{"id":289877,"date":"2024-07-19T13:45:23","date_gmt":"2024-07-19T05:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/?p=289877"},"modified":"2024-07-19T16:02:04","modified_gmt":"2024-07-19T08:02:04","slug":"lost-abyss-s11-incandescent-arcana-s11a-paradigm-trigger-s12best-pokemon-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/2024\/07\/19\/lost-abyss-s11-incandescent-arcana-s11a-paradigm-trigger-s12best-pokemon-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Gen 8 Pok\u00e9mon TCG Sets (Lost Abyss [S11], Incandescent Arcana [S11a], Paradigm Trigger [S12]) Have Just Been Reprinted\u2014Here Are Our Top Picks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With the recent news that three eighth-generation Pok\u00e9mon TCG sets\u2014Lost Abyss [S11], Incandescent Arcana [S11a], and Paradigm Trigger [S12]\u2014were to receive reprints, interest and demand in some of the best Pok\u00e9mon cards from these three sets has been accelerating rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of you might be wondering just which cards from each of these three sets are the ones to seek. Thus, we\u2019ve picked out three standouts from each set. From the day the sets were first released almost two years ago until this day, they have ranked among the three sets\u2019 flagship cards, generating tremendous demand and selling at impressive prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lost Abyss [S11]<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rotom V (104\/100) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$80)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First introduced as a gimmicky, static (pun maybe intended?) encounter way back in fourth-generation video games Pok\u00e9mon Diamond and Pearl, Rotom gained a far greater prominence within the Pok\u00e9mon fandom following the launch of seventh-generation games Pok\u00e9mon Sun and Moon. In those games, the Electric\/Ghost-type Pok\u00e9mon inhabited the player\u2019s Pok\u00e9dex; that Pok\u00e9dex is thus referred to as the \u201cRotom Dex\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Super Rare (SR) card has a Full Art illustration directly referencing Rotom\u2019s in-universe lore. It isn\u2019t just the Pok\u00e9dex\u2014in the Pok\u00e9mon universe, Rotom can inhabit any electronic device. What\u2019s more, a closer look reveals that some of the devices depicted are a washing machine, a microwave oven, a fan, a refrigerator, and a lawnmower. These devices represent the other forms that Rotom can take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rotom V<\/a> is also highly coveted by serious players due to its gameplay versatility. Instant Charge, its Ability, serves as a viable early-game draw engine, allowing the player to draw three cards but forcing an early end to the player\u2019s turn. This drawback, however, isn\u2019t an issue if the player can\u2019t even attack at all\u2014highly likely in the early game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aerodactyl V (106\/100) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$325)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons why Aerodactyl V is one of the most prized cards of Lost Abyss [S11]. First and foremost, this Super Rare (SR) card features a Full Art illustration of a scene from the prehistoric Pok\u00e9mon world. It therefore provides a glimpse into a part of the Pok\u00e9mon canon that has frequently been overlooked. Even other cards that have depicted prehistoric Pok\u00e9mon don\u2019t allude to it as directly as this one does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those whose favorite Pok\u00e9mon include other prehistoric Pok\u00e9mon such as Archeops, Bastiodon, or Rampardos, there\u2019s an added bonus. Look closely in the background and these Pok\u00e9mon can be seen. Their addition adds tremendous depth and character to the card, creating a story that can be told through the illustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aerodactyl V also boasts a decent level of gameplay viability. Its Rock Crush attack is both offensive and defensive, inflicting 120 damage and discarding one of the opponent\u2019s Pok\u00e9mon\u2019s Energy cards. Evolving it into Aerodactyl VSTAR is also an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giratina V (111\/100) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$781)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You knew it was coming. Giratina V is by far the most valuable and iconic card of Lost Abyss [S11]. This card\u2019s standout feature has to be the Full Art illustration by Shinji Kanda depicting the ruler of the Distortion World in its Origin Forme, roaming its dimension located beyond the usual confines of space-time. For perspective, the Distortion World hasn\u2019t been revisited in the video games since Pok\u00e9mon Platinum back in Gen 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The multi-colored holofoil and abstract array of patterns, colors, and images across the background add to the visual effect as well as the card\u2019s narrative. The Distortion World can only be described as \u201cchaotic\u201d\u2014an idea that the illustration truly encapsulates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, Giratina\u2019s status among the Pok\u00e9mon fanbase has recently been elevated. Less than a year before the launch of Lost Origin [S11], Pok\u00e9mon Legends: Arceus\u2014a video game