Houndoom V - Darkness Ablaze (Ultra Rare) [021/189]

Name: Houndoom V - Darkness Ablaze (Ultra Rare) [021/189]
Brand: invincible
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Houndoom V Pokémon trading card from the Darkness Ablaze set, number 021/189, featuring a fire-breathing dog-like creature. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$2 - $15

Rarity

Average(4/10)

HOUNDOOM V - DARKNESS ABLAZE (ULTRA RARE) [021/189]: IDENTIFICATION

This Ultra Rare Houndoom V features dynamic character artwork by Ayaka Yoshida. The card is a Basic Pokémon with 210 HP, characterized by its Fire typing and two specific attacks: Searing Flame and Vengeful Flame. The lower-left corner displays the Darkness Ablaze set symbol (a stylized flame and d-pad) alongside the set numbering 021/189 and a white rarity star indicating the Ultra Rare tier. The card includes the 'V rule' text boxed at the bottom right, a standard mechanic for the Sword & Shield era.

Compare with other trading cards in the archive: Cavallone Tropicale (Tropical Tidal Wave) - Italian 2006 World Championships Promo #36, Vegeta - Dramatic Art (Ultra God Mission 5) [UGM5-020 DA], Magikarp - Pokémon Card 151 (Special Art Rare) [080/165].

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Greek MythologyAntiquity

Houndoom's multi-horned and skeletal appearance mirrors Cerberus, the guardian of the underworld.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Trading card game tournaments and local play leagues where players use specific deck archetypes.

Meaning Through Time

2020-Present

Modern Ultra Rares like this serve as 'bulk hits'—cards that are exciting to pull but common enough to remain affordable for young players.

SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN

Released in August 2020 as part of the Sword & Shield: Darkness Ablaze expansion (the third main set of the generation), this card marked the return of several fan-favorite Johto-region Pokémon in the high-powered 'V' format. Darkness Ablaze was notable for introducing the Charizard VMAX, which initially dominated the secondary market. Houndoom, first introduced in the 1999 Pokémon Gold and Silver games, remains a staple of the franchise's darker-themed competitive archetypes.

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

Font weight and spacing align with TPCi standard production
Correct set symbol and numbering for Darkness Ablaze expansion
Holographic sheen depth is consistent with genuine Ultra Rare prints

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

The card is easily identifiable via set numbering and distinct artwork, though condition assessment is restricted to the front-facing image only.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Set code 021/189 confirms Darkness Ablaze (2020) origin.
2Ayaka Yoshida is the verified artist for this specific Ultra Rare print.
3Visual whitening on edges indicates play wear or poor storage.
4English language print confirms Western market distribution.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Condition listed by user as 'Mint' strongly contradicts the visible edge damage.
•Card was photographed while being held by hand without a sleeve, which risk further surface oils and micro-scratches.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Provide a high-resolution photo of the card back to assess centering and whitening more accurately.
→Place the card in a soft sleeve (penny sleeve) and a top-loader to prevent further edge degradation.
→Check for surface 'crazing' or scratches under a direct LED light source.

CONDITION & GRADE

PSA 3-4

Grading breakdown

Heavy whitening on most edges and visible corner wear significantly impact the grade; surface scratches are likely given the lack of sleeving in the photograph.

Condition

The card exhibits significant edge wear and 'whitening' along the top and bottom borders, particularly visible on the black card frame. The corners show slight blunting from handling without a protective sleeve.

TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE

$2 - $15

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Who buys this

Entry-level collectors completing the Darkness Ablaze master set and fans of Dark-type Pokémon.

What increases value

•Popularity of Houndoom as a 'Gen 2' favorite
•Demand for master set completion in the Darkness Ablaze series

What lowers value

•Extensive edge wear significantly devalues the card below its 'Near Mint' market price
•High population count (Darkness Ablaze was heavily printed during the 2020 cards boom)

What makes top-tier examples

•Perfect '10' centering with no visible whitening on front or back
•PSA 10 Gem Mint status (very difficult to achieve for this set)

Grade & condition

Centering of the silver borders, edge crispness, and surface reflectivity of the foil layer.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandSells quickly

Browse similar trading cards objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

Item is correctly identified as a Pokémon Trading Card as indicated by the brand logos.

What Conflicted

User stated 'Mint' condition - Visual evidence shows extensive border whitening and edge wear, placing it in 'G-VG' (Good to Very Good) or PSA 3-4 range rather than Mint/Near Mint.

FROM THE CABINET OF

invincible

Wonderseeker•1 item

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