Mantyke Illustration Rare

Everyone has a favorite pokémon. For many it’s Pikachu or Charizard, for some it’s Snorlax or Squirtle. For me, it’s Mantine. Yes, it’s not exactly an inspired design, being functionally identical to a manta ray, but yet I adore it. I have the one Mantine plush it’s possible to buy, I have a copy of every Mantine card ever printed (which is admittedly only 14), I even have a crocheted Mantine cuddly that my wife got commissioned for me.

And yet, despite having been around since 2000, Mantine has never received a full-art card. Never. So it was something of a shock to discover that the current Japanese set, Raging Surf, sees Mantine’s latterly created baby form, Mantyke, beating it to the accolade!

I mean, I own the Mantyke cards too, and I’ve got the Piplup riding a Mantyke plush. I’m not crazy. But it’s just a little too cutesy for me. Still, this card is gorgeous, and I will swap my son for it in a PSA 10.