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Bulbasaur card image from Genetic Apex set A1-001

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Overview

Bulbasaur is a basic Grass-type Pokémon card from the Genetic Apex expansion, identified by the set code A1 and card number 001. In this iteration, the card is classified with the rarity mark “One Diamond,” reflecting a distinctive rarity designation used within the Genetic Apex collection. The card presents Bulbasaur as a sturdy early-game option with modest hit points and a straightforward attack profile, suitable for initiating a Grass-type deck strategy. The artwork credits go to Narumi Sato, and the card features a seed that rests on Bulbasaur’s back, a motif that often appears in Bulbasaur’s line as it evolves through Ivysaur to Venusaur in the broader Pokémon universe. The card’s official description notes that the seed attached to Bulbasaur is present from birth and gradually increases in size as it grows, aligning with the evolution progression characteristic of this Pokémon species.

Card Information

Name: Bulbasaur
Set: Genetic Apex (A1)
Card Number: A1-001
Rarity: One Diamond
HP: 70
Type: Grass
Stage: Basic
Illustrator: Narumi Sato
Weakness: Fire (+20)
Retreat Cost: 1
Attack: Vine Whip — Cost: Grass, Colorless; Damage: 40
Evolution: Bulbasaur → Ivysaur → Venusaur (basic Bulbasaur forms part of the classic evolution line)
Legal in formats: Standard: false, Expanded: false
Variants & Availability: Normal, Holo, and Reverse variants exist; First Edition is not listed; Wrapper editions noted as non-promotional
Boosters: Included in booster collections linked to a promo line, such as the “Mewtwo” booster variant (id boo_A1-mewtwo)
Last Updated: 2025-05-18
Pricing (card market): cardmarket: None, tcgplayer: None
Image: https://assets.tcgdex.net/en/tcgp/A1/001

Gameplay and Strategy

The Bulbasaur card presents a classic early-game option for Grass-type decks. With 70 HP and a single, simple attack, the card is well-suited for introductory phases of a match, particularly in formats that emphasize quick setup and bench development. Vine Whip costs Grass and Colorless, dealing 40 damage, which provides a reliable early-stage attack while Bulbasaur remains on the bench or actively in play.

Strategic considerations for utilizing this Bulbasaur card include:

Early board presence: As a Basic Pokémon, Bulbasaur can be played on the first turn where possible, establishing a foundation for subsequent evolutions into Ivysaur and Venusaur. Its Grass typing aligns with support cards that accelerate Grass energy acceleration, quick attachment options, or status-conditioning effects that synergize with Grass-types in the Genetic Apex ecosystem.
Energy attachment planning: Players should plan energy acceleration to ensure a smooth transition from Bulbasaur to Ivysaur, typically ensuring that at least one Grass energy is attached to enable the next-stage attack or evolve on the next turn. While Vine Whip remains the primary option for Bulbasaur, future evolutions introduce more potent abilities that can leverage Bulbasaur’s base placement as a tempo-generating pivot.
Weakness management: Vulnerability to Fire-type attacks is a standard consideration for Grass decks. The +20 weakness modifier means opponents should anticipate a greater susceptibility to Fire-based strategies, prompting the inclusion of defensive strategies or energy denial to mitigate risk.
Deck archetypes: In a broader Genetic Apex or Grass-centered deck, Bulbasaur serves as a foundational card for pacing and resource generation. It pairs well with evolutions that add higher damage output, board disruption, or healing, as well as with trainer cards that facilitate energy retrieval, search, or bench manipulation.

In competitive contexts, Bulbasaur’s value lies less in raw damage output and more in its role within a chain of evolutions and the tempo of the opening turns. By sequencing energy attachment and evolution smoothly, a player can transition to Ivysaur and Venusaur with greater board presence, leveraging the evolved stage’s enhanced attacks and effects to pressure the opponent’s active Pokémon and benched threats.

Collector and Market Information

The Genetic Apex set’s A1 group characterizes Bulbasaur with a distinctive One Diamond rarity, signaling limited print runs and collectible appeal within the expansion. The official card count lists 226 cards in the set, with a total of 286 across all Genetic Apex releases, indicating a sizable card pool and potential variations. This particular Bulbasaur carries the A1 designation, accompanied by a unique set logo and symbol that identify it within the Genetic Apex lineup. The illustrated artwork by Narumi Sato contributes to the card’s aesthetic value, with holo and reverse holo variants noted in the card’s variants data, enhancing desirability for collectors who seek alternate foil versions of classic Pokémon characters.

Pricing data for this specific entry is not provided in the available card pricing fields, with both Card Market and TCGPlayer entries returning none. Market interest in Bulbasaur from Genetic Apex typically tracks with broader Grass-type and starter Pokémon demand, alongside the status of holo and reverse holo variants. Collectors may monitor the set’s booster releases and promo lines for potential reprints or special editions that could influence pricing dynamics over time. Those tracking market shifts should consider the rarity designation, variant availability, and the historical performance of starter-line cards in the Genetic Apex ecosystem when assessing value trajectories.

Art and Lore

Narumi Sato’s illustration for Bulbasaur in this Genetic Apex release emphasizes the Pokémon’s natural growth motif—the seed on its back that grows as it evolves. The design aligns with Bulbasaur’s canonical lore, where the seed is a living part of Bulbasaur’s biology and becomes a more prominent feature as the evolutionary line progresses. The artwork’s presentation contributes to the card’s collectible appeal, with holo variants offering an additional layer of visual depth that highlights the seed motif and Bulbasaur’s connection to nature and growth. The set’s visual identity, including the A1 logo and set symbol, reinforces Genetic Apex as a distinct chapter within the Pokémon TCG universe, linking this card to a broader narrative of genetic diversity and evolutionary potential among Grass-type Pokémon.

From a lore perspective, Bulbasaur is traditionally portrayed as a small, friendly starter with a seed on its back that gradually expands, signaling its readiness to evolve. In the context of the Genetic Apex release, this thematic symbolism receives a modernized treatment through illustrated artistry and foil variants, connecting the card to both its classic origins and contemporary collectible culture.

Trivia

The card features a seed-back concept that is explicitly described in its in-universe flavor text, indicating a growth process tied to Bulbasaur’s evolution line.
Genetic Apex introduces a unique rarity designation, One Diamond, which differentiates this Bulbasaur from more common Grass-type entries in other sets.
The card’s booster lineage includes a “Mewtwo” booster variant, suggesting cross-promotional or thematic booster releases within the Genetic Apex product line.
The card’s legal status in Standard and Expanded formats is listed as false, indicating that this specific release may not be sanctioned for those standard competitive formats, depending on official rotation and rules for genetic-era cards.
Illustration credits to Narumi Sato tie the card to a specific artist’s portfolio, contributing to the card’s collector value beyond gameplay.

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Bulbasaur

📘 Bulbasaur (Base Set 1/102)