Zapdos – Wizards Black Star Promos (#23)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Zapdos (#23) is a Promo card from Base - Wizards Black Star Promos released in 1999. It showcases artwork by Toshinao Aoki and the Lightning Burn attack (30 damage), Flip a coin. If heads, and if your opponent has any Benched Pokémon, choose 1 of them. This attack does 30 damage to that Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.) If tails, Zapdos does 30 damage to itself.. TCGplayer market price sits around $10.10, Cardmarket average sale is €9.76, Floor listings start near €0.39.
- TCGplayer market price: $10.10
- Cardmarket trend price: €6.68
- Recent low listing: €0.39
Card Details
- Set
- Wizards Black Star Promos
- Card Number
- 23
- Rarity
- ✨ Promo
- Illustrator
- 🎨 Toshinao Aoki
- HP
- 70
- Type
- ⚡ Lightning
- Resistances
- Fighting -30
- Retreat Cost
- 1 (Colorless)
Attacks & Strategy
-
Lightning Burn
[Lightning, Lightning, Lightning]
— 30
Flip a coin. If heads, and if your opponent has any Benched Pokémon, choose 1 of them. This attack does 30 damage to that Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.) If tails, Zapdos does 30 damage to itself.
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Zapdos from Wizards Black Star Promos (Promo) represents an interesting addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 1999, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator Toshinao Aoki.
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 Zapdos