Starmie

Description

Designed by Yukiko Baba, this Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon card captures the essence of the classic trading card game era, evolving directly from Staryu with a solid 70 HP foundation. The reverse holo finish provides a shimmering aesthetic that stands out within the set, appealing to fans who appreciate the tactile and visual differences between standard and parallel treatments. Beyond its visual appeal, Starmie #48 offers strategic depth for players. The Core Guard ability allows for defensive positioning, reducing damage by 10 as long as Psychic Energy is attached. For offensive players, the Water Energy Flip attack enables targeted damage to an opponent's Benched Pokémon, while Psychic Boom scales damage based on Energy count. This versatility makes the card a functional piece of gameplay history, not just a collectible. The reverse holo treatment was a popular choice during this period, adding a layer of rarity to an already uncommon card. Whether you are building a complete set, hunting for specific finishes, or simply appreciating the design work of Yukiko Baba, this card represents a tangible piece of Pokémon TCG history. Understanding the card's identity within the Deoxys expansion helps contextualize its place in the broader Pokémon universe. As Pokédex number 121, Starmie holds a unique place in the lore, and seeing that identity preserved on a 2005 release connects modern collectors to the franchise's rich heritage. The Deoxys set remains a significant chapter in TCG history, and cards like Starmie #48 serve as key artifacts for those documenting the evolution of the game's design and mechanics.