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)

DARKRAI (136/197) - OBSIDIAN FLAMES: IDENTIFICATION

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.

Compare with other trading cards in the archive: Mewtwo - Art Rare (Japanese) [sv2a-183], Cavallone Tropicale (Tropical Tidal Wave) - Italian 2006 World Championships Promo #36, Vegeta - Dramatic Art (Ultra God Mission 5) [UGM5-020 DA].

SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN

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

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.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

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

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 125 trading cards items at rarity 4 or higher.

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.