Fan Appreciation: Rufflet Card Illustrator's Signature Style

In TCG ·

Rufflet card art from Cosmic Eclipse illustrated by Ken Sugimori

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Celebrating Rufflet’s Signature Style: Ken Sugimori’s Artistry

Among the countless Pokémon TCG artworks that have graced our decks, Ken Sugimori’s touch remains instantly recognizable—clean lines, a sense of movement, and a warmth that invites players to lean in and imagine the world beyond the card. The Rufflet from Cosmic Eclipse is a vivid reminder of that tradition. Sugimori’s illustration embraces a gentle, airy palette and a composition that feels both spontaneous and deliberate, as if the bird paused in mid-flight to take in a sunlit forest clearing. The result is not just a pretty picture; it’s a window into a world where every card carries a bit of Sugimori’s timeless storytelling. ⚡🔥💎

Illustrator’s signature style on Rufflet

Rufflet’s design showcases Sugimori’s affinity for approachable character acting, where personality is conveyed through posture, gaze, and a few confident strokes of line. The bird’s wide eyes and perky crest communicate curiosity and resolve in equal measure, while the soft shading beneath the wings hints at texture without becoming overwrought. This balance—between crisp, confident outlines and watercolor-like softness—helps Rufflet feel both energetic and friendly, perfectly aligned with a basic, commonly seen Pokémon that players can easily picture in a story-driven Battle Zone or a quick match after school. It’s a style that invites nostalgia for longtime fans and sparks fresh admiration among newer players discovering Sugimori’s work through each new print run. 🎨🎴

Gameplay flavor and strategic notes

From a collector’s and player’s standpoint, Rufflet SM12-177 is a fascinating piece precisely because it embodies the intersection of art and function. As a Basic Colorless Pokémon with 60 HP, Rufflet sits at the edge of being a bench-starter rather than a frontline fighter. Its sole attack, Fury Attack, costs a single Colorless energy and flips three coins, delivering 10 damage per heads. In practice, that means a possible but not guaranteed 30 damage in a single swing—an exciting but high-variance option that can tilt a late-game swing if luck aligns. The treacherous charm of Fury Attack makes Rufflet a delightful candidate for coin-flip gimmicks or decks designed around volatile attack patterns, especially when you’re looking to squeeze every last ounce of drama from a match. This is less about raw power and more about narrative tension—the moment when three heads appear and the crowd’s cheer suddenly feels earned. 🪙✨

Rufflet’s type is Colorless, a flexible tier that historically fits into many Expanded-era lists as a sandbox creature you can slide into several archetypes. Its weaknesses—Lightning ×2—keep it honest against specific threats, while a modest -20 resistance to Fighting gives it a touch more survivability against some bruisers. Retreated cost is 1, a practical reminder that this bird can shift in and out of the active bench with minimal energy commitment. In Cosmic Eclipse—the set that gave us this art—Rufflet sits alongside a crowded ecosystem of Pokémon that encourage experimentation. While it may not be the star of the show, its presence adds charm, context, and a playful reminder of Sugimori’s legacy every time you flip a coin. 🔎🪶

Collecting notes: value, rarity, and art-driven demand

Rufflet is classified as Common in Cosmic Eclipse, with holo, reverse holo, and normal variants broadening its appeal for different collecting goals. The card’s enduring charm comes not from raw stats but from its association with Sugimori’s revered artistry. For collectors, holo versions tend to command higher interest—and a higher price—than the standard print, because holo foiling amplifies the artwork and preserves that luminous, sun-dappled feel Sugimori is known for. When prices are considered, look beyond the bottom-line melee of “is it playable?” and appreciate how a print’s scarcity, condition, and variant type contribute to value in steady, if subdued, increments. CardMarket shows holo copies averaging around €0.20 with a modest upward trend, while normal prints hover in the few-cent range. In the U.S., TCGPlayer data places typical copies around a dollar or two in market price for base prints, with outliers that can spike under specific market conditions. This is a card that thrives on heart—both the heart of collectors chasing the art and players recalling a gentler, more whimsical era of battles. 🔗💎

Cosmic Eclipse itself is celebrated for its massive card pool and ambitious cross-overs, which makes Rufflet a welcoming touchstone within a sprawling set. The card’s availability across normal, reverse, and holo variants means fans can select a finish that suits their display goals, whether they’re aiming for a gallery-style binder or a battle-ready deck that nods to Sugimori’s distinct linework. For players and art lovers alike, Rufflet offers a chance to celebrate the artistry that has shaped the franchise from its earliest days to today—an ongoing reminder that art and play are inseparable in the Pokémon TCG experience. 🎴🖼️

Interested in pairing your love of Ken Sugimori’s style with practical gear for your gaming sessions? Check out the featured accessory below to keep your phone handy while you draft, trade, and battle—because even the most graceful card deserves a fitting companion in the real world.

Phone Grip Click-On Reusable Adhesive Holder Kickstand

More from our network