Raikou – Dark Explorers (#105)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Raikou (#105) is a Rare Ultra card from Black & White - Dark Explorers released in 2012. It showcases artwork by 5ban Graphics and the Thunder Fang attack (30 damage), Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokémon is now Paralyzed.. TCGplayer market price sits around $140.00, Cardmarket average sale is €116.14, Floor listings start near €9.00.
- TCGplayer market price: $140.00
- Cardmarket trend price: €81.43
- Recent low listing: €9.00
Card Details
- Set
- Dark Explorers
- Card Number
- 105
- Rarity
- ✨ Rare Ultra
- Illustrator
- 🎨 5ban Graphics
- HP
- 170
- Type
- ⚡ Lightning
- Weaknesses
- Fighting ×2
- Retreat Cost
- 1 (Colorless)
Attacks & Strategy
-
Thunder Fang
[Lightning, Colorless]
— 30
Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokémon is now Paralyzed. -
Volt Bolt
[Lightning, Lightning, Colorless]
Discard all Lightning Energy attached to this Pokémon. This attack does 100 damage to 1 of your opponent's Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness or Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Raikou from Dark Explorers (Rare Ultra) represents a premium addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2012, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator 5ban Graphics.
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 Raikou 105 is legal for tournament play in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
Key Attack: Raikou's Thunder Fang deals 30 damage for Lightning + Colorless energy. Special effect: Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokémon is now Paralyzed.
Stats Overview: 170 HP • Lightning Type • Weak to Fighting ×2
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Raikou Cards
Looking for other Raikou cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Explorers #105 ← Current | 170 | 2 attacks | Rare Ultra | $140.00 |
�📦 Dark Explorers Set Context
This Raikou is part of the Dark Explorers expansion , released as part of the Black & White series in 2012. As a Rare Ultra card, it represents one of the premium pulls from this set.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by 5ban Graphics, 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.
💎 Professional Grading Guide
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Raikou card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 3-6x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 3-5x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk
💡 Should You Grade This Card?
- Yes, consider grading if: Premium rarity card in Near Mint+ 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
- Rare Ultra cards from Dark Explorers are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by 5ban Graphics resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
- Lightning typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Raikou 105 was released in 2012 in the Dark Explorers expansion. This set is part of the Black & White series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.
Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by 5ban Graphics. This artist is known for creating premium illustration rare and special rare artwork that collectors highly value. View complete portfolio →
Rarity & Collectibility: As a Rare Ultra card, this Raikou is among the premium chase cards from Dark Explorers. These premium versions typically hold value better than common printings.
Set Popularity: Dark Explorers is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.
Competitive History: Lightning type Pokémon like Raikou with versatile attack options provide flexibility in deck building and can adapt to different matchups. Currently legal in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Raikou card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- Magnetic holders recommended
- Binders with side-loading pages
- Storage boxes (800-count)
- ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
- Premium display cases
- Pair with Lightning energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Raikou works best in Lightning type decks. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies.