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Emerging Powers: Top 5 Best Card Art

By Kenny Wisdom

Kenny Wisdom here again, with a rundown of what I feel is the best card art in our new set, Pokemon Black and White: Emerging Powers. I don’t have a whole lot of time on my hands to write, so let’s get right down to business.

#5: Watchog

Unlike the next two cards I’m going to be talking about, this guy isn’t cute at all whatsoever, and really wins based off of ridiculousness factor alone. I’ve always thought that the Patrat and Watchog lines were pretty insane Pokemon in general, but the art guys over at PCL really took it to an entirely new level with this card. The way that he stands out from his background and that his “shirt” or whatever that thing is supposed to be is so bright that it almost looks over-exposed makes this card stand out immediately in your draft pool. Just looking at this guy with his hands on his hips and crazy eyes makes me crack up every time. Ugh, I’ve got to move on now.

#4: Rufflet #86

I’m a sucker for Rufflets, and although this one is cute, it’s not quite as great as the other Rufflet that’s been printed in BW: EP, which we’ll get to now…

#3: Rufflet #87

This card wins purely based off of the cuteness factor. The art in this set is all pretty decent, but in going over it nothing really stuck out except for this ridiculously adorable little guy. It took me a while to decide between this Rufflet and the other one, as obviously they’re both the same Pokemon and therefore both look nearly the same, but the background on this Rufflet is strictly better, in my opinion. I’m not the most well-versed in art, so I’m not sure exactly what to call it, but I’d maybe say that it’s some kind of painting? All I know is that it looks adorable, and I’m definitely going to hoard reverse foils of this little guy, as I try to do with most cards that look gorgeous.

#2: Tornadus

Evaluating Pokemon card art in the BW era is going to be difficult with the introduction of full art cards, which are prettty much strictly better looking than anything else in the set (and really, most other Pokemon cards ever).

Although Tornadus and Thundurus are basically the same Pokemon, as is the same situation with Rufflet, I feel as the background makes this guy slightly worse. Bright yellow is a better color than gray, I guess.

#1: Thundurus

Again, all I can really say about this card is that it’s a gorgeous full art and that the background is better than it’s countparts background. I’d also argue that the blue coloring of Thundurus himself is better looking than Tornadus’ green body, but I guess that’s all a matter of opinion. As a sidenote, the foiling and texture of these cards are also great and really add to how great these things look. I can’t wait for the next set of full arts to come out in the next few months, but I suppose that’s a discussion for another article.

That’s all I’ve got for today. I’ve been writing quite a bit, so hopefully you’ll be seeing a bunch of Kenny Wisdom articles on Pokezine in the coming days.

xoxo

kw

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The Rufflet And Vullaby Lines

By Jo

In Pokemon Black and White, there are a few game exclusive evolutionary lines that can’t otherwise be found in the opposite games. Two of those are the Rufflet and Vullaby lines. Rufflet and its evolution, Braviary, are only found in Pokemon White and Vullaby and its evolution, Mandibuzz, are only catchable in Pokemon Black. However, unlike Petilil and Cottonee, the Rufflet and Vullaby lines can’t be seen in the game opposite in which they’re found without trading.

Rufflet is known as the Eaglet Pokemon. It appears to be based off from an eagle chick, though the plumage surrounding its head resembles a Native American headdress. Its name seems to come from the words ‘ruffle’, ‘rough’ and ‘eaglet’. According to their pokedex entries, Rufflet will stand up to nearly any opponent – no matter their size or how strong they are. Their frequent fights are supposed to help them become stronger. Once Rufflet becomes strong enough, it evolves into Braviary starting at level 54. Braviary appears to be based off from a fully grown eagle, more specifically a bald eagle. Its pokedex entries state that they defend their friends without taking into account the risk of their own safety. Apparently the more scars a Braviary has, the more respect they get from others for their bravery. Its name most-likely comes from the words ‘bravery’ and ‘aviary’. Because the Black and White games are based off from New York City, it would make sense to include an evolutionary line that would bring the United States into the games. Their color scheme references the American flag. The evolutionary line also contains characteristics often used to describe Americans, as they normally are quick to enter a fight and protect their allies. Both are a male-only species.
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