Take a look at some of the incredible artwork that can be found in the latest Pokémon TCG expansion.

New Mega Evolution Pokémon ex are sure to make the perfect addition to your Pokémon Trading Card Game collection when you discover them in Mega Evolution—Perfect Order. Of course, you’re certain to come across plenty of other fantastic cards as well. Join us as we look at some of the beautiful card art waiting in this latest expansion.

Art by Natsumi Yoshida

There are a lot of things to love about the world of Pokémon, not the least of which is the innate sense of fun and wonder to be found by discovering and interacting with the wide variety of Pokémon. Artist Natsumi Yoshida focuses on this sense of playfulness in a pair of cards in this expansion. The Clefairy card depicts the Fairy Pokémon during a candid moment in its natural environment. We see the full moon reflected in a body of water as the Pokémon joyfully floats skyward. You really sense Clefairy’s happiness as it bathes in the moonlight. Yoshida’s Meowth ex special illustration rare card is more abstract in its presentation, but the bright, bold colors and lively background combined with a pop art aesthetic and Meowth’s active pose also lean into the notion that Pokémon can be a celebration of happiness.

New Illustrator Spotlight

As much as we love seeing our favorite artists contribute to the Pokémon TCG, we always enjoy seeing illustrators make their debut in the game. Mega Evolution—Perfect Order marks the arrival of some new artists who have created incredible illustrations. Just check out this Aurorus (illus. HACCAN). The Tundra Pokémon looks positively majestic as it’s surrounded by snowfall and gorgeously lit by the sunlight shining through the layer of clouds. How decadent does Meowstic (illus. Kannnu) look as it sprawls out on a fluffy pillow surrounded by flowers and berries? So much personality is being conveyed through this illustration. Speaking of personality, we love the expression that Tyrunt (illus. Tomoki Sone) wears as it stalks through the forest. It may not be the largest Pokémon out there, but with its wide stance, confident attitude, and determined look in its eyes, we don’t doubt its ferocity.

Get the Point?

Some Pokémon are cute and cuddly; others…not so much. OK, so “cute” is certainly subjective, but we’re having a hard time imagining anyone wanting to snuggle up with some of these Pokémon that are covered in sharp points. Take Barbaracle (illus. Kazumasa Yasukuni) here. So many legs and hands, and each one is loaded up with dangerous-looking claws. Honedge (illus. Apios) is even more frightening! If an Eevee were rushing toward you like this, you’d hold out your arms to eagerly catch the little Pokémon…when it’s Honedge, we’d hightail it in the other direction. And Doublade (illus. Anesaki Dynamic) has twice as many sharp bits! We can see why it would feel at home hanging out in the armory on this illustration rare card. Thank goodness for the Sitting Cuties plush line, which lets us give these Pokémon the hugs they deserve.

All the Juicy Details

We love checking out Pokémon TCG artwork that’s loaded up with lots of minute details. The extra visual interest gives us pause to really take in the illustration and admire the artists’ work. Take, for example, this Talonflame (illus. Shinji Kanda). The bits of vegetation dotting the lattice-like tree branches, the flames and embers surrounding the Pokémon—there’s a lot going on here, and it looks amazing. This Aromatisse (illus. Mori Yuu) doesn’t look nearly as chaotic thanks to the sharp black outlines around the many plants filling the scene, but it’s no less detailed. The environment on Jacinthe’s (illus. Souichirou Gunjima) special illustration rare card leans more realistic, but it’s still chock full of things to see. From the elaborate design of the room’s walls and lighting to the exquisite work put into making Jacinthe’s feast look positively delectable, there’s just so much to appreciate.

The Jewel of Lumiose City

The Mega Evolution—Perfect Order expansion features multiple cards set within Lumiose City from the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game. This is especially noticeable on cards that feature Prism Tower in the background. This grand structure looms large at the heart of the city, and it makes a fine backdrop for a card illustration. Mawile (illus. OKACHEKE) seems especially excited to visit Lumiose, judging from its cheery grin. We like how the Pokémon appears to be posing like a tourist on its card. Likewise, Fletchling (illus. sowsow) looks like it’s giving out a happy chirp while perched on a flower bed with a view of the unmistakable tower. We probably would, too, if we were spending the day relaxing in Lumiose City. Prism Tower stands tall and proud on the ultra rare Lumiose City (illus. MARINA Chikazawa) Stadium card. Given the tower’s prominence in the city, it’s no wonder that it’s also the focal point of this card.

This is just a small sample of the over 120 cards that can be found in the Mega Evolution—Perfect Order expansion. As you open your new booster packs, be sure to pay attention to the illustrations you discover. You’re bound to find some amazing art that connects with you!