Released in May 2012, Pokémon Black & White—Dark Explorers marked the fifth expansion in the Black & White era and cemented Darkrai EX as one of the generation’s defining icons. The set delivered a fierce lineup of Legendary and EX Pokémon, all rendered in dynamic artwork that reflected the darker tone of the Unova region. Collectors prize Dark Explorers not only for its competitive legacy but for its distinctive foil patterns, scarce gem-mint population, and memorable character lineup.
With sealed boxes now rare, high-grade singles have evolved into centerpieces of early-2010s nostalgia and investment. Over a decade later, Dark Explorers continues to outperform many of its peers, standing as a cornerstone for serious EX-era collectors. Here are twelve of the most collectible Dark Explorers cards graded PSA 10, ranked by desirability, rarity, and visual impact.
12. Tornadus EX #090/108 PSA 10
Tornadus EX kicked off the set’s windstorm of power with high mobility and early-game pressure. The lightning-filled background accentuates its speed, giving the card kinetic energy uncommon even among EX designs. As one of the less-printed Legendaries in the set, Tornadus EX remains a sleek, underrated addition to any graded lineup. Gem-mint examples are admired by collectors chasing the full EX roster.
11. Darkrai EX #063/108 PSA 10
The non-Full-Art Darkrai EX introduced the fan-favorite Night Spear attack that defined competitive play throughout 2012 and 2013. Its shadow-soaked background and cool blue highlights perfectly capture Darkrai’s ominous presence. Many collectors begin with this card before upgrading to the Full Art version. High-grade copies remain elusive due to centering issues common in early Black & White prints.
10. Raikou EX #038/108 PSA 10
Raikou EX crackles with vivid lightning that arcs across the frame in sharp detail. The artwork serves as a modernized tribute to the Johto Legendary Beast, rendered with the clean gloss of the BW foil era. Although not the priciest card in the set, perfectly centered specimens are surprisingly scarce. In PSA 10, Raikou EX completes the trio for collectors pursuing every Legendary Beast in gem-mint form.
9. Entei EX #013/108 PSA 10
Entei EX bursts from the card in molten reds and oranges, showcasing the volcanic power that defines its design. The mix of nostalgia and play relevance made it a fan favorite during its rotation years. Because of thin edges and print texture, pristine copies are challenging to locate. Gem-mint versions stand as vivid reminders of the EX format’s visual intensity.
8. Kyogre EX #026/108 PSA 10
Kyogre EX commands attention with deep marine hues and swirling wave patterns that shimmer when tilted under light. Its design bridges classic Hoenn appeal with modern foil execution, drawing both veteran and new collectors alike. While never dominant competitively, it stood out as one of the set’s most aesthetically refined pulls. High-grade versions showcase the glossy evolution of early-2010s printing.
7. Groudon EX #054/108 PSA 10
Groudon EX radiates raw strength, framed by glowing magma tones and a fierce stance that fills the card. Alongside Kyogre, it anchors one of the most balanced elemental pairings in the expansion. The non-Full-Art layout highlights the clarity of early EX compositions—bold, crisp, and focused. Collectors often display Groudon and Kyogre side by side for their perfect contrast.
6. Tornadus EX #108/108 PSA 10
The Full Art Tornadus EX closes the set with silver-foil energy and layered wind effects that feel alive in motion. Its textured surface and metallic sheen add depth rarely matched at the time. Pulling this card was a defining thrill for players in 2012. In PSA 10, it delivers a striking combination of nostalgia and artistry.
5. Raikou EX #105/108 PSA 10
Raikou’s Full Art treatment amplifies every spark—crackling thunder, metallic gradients, and a forward-lunging pose. The texture pattern gives the surface a tactile charge under angled light. This card, along with its Entei and Suicune counterparts across the era, has aged exceptionally well in collector circles. Gem-mint examples hold steady thanks to enduring fan demand and balanced scarcity.
4. Entei EX #103/108 PSA 10
The Full Art Entei EX glows with fiery brilliance, its foil layers mimicking rolling lava beneath the surface. Among the Legendary Beasts, it’s easily the most dramatic, using bold contrast to create motion and heat. PSA 10 copies demonstrate how resilient these designs have remained even against newer EX formats. Many collectors regard it as the definitive Entei of the Black & White era.
3. Kyogre EX #104/108 PSA 10
Full Art Kyogre EX captures the depth of the sea through ripple-textured foil that mimics refracted light. Its minimalist background enhances the Legendary’s scale and power, creating an almost cinematic composition. Although Groudon tends to attract more attention, this version shines as one of the most refined aquatic Full Arts of the era. Surface sensitivity makes flawless examples particularly uncommon.
2. Groudon EX #106/108 PSA 10
The Full Art Groudon EX erupts with lava-red brilliance, every detail layered to convey molten heat and motion. Its forward-driven stance embodies the character’s primal strength. The card exemplifies the early Full Art period when Pokémon’s printing technology first reached modern precision. Gem-mint copies remain prized for both display and historical significance.
1. Darkrai EX #107/108 PSA 10
The crown jewel of Dark Explorers, the Full Art Darkrai EX stands among the most revered cards of the entire Black & White generation. Its pitch-black backdrop, cyan glow, and intricate texturing capture the essence of Darkrai’s mystique. It defined competitive play and collector prestige alike, symbolizing the perfect meeting of gameplay and art. A PSA 10 Darkrai EX is universally regarded as a showpiece for any serious collection.
Dark Explorers remains a landmark expansion that captured the perfect fusion of power and artistry in Pokémon’s EX era. For collectors chasing history in pristine condition, these twelve cards embody the heart of early-2010s collecting—bold, scarce, and unforgettable.
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