New Pokémon TCG Full Art Ex Card From Battle Partners Gets Mixed Reactions From Fans For Looking Too Ghost-Like
A new alternate full art Pokémon Trading Card Game version of Hop's Zacian ex has been revealed, and it seems fans aren't sure what to think of it. The new card will be part of the Japanese Battle Partners set that's scheduled for release in just a few days and is another addition to the surprising inclusion of Hop among the highlighted trainers.
The new full art card, revealed by PokéBeach, depicts the iconic cover Pokémon of Pokémon Sword, Zacian, striking a regal pose across 3/4th of the card. Behind it in the upper left corner is a drawing of the legendary mon's trainer, Hop, grinning and clenching a fist. While the whole image is bright and vibrant with heavy use of primary colors and thick, colored lines, Hop is painted in a light blue shade that makes him fade into the background in a way that some fans are calling ghostly.
Pokémon TCG Fans Torn Over Hop's Appearance In New Zacian Ex Full Art Reveal
Fans Either Love It Or Hate It
Many fans praise the new ultra-rare full art card's design for its unique art style and for being very different from the other illustrations. The image is starkly different from the other version of Hop's Zacian full art card, which is a more traditional image featuring Hop sitting with Zacian in a scene full of colorful dappled light.
Some fans, though are unsure about the new image. PokéBeach user coolcorsola says that the design makes it seem like "Hop’s died and their spirit is watching over Zacian." Others agree that the illustration makes Hop look like a ghost, with some fans wondering why the art didn't simply include the trainer drawn in differently. WIth just four days left before the Battle Partners set launches in Japan, it's possible that fans may get other secret rares in the same style but featuring other trainers, a possibility which the community seems divided about.
Our Take: Hop Is Getting A Lot Of Attention Despite There Being Better Trainer Choices To Highlight
More Trainers Are Sure To Come In The Future
Hop's Zacian ex card will be part of the Battle Partners set coming to Japan in four days and will arrive in the West on March 28 as part of the Journey Together set. The two sets mark the return of the Owner's Pokémon mechanic, which highlights iconic trainers and their Pokémon, like N's Reshiram and Ionno's Bellibolt. Although there are some hits among the selection, the community has been torn about the inclusion of the trainer Hop in lieu of some more popular options.
The set has also drawn criticism for being unbalanced due to some trainers having fewer usable and useful cards, making it difficult to form decks around them. The attention on Hop is surprising and, many fans feel, misplaced. However, it seems highly likely that the two upcoming trainer-focused sets are just the beginning. Fans who are disappointed in the Battle Partners or Journey Together set lineups will likely get to see more Trainer's Pokémon in the future as more sets are announced for the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Source: PokéBeach, coolcorsola/PokéBeach
