Funky Finds In Pokémon Designs
Pokémon card art runs the gamut from breathtaking masterpieces to head-scratching disasters. Some cards showcase these beloved creatures with such skill and creativity that they become instant favorites. Others make you wonder if the artwork was rushed or if someone was experimenting with a completely different artistic vision. What's interesting is how both extremes generate passionate responses from collectors. We’ll begin by highlighting the designs that lean more toward the weird side of the spectrum.
1. Garbodor (Dragons Exalted)
The Legendary Treasures version of Garbodor draws attention with its playful, almost cartoonish digital art. This Stage 1 Psychic Pokémon shows a trash pile with a mischievous face, while its Garbotoxin ability can shut down opponents’ powers when paired with a Tool card.
I Opened The BEST Shiny Dragon Pokemon Cards! ($1,500) by PokeRev
2. Muk (Fossil)
This Stage 1 Grass-type card features one of the most repulsive designs in Pokémon history. The creature resembles nothing more than a pile of sludge with an eerie face, while the swirling green and purple background, illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita in 1999, amplifies its grossness.
Muk 13/62 Holo - Pokemon Fossil by Pokemon Holo
3. Gliscor (Legends Awakened)
A menacing grin paired with an awkward bat-like pose makes this Gliscor card disturbing. The bland rocky backdrop, added by artist Kouki Saitou in 2008, only amplifies its visual problems. This Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon deserved better treatment.
Pokemon Card Albümü #6 - Diamond&Pearl Legends Awakened (Collection) by Satoshi no Barrier-do
4. Conkeldurr V (Pokémon GO)
This Fighting-type Basic Pokémon card stands out as a notable misfire in the Pokémon GO expansion. The generic cityscape does it no favors, while PLANETA Mochizuki's 2022 artwork gives Conkeldurr an uncomfortably squished face and peculiar perspective.
*CHASE CARD* Opening INSANE Pokémon GO Tins!! (PULLED CONKELDURR ALT ART)🔥🌎👊🏼 by PokéCoupleCollects
5. Hypno (Fossil)
Collectors often joke that Hypno from the Fossil set stares straight into their souls. The 1999 artwork by Ken Sugimori shows a stiff, puppet-like stance, and the swirling backdrop of purple with yellow gives the whole card a distinctly spooky atmosphere.
Dutch 1st edition Hypno 8/82 Holo - Pokemon Fossil by Pokemon Holo
6. Gurdurr (Emerging Powers)
The Stage 1 Gurdurr card shows why some Pokémon artworks should stay in the sketch phase. Its hunched posture and bizarre expression, combined with a dull construction site background, make Match's 2011 Fighting-type creation particularly hard to appreciate.
May 2nd Gurdurr Pokémon Calendar by Trainer_Gord
7. Magmar (Fossil)
Strange proportions and an awkward, hunched pose plague this Fire-type Basic Pokémon card. The 1999 Fossil set release, illustrated by Ken Sugimori, suffers further from its swirling orange and yellow background, which emphasizes Magmar's visual shortcomings.
Magmar Base & Fossil Set Pokemon Cards ~☆Which would you use? ☆~ by DarkBenji151
8. Slowbro (Evolutions)
The blue gradient background makes this card appear incomplete, while Slowbro's vacant expression adds to its awkward appearance. Released in 2016 with art by Mitsuhiro Arita, this Water-type Stage 1 Pokémon card features an oddly positioned Shellder that seems carelessly attached to its tail.
Slowbro EX 26/108 - Pokemon Evolutions by Pokemon Holo
9. Bruxish (Sun & Moon)
Ken Sugimori's 2017 artwork for this Water-type Basic Pokémon missed the mark completely. The blue gradient background emphasizes Bruxish's jarring appearance, yet its garish colors and unsettling toothy grin remain the most memorable aspects of this Sun & Moon card.
