Image courtesy of TCGdex.net
Hitmonlee (A2b-040) — Price Trends, Rarity, and Collector Insight
For fans of classic kick-powered chic, Hitmonlee from the Shining Revelry set offers a compelling snapshot of how TCG collectibility evolves when art, rarity, and deck viability collide ⚡. This particular variant is a holo Basic Fighting-type with 80 HP, a straightforward yet reliable opening-kicker in many early-to-mid game strategies, and a story all its own in the collector market. With its distinct glow, illustrated by Tomokazu Komiya, this card embodies the balance between nostalgia and scarcity that fuels modern pricing conversations 🎴.
Card snapshot: what you’re looking at
- Name: Hitmonlee
- Set: Shining Revelry (A2b)
- Rarity: One Diamond
- Stage: Basic
- HP: 80
- Type: Fighting
- Attack: Kick — 30 damage
- Weakness: Psychic (+20)
- Retreat: 1
- Illustrator: Tomokazu Komiya
- Variants: holo, normal, reverse (not first edition)
“A holo Hitmonlee isn't just a card—it's a piece of the Shining Revelry vibe: luminous, balanced, and ready to strike from the bench with quiet confidence.” 🔥
From a gameplay perspective, this Hitmonlee is a nimble starter with a clean two-move expectation in certain formats: a defensive opening with a single Fighting energy to pressure for 30 damage. Its 80 HP keeps it serviceable in early trades, and its Psychic weakness invites thoughtful deck pairing—you’ll want to shield it with a few Psychic-suppressing or bench-sustain options. The combination of a modest retreat cost and a straightforward attack makes it approachable for newer players while still appealing to collectors who appreciate stable, familiar mechanics in a holo card.
Rarity, print variants, and what it means for value
The listing of One Diamond as the card’s rarity immediately signals scarcity within the Shining Revelry arc. In practical terms, holo rarities tend to command higher aftermarket prices than their normal-print counterparts, especially when the card is not reprinted in alternate print runs or reissues. While this specific card is not marked as first edition in the provided data, the holo variant’s sheen and the allure of Tomokazu Komiya’s illustration amplify desirability among both deck builders and set collectors 💎.
Shining Revelry’s A2b subset contains a total of 111 cards, with 72 officially printed in the core listing. For collectors, those numbers translate into a balance of availability and wish-list pressure—enough copies to keep gameplay accessible, but limited enough to prevent mass saturation. The “One Diamond” tag contributes to a premium perception, particularly when the holo edition is in pristine condition and encased in protective storage. Those who chase graded examples often find holo basics with solid centering and corner preservation the sweet spot for value appreciation 🎨.
Pricing data in the provided snapshot shows CardMarket and TCGPlayer entries as None, which means current valuations aren’t reflected in those major aggregators. That absence isn’t a verdict on value—it’s a reminder that many niche Shining Revelry cards circulate in smaller marketplaces, local shops, or direct collector networks. For a card like Hitmonlee A2b-040, price movements may hinge on broader set interest, the appearance of related holo hits from the same run, and the ebb and flow of vintage-styled revival sets. In practical terms, expect price momentum to track holo demand, the condition of available copies, and whether any recent grading trends surface in community marketplaces ⚡.
Market signals and collector strategy in 2025
Here are the patterns most observers consider when weighing Hitmonlee’s collector value today:
- Holo premium vs. non-holo: The holo version typically sits above the normal printing in value, all else equal. The glow effect makes it stand out on display shelves and in graded portfolios.
- Condition and grading: A near-mint or better holo from Shining Revelry tends to attract mid-to-high-end bids on secondary markets, especially when accompanied by a solid centering score and unblemished borders.
- Non-printed rarity: The “One Diamond” designation nudges long-term demand, as collectors often pursue unique or narrowly defined rarities within a beloved set.
- Set aesthetics and nostalgia: The Shining Revelry theme conjures a luminous, retro-futuristic feel that resonates with fans of the era—an intangible driver that can lift interest during anniversaries or platform-wide nostalgia waves 🔥.
: With explicit data gaps on major aggregators, savvy buyers often monitor social marketplaces, local events, and community forums to catch a holo Hitmonlee A2b-040 at a favorable price.
For players, the card’s value proposition isn’t just monetary. It’s the story of a familiar fighter stepping into a new light—a reminder of how far the TCG has come since the gym battles of early Pocket Monsters. Collectors savor that narrative as much as the hinge—how a single illustration by Komiya can turn a basic card into a cherished centerpiece ⚡🎴.
Care, display, and long-term value
Preserving holo cards requires a thoughtful routine: sleeve with non-PVC inner sleeves, top-loaders or toploaded binders, and climate-controlled storage to prevent gloss wear and edge chipping. For a basic Hitmonlee with a potential holo premium, presentation matters as much as provenance. If you’re contemplating investment, consider a balanced approach: hold a small, graded sample for long-term appreciation while keeping a handful of well-kept copies in rotation for casual play or display. It’s a sweet spot between nostalgia, strategy, and pure collector pride 🔥.
As with any price-trend discussion, the best advice is to stay curious: track a few reliable sources, compare holo vs. non-holo variants, and watch how Shining Revelry cards perform relative to other holo-focused sets. This Hitmonlee is a reminder that even a straightforward 30-damage kick can carry a deeper story when backed by rarity, art, and a loyal fanbase 🎇.
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