People are catching Pokémon 30th Anniversary Celebration First Partner Promo cards all over the place! The Pokémon Company launched the First Partner Illustration Collection series, featuring Illustration Rare style promo cards that pay homage to starter Pokémon from every region.
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These cards are being released in waves throughout the year, with each one sporting a special 30th Anniversary Pikachu head stamp. Here is a full breakdown of every card in Series 1.
9. Popplio 045
Popplio is shown blowing a large water bubble on a beach, with the bubble reflecting the Alolan sky and a distant Mantine. This card has gained a lot of attention from collectors since it marks Popplio’s first featured appearance in the TCG in several years.
8. Rowlet 043
The artwork shows Rowlet camouflaged among the lush leaves of a Berry tree, with a few Oran Berries scattered at its feet. As part of the Alolan trio, this card also features a hidden Z-Ring symbol tucked away in the background scenery.
7. Litten 044
Litten is depicted grooming itself on a wooden porch in Iki Town, perfectly capturing the Alolan sunset in the background. The lighting in this illustration is especially praised for its use of deep oranges and purples.
6. Chimchar 041
Chimchar is shown swinging from a branch near the Oreburgh Mines, with sparks from its tail illuminating the surrounding rocks. This card completes the Sinnoh panorama, forming a cohesive landscape when placed between Turtwig and Piplup.
5. Turtwig 040
This card features Turtwig standing near a clear pond, with its reflection visible in the water alongside a swimming Magikarp. The soft, pastoral art style emphasizes the peaceful and grounded nature of the Sinnoh grass starter.
4. Piplup 042
Piplup is illustrated sliding down a snowy slope in the Sinnoh region, with the peak of Mount Coronet visible in the distance. The card captures Piplup’s proud yet clumsy nature through a dynamic, action-oriented pose.
3. Bulbasaur 037
The artwork shows Bulbasaur resting in a sun-drenched Viridian Forest, with sunlight filtering through the canopy in a God ray effect. It is also the first card in the Kanto panoramic trio, connecting seamlessly to the Charmander 038 illustration.
2. Squirtle 039
Squirtle is depicted surfing on a gentle wave near the Seafoam Islands, surrounded by small Krabby and Staryu in the background. The card is praised for its vibrant blues and the playful, spirited expression on Squirtle’s face.
1. Charmander 038
This card features Charmander standing before a glowing ember in a darkened cave, a subtle nod to the iconic episode where it was first discovered. The artwork uses a warm, high-contrast palette that highlights the 30th Anniversary Pikachu stamp in the bottom right corner.
Upcoming: First Partner Illustration Collection (Series 2)
Series 2 is set to release on June 19, 2026, continuing the panoramic theme with a new set of regions and a matching abstract art style. The upcoming wave will cover Johto, Unova, and Galar, featuring starters like Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble.
Each English First Partner Illustration Collection box includes 1 Promo Booster Pack with 3 random Illustration Rare promos, 2 regular booster packs from recent sets, and 1 sticker sheet featuring the starter Pokémon from that series. If Series 1 is anything to go by, Series 2 is shaping up to be another must-have for collectors and Pokémon fans alike.
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