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Charizard holo card art from Arceus set (pl4)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Overview

Charizard is a Fire-type Pokémon represented on a highly sought-after holo foil card from the Arceus expansion (pl4). This card captures Charizard as a Stage 2 evolution, evolving from Charmeleon, and showcases a dynamic battle presence with a high-energy mechanic that emphasizes Fire-type synergy on the player's bench. As a Rare Holo, this version of Charizard stands out in both playability and collectability within the era’s competitive decks and in collector-focused display sets.

Card Information

Name: Charizard
Set: Arceus (pl4)
Card Number: 1 (localId: 1)
Rarity: Rare Holo
Type: Fire
Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Charmeleon)
Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
Dex Number: 6
Variants: Normal, Holo, Reverse Holo (First Edition not listed, promo not present)
Weakness: Water (+30)
Resistance: Fighting (-20)
Retreat Cost: 3
Attacks:
- Fire Wing — 30 damage (cost: Fire)
- Burning Tail — 80 damage (cost: Fire, Fire, Colorless); Effect: Discard a Fire Energy attached to Charizard.
Ability: Fire Formation (Poke-BODY) — Each of Charizard's attacks does 10 more damage for each Fire Pokémon on your Bench to your opponent's Active Pokémon (before applying Weakness and Resistance).
Legal in formats (as of data): Standard – False; Expanded – False
Estimated release context: Card from the early 2000s–2010s era, with holo presentation that appeals to both players and collectors.

Gameplay and Strategy

The core mechanic of this Charizard hinges on the Fire Formation Poke-BODY, which increases the damage of all Charizard-attacks by 10 for each Fire Pokémon on the player’s bench. This creates a strategic incentive to populate the bench with Fire-type Pokémon, enabling progressively stronger attacks as the game unfolds. In practical terms, the card rewards a deck built around bench management and Fire-energy synergy.

Two primary attacks form the backbone of Charizard’s offensive potential:

Fire Wing for 30 base damage. While modest on its own, the Fire Formation ability can boost this output significantly if multiple Fire Pokémon flank Charizard on the bench, potentially turning a routine swing into a finishing blow against an opponent’s Active Pokémon.
Burning Tail for 80 base damage, with the additional cost of discarding a Fire Energy from Charizard. This high-damage option comes with energy-cost considerations, meaning players must plan for consistent Fire Energy acceleration or recycling to sustain Burning Tail over multiple turns.

Strategic considerations include:

Calculating optimal bench size: The damage boost is proportional to the number of Fire Pokémon on the bench, so players may deliberately field multiple Fire-types (and ensure Charizard remains supported by healing or energy-recovery tools to maintain board presence).
Energy management: Burning Tail’s discard cost requires a reliable Fire Energy supply or a plan to recoup or recast energies—particularly important in longer games or matchups where energy acceleration is constrained.
Wildcard effects: If the player can leverage other Fire-type Pokémon or Trainer cards that interact with the bench, Charizard’s damage output can scale quickly, making it a potential late-game pressure card.
Defense and tempo considerations: Charizard’s retreat cost of 3 imposes a tempo constraint; players typically balance offensive pressure with retreat timing to protect Charizard from unfavorable matchups.

In formats where older sets are legal, cards that fetch Fire Energy or accelerate Fire energies from the deck to the bench can synergize with Fire Formation, helping maintain momentum even as direct damage scales with bench size. The card’s vulnerability to Water-type attacks (which thwart Fire-leaning strategies) remains a consistent factor in matchup planning.

Collector and Market Information

As a Rare Holo from the Arceus set, Charizard pl4-1 holds notable appeal for collectors in addition to its in-game utility during the era’s competition. The card’s holo foil treatment, combined with the Charizard character’s enduring popularity, typically places it as a focal point in many vintage collections.

Pricing snapshots from major market trackers (as of late 2025) indicate a split between non-holo and holo variants. CardMarket prices show a non-holo average around €22.99, with holo variants trending higher in certain windows (holos often reflecting broader market demand and supply dynamics). Specific holo trend figures show a competitive spread, with holo average values around the mid-tire of the displayed range and higher volatility in short-term intervals.

TCGPlayer price data for holofoil Charizard pl4-1 reveals a wide price spectrum, reflecting the card’s role as a collectible staple. Reported low prices for holofoil copies are in the mid-$20s to low-$30s, mid prices in the $40s, and high listings approaching the upper end of three-figure values in exceptional cases. Reverse-holo copies show a similar pattern, with market prices often reflecting the general scarcity of pristine examples and the desirability of the character in holo form.

In terms of playability and collectability, the card’s status as not legal in Standard or Expanded formats means its market value is driven primarily by collectors and casual players who value vintage or foil-centric Charizard variants. Grading and condition, centering, edge wear, and surface gloss for holo cards substantially impact value, particularly given Charizard’s iconic status within the franchise.

Art and Lore

The artwork, illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno, captures Charizard with a dynamic silhouette and vivid fire effects characteristic of the era’s holo cards. Himeno’s style for Charizard emphasizes bold lines, dramatic motion, and a fiery palette that showcases Charizard’s legendary status within the Pokémon universe. The Arceus set’s design language—combining bold holo patterns with classic character art—cements Charizard’s place as a flagship card for collectors who favor both artistry and nostalgia.

Beyond aesthetics, Charizard as a Pokémon holds a central place in Pokémon lore as a powerful Fire-type ally known for its leadership in battles and its long-standing status as a fan favorite. This card’s portrayal aligns with the broader cultural resonance of Charizard within the TCG, where its holo-print and Stage 2 status reflect the archetypal journey of a powerful Fire-type evolving from a mid-stage precursor to a formidable late-game threat.

Trivia

This Charizard card is a holo Rare from the Arceus expansion (pl4), with the local_id of 1 and a non-First Edition variant listed.
Its Poke-BODY, Fire Formation, uniquely enhances the damage of all Charizard’s attacks based on the number of Fire Pokémon on the bench, encouraging bench-based fire archetypes.
The card is not listed as legal in Standard or Expanded formats, reflecting its status as an older, non-rotating card from a vintage era.
The illustrator, Kagemaru Himeno, is recognized for contributing multiple iconic Pokémon artworks in various sets, with this Charizard featuring his distinctive style.
Pricing data suggests holo versions of this Charizard can command a premium among holo collectors, given the enduring popularity of Charizard and the set’s distinctive presentation.

CTA & NETWORK LINKS

Charizard — Pokémon TCG

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