Surging Sparks Restock Luck! Bruxish Illustration Rare Revealed in 6-Pack Opening by Catch 'Em Cards
10. Probopass (Legends Awakened)
The Metal-type Stage 1 Probopass stands out as one of the oddest designs, with its massive nose and peculiar floating mini-noses creating a disturbing appearance. Released in 2008 with Kouki Saitou's illustration, the card's appeal suffers further from its dull, rocky backdrop.
Pokémon Trading Card Game – Opening a Probopass G blister pack by Pokemonmaster888
After the oddities, the stage belongs to the cards that showcase Pokémon at their most stunning.
1. Gengar (Skyridge)
The Skyridge Gengar card, released in 2003, stands out for its swirling, ghostly backdrop and haunting design. This set became Wizards of the Coast’s last Pokémon release, notable for including e-Reader features that deepened the collectible’s appeal.
2. Lugia (Neo Genesis)
A powerful guardian of the seas, Lugia soars through this Neo Genesis masterpiece from 2000. The holographic backdrop enhances its commanding presence, yet the airborne stance remains the card's most striking feature.
JAPAN DOES POKEMON BETTER! HOLO Lugia Neo Genesis Pokemon Card Comparison by shreddybrek
3. Espeon & Deoxys GX (Unified Minds)
Espeon and Deoxys share the spotlight in this remarkable alternate art card, set against ethereal pastel backgrounds. The 2019 Unified Minds set reflects modern Pokémon artistry, and this full-card alternate artwork draws collectors in through its striking creativity and limited availability.
Espeon & Deoxys GX SM240 by Pokemon Holo
4. Pikachu Illustrator (CoroCoro Promo)
Among the 39 existing copies, one Pikachu Illustrator card achieved an astounding $5 million sale price. This special design, born from CoroCoro Comic's art contests in 1997–1998, depicts Pikachu wielding a paintbrush with artistic flair.
5. Charizard (Base Set)
The Base Set Charizard card remains a cornerstone of Pokémon history, with its dynamic pose and shimmering holographic background mesmerizing both kids and collectors. Released in 1999 during the TCG's global launch, this iconic card has seen pristine copies sell for over $300,000.
6. Mewtwo & Mew GX (Unified Minds)
Dreamlike colors swirl around Mewtwo and Mew as they float together in this remarkable alternate art card. Released through Unified Minds in 2019, the design emphasizes their psychic connection. Its full-art presentation and dynamic tag team concept make it a true collection standout.
I've been WAITING for THIS Alternate Art Mewtwo & Mew Tin! by Rhymechan (Rhymestyle 2nd Channel)
7. Blastoise (Base Set)
Water-type fans treasure the Base Set Blastoise for good reason. The card's classic holographic background enhances its visual appeal, and Blastoise's prominent cannons command attention. This 1999 release, which debuted alongside Charizard and Venusaur, perfectly captures combat readiness.
BASE SET BLASTOISE!!!💦 Card Review! by OJC’s Pokémon and Collectibles
8. Suicune (Neo Revelation)
Suicune's role as a mystical water purifier comes alive through the shimmering background of this Neo Revelation card. The dynamic pose and artwork, combined with its illustration, have made this 2001 release a cherished collector's item.
Suicune 59/214 Holo - Legendary Pokemon Card by Pokemon Holo
9. Articuno (Fossil)
The prehistoric theme of the Fossil set takes on new meaning through this spectacular card. Articuno, one of the original Legendary Birds from Generation I, appears perched gracefully on an icy ledge. Released in 1999 during the second major expansion, its holographic background creates a frosty effect.
Dutch 1st edition Articuno 2/62 Holo - Pokemon Fossil by Pokemon Holo
10. Celebi (Neo Revelation)
This 2001 Neo Revelation masterpiece captures Celebi in a shimmering, mystical aura instead of its typical forest setting. The holographic treatment amplifies its ethereal quality, while the artistic storytelling and rich colors make it a cherished piece among collectors.
Custom Made 1st Edition Shining Celebi Neo Destinty Most Expensive Pokemon Cards Ever by thatpokeguy
