As far as human characters in the Pokémon franchise are concerned, none even come close to being as iconic as Red is. The original video game series protagonist from Pokémon Red and Blue, Red then made an unforgettable return as the “true final boss” of Pokémon Gold and Silver.

He was also the first protagonist of the Pokémon Adventures manga and even served as the direct inspiration upon which anime protagonist Ash Ketchum was based. Thus, it’s no surprise that the Super Rare (SR) Red’s Challenge card from seventh-generation Pokémon TCG set Tag All Stars [SM12a] has become a highly-coveted pull.

The card’s Full Art illustration depicts Red beside his Bulbasaur with a Poké Ball in his right hand. While canonically Red was the first person to obtain one of every Pokémon introduced over the first two generations, Bulbasaur is a perfect thematic fit. Just as Red was the first video game and manga protagonist, Bulbasaur is the first Pokémon listed in the Pokédex.

This card’s primary appeal undoubtedly lies in its nostalgia factor. Long-time fans who have been into Pokémon since or almost since day one will clearly be drawn to this card. The fairly basic background and art style add to this nostalgic effect—almost as if it’s taking collectors and players “back to the beginning”.

Although this particular illustration of Red’s Challenge doesn’t have an English version, another SR version of the card does. That card is card 213/214 of the Unbroken Bonds expansion set.

A copy of a Red’s Challenge (Tag All Stars [SM12a] 201/173) card goes for 27,000 JPY (~US$178).

In other TCG-related news, check out the Snorlax card from Pokémon GO [S10b]. Alternatively, you can also head over to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and find the top trending and latest single cards and boxes.