Pokémon TCG Leak Shows Off New Special Illustration Rare Card For Surging Sparks

A newly revealed card features a different version of the dragon trainer Lisia with her Altaria. Players will have a low chance of getting this rare illustration version of the card. The card will be an alternate version of Lisia's Appeal, and have the same effect, allowing players to switch in one of their opponent's benched Basic Pokémon and apply the «confused» status to them.

The new card, spotted on PokéBeach, sports a dynamic full-card illustration of the dragon Pokémon trainer Lisia reaching toward the viewer with a wink. It also shows Ali, Lisia's Altaria, in the background. The illustration plays up the pair's pop-idol appeal, with Lisia's teal hair and pose making her look like a version of Hatsune Miku. The resemblance makes sense, since the artists of the card, Nabusawa and Mochipuyo, create art for BanG Dream idols and voice actors.

The new card design comes right after a leak that revealed all 64 cards in the next set. The set reveal is being blasted for the disappointing lack of Dragon Pokémon in a collection that's supposed to be all about dragons.

Lisia is a Dragon-type Pokémon trainer, but her inclusion may have more to do with her general appeal than her trainer prowess. Lisia shows up in the upcoming set in Japan on a regular trainer card and on a full art card, as well as on the official corresponding merch. It's expected to be a part of the set here in the West.

The newest addition to the Pokémon Trading Card Game features a beloved spiky turtle that fits right in with the new set's dragon theme.

The special illustration card may be drawn by a different artist and feature beautiful art, but it's not very different from the full-art card version of Lisia's Appeal. This has led some in the community to question the real reason behind her inclusion as a rare card. The character's appeal as a young, female trainer is undeniable, so she may be so heavily featured to compel fans to buy the deck.

The special illustration version of Lisia's Appeal