how much I like the cards myself; however, that often means that the cards I love are priced highly on the secondary market. In any case, these are the Pokémon TCG chases for Pitch Black that you should keep a lookout for.
7. Slowbro (IR)
There’s always an Illustration Rare that manages to land with the top ‘mon of each expansion, and for Pokémon Pitch Black, that happens to be Slowbro. The Psychic-type’s vibrant pink stands out in the surrounding darkness, making it one of the set’s most stunning cards for collectors like me.
Of course, as an Illustration Rare, the chance of pulling this card is high, so it doesn’t earn a spot higher on my list. However, it’s certainly deserving of a place on it, and it’s an excellent way to kick off my favourite chase cards for the upcoming expansion. It’s a very cute card.
6. Gwynn (SIR)
Gwynn was a surprising character for me in Legends Z-A. The 'I don't care' attitude was refreshing compared to her brother's more extroverted personality, and her love for all things spooky - especially her Chandelure - made her one of the most memorable trainers in the game. So, with that being said, a Gwynn card had to be on my top chases list.
I love how this artwork captures her vibe. She's ready for a battle, pointing out against the other trainer with a nonchalant attitude to sending out her Pokémon. A small Litwick pokes its head from around her shoulder, and the iconic Chandelure hat rests atop her head. This is a personal favourite of mine.
5. Mega Zeraora ex (SIR)
It's electrifying to see Mega Zeraora get a Pokémon card worthy of its design, pun intended. The neon blue colours pop to life, with yellow accents that help break up the drenched colour scheme, and even though this isn't a spooky card, the black parts of Zeraora really help outline the Electric-type.
It's an excellent card that I'd be happy to get in my packs, and while my fingers are crossed harder for other chases in this expansion, I'd still be very happy to get it. Let's be honest, I'll be happy to get any SIR from this expansion if I can manage to get stock.
4. Mega Chandelure ex (SIR)
I'm a sucker for Chandelure. Ever since I took part in the Litwick Pokémon GO Community Day a few years back, I've fallen in love with this spooky 'mon, and after playing Legends Z-A last year, my praise has only grown. Thankfully, this Mega Chandelure SIR is also beautiful, with a black-and-purple colour scheme fitting of one of my favourite Pokémon.
It's a great contrast to Mega Zeraora's bright colours above, allowing you to soak in the spooky goodness of this Psychic-type. The artwork is absolutely enchanting, with the lack of any background noise allowing this card to focus on Chandelure itself. While other cards steal its thunder, this might be my favourite Pokémon card in recent years.
3. Misty’s Energy (SIR)
If writing about the Pokémon TCG over the last few years has taught me anything, it's that people can get extremely excited about nostalgic cards. Misty remains one of the anime's most iconic characters, alongside the likes of Ash and Pikachu, so it's no surprise that this card will become one of Pitch Black's most valuable cards.
It's also just a neat card in general. It's not overly busy, seeing Misty on a run next to a swimming pool, with the focus being on the character herself. The background isn't busy, but the blue hues behind make her pop, like a spotlight has been placed on her. It's a solid card - not enough to be the set's top chase, but a great one to pull nonetheless.
2. Mega Darkrai ex (MHR)
As much as I repeat myself, it’s worth saying: I’m not big on Mega Hyper Rare cards. However, Darkrai’s design actually lends itself to the all-gold cardboard well, and as one of the expansion’s most elusive chases, it’s got plenty of reasons to be deserving of a top spot.
However, I still prefer a great SIR over even the best Mega Hyper Rares, and that hasn’t changed here (wink wink), but as far as this type of rarity goes, Darkrai’s version is easily the most appealing.
1. Mega Darkrai ex (SIR)
It had to be the SIR of Mega Darkrai ex. As soon as I saw the Pokémon card in all its glory, I was instantly sold. Darkrai’s mega evolution is a bit overkill in execution, so it’s hard to sell it successfully with card artwork. But with the overwhelming darkness, Darkrai’s design gets swallowed in a sea of dark shades, making it stand out.
While the difference between a Mega Hyper Rare and an SIR winning the familiar “value” war, Darkrai’s SIR sells itself quite well, standing among the likes of Phantasmal Flames’ Charizard X. For that reason, it’s Pokémon Pitch Black’s essential hit, and one I hope you manage to pull.
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