I've spent way too much money lately trying to pull the 148/142 Squirtle through a pack associated with Pokémon 151, and I know I'm definitely not only for the reason that struggle. Presently there is something regarding this specific card that just hits differently compared to the standard holos or even a few of the more expensive "chase" cards in the set. If you've been following the Pokémon TCG scene at all over the particular last year, you know that the particular Scarlet & Violet—151 expansion had been a massive offer, mostly since it drawn on into that deep-seated nostalgia all of us possess for the original Kanto region. Yet even in the set filled up with large hitters like Charizard and Mew, this particular tiny turtle is definitely holding its.
The Magic of Illustration Rares
The 148/142 Squirtle is exactly what the TCG world calls an "Illustration Rare. " Back again in the day, we just acquired basic art and maybe a cool swirl on the holographic background whenever we were lucky. Right now, the Pokémon Organization is letting artists go wild along with full-canvas illustrations that will tell a story. This Squirtle card is a best example associated with why that works so well. Instead of just standing up in an universal field or searching ready for the fight, it's depicted underwater, looking upward toward the surface along with these beautiful, twinkling bubbles floating close to it.
It feels peaceful. It's a snapshot of a Pokémon simply living its life. I think that's why people are so drawn in order to it. It's not really just a video game piece; it's the tiny piece of art you can hold you are holding. The lighting in the illustration is especially impressive—the way the particular sun filters via the water's surface area to hit Squirtle's shell is the kind of details you don't usually expect from the "kids' card sport. "
Mitsuhiro Arita's Touch
You should know the 148/142 Squirtle carries a lot weight is usually the person at the rear of the brush (or the tablet). This was illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita. In case that name been there as well, it's because he's a legend in the Pokémon community. He's the guy who illustrated the authentic Base Set Charizard—you know, the a single that sells for your price of a small house these types of days.
Having Arita come back to do the Example Rares for the Kanto starters in the 151 set was a guru move. It generates a bridge in between the old-school enthusiasts who haven't purchased a pack since 99 and the brand-new generation. When you look at the 148/142 Squirtle , you're taking a look at work through a master that has been defining what Pokémon look like for nearly 3 decades. There's the certain level associated with prestige that arrives with an Arita card, and a person can really feel that quality when you see this in person.
The Connection in order to Wartortle and Blastoise
The awesome thing about this particular card isn't just the card itself, but how this fits into the bigger picture. In the 151 set, the evolution lines intended for the three starters—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—all have matching Model Rares that tell a visual story as the Pokémon grows.
The 148/142 Squirtle is the particular beginning of this journey. It shows Squirtle near the surface of the water, looking curious. Then, if you're lucky enough to have the Wartortle (171/165), the thing is it diving deeper directly into the dark blue ocean. Finally, the particular Blastoise ex Exclusive Illustration Rare displays the massive Pokémon descending into the depths. If you put all 3 in a binding together, it's one of the most satisfying sights to get a collector. It can make you wish to hunt down the whole place, which is possibly precisely what the creative designers wanted us in order to do.
Exactly why it's so Hard to Find
Let's talk about the particular "pull rates" for a second. In case you've opened a few "151" Elite Trainer Boxes and ended up along with nothing but a pile of Ekans and Spearows, you're not crazy. The particular pull rates for Illustration Rares like the 148/142 Squirtle are notoriously hard. Since 151 isn't sold in specific booster packs at the checkout table (you normally have to buy special models or bundles), getting hold of enough packs to actually find one is definitely a challenge.
I've talked to people who have opened over a hundred packs but still haven't seen this card. It's not technically the "Secret Rare" in the way cards used to be, but it's rare enough it orders a decent price on the secondary market. Actually, it's kind of funny—Squirtle is usually often very popular compared with how the Wartortle that follows it, mainly because people love the particular "baby" versions of the original beginners.
The Quality Control Battle
The strange thing about contemporary Pokémon cards, specifically the English types, is that the quality can be a little bit hit or skip. Even if you're lucky enough in order to pull the 148/142 Squirtle , there's a good chance it might have some issues. Plenty of collectors have got complained about "print lines" or white spots on the particular edges right out there of the group.
Due to the fact of this, in case you manage to discover one that is perfectly centered and has no scuff marks, it becomes extremely valuable for grading. Getting a PSA 10 (a perfect grade) on the 148/142 Squirtle is like winning a mini-lottery. It's why people are so obsessed with looking at the rear of the cards the second they pull it. We aren't just looking for the Pokémon any more; we're looking for making perfection.
Is usually it Worth Purchasing the Single?
I always tell people that in case you really simply want the artwork, you should probably simply buy the single card instead of running after it through packages. But I am aware just how it is—the "gambling" aspect of opening a pack and seeing that blue shell peeking out there from the back again is a large rush.
The price of the 148/142 Squirtle has remained surprisingly stable. Generally, cards drop in price a few months right after a set discharge, but because 151 is such a "prestige" set, the particular demand is remaining high. People aren't just buying this to play inside a tournament; they're purchasing it to maintain inside a permanent selection. It's a "safe" card to possess because Squirtle will be never moving away from style. It's among the mascots of the entire franchise.
The particular Gameplay Side associated with Things
While most people want the 148/142 Squirtle for their binder, it will actually have a location in the game. In the actual trading card sport, this Squirtle is the foundation for the Blastoise ex porch. They have a decent amount of HP for a simple Pokémon and the attacks are inexpensive enough to truly get you via the early converts while you're looking to evolve.
Of course, nearly all competitive players will certainly just utilize the cheap, common version of Squirtle for their porch because they don't want to risk damaging a gorgeous Illustration Rare whilst shuffling. But if you see someone playing a deck with four of the 148/142 Squirtle cards, you understand they're either very brave or have an extremely impressive collection. It's the ultimate "flex" within a match.
Final Thoughts on the Bubble Turtle
At the end of the time, the 148/142 Squirtle represents every thing that's good about the current condition of Pokémon cards. It's a jerk to the prior, a showcase of incredible art, along with a genuine challenge for collectors to find. Whether you're somebody who was raised enjoying Pokémon Blue on a Video game Boy Color or you're a fresh fan who just thinks the art looks cool, this card has an universal appeal.
It's one of those uncommon items that seems like it has a soul. When you look at that little guy flying in the water, you're not thinking about market value or even pull rates—you're just thinking about how cool Pokémon can be. And truthfully, isn't that why we started collecting these things within the first location? In case you haven't managed to add a single to your collection yet, don't give up. Just maybe set a budget just before you go buying another dozen enhancer bundles. Or don't—I'm not your accountant!