In the Pokémon TCG, evolving a Pokémon into its Pokémon-ex form is normally a good thing. However, there are some instances in which the non-Pokémon ex version is a better option than its powered-up form. For example, the Banette card from Lost Abyss [S11] more than holds its own even without evolving into any Banette ex card.

Banette is a great fit within the Giratina VSTAR deck primarily because of Puppet Offering, its Ability. When the Ability is used, the player takes a Supporter card from the discard pile and adds it to the hand. Following this, Banette and all attached cards are placed in the Lost Zone. This not only gives the player an extra use of a crucial Supporter card; it also fills up the player’s Lost Zone.

By loading up the Lost Zone through Puppet Offering, Banette paves the way for cards such as Mirage Gate from Lost Abyss [S11] to be used early; it also sets up the same set’s Giratina VSTAR with chances to land huge hits. On top of that, Banette can even provide late-game disruption under the right circumstances by pulling out a clutch Supporter retrieval to turn the tide and clinch the W.

Although this card isn’t particularly rare, it will nonetheless be of some value to collectors because of Banette’s status as a “cult favorite” within the Pokémon fandom. This status is largely the result of the Marionette Pokémon’s tragic backstory—one which is arguably only rivaled by those of Cubone and Marowak.

The English version of this card is card 073/196 in the Lost Origin expansion set.

Owing to its relative lack of rarity, a Banette (Lost Abyss [S11] 046/100) card isn’t expensive at all. One card can sell for just 310 JPY (~US$2).

In other TCG-related news, check out the Radiant Greninja card from Battle Region [S9a]. 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.