Why Collectors Chase This Lycanroc Variant in the TCG

In TCG ·

Lycanroc holo variant art from SM trainer Kit by 5ban Graphics

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Lycanroc’s Variant Spotlight: Why Collectors Chase This Version

In the crowded world of Pokémon TCG collectibles, certain variants rise above the rest for reasons that blend art, rarity, and the psychology of completion. The Lycanroc card from the SM trainer Kit (Lycanroc) is a perfect example. This Stage 1 Fighting-type Pokémon evolves from Rockruff, carries an imposing 110 HP, and bears the fierce aura fans associate with Lycanroc’s line. What draws collectors to its holo, reverse, and normal prints isn’t just the numbers on the card—it’s the story these prints tell about a small, curated release and the art that brings it to life.

Illustrated by 5ban Graphics, Lycanroc’s holo variant showcases a level of gloss and detail that catches the eye in a binder or display case. The kit’s three distinct print styles—normal, reverse, and holo—live side by side in many collections, each offering a different way to appreciate this Pokémon’s dynamic silhouette and bold palette. The holo finish, in particular, is prized for that signature sparkle as light catches the Combat-ready stance Lycanroc adopts in the artwork. For many collectors, the holo is the crown jewel of this card, a tangible reminder of a specific moment in the kit’s production.

Variant Appeal: What Makes This Lycanroc Stand Out

  • Variant trio: The card exists in normal, reverse, and holo forms. While the set rarity is listed as none, the holo variant’s shine and the reverse’s foil pattern create a layered appeal that encourages chasing multiple prints within the same card pool.
  • Artistic collaboration: The illustration credits go to 5ban Graphics, whose work on this Lycanroc captures the creature’s temperament—an imposing silhouette with a blood-boiling intensity that resonates with fans who love the darker edges of Pokémon’s design language.
  • Compact set dynamics: Hailing from the SM trainer Kit (Lycanroc), the card exists in a 30-card official print run. That compact set size often translates to shorter supply for certain variants, heating up the chase for well-preserved copies.
  • Playful but not standard-legal: While the card’s official use in Standard or Expanded formats is limited by its legality (or lack thereof), this factor paradoxically fuels collecting energy. Fans adore the synergy of Lycanroc’s fighting approach—“the more intimidating the opponent it faces, the more this Pokémon’s blood boils”—and the tangible nostalgia of its evolution from Rockruff.
  • Condition-driven value: With HP 110, Bite for 20, and Claw Slash for 80, Lycanroc communicates a classic early-DS-era combat style that fans remember. The physical finish and card condition—especially for holo copies—often drives price as much as the raw stats.
“Collectors don’t just chase power on a card; they chase moments—the glow of a holo, the texture of a reverse foil, and the memory of opening a packet during a favorite era.”

From a market perspective, this Lycanroc print sits in an interesting price space. TCGplayer data shows a spectrum of values: the normal print and reverse variants tends to populate lower price tiers, while holo copies can fetch a higher premium depending on condition and presentation. Recent market activity reflects a base level around the $0.10 mark on average, with exceptionally well-preserved or graded holo copies peaking toward higher ranges. The official card count and the kit’s limited run contribute to a narrative of “short print, memorable cover image,” which fuels collector enthusiasm and trade chatter among fans who want to seal a complete Lycanroc trifecta in their binder.

For players and collectors who relish long-term growth, the Lycanroc line in SM trainer Kit is a reminder of the dual nature of Pokémon cards: practical gameplay history and cultural artifact. The Attack suite—Bite for 20 and Claw Slash for 80—may not redefine modern deckbuilding, but it tells a story of a fearless midrange fighter whose strength lies in momentum and timing. The Grass-type weakness at ×2 rounds out the strategic picture: a reminder that even a high-HP Stage 1 Pokémon needs support to weather the tempo of a hot matchup. In the broader hobby, these attributes don’t just win games; they win shelf-space in premium collections and online wishlists alike.

Consider the card’s lineage. Evolving from Rockruff, Lycanroc embodies a theme of ferocious perseverance. The trio of holo, reverse, and normal prints creates a narrative arc within a single card—the “first print” energy of a new kit, the foil that captures a moment of shine, and the everyday version that keeps the card widely accessible. Collectors often pursue all three to complete a set, showcasing both their dedication and their ability to track print runs across releases. It’s a beautiful example of how a single Pokémon can anchor an entire mini-ecosystem of cards within a kit’s ecosystem.

The retailer and pricing context cited by the data—ranging from very low baseline prices to spikes in market activity—also provides a practical guide for new collectors. If you’re building a Lycanroc collection, balance the thrill of sourcing holo copies with the reality that market prices can swing, especially for print runs tied to limited kits. Keeping an eye on updated pricing (the tcgplayer data was refreshed in 2025) helps you decide when to strike a deal or when to hold for a more favorable period. And if you’re a fan of the art, owning a holo Lycanroc is a visual reminder of how a single print can carry a legacy that outlives many modern sets.

For enthusiasts who like to map a collector’s journey, this Lycanroc serves as a compact case study in variant-driven value. It shows how art, print-run realities, and the emotional pull of a familiar evolution can combine to elevate a character from “just another card” to a beloved centerpiece in a growing collection. The kit’s artistry, under the pencil of 5ban Graphics, ensures that each variant not only plays a role in a deck-building narrative but also finds a place in the heart of a fan’s personal archive. ⚡🔥💎

Note: This article references the Lycanroc card data from the SM trainer Kit set, including its HP, attacks, weaknesses, and evolutions. Values reflect current market references and are subject to change as new printings and market trends emerge.

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