The minute Obsidian Flames dropped, collectors were immediately drawn to the bold Charizard ex cards and the wide mix of Illustration Rares. It may not have as many alternate arts as Evolving Skies, but the set carved out a strong place in the Scarlet & Violet era thanks to its fiery theming and a few surprises along the way.
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Series: Scarlet & Violet
Obsidian Flames Release Date: August 11, 2023
Set Abbreviation: OBF
10. Pidgeotto (Illustration Rare) – $5.88
Card Number: #208/197
Rarity: Illustration Rare
Pidgeotto might not be a heavy hitter, but this Illustration Rare has fun retro-style art that stands out from the pack. It’s one of the cheaper chases in the set, but a nice pick for fans of the early-game Kanto birds.
9. Pidgey (Illustration Rare) – $7.36
Card Number: #207/197
Rarity: Illustration Rare
This card has a quirky pop-art vibe, with multiple Pidgey filling the frame over a bold yellow background. It’s different from most Illustration Rares and has become a bit of a cult favorite among collectors due to it's unique art style!
8. Scizor (Illustration Rare) – $10.00
Card Number: #205/197
Rarity: Illustration Rare
Scizor gets a fiery red treatment in this Illustration Rare, with the steel mantis glowing against a blazing backdrop. The artwork is aggressive and matches the Pokémon’s battle reputation perfectly.
7. Gloom (Illustration Rare) — $11.56
Card Number: #198/197
Rarity: Illustration Rare
Few expected Gloom to get such a beautiful card. This Illustration Rare sets the droopy Kanto Pokémon against a lush, neon forest with glowing plants and trippy colors. It’s the kind of design that stands out in a binder and shows how Obsidian Flames had fun with even less-loved Pokémon.
6. Charizard ex (Ultra Rare) – $13.01
Card Number: #215/197
Rarity: Ultra Rare
One of several Charizards in the set, this version keeps things straightforward. Collectors still chase it for the name recognition alone, and its presence helps round out Obsidian Flames as a very Zard-heavy expansion.
5. Pidgeot ex (Secret Illustration Rare) – $13.22
Card Number: #225/197
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
Pidgeot ex swoops in with sharp artwork and some competitive potential. While it doesn’t rival the Charizards in value, it’s the most desirable card of the Pidgey line in Obsidian Flames.
4. Cleffa (Illustration Rare) — $17.18
Card Number: #202/197
Rarity: Illustration Rare
Cleffa’s Illustration Rare is pure serenity. Set against a starlit sky and calm waters, the tiny baby Pokémon glows softly as if bathed in moonlight. It’s one of the most peaceful and quietly stunning cards in Obsidian Flames, giving collectors a break from the fire and fury in so many other places in this set.
3. Charizard ex (Hyper Rare) — $25.84
Card Number: #228/197
Rarity: Hyper Rare
One of Obsidian Flames’ beautiful Charizard cards, this Hyper Rare showcases a stunning gold background. It feels modern and fresh, standing apart from traditional Zard artwork. It’s not the most expensive card in the set, but Zard collectors always chase every variant.
2. Ninetales (Illustration Rare) — $25.58
Card Number: #199/197
Rarity: Illustration Rare
This Illustration Rare is all about atmosphere. Golden light filters through a forest as Ninetales unfurls its tails in a radiant swirl. The scene feels almost mythical, fitting for one of Kanto’s most elegant Pokémon. Nostalgia plus stunning art keep this card in the chase tier.
1. Charizard ex (Special Illustration Rare) — $127.15
Card Number: #223/197
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
The star of Obsidian Flames. This Special Illustration Rare depicts Charizard bursting through a cracked obsidian backdrop, wings spread wide, flames roaring. It’s dramatic, it’s cinematic, and it’s everything collectors want in a Zard card. At over $120, it’s easily the set’s crown jewel and the centerpiece of Obsidian Flames.
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Final Thoughts
Obsidian Flames might not have the sheer depth of hits like Paldea Evolved, but its highlights are memorable. Between creative Illustration Rares like Gloom and Ninetales and the inevitable dominance of Charizard, it carved out a strong identity in the Scarlet & Violet block.
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