"The Ugly Duckling Is Actually A Dragonling": Pokémon TCG Player Spots Wholesome Story Hidden In Two Paradox Rift Cards
A Pokémon Trading Card Game fan has realized that the Swablu and Altaria cards from the 2023 Paradox Rift set tell a wholesome story. The expansion focused on the Scarlet & Violet generation of Pokémon and included Pokémon from both the past and the future, along with some new illustrations of fan-favorite cards from other generations. Among these were two beautiful full-art rare illustrations by artist Kiro Sasumo that go hand-in-hand.
The connection between the two cards was noticed by SteeloAndKri on X and shared to Reddit by maxmaytho. The Swablu card shows the small blue bird looking directly at the player with its cute beady eyes as it perches on a step surrounded by Wingulls. In the full-art evolution, Altaria ex appears soaring above the clouds and water. A closer look at the illustration reveals the Wingulls are still sticking close to their old friend, even in its evolved form.
Altaria Ex Card Reveals Swablu's Adoptive Family Of Wingulls Remains Close
The Story Reminds Fans Of The Tale Of The Ugly Duckling
X user SteeloAndKri explains that the likely story depicted in the two cards is that "Swablu was basically adopted by those Wingull, and that's why you see it still flying with them after it evolves." This would explain why the Pokémon is depicted next to Wingulls instead of its own species. The beautiful artwork and heartwarming story pulls on fans' heartstrings, prompting SteeloAndKri to exclaim that "these TCG artists are freaking incredible."
Other fans find this story to be reminiscent of the tale of the ugly duckling, which had a similar case of a bird being raised by birds of a different species. In the case of Swablu, though, the small fluffy-winged Basic-type bird evolves into a magestic yet equally fluffy-winged Dragon-type. Or, as Reddit user ockhams-lightsaber puts it, "The ugly duckling is actually a dragonling!"
Pokémon TCG Often Tells Stories Within Its Cards
Another Notable Example Shows Pokémon Growing Old With Their Trainers
This isn't the first time that a card or a set of cards in the TCG has shared a story beyond the obvious illustration. The Crown Zenith: Galarian Gallery Ditto card, for instance, has not a single Ditto in sight and instead features a herd of Numels. Looking closer, though, it becomes apparent that one of the Numels has the giveaway dot eyes and smile of the Ditto in disguise.
Other instances have had several cards complete a full scene. The Ralts evolutionary line from the Scarlet & Violet Base Set, for instance, shows the Pokémon growing up and evolving alongside its trainer growing up. (Notably, that set was also drawn by Jiro Sasumo.) The Pokémon Trading Card Game has many gorgeous, stunning illustrations, and some reveal hidden stories if fans just look close enough.
Source: maxmaytho/Reddit, SteeloAndKri/X, ockhams-lightsaber/Reddit
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