When the Dynamax mechanic from the Pokémon video games was brought to the Pokémon TCG, to say that it “changed everything” would be no understatement. Pokémon VMAX, as Dynamaxed Pokémon are known in the Pokémon TCG, both highly impacted the metagame and appeared on some of the most coveted Pokémon TCG cards of all time. While the Rayquaza VMAX card from VMAX Climax [S8b] doesn’t quite reach that level, it’s nonetheless an extremely impressive pull.

This Character Super Rare (CSR) card’s stunning Full Art illustration by Hideki Ishikawa takes center stage—and rightly so. The box Legendary of Pokémon Emerald already looks overwhelmingly imposing in its own right; hence, its Dynamaxed form would be even more so by quite a distance. Adding to the sheer spectacle of the massive green dragon dominating the sky are the Dynamax clouds around Rayquaza VMAX’s head as well as the auroras that cover the background of the illustration.

This card is also arguably a call-back to the climax of the storyline from Pokémon Emerald. In one of the most iconic scenes in the history of the Pokémon video games, Rayquaza descended from the skies to quell the duel between Groudon and Kyogre.

In addition, this card benefits from the “female character boost”. Visible on the right side of the card is Zinnia, the Draconid from Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire who’s closely linked to the myths surrounding Rayquaza. Zinnia’s appearance on this card also serves as a nod to the video games which is sure to impress a decent number of buyers.

The English version of this card is card TG20/TG30 from Silver Tempest.

A Rayquaza VMAX card (VMAX Climax [S8b] 252/184) of CSR rarity costs 5,500 JPY (~US$34).

In other TCG-related news, check out the Wartortle card from Pokémon Card 151 [SV2a]. 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.