Akira Komayama is one of the biggest names working in the Pokémon TCG today. She has painted hundreds of cards since her debut back in 2010, during the tail end of the HeartGold and SoulSilver era with Call of Legends.
Disclosure: We use referral links to our partner marketplaces, such as eBay and TCGplayer, for some of the collectibles featured on this page. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's a simple way to support our writers.
Before she picked up card illustration, Komayama actually worked as a video game designer, and that background still shows in her art. Her cards feel alive with dynamic scenes, playful storytelling, and a digital illustrative style that fans instantly recognize.
10. Miraidon 013 (Promo)
This promo card comes from the Scarlet and Violet Black Star Promos line, numbered SVP 013, and was also released as a Pokémon Center stamped promo. It shows off the futuristic Legendary mascot Pokémon in full motion. Komayama uses bold, dynamic line work paired with high contrast shading to give Miraidon a sense of speed and power. It is a great early showcase of her style within the newer Scarlet and Violet era.
9. Team Rocket’s Murkrow 200/182
Pulled from Scarlet and Violet: Surging Sparks, this Illustration Rare puts a dark spin on a classic Pokémon. Murkrow appears wrapped in Team Rocket’s signature branding and industrial color scheme. The shadowy, grungy backdrop fits the villainous team perfectly. It is a fun example of Komayama adapting her style to match a totally different mood.
8. Galvantula 117/086
This card traces back to a Japanese Black and White era expansion, tied to the Psycho Drive and Night Unison sets, though it also appears under local Scarlet and Violet numbering. Galvantula’s electric personality practically jumps off the card. Komayama’s high energy, comic style linework gives the bug and electric type real attitude. The busy, vivid background patterns only add to the buzz.
7. Miriam 251/198
Featured in the Scarlet and Violet Base Set as a Special Illustration Rare, this card quickly became one of the era’s biggest chase cards. It shows the Academy nurse Miriam in the middle of a chaotic, slice of life moment. Books, clutter, and detail fill every corner of the scene. It is a perfect example of the storytelling energy Komayama is known for.
6. Gholdengo ex 252/182 & Gimmighoul 198/182
These two cards from Scarlet and Violet: Paradox Rift were designed to work together, with Gimmighoul as an Illustration Rare and Gholdengo ex as a Special Illustration Rare. Gimmighoul is shown hoarding coins while its evolved form Gholdengo sits surrounded by treasure. Both cards share a vibrant, graffiti inspired pop art style. Displayed side by side, they tell a small story of growth and fortune.
5. Charizard RC5/RC32, Charmeleon RC4/RC32, & Charmander RC3/RC32
Part of the Radiant Collection subset in the Generations set, this three card run is one of the most famous sequences in the entire TCG. Together they follow Charmander growing up alongside its Trainer, evolving step by step into a full grown Charizard. The artwork captures years of bonding in just three panels. It remains one of Komayama’s most beloved storytelling achievements.
4. Gengar TG06/TG30
Found in the Trainer Gallery of Sword and Shield: Lost Origin, this card places Gengar among Hisuian characters gathered around a campfire. The scene balances playful mischief with a warm, cozy atmosphere. Every character’s expression adds personality to the moment. It shows Komayama’s gift for blending humor with mood.
3. Bellibolt ex 279/217
This Special Illustration Rare from Scarlet and Violet: Paldea Evolved highlights Gym Leader Iono alongside her partner Bellibolt. Electric color palettes and geometric patterns fill the background with energy. Stream overlay motifs give it a modern, online creator feel that fits Iono’s character perfectly. It is a bold, high energy standout in her card catalog.
2. Deoxys VMAX GG45/GG70
Pulled from the Galarian Gallery in Crown Zenith, this card shows Deoxys VMAX in its Defense Form standing tall against an alien, sci-fi backdrop. The cosmic setting proves Komayama can shift smoothly from slice of life scenes to full blown science fiction. Deep space colors and otherworldly detail make the card feel massive in scale. Many fans rank it among the top cards from the entire Crown Zenith set.
1. Starmie V TG13/TG30
Sitting at the top spot, this Trainer Gallery card from Sword and Shield: Astral Radiance is widely considered Komayama’s ultimate masterpiece. It depicts Gym Leader Misty relaxing in a sunlit pool as Starmie floats calmly beside her. The composition feels serene, warm, and full of rich color. It is the card most fans point to when describing why they love her art.
Komayama’s story is far from over, and her next big spotlight comes with the upcoming Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration set. This anniversary release includes a special 30-card Pikachu subset, with every booster pack guaranteeing a unique fireworks foil pull. Komayama joins a legendary lineup of illustrators for the occasion, contributing a cheerful piece of Pikachu bounding across a pink plain under a halftone sky. Her signature pastel tones and playful motion make it a fitting tribute to one of the game’s most beloved artists.
Disclosure: Links on this page use a referral system that helps support the content, at no extra cost to you.
