Ariados

Description

Released in 2005 as part of the Unseen Forces expansion, the Ariados Reverse Holo (#2) holds a distinct place in Pokémon TCG history. Designed by artist Mitsuhiro Arita, this Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon evolves from Spinarak and features a striking reverse holo finish that highlights the creature's arachnid design without overwhelming the card's readability. Ariados stands out in this collection not just for its visual appeal, but for its aggressive gameplay potential. The card boasts 70 HP and offers two powerful attacks that leverage status conditions. "Colorless Reactive Poison" deals 10 damage plus an additional 30 damage for every Special Condition affecting the opponent, making it a formidable threat against poisoned or paralyzed targets. Alternatively, "Grass Spider Trap" can simultaneously Asleep and Poison the Defending Pokémon, while also allowing the player to swap the opponent's Benched Pokémon, controlling the board state effectively. The Reverse Holo variant is particularly prized by enthusiasts for its shimmering foil effect that contrasts with the card's background. This treatment is highly visible and adds a layer of visual interest for those building collections. Completing the Unseen Forces set requires securing this key early-numbered card. Whether you are hunting for specific parallels or focusing on the core set, the Ariados Reverse Holo represents a crucial piece of the 2005 release.