Iron Boulder EX Explores Pokémon Anime Arcs in the TCG

Iron Boulder ex card art from Temporal Forces sv05-217

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Iron Boulder ex: A Champion’s Echo in the anime’s arcs

When fans crack open Temporal Forces, they’re greeted by a card that feels like a story leap from the anime itself. Iron Boulder ex stands as a towering Basic Fighting-type with a formidable 240 HP, a silhouette that hints at ancient guardians and time-worn champions. Illustrated by 5ban Graphics, this holo powerhouse doesn’t simply deliver raw numbers—it weaves a narrative thread that resonates with the long-running arcs we’ve cheered through the years. The card’s design, color, and heft align with the drama of epic battles where courage and endurance tilt the scale, and that storytelling vibe is exactly what makes it stand out in both play and display. ⚡🔥

Card snapshot

Card name: Iron Boulder ex
Set: Temporal Forces (sv05)
Rarity: Hyper Rare
Type: Fighting
Stage: Basic
HP: 240
Attacks:
- Repulsor Axe — 60 damage. Effect: During your opponent's next turn, if this Pokémon is damaged by an attack (even if it is Knocked Out), put 8 damage counters on the Attacking Pokémon.
- Power Stomp — 200 damage. Effect: Discard 2 Energy from this Pokémon.
Retreat: 3
Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
Dex Number: 1022
Variants: holo (standard)
Regulation: Standard & Expanded legal

Linking mechanics to anime storytelling

The Repulsor Axe mirrors a common anime storytelling beat: a guardian intercepts a brutal strike to pivot the fight. In gameplay terms, it creates a pivotal moment where you weather the punch and set up a counteroffensive—the very rhythm of a climactic chapter where hope hinges on a single moment of resilience. The 8 damage counters applied to the Attacking Pokémon during the opponent’s next turn echo the lingering consequences of a legendary showdown—an echo that fans recognize from episodes where a hero’s counterattack leaves a lasting mark on the battlefield. Temporal Forces itself signals a narrative through-line about time, memory, and the ways teams regroup between episodes. Iron Boulder ex embodies that idea on the table: a steadfast frontline whose power isn’t just about numbers, but about shaping the arc of every match. The art by 5ban Graphics intensifies this sense of motion and gravity, making the moment of impact feel cinematic in every sleeve shuffle. 🎴🎨

Strategic take: building an arc-ready deck

In play, Iron Boulder ex rewards a plan that blends endurance with a decisive later surge. Start by leveraging its colossal HP to soak early aggression and to set up your energy engine for Power Stomp. Because the Attack costs combine Fighting and Colorless energies, you’ll want reliable energy acceleration and retrieval to avoid stalling. With a Retreat cost of 3, it’s vital to pair Iron Boulder ex with trainers that help you reposition or retreat efficiently, so you can maintain pressure without giving your opponent a clean setup. Repulsor Axe gives you a safety net—damage you’re taking now becomes a strategic opportunity to punish the foe’s follow-up, mirroring anime moments where patience and timing win the day. When you finally unleash Power Stomp for 200 damage, you’re delivering a narrative beat that lands with impact, but remember: you must discard two Energy from Iron Boulder ex. Planning your energy economy—whether through energy acceleration, discardABLE tools, or supportive teammates—lets you sustain fights where the hero’s resolve carries the day. This approach thrives in decks that balance control, healing, and tempo, capturing the duel’s drama with every turn. ⚡🔥

Art, lore, and the collector’s eye

The holo finish paired with a weighty, armored silhouette gives Iron Boulder ex a commanding presence on any shelf or in any binder. The name itself conjures images of ancient guardians—rock-solid protectors whose stories anchor the region’s legends, a recurring motif in many anime arcs where guardians hold the line against overwhelming odds. The combination of 5ban Graphics’ dynamic line work and the set’s time-twisting theme makes this card feel like a tangible piece of the anime’s heartbeat—an artifact you can study as much as you can play. For collectors, the Hyper Rare rarity plus the holo variant elevates its display value, inviting fans to relive the climactic beats of those episodes that defined a generation. 💎🎴

Market context: rarity, pricing, and demand

Hyper Rare cards like Iron Boulder ex tend to carry a special allure for both players and collectors. According to CardMarket data for this card, the average price hovers around 0.57 EUR with a reported low around 0.09 EUR and a trend indicator near 0.6, signaling a steady, modest market presence rather than an explosive spike. The holo variant usually commands a premium, but availability and reprint cycles can influence value—especially as fans chase the set’s time-themed narrative threads. For those who connect the card to anime arcs—themes of resilience, timing, and a guardian’s steadfast shield—Iron Boulder ex offers both a playable powerhouse and a compelling display piece. Always consult current listings to gauge the latest market pulse before purchasing. 💹

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