Image courtesy of TCGdex.net
Fiery artistry on the Diamond & Pearl horizon: Infernape LV.X
When you flip to a Shizurow illustration of a blazing Fire-type during the Diamond & Pearl era, you know you’re in for more than just a punchy 150-damage display. This Infernape LV.X from the DP1 set captures a moment of raw motion — flames trailing behind as if the very air itself were aflame. Shizurow’s signature energy bursts through the artwork, turning a competitive card into a collectible canvas. In the Pokémon TCG, where the art can tell as much of a story as the stats, this card stands out for both its narrative drama and its strategic depth ⚡🔥.
Understanding the card: a LEVEL-UP powerhouse with a planning horizon
- Set and rarity: Diamond & Pearl (DP1), Rare Holo LV.X. This is a rare, holo-foil evolution card that sits at the pinnacle of the DP1 line. The LV.X designation signals both a powerful dual nature — impressive on the bench and devastating in play — and a collector’s allure.
- Type, stage, and HP: Fire-type, LEVEL-UP stage, HP 120. The Level-Up mechanic is a throwback to the era when players stacked a basic or evolving Pokémon to “level up” into the LV.X, creating dramatic tempo shifts on the board.
- Illustrator: Shizurow. The artwork remains a highlight of this card, showcasing bold lines, explosive color contrasts, and a sense of motion that mirrors Infernape’s fiery temperament in the anime and games.
- Abilities and attacks: The Poke-POWER Burning Head lets you look at the top three cards of your deck, pick one, and put the other two back, once per turn (as long as Infernape isn’t affected by a Special Condition). It’s a utility tool that rewards deck-thinning and precise card selection, a thematic fit for a fiery, strategic mind.
- Attack power: Flare Up costs two Fire Energy and deals 150 damage. The catch? You must search your discard pile for eight Fire Energy cards, reveal them to your opponent, and shuffle them back into your deck. It’s a high-risk, high-reward finish that demands meticulous energy management and timing.
- Weakness: Water (+30). Classic Fire-type vulnerability that reminds players to balance offense with a plan to mitigate opponent strategies that shy away from direct confrontation.
In practice, Infernape LV.X isn’t just about raw power; it rewards thoughtful sequencing. Burning Head can help you thin a top-heavy draw and set up for Flare Up’s dramatic finish. The requirement to restore eight Fire Energy from the discard into the deck makes it a card that shines in burn-aggressive builds — you’re not playing it for a quick two-turn KO; you’re crafting a late-game crescendo that can swing a match when your opponent least expects it.
Artwork, strategy, and the collector’s perspective
Shizurow’s depiction of Infernape captures the character’s vitality with dynamic composition and a heat-kissed palette. The holo LV.X framework adds a tactile shimmer that catches the light, turning a single card into a centerpiece for display cases and binder pages alike. For collectors, the rarity, combined with the LV.X status, marks this piece as a standout from the Diamond & Pearl era. As prices move in the market, holo LV.X cards often command attention for both their play value and aesthetic appeal — a factor that’s evident in price ranges seen on platforms like TCGplayer and Cardmarket, where holo variants sometimes reach premium levels while standard copies hover in more accessible ranges. For this particular card, holo-treated values in modern markets reflect its nostalgic pull and the practicality of its late-game power, with direct-price figures that illustrate both collectible and playable value.
For players, the interplay between Burning Head and Flare Up invites thoughtful deck design. A typical approach might involve integrating Infernape LV.X into a Fire-focused ladder with consistent energy acceleration, careful sequencing to ensure Eight Fire Energy in the discard by the time Flare Up lands, and supportive search or draw to keep the engine humming. The two Fire Energy requirement on Flare Up sets a bar for your energy resilience, nudging you toward synergy with energy recycling or discard-friendly techniques that keep your deck spinning even after a dramatic finish. And while Infernape isn’t immune to Water-type counters, its 120 HP and high-damage payoff create tension — your opponent must respond to the threat of an explosive comeback rather than focusing solely on quick trades.
From a lore perspective, Infernape represents the fiery heart of the Fire/Fighting archetype, a creature built for intensity and improvisation. Shizurow’s rendering channels that essence, turning a game card into a story beat — a moment where heat, resolve, and tactical forethought collide on the tabletop. This is the kind of card that sparks conversations among fans: how to incorporate the Burning Head utility into a well-tuned opening hand, or how to time Flare Up for maximum impact when your discard pile is already a powerful reservoir of energy and momentum 🔥🎴.
Market and collectability notes: trends you should know
Pricing data for holo LV.X cards from Diamond & Pearl era entries shows a broad spectrum depending on condition, edition, and market dynamics. In some markets, a high-quality holo copy can command strong prices, with direct-price figures on TCGplayer rising toward the upper end when the card is in excellent condition and supported by a functioning energy engine in the deck. Cardmarket data suggests that holo variants tend to travel along a distinct curve, often outperforming non-holo copies in collector interest, while still being accessible to players looking to explore historic deck ideas. As with many premium-era cards, demand is driven by a blend of nostalgia, play potential, artwork appreciation, and the perfection of the LV.X mechanic in the DP1 era. For those cataloging their collections, this card’s combination of Scarlet-fire art and a powerful, if demanding, attack suite makes it a notable centerpiece for any Infernape-focused page.
Whether you’re chasing a pristine holo LV.X for the binder or testing the waters of vintage deck-building, this Infernape offers a compelling blend of art and game design. If you’re curious about current market movement, keep an eye on trusted marketplaces for the latest fluctuations in holo LV.X pricing, and consider the card’s non-first-edition availability as a factor in scarcity and value. The story you tell around this card — of fiery power, strategic depth, and a spectacular illustration — is part of what makes building a collection so rewarding ⚡💎.
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