Raichu [1999-2000] - Pokemon Base Set #14
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Raichu [1999-2000]
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Raichu [1999-2000] Card Facts & History
5 facts about this card
Card History
Base Set Raichu is one of the original English holographic rares from the January 9, 1999 Pokémon TCG launch, giving this card a direct link to the hobby’s first big wave of Pokémania in the United States.
Artist
This card was illustrated by Ken Sugimori, the Pokémon series’ original art director and one of the key designers who helped define how early Kanto Pokémon looked to an entire generation of fans.
In-Game
Raichu debuted in the original 1996 Pokémon Red and Green games as Pikachu’s evolved form, so this Base Set holo represents one of the franchise’s earliest and most recognizable power-up evolutions.
Card History
Its heavy-hitting Thunder attack captured the high-risk, high-reward feel of early Lightning decks, with Raichu blasting for big damage at the cost of possibly shocking itself.
Cultural Impact
Base Set Raichu is forever tied to one of vintage Pokémon collecting’s most famous legends: the ultra-mysterious 'Prerelease Raichu,' an error card story that turned Raichu into a true WotC-era conversation piece.