that\u2019s a prequel to Diamond and Pearl\u2014was released. In Legends: Arceus, Giratina (in both of its forms) serves as the final boss, appearing in an extremely memorable and unexpected manner. Add in the recency of that game\u2019s launch to that of Lost Origin [S11] and all the pieces for a truly epic card are in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incandescent Arcana [S11a]<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Alolan Vulpix VSTAR (087\/068) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$45)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In general, prices of cards from Incandescent Arcana [S11a] don\u2019t quite hit the same heights that those from Lost Abyss [S11] and Paradigm Trigger [S12] do. Nevertheless, there are several gems waiting to be unearthed such as the Alolan Vulpix VSTAR card in its Hyper Rare (HR) form\u2014the only non-fully evolved Pok\u00e9mon to ever be featured on a Pok\u00e9mon VSTAR card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like other cards of HR rarity, Alolan Vulpix VSTAR comes in rainbow-colored holofoil. Since this regional Vulpix variant is an Ice-type Pok\u00e9mon with pure white fur, the rainbow holofoil can be thought of as a more striking, vibrant take on the reflection of light off Alolan Vulpix VSTAR as well the ice it creates through its attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of all of that, Vulpix\u2019s Alolan regional variant is one of the most popular forms particular to a specific region with many even preferring it to the Fire-type original. Thus, while the high value of and demand for Alolan Vulpix VSTAR might surprise some at first, it ultimately makes lots of sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Articuno (Holofoil) (024\/068) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$69)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First off: nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, sticking with the icy theme, next on our list is the holofoil version of Articuno. The only one of Gen 1\u2019s Legendary bird trio to show up in Incandescent Arcana [S11a], Articuno\u2019s value is largely derived from the illustration displayed on its card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The imagery shows Articuno unleashing its Wild Freeze attack with the full moon in the background. The setting gives the image a touch of mystique apt for one of the original Legendaries while the holofoil accentuates the card\u2019s visual impact by making it seem as though the ice that Articuno is sending out is gleaming in the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the fact that this is a Gen 8 card featuring Articuno\u2019s Kantonian form, not its Galarian one, jacks up the card\u2019s value. Almost all Articuno cards from Gen 8 feature the Legendary bird\u2019s Galarian form. As one of just two such Gen 8 Pok\u00e9mon TCG cards out of a total of 12 Articuno cards, this card thus has a novelty factor that increases its appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serena (081\/068) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$185)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the single most coveted card of the set with a value that dwarfs those of every other card\u2014and for good reason. Of course, being a card that depicts a Full Art illustration of a female character, this card has always been a major get due to demographic reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, with the recent announcement that Pok\u00e9mon Legends Z-A, the prequel to sixth-generation main series Pok\u00e9mon video game Pok\u00e9mon X and Y, is now in the making, demand for all things related to Gen 6 has increased. Since Serena<\/a> is the female rival from X and Y, the increased level of focus on those games has in turn driven further demand for this card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s interesting about this card is that its SR form has a heftier price tag than its rarer HR form. However, this does make sense in context. While the rainbow-colored holofoil of cards of HR rarity does give them a visual niche of their own, in this case it would actually detract from the card by making Serena appear less immediately recognizable. The SR version, meanwhile, doesn\u2019t have this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paradigm Trigger [S12]<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lugia VSTAR (118\/098) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$81)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a card that\u2019s as desired by serious players as it is by collectors. Ever since Lugia VSTAR\u2019s introduction, it\u2019s served as the cornerstone of one of the Pok\u00e9mon TCG\u2019s strongest decks. The Lugia VSTAR deck<\/a> has remained a mainstay of the meta for almost two years and will likely feature heavily at the upcoming World Championships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Featuring the usual rainbow-colored holofoil that cards of HR rarity have, this card\u2019s striking visual imagery matches its impressive rarity. Lugia VSTAR is shown in flight with a supernova near it\u2014a reference to Summoning Star, its VSTAR Power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, ever since its debut as the box Legendary of second-generation video game Pok\u00e9mon Silver, Lugia has been one of the single most iconic Pok\u00e9mon with a major fan following. When all these factors are combined, it\u2019s no wonder this card is a seriously impressive pull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unown V (103\/098) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$94)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This SR card occupies a unique status among all Pok\u00e9mon TCG cards\u2014it is the only one with a name that\u2019s inherently a pun. That\u2019s because the Unown depicted is Unown V (the 28 forms of Unown represent each letter of the English alphabet as well as an exclamation point and a question mark); this card is also a Pok\u00e9mon V card. That fact alone is sure to draw attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of this, the card\u2019s Full Art illustration shows the featured Unown V leading a group of 13 Unown that together spell out the words \u201cVictory Symbol\u201d. Victory Symbol is the name of one of Unown V\u2019s attacks\u2014and it\u2019s one that\u2019s seldom seen. It\u2019s an insta-win when used\u2014but only when the player has just one Prize card remaining. This combination of somewhat gimmicky features adds to the card\u2019s allure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the illustration is a direct reference to Unown\u2019s canonical lore. In the Pok\u00e9mon universe, Unown is typically found in ancient ruins\u2014referencing its similarities to hieroglyphs. The imagery clearly shows those ruins in the background, infusing some world-building details into this card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lugia V (110\/098) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$411)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This is the standout card of Paradigm Trigger [S12] and it isn\u2019t even close. This SR card has a Full Art illustration showing Lugia V creating a vortex in the sky as an awestruck bystander looks on. This is a reference to the in-universe lore about Lugia\u2014just the flapping of the Legendary Pok\u00e9mon\u2019s massive wings stirs up a vicious storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As is the case with the Lugia VSTAR card, this card is greatly sought-after by those interested in the gameplay aspect of the Pok\u00e9mon TCG as well. Since Lugia V evolves into Lugia VSTAR, the Lugia VSTAR deck would not be able to function without this card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, this card is shrouded in a dark, shadowy background that not only further emphasizes Lugia V\u2019s sheer power\u2014it also makes Lugia V itself appear nearly black. Introduced in spin-off video game Pok\u00e9mon XD: Gale of Darkness, Shadow Lugia was a one-off Lugia form that\u2019s one of its most memorable iterations to date. While this card doesn\u2019t depict Shadow Lugia, the resemblance is not only obvious, but likely intentional\u2014and this factor also likely plays a role behind this card\u2019s status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That concludes our selection of the best Pok\u00e9mon TCG cards from these eighth-generation sets which have just been reprinted. These are some of the most coveted Gen 8 Pok\u00e9mon TCG cards for a variety of reasons\u2014but whatever the reason for the hype behind the card, all of them rank as some of the era’s standout pulls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine<\/a> and @snkrdunk<\/a> on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App<\/a> too and don\u2019t forget to use our welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you would like to try a pair out, visit our stores<\/a> in Singapore and Japan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More SNKRDUNK Features:<\/strong>
The Story of Pok\u00e9mon Card 151 [SV2a]: How An Epic Pok\u00e9mon TCG Set Came to Be<\/a>
[TCG Throwback] Yu-Gi-Oh TCG Rising Rampage<\/a>
Not \u201cJust Another Pok\u00e9mon TCG Set\u201d: Why Pok\u00e9mon Card 151 [SV2a] Matters<\/a>
Better Than Heavy-Duty Boots: Top 8 Pok\u00e9mon Collaborations Since 2016<\/a>
[SNKRDUNK Selects] Best TCG Products To Buy Now (April 2024)<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With the recent news that three eighth-generation Pok\u00e9mon TCG sets\u2014Lost Abyss [S11], Incandescent Arcana [S11a], and Paradigm Trigger [S12]\u2014were to receive reprints, interest and demand in some of the best Pok\u00e9mon cards from these three sets has been accelerating rapidly. Some of you might be wondering just which cards from each of these three sets […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":290094,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,43,20,18,49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-289877","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brands","category-collectibles","category-features","category-latest-news","category-tcg"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289877"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=289877"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289877\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":290302,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289877\/revisions\/290302"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/290094"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=289877"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=289877"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=289877"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}