The Cards Of Pokémon TCG: Brilliant Stars Part 44: Umbreon CSRs

Pokémon TCG has released the first set of 2022. The expansion, Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars, came out on February 25th, 2022. It is the ninth set under the Sword & Shield banner and is the first to include the Pokémon-VSTAR mechanic. VSTARs are a replacement for the VMAX mechanic, which is being phased out of the main portion of the set after this release. Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars also debuts the Trainer Gallery, a special subset of Character Rares, Character Super Rares, Full Art Trainers, and Black & Gold VMAXes that can be pulled in the reverse holo slot. Follow me through a journey through this latest set as we appreciate the artwork, discuss the card’s place in the set, and discuss what certain elements of the expansion may imply for the future of the Pokémon TCG. Today, we’ll continue with the Character Super Rare section of the set’s Trainer Gallery subset.

Due to Umbreon’s popularity, these are the most sought-after cards in the Trainer Gallery. However, due to the availability of these cards, which ranges from three to five Trainer Gallery hits per booster box on average, there is a ceiling to the value you can expect here. Both cards feature Umbreon with its Trainer, Karen. The Umbreon V CSR by illustrator Ligton shows Karen beckoning Umbreon to walk over to her while she waits at a bus stop, which is done in a smokier, lighter version of the standard Pokémon style. Then, Umbreon goes Dynamax for its VMAX, which showcases Karen sitting on a rooftop with this gigantic Umbreon. This CSR is quite a bit more affordable than the Sword & Shield – Evolving Skies Umbreon which towers not only in height but in price as well, eclipsing $300.

Stay tuned for the continuing journey through Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars. To look back on this series, click the Brilliant Stars tag below. Next time, this journey continues with the Trainer Gallery subset section of the set.