Exploring Murkrow Holofoil Texture and Depth Across Variants

In TCG ·

Murkrow BW6-72 holofoil card art

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Texture and Depth in Murkrow Holofoil Across Variants

From the moment you first lay eyes on Murkrow in its Dragons Exalted incarnation, the card invites you to tilt it just so and watch light dance across the surface. Murkrow, a Basic Darkness-type with 70 HP, is a compact package that shines most brightly in holofoil and its related variants. The illustration, courtesy of Naoyo Kimura, exudes a sly, night-sky elegance—the kind of mood that a well-placed holofoil accent can amplify. This isn’t just a cute bird with a couple of moves; it’s a study in how texture and depth work together to elevate a common card into a tactile experience. ⚡🔥

There are at least three practical variants to consider in this card’s lineage: the standard normal print, the reverse holofoil, and the sought-after holofoil version. The normal card presents Murkrow in sharp, clean lines with a balanced color palette that reads clearly in any light. The reverse holo, on the other hand, places the holofoil bloom on the card’s background or border elements, creating a striking contrast where the illustration remains non-foil. In the holofoil variant, the bird’s figure itself seems to catch every ray of light, with rainbow-like highlights tracing the plumage and beak as you rotate the card. It’s a subtle magic that rewards careful handling and thoughtful storage—perfect for display-minded collectors who savor depth as much as rarity. 🎴

The dimensional feel isn’t just a visual trick. Murkrow’s modest 70 HP and its two practical attacks—Peck for 10 damage and Wing Attack for 20 damage (costing Darkness and Colorless)—make it a classic tempo card in many early Dark-type decks. While it isn’t a powerhouse in raw stats, Murkrow’s foil variants invite players to pair it with early-stage support that accelerates damage or disrupts strategies. The card’s weakness to Lightning and its modest retreat cost of 1 keep it honest in a crowded meta, reinforcing the idea that beauty should meet strategic restraint. The card’s resistances and weaknesses are a reminder that even a seemingly simple creature can be a staple in a well-built deck with the right synergy. Collectibility and playability coexist here, especially when you factor in its expanded-format legality. 🔎

The Art, the Artist, and the Aesthetic Thread

Naoyo Kimura’s work on Murkrow is a study in atmosphere. The dark, capricious character is brought to life with delicate line work and a painterly sense of dusk, where the bird seems to slip between shadows and moonlight. In holofoil, Kimura’s design gains an extra layer of texture—feathers catch the light with a whisper of iridescence that hints at Murkrow’s clandestine nature. This artistry is a key driver of why collectors chase holofoil and reverse-holo variants alike: the texture becomes a narrative device, telling a story of light playing with shadow across a single, cherished card. The Dragons Exalted set, identified by its BW6 badge and symbol, sits at the heart of this era’s aesthetic, embracing a bold, slightly mystical mood that suits Murkrow’s nocturnal silhouette. 🎨

For the collector, the price tableau reinforces the texture’s value. Cardmarket’s holo values tend to show a higher ceiling than the standard print, with the holo variant’s market data—an average around 0.45 EUR in some listings and occasional spikes near 0.68 EUR in trend terms—reflecting both demand and the visual appeal of holofoil depth. The reverse holo, meanwhile, sits at a different curve: lower entry points in many listings but the potential for surprise movement given population shifts and demand from players who prize the foil’s stylistic contrast. The official card count for Dragons Exalted sits at 124 (official) in a total of 128, underscoring Murkrow’s relatively common status in a broader, beloved set. The Expanded-legal note also matters for builders who want to include Murkrow in modernized deck ideas without tapping into standard rotation. 🔬

In terms of market behavior, the pricing landscape is telling. The normal print sits at a low baseline—often under a dollar in casual markets—while the holo and reverse-holo variants carry a premium thanks to visual appeal and scarcity within the print run. The card’s 70 HP and accessible cost structure keep it economical for new collectors, but the holofoil depth invites seasoned fans to invest in a piece that captures both nostalgia and a touch of glittering drama. For players, Murkrow’s two-step attack sequence is a reminder that even a “common” card can find a niche in clever, low-cost builds that leverage tempo and disruption. 💎

Gameplay and Deck-Building Considerations

  • Base attributes: Darkness type, Basic stage, 70 HP.
  • Attacks: Peck (Colorless) 10; Wing Attack (Darkness + Colorless) 20.
  • Weakness/Resistance: Lightning ×2 weakness; Fighting −20 resistance.
  • Retreat: 1, making it agile in early games but not a heavy-maneuver card.
  • Format status: Legal in Expanded; not standard at the time of this printing, which informs modern collectors about play and value trajectories.

For deck assemblers, Murkrow brings speed and early presence, especially when coordinated with support cards that accelerate Dark-type vigor or disrupt opponent setups. In a world where holofoil aesthetics can influence a card’s perceived value, the choice between normal, holo, and reverse-holo becomes a strategic, not just cosmetic, decision. If your goal is to showcase a playable staple with a touch of flair, the holofoil variant is a natural centerpiece in display-worthy, modernized collections. The artwork’s depth—paired with the right lighting and storage—can elevate a simple two-attack creature into a centerpiece of your binder’s narrative arc. ⚡🎴

Neon Card Holder Phone Case with MagSafe Impact Resistant

More from our network