Pokemon fans have become a bit spoiled, as there are over 1,000 unique types today. However, not all Pokemon types are as popular as the rest. Fans seem to favor Pikachu, Umbreon, or Meowth over the likes of Feebas, Trubbish, etc. But there are still plenty of valid reasons to like a common card like Nincada, or even buy its merchandise today.
The Nincada Background Story
Although Nincada is officially considered to be a Grass Pokemon, it is more of a “ground type”. More specifically, it is an insectoid, and the Pokemon is virtually blind. Thankfully, it can sense its surroundings through antennas, so one could argue this should be an Antenna Pokemon, like Dedenne.
In its day-to-day life, Nincada forages moisture and food from the ground by using its claws. Given its overall “type”, no one will be too surprised to learn it prefers to build nests underground. That habit also makes it dislike sunlight, further compounding its near-blindness.
What makes Nincada interesting is how it can evolve into 2 different Pokemon. More specifically, its direct evolution is a Ninjask, which makes a lot of sense. However, if a trainer also has an empty Pokeball slot, the Nincada will ALSO evolve into a Shedinja. While this is primarily a thing in the Pokemon video games, it is a core part of this creature’s lore.
There is an additional curious piece about this evolution. In the video game, when Nincada evolves, it leaves a discarded husk behind. That husk forms the basis for Shedinja to be created as one of its evolutions. It is also a lovely reference to the overall “earth theme” this Pokemon embodies, which is also present in most of its TCG artwork.
The Art Theme of Nincada Cards
Due to its underground nesting, near blindness, and being fairly shy, the Pokemon is often depicted in forests in the Pokemon TCG. It is a common card, which means most people have one in their collection without realizing it. Moreover, it is one of many Pokemon to never receive an EX or higher rarity card in the trading card game to date.
Because Nincada is such a common card in a not-too-exciting habitat, it also doesn’t have that many fans. Players of the video games may feel differently about this, but in TCG terms, its popularity is virtually zero. That sometimes makes people wonder why the Pokemon Company even created any Nincada merch, like figurines. Even so, every creature in this fantasy world deserves a spotlight, and Nincada is no exception.
When one looks at any card featuring this Pokemon, a few things stand out. It is always in a forest setting. Moreover, one will usually see trees and roots nearby. Those are a subtle reference to this creature living underground for most of its life. The artist drawing this Pokemon as part of any set will always try to pay homage to this aspect.
A Solid Presence Through The Years
Curiously, there have been a total of 11 different Nincada cards in the TCG to date. Its appearances date back to the EX Dragon set. In more recent memory, the Pokemon has been part of Lost Thunder, Vivid Voltage, and Mega Evolution. Unfortunately, it is always a basic common grass Pokemon, and it seems unlikely it will ever receive the EX treatment.
But did you know some of the more popular Pokemon artists have worked on Nincada cards? For example, there is a Tomukazu Komiya card, as well as a Ken Sugimori card. One can’t overlook Mitsuhiro Arita’s rendition either, and Kyoko Umemoto has also depicted the creature rather well.
The most recent rendition of Ninada, in the Mega Evolution / Mega Symphonia sets, is a solid example of what this Pokemon entails. We have the (rain)forest setting, Nincada walking around in between the roots, and the Pokemon having this “blind” vibe to it.
Final Thoughts
While it is not abnormal to see most pokemon never receive an EX or better treatment, Nincada might be a contender. It is an unremarkable creature to most, yet it is unique in many ways. From living underground to the potential two-for-one evolution, there is much to be excited about.
What do you think about this Pokemon? DId you even know it existed in the first place, and do you have any of its cards in your collection? Should Nincada get a better card treatment with a special card at some point? And who is your favorite artist to ever draw one of these Pokemon’s cards?
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