Curiosa
    Start Scanning

    Darkrai (136/197) - Obsidian Flames

    Close-up of a holographic English Pokémon TCG Darkrai card, number 136/197 from the Obsidian Flames set, held in a hand.
    Average (4/10)
    Add to Watchlist

    QUICK FACTS

    19

    Categories

    Trading Cards,Memorabilia,Collectibles

    Era

    2020s

    Origin

    🇺🇸 United States

    Brand

    Pokémon

    Artist/Maker

    Bun Toujo

    Rarity

    Average (4/10)

    Discovered

    Jan 22, 2026

    1 months ago

    DESCRIPTION

    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 ECHOES

    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.

    HISTORICAL STORY

    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 ...
    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.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    1

    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.

    2

    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.

    MATERIAL & CONDITION

    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.

    Weight & Feel

    As a single trading card, it is lightweight, consistent with standard cardstock construction for collectible game cards.

    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.

    RARITY ANALYSIS

    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

    EXPERT ANALYSIS

    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.

    ESTIMATED VALUE

    $1 - $5

    Updated: Feb 27, 2026

    • Market comparables from auctions & retail
    • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
    • Current collector demand & trends
    • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

    For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

    FROM THE CABINET OF

    MO

    Momofthecircus

    The Connoisseur•91 items

    COMMENTS

    No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

    Sign in to leave a comment

    ABOUT TRADING CARDS

    Pokemon cards, sports cards, gaming cards, TCGs, and collectible card games.

    Browse all Trading Cards

    SHARE THIS CURIOSITY

    Have your own curiosities to discover?

    Scan Your Curiosity