Dark-pupitar – Team Rocket Returns (#40)

Dark-pupitar Pokémon card — Team Rocket Returns #40, Uncommon
Illustration Rare artwork showcased in the Scarlet & Violet: Team Rocket Returns expansion.

Price Overview & Key Facts

Dark-pupitar (#40) is an Uncommon card from EX - Team Rocket Returns released in 2004. It showcases artwork by Tomoaki Imakuni and the Explosive Evolution attack, Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 10 damage to each of your opponent's Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance.) Then, search your deck for a card that evolves from Dark Pupitar and put it on Dark Pupitar. (This counts as evolving Dark Pupitar.) Shuffle your deck afterward.. TCGplayer market price sits around $1.72, Cardmarket average sale is €0.85, Floor listings start near €0.07.

  • TCGplayer market price: $1.72
  • Cardmarket trend price: €1.33
  • Recent low listing: €0.07
Current Prices: €1.33 (CM) $1.72 (TCG)

Card Details

Set
Team Rocket Returns
Card Number
40
Rarity
✨ Uncommon
Illustrator
🎨 Tomoaki Imakuni
HP
70
Type
✊ Fighting, 🌙 Darkness
Weaknesses
Grass ×2
Retreat Cost
1 (Colorless)
Evolves To
Tyranitar

Attacks & Strategy

  • Explosive Evolution [Colorless]
    Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 10 damage to each of your opponent's Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance.) Then, search your deck for a card that evolves from Dark Pupitar and put it on Dark Pupitar. (This counts as evolving Dark Pupitar.) Shuffle your deck afterward.
  • Double Tackle [Fighting, Colorless]
    Does 20 damage to each Defending Pokémon.
⚔️ Evolution Strategy: Consider pairing with Tyranitar for a complete evolution line in competitive decks.

💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential

Dark-pupitar from Team Rocket Returns (Uncommon) represents an interesting addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2004, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator Tomoaki Imakuni.

Market Trends: Current market conditions show moderate interest in this card.

Investment Considerations: Vintage cards from this era have shown strong long-term appreciation potential.

⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability

This Dark-pupitar 40 is legal for tournament play in Unlimited format.

Key Attack: Dark-pupitar's Explosive Evolution for Colorless energy. Special effect: Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 10 damage to each of your opponent's Pokémon. (Don't apply W...

Stats Overview: 70 HP • Fighting/Darkness Type • Weak to Grass ×2

Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.

� Compare Dark-pupitar Cards

Looking for other Dark-pupitar cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.

Set HP Attacks Rarity Avg Price
Team Rocket Returns #40 ← Current 70 2 attacks Uncommon $1.72

Browse all Dark-pupitar cards →

�📦 Team Rocket Returns Set Context

This Dark-pupitar is part of the Team Rocket Returns expansion , released as part of the EX series in 2004.

Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by Tomoaki Imakuni, whose distinctive illustration style has made their cards highly collectible. Explore more cards illustrated by this artist to discover similar art styles and collecting themes.

View all chase cards from Team Rocket Returns →

💎 Professional Grading Guide

Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Dark-pupitar card. Here's what you need to know:

🥇 PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x

Best for: High-value cards, modern sets

🥈 BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x

Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering

🥉 CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 1.5-3x

Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk

💡 Should You Grade This Card?

  • Yes, consider grading if: Card value exceeds $20 and is in excellent condition
  • Grading cost: $20-100+ per card (depending on service level)
  • Break-even point: Card should be worth $50+ raw to justify grading costs
  • Turnaround time: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on service

Collector Notes

  • Uncommon cards from Team Rocket Returns are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
  • The illustration by Tomoaki Imakuni resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
  • Fighting, Darkness typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.

📚 Card History & Trivia

Release Information: Dark-pupitar 40 was released in 2004 in the Team Rocket Returns expansion. This set is part of the EX series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.

Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by Tomoaki Imakuni. Professional Pokémon TCG artists undergo rigorous selection and bring unique styles to the game. View complete portfolio →

Set Popularity: Team Rocket Returns is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.

Competitive History: Fighting type Pokémon like Dark-pupitar with versatile attack options provide flexibility in deck building and can adapt to different matchups. Currently legal in Unlimited format.

🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building

Maximize the value and playability of your Dark-pupitar card with these essential products:

🎴 Card Protection
  • Penny sleeves: Basic protection
  • Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
  • Top loaders: Display & storage
📦 Storage Solutions
  • Binders with side-loading pages
  • Storage boxes (800-count)
  • ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
  • Premium display cases
⚔️ Deck Building
  • Pair with Fighting energy cards
  • Energy acceleration trainers
  • Draw support & consistency cards

💡 Deck Building Tip: Dark-pupitar works best in Fighting type decks. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies.

🛒 Where to Buy Dark-pupitar & Explore More

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