Glory of Team Rocket
By now most of you have heard the news about the Pokemon company trademarking “Glory of Team Rocket.” Which most people are led to believe will be a future Team Rocket themed set in the near future. Of course, nothing is official, but I’m pretty confident we will be getting a new Team Rocket set.
Past Team Rocket Sets
As a way to get ready for the New Team Rocket Set, lets take a look back at the past and get some ideas for how they might take with the new one. I remember collecting cards from the 1st English Team Rocket set, but was not buying Pokemon cards when the 2nd set came out. So this will also be my introduction to that set.
Japanese Sets
Team Rocket Gang
The 1st Japanese Team Rocket Set, released in 1997
Team Rocket Strikes Back
The 2nd Japanese Team Rocket Set, Released in 2000
English Sets
Team Rocket
Team Rocket English set, released in 2000
ex Team Rocket Returns
The 2nd English Team Rocket Set, released in 2004
Team Rocket / Team Rocket Gang
The Team Rocket set is one of the early expansions in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, released in April 2000. It introduced a darker theme compared to previous sets, featuring Pokémon owned by the villainous Team Rocket organization from the Pokémon video games and anime series. The set included a total of 83 cards, with many unique and powerful cards that became highly sought after by collectors and players alike.
Lets take a look at some of the cards from this set:
Dark Charizard
One of the most iconic cards from the set, Dark Charizard was a highly coveted card due to its powerful attacks and striking dark design. Dark Charizard had a Cosmic Holo Version or a Non-Holo Rare Version
Dark Blastoise
Another popular card, Dark Blastoise featured a menacing artwork and strong Water-type attacks, making it a valuable addition to any deck. Also had a Holo and a Non Holo version. Sadly, no Dark Venusaur card in this set.
Dark Dragonite
A fan favorite Pokemon, but the most interesting part about this card is that there was an error card that is easily missed, if you don't know what to look for. If you ever find a Dark Dragonite number 5/22 but the card has no holo pattern, you have a very rare an valuable error card on your hands.
Dark Raichu
The 1st Secret Rare card ever printed! Dark Raichu 83/82. Imagine how you would react to pulling this card back before you could look up every single card for the newest set weeks before it's release. That was me! I pulled this card when I was around 8. An additional fact, there is a small error that was printed on this card. At the top right where it says, "Put Riachu on the Basic Pokemon" It should say "Put Dark Raichu on the Basic Pokemon" I thought I had a one of a kind card. A secret rare with an error. This was my favorite card as a kid hands down! No, the card is not in my possession anymore, I don't want to talk about it....
Rainbow Energy
This set also introduced the 1st Holo Energy card. The 1st Rainbow Energy card was released. This card is reprinted countless times throughout the years in many different sets.
ex Team Rocket Returns
Team Rocket Strikes Back
I was not collecting Pokemon cards at the time this set was released. After some research I will return and post info about some of the more popular cards from the set.
Sources:
- iask.ai
- https://www.sportskeeda.com/pokemon/might-pokemon-tcg-see-team-rocket-set-soon-rumors-suggest
- https://www.pokebeach.com/2024/06/the-glory-of-team-rocket-and-terastral-festival-set-names-trademarked-for-the-pokemon-tcg
- https://www.elitefourum.com/t/english-and-japanese-booster-pack-arts/28522
- TCGPlayer.com