A new alternate full artPokémon Trading Card Gameversion of Hop’s Zacian ex has been revealed, and it seems fans aren’t sure what to think of it. The new card will be part of the JapaneseBattle Partnersset that’s scheduled for release in just a few days and is another addition to the surprising inclusion of Hop among the highlighted trainers.
The new full art card, revealed byPokéBeach, depicts the iconic cover Pokémon ofPokémon Sword, Zacian, striking a regal pose across 3/4th of the card. Behind it in the upper left corner is a drawing of the legendary mon’s trainer, Hop, grinning and clenching a fist. While the whole image is bright and vibrant with heavy use of primary colors and thick, colored lines,Hop is painted in a light blue shade that makes him fade into the backgroundin a way that some fans are calling ghostly.
Pokémon TCG Fans Torn Over Hop’s Appearance In New Zacian Ex Full Art Reveal
Fans Either Love It Or Hate It
Many fans praise the new ultra-rare full art card’s design for itsunique art style and for being very different from the other illustrations. The image is starkly different from the other version of Hop’s Zacian full art card, which is a more traditional image featuring Hop sitting with Zacian in a scene full of colorful dappled light.
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Some fans, though are unsure about the new image. PokéBeach usercoolcorsolasays that the design makes it seem like “Hop’s died and their spirit is watching over Zacian.” Others agree thatthe illustration makes Hop look like a ghost,with some fans wondering why the art didn’t simply include the trainer drawn in differently. WIth just four days left before theBattle Partnersset launches in Japan, it’s possible that fans may get other secret rares in the same style but featuring other trainers, a possibility which the community seems divided about.
Our Take: Hop Is Getting A Lot Of Attention Despite There Being Better Trainer Choices To Highlight
More Trainers Are Sure To Come In The Future
Hop’s Zacian ex card will be part of theBattle Partnersset coming to Japan in four days andwill arrive in the West on March 28 as part of theJourney Togetherset. The two sets mark the return of theOwner’s Pokémon mechanic, which highlights iconic trainers and their Pokémon, like N’s Reshiram and Ionno’s Bellibolt. Although there are some hits among the selection, the community has beentorn about the inclusion of the trainer Hopin lieu of some more popular options.
The set has also drawn criticism for being unbalanced due to some trainers having fewer usable and useful cards, making it difficult to form decks around them. The attention on Hop is surprising and, many fans feel, misplaced. However, it seems highly likely that the two upcoming trainer-focused sets are just the beginning. Fans who are disappointed in theBattle PartnersorJourney Togetherset lineups will likely get to see more Trainer’s Pokémon in the future asmore sets are announcedfor thePokémon Trading Card Game.
