Zapdos ex Special Illustration Rare #202

As much as I lament that the regular foil cards of Moltres and Articuno in this set are just considered bulk, selling for literally five cents, I’m delighted that at least some traditions are being kept, and one of the birds is proving a hit card.

For whatever reason, only Zapdos got the ex treatment in 151 (it would have been so great for all three to get matching cards), which means it’s also the only one to receive an SIR. But what a beauty, and in fairness, Moltres and Articuno do make their cameo in the background.

This is the work of Shiburingaru, who began with Brilliant Stars’ amazing Aridos TG card, and then after a series of stand-out regular cards, popped off with Crown Zenith’s black star promo for Articuno, followed by the Charizard VMAX in that Ultra Premium Collection.

The Zapdos is currently priced at a huge $43

Right, the last three are very predictable, but can you guess them in the correct order? Here goes…