Darkrai (136/197) - Obsidian Flames

Name: Darkrai (136/197) - Obsidian Flames
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Close-up of a holographic English Pokémon TCG Darkrai card, number 136/197 from the Obsidian Flames set, held in a hand.

Estimated value

$1 - $5

Rarity

Average(4/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: DARKRAI (136/197) - OBSIDIAN FLAMES

This is a standard English language Pokémon Trading Card featuring Darkrai, the Pitch-Black Pokémon. The card is a Basic Pokémon card with 130 HP, belonging to the Darkness type. The artwork, credited to Bun Toujo, depicts Darkrai in a menacing pose against a shadowy, atmospheric background. It features two attacks: 'Dark Slumber' and 'Night Cyclone'. The card exhibits a holographic sheen across the illustration window, indicating it is likely a Holo Rare variant of the card.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese MythologyAncient to Modern

Darkrai's theme of inducing nightmares and its association with darkness and the moonless night echoes Yokai (supernatural beings) from Japanese folklore, particularly those associated with shadows or sleep paralysis.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Competitive play and deck building within the Pokémon TCG, where Darkrai often features in strategies focused on energy manipulation or control.
•Card opening rituals, where collectors unwrap booster packs seeking rare and desirable cards like holographic variants.

Meaning Through Time

2000s (Generation IV)

Darkrai was introduced as a mysterious and often feared Mythical Pokémon, initially portrayed as an antagonist due to its nightmare-inducing abilities.

2010s-Present

While still known for its dark powers, Darkrai has also been shown in a more nuanced light, occasionally acting as a protector or misunderstood entity, reflecting a broader shift in how 'dark' Pokémon are portrayed.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

The Darkrai card is part of the 'Obsidian Flames' expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, which was released in August 2023. Darkrai itself is a popular Mythical Pokémon known for its ability to induce nightmares, often associated with moonless nights in the Sinnoh region lore. Its repeated appearances in various sets reflect its enduring popularity and strategic utility within the game, often revolving around disruption or energy manipulation.

COLLECTOR INTEL

Darkrai was first introduced in the Generation IV Pokémon games (Diamond and Pearl) and is known as the 'Pitch-Black Pokémon' due to its ability to induce horrifying nightmares.

The 'Obsidian Flames' set is notable for introducing Type-shifted Tera Pokémon ex cards, where a Pokémon’s type differs from its usual elemental association, adding new strategic depth to the game.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

Common card, not typically targeted for high-quality counterfeiting.
Visible set code, card number, and holographic pattern align with authentic examples.
Low market value for this specific variant reduces incentive for forgery.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

High confidence in identification of the card, set, and variant due to clear visibility of the card name, set code, and distinguishing holographic effect. Condition assessment is good but limited by image quality for fine details.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Card Name: Darkrai, consistent with a known Pokémon.
2Set Code: 'OBF 136/197' clearly indicates the card is from the 'Obsidian Flames' expansion and its collector number.
3Holographic Pattern: Visible holo effect on the illustration, typical for a Holo Rare card of this set.
4Artist Credit: 'Illus. Bun Toujo' is visible, confirming the artist.
5Language: English text and layout indicate an English print run.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Minor occlusions and reflections on the card surface in the image hinder a precise assessment of surface condition.
•The back of the card is not visible, which is crucial for full condition evaluation, especially centering and edge wear.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Provide clear, well-lit images of the card's back to assess back centering and edge/corner wear.
→Submit the card for professional grading if seeking certification for precise condition and long-term storage.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The card appears to be in generally good condition, likely near-mint to light play, based on the visible front. Centering appears decent on the front, though minor edge wear or surface scratches cannot be fully ruled out without a closer inspection of the back and under direct light. The corners seem sharp.

Surface

The card has a smooth, glossy surface typical of modern Pokémon cards. The holographic pattern is visible within the illustration frame, suggesting a 'Holo Rare' finish. There appear to be some subtle reflections indicating light surface wear or handling marks, though difficult to assess definitively from the image.