Charizard ex: Obsidian Flames' Modern Icon
Learn about the Charizard ex from Obsidian Flames, the card that brought Charizard into the Scarlet and Violet era and created a new generation of collectors.
Charizard ex Obsidian Flames: A New Era for the Fire Dragon
The Charizard ex (215/197) from Obsidian Flames marked Charizard's grand entrance into the Scarlet and Violet era of the Pokemon TCG. Released in August 2023, this Special Art Rare (SAR) version quickly became the most sought-after card in the set. Collectors across Sacramento, San Francisco, the Bay Area, and all of Northern California flooded card shops to chase this modern Charizard.
Card Design and the SAR Treatment
The Scarlet and Violet era introduced a new rarity tier called Special Art Rare (SAR), replacing the alt art designation from Sword and Shield. The Charizard ex SAR showcases what this new treatment can achieve:
- Full Bleed Artwork: The illustration extends edge to edge with no traditional card border
- Dynamic Pose: Charizard is depicted mid-flight with flames trailing behind it
- Textured Embossing: Physical texture on the card surface adds a premium feel
- Tera Type Crystal: The Dark Tera type crystal integrates into the card's design
- Artist: The illustration captures both power and elegance in a single frame
Gameplay Impact
Charizard ex was a competitive contender in the Scarlet and Violet format. Its Burning Dark attack dealt 180 damage plus 30 more for each Prize card the opponent had taken, scaling up as the game progressed. This comeback mechanic made Charizard ex a threat that grew more dangerous as you fell behind, creating exciting game scenarios. The Dark Tera type gave Charizard unusual resistances and weaknesses, shaking up traditional type matchups in tournaments across San Jose, Oakland, and national events.
Market Value and Modern Charizard Hierarchy
The Charizard ex SAR from Obsidian Flames established strong value from day one. PSA 10 copies sell for $200-$400, and raw near-mint copies trade at $80-$150. While not reaching the heights of Charizard VMAX Champion's Path at its peak, the Obsidian Flames Charizard benefits from being the first major Charizard of a new era. In the hierarchy of modern Charizard cards, it sits comfortably among the top tier.
The Charizard Tax Continues
The Pokemon TCG community has long recognized the "Charizard Tax," the premium that any card featuring Charizard commands over comparable cards. Obsidian Flames is a prime example: while the set contains other excellent cards, the Charizard ex SAR accounts for the majority of the set's secondary market value. This phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down, as each new generation of fans discovers Charizard and drives demand. Collectors in Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, and Stockton know that Charizard cards are always in demand.
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