Pokémon Stormfront, released in November 2008, was the fourth main Diamond & Pearl expansion and one of the most memorable sets of the era. It blended competitive innovation with nostalgia by reintroducing Base Set classics like Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard in modernized form.
The expansion also delivered three extremely rare shiny Pokémon. Alongside these novelties, Stormfront introduced powerful LV.X cards that shaped tournament play and remain key targets for collectors. The result was a set that bridged generations of the game, refreshing iconic designs for new players while giving longtime fans new reasons to chase.
15. Raichu #8
Raichu’s holo rare from Stormfront delivers vivid lightning artwork that pops in binder displays. While it doesn’t carry the same weight as its LV.X version, it’s still a staple for character-focused collectors. Many copies show whitening around the edges, so high-grade examples are worth seeking. For Raichu enthusiasts, pairing this card with the LV.X is the ideal way to showcase the character’s presence in the 2008 set.
14. Gastly #62 (Reverse Holo)
Though it began as a common, Gastly gains real appeal in reverse holo form. The foil treatment adds depth to its eerie design but also makes it highly prone to scratching and print lines. Pristine copies are scarce, especially since reverses from 2008 rarely age well. As the starting point of the Gengar line, this Gastly is a natural choice for evolution-focused collectors.
13. Machamp LV.X #98
Machamp LV.X defined the Stormfront metagame in late 2008, pairing with the set’s regular Machamp to overwhelm opponents. Collectors value it not only for competitive history but also for its dynamic illustration. Like most LV.X cards, it suffers from surface scuffs and holo wear, keeping PSA 10s in low supply. Today it stands as one of the most significant pieces of Stormfront’s competitive legacy.
12. Charmeleon #102
Charmeleon reimagines its classic Base Set artwork from 1999 with updated Stormfront styling. These nostalgic callbacks continue to resonate with both old-school and modern collectors. Many pursue Charmeleon alongside Charmander and Charizard to display the full evolutionary chain. While not rare, centered and scratch-free copies have proven to maintain strong long-term demand.
11. Tyranitar #30 (Reverse Holo)
Tyranitar’s reverse holo version showcases the towering Johto powerhouse with an intimidating foil finish. Reverse rares like this are notoriously condition-sensitive due to heavy foil coverage and frequent edge wear. Collectors who prefer dark, powerful designs often rank this Tyranitar among their Stormfront highlights. Its scarcity in top grade adds to its chase appeal.
10. Duskull #SH2
Shiny Duskull immediately stands out with its bright red body, a dramatic departure from its standard look. Stormfront’s shiny cards, introduced in 2008, were extremely rare pulls—roughly one per booster box—making them coveted finds. The choice to spotlight a basic Pokémon in shiny form gave this card quirky collector charm. Today it remains one of the most memorable oddities of the Diamond & Pearl block.
9. Gengar #18 (Reverse Holo)
Gengar’s reverse holo treatment combines playful mischief with a dark, ghostly aesthetic. Popular Pokémon in reverse holo form often age well, and Gengar is no exception. The foil layer is sensitive to scratches, so high-grade copies command strong collector interest. Completing the Gastly–Haunter–Gengar line in reverse holo remains a favorite goal for Stormfront set builders.
8. Heatran LV.X #97
Heatran LV.X captures the volcanic force of the Sinnoh Legendary with bold artwork. While not a tournament powerhouse, it became a pack highlight in 2008 thanks to its rarity and LV.X presentation. The design’s distinctive layout ensures it stands out in a binder or graded slab. Collectors of Legendary Pokémon consider this card an essential Stormfront pull.
7. Regigigas LV.X #100
Regigigas LV.X emphasizes the massive scale of the Colossal Pokémon through commanding illustration. As one of the set’s top LV.X hits, it remains a fixture in high-end Stormfront collections. Condition issues, especially scratches across the foil background, limit the number of pristine examples available. For collectors chasing Diamond & Pearl-era giants, this card is a centerpiece.
6. Voltorb #SH3
Shiny Voltorb flips expectations with its striking blue design, one of Stormfront’s boldest shiny treatments. Pull rates were exceptionally low in 2008 booster boxes, making it a celebrated pack hit. Despite featuring a simple Pokémon, its rarity and novelty make it surprisingly desirable. Collectors often note that high-grade copies are elusive due to the holo’s vulnerability to wear.
5. Dusknoir LV.X #96
Dusknoir LV.X built on the ghostly theme woven through Stormfront. Known for its disruptive role in competitive play around 2008–2009, it has dual appeal for players and collectors. The holofoil background is sensitive to scratching, creating scarcity in gem mint condition. Together with shiny Duskull, it anchors one of the most memorable “spooky” mini-themes of the set.
4. Drifloon #SH1
Shiny Drifloon replaces its usual purple body with cheerful yellow, giving it playful charm. Its rarity as a shiny pull makes it one of the set’s most rewarding low-stage cards. The bright design provides a contrast to Stormfront’s darker themes, adding variety to the shiny trio. Many collectors prize it as the lighthearted counterpart to Duskull’s eerie red.
3. Charmander #101
Charmander’s Stormfront print mirrors the 1999 Base Set design, evoking instant nostalgia. Collectors see it as a direct callback to the TCG’s origins, making it a priority card. Centering and surface wear often hold back grades, so PSA 10s carry notable premiums. When displayed with Charmeleon and Charizard, it completes one of the most iconic evolutionary sequences ever reprinted.
2. Raichu LV.X #99
Raichu LV.X elevates the Pokémon with premium artwork and a full LV.X treatment. It is significantly rarer and more desirable than the standard Raichu holo. Many collectors consider it the crown jewel for Raichu-focused binders, making it a staple chase from 2008. As with all LV.X cards, the challenge of finding clean, scratch-free copies keeps demand high.
1. Charizard #103
Charizard #103 stands as Stormfront’s undisputed centerpiece, a modern reimagining of the legendary Base Set card from 1999. Its dual role as a nostalgic callback and a Diamond & Pearl-era showcase makes it one of the most chased Charizard cards of all time. Collectors consistently rank it as the defining pull of the expansion. In gem mint condition, it remains the ultimate Stormfront prize.
Even as newer expansions release, Stormfront’s mix of history and rarity ensures its cards remain highly sought after by both players and collectors. For anyone building a serious collection, Stormfront still represents one of the most rewarding expansions of the Diamond & Pearl era.
Disclaimer: eBay links on this page use a referral system that helps support the content—at no extra cost to you.
