Iron Valiant ex Special Illustration Rare #249

This stunner is a great example of form and function. Showing off a bunch of the Future Pokémon, but with the attention on Iron Valiant, artist Kantaro is frankly showing off.

Where Roaring Moon is dominating Ancient decks, Iron Valiant is taking the lead for the Future, and given its a Paradox Pokémon, Robo-Gallade doesn’t need to evolve from Ralts or Kirlia.

Just putting it into play does 20 damage to any of your opponent’s Pokémon; the expectation is that players will get as many in play as possible, and then keep switching them out for one another with Escape Rope, Jet Energy or Prof Turo’s Scenario. There’s also the new Future Booster Energy Capsule tool card that removes the retreat cost from a Pokémon, doesn’t get discarded when used, and also adds an extra 20 damage to attacks. So then, when you’re ready, let one of them biff a huge 220 damage.

All of which is slightly stymied by learning this version of the card will cost you $55. Even the god-awful gold version is getting $12, the Ultra Rare over $13, but the basic ex a somewhat more reasonable $6.