A {Special} Art Rare card in the Pokemon TCG often has a hidden story to tell. Some are a lot more obvious than others. The Mega Gardevoir EX card is a great example of not one, but multiple hidden narratives living inside the frame. Maybe I am late to the party, but come with me on this delightful journey.
How I Got Mega Gardevoir EX
I have owned the Mega Gardevoir EX card for quite some time now. It was inside my one and only Mega Symphonia booster box. Accordingly, that was, together with jet Black Spirit, my first foray into Japanese Pokemon cards. Big was my surprise when, around pack 24 or so, this big hit popped up.
Most people know the card because of its value. Not surprisingly, as it can fetch up to $150 raw on a good day. It was the first $100+ card I pulled, making it rather memorable. However, after pulling the card, it was stored in a sleeve and toploader and never really “looked at” again.
To be more specific, I never gave the card a place in any binder. It has always been in a “stack of toploaded cards” on my table. Projects I would eventually get around to working into themed binder pages, but still haven’t done so. As I was sharing a toploaded card from my collection every day on Twitter, this card peeked out again.
Initially, I just snapped a picture, posted it, added some text, and didn’t look back. However, as comments began coming in, I started paying more attention. No one pointed it out, but I made some interesting discoveries about this card. It just goes to show that every card you pull deserves a long and close look.
The Story Told by Mega Gardevoir EX
Contrary to what people like me assumed, the Mega Gardevoir EX card isn’t just about Mega Gardevoir EX. Yes, she is lovely and front and center. The way she seemingly looks back at us is done extremely well. You can almost hear the “swiish” of her outfit as she turns. A very cool realization, but that’s not all.
At first, I looked at the bottom right of the Mega Gardevoir EX card. Are those flowers…or…..is that a Kirlia?!?!?! Wait, it IS a Kirlia with her eyes closed. You wouldn’t even consider looking for her in this card. That is what makes this artwork so intricate. Many things are what they seem, but not all of them.
Knowing Kirlia is there, I got curious about Ralts. At first glance, there is no place she could be….or is there? It would make sense to make this a “family portrait” of sorts, and the artist did exactly that. Look closer at the card’s top left corner. You see that eye too, right? The one I initially mistook for an opened flower?
Well, turns out that is Ralts. Once you know what to look for, the outline becomes a lot more obvious and distinct. Moreover, Ralt’s presence in the Mega Gardevoir EX card completes the entire evolution line. It is wonderful to see all 3 evolution stages represented, as they are often part of a bigger story in the Pokemon TCG.
Conclusion
When we pull a big Pokemon card like Mega Gardevoir EX, our mind can play tricks on us. We assume the name corresponds with the only Pokemon to expect in the card, especially when it’s an SAR. However, the reality is often different, and this card is a perfect example.
There are not one, not two, but THREE Pokemon present. No hidden cameos by pocket monsters unrelated to this evolution line either. This card has always been dear to me because I pulled it out of a box myself. Knowing it now spans the complete evolution line makes it all the more precious to me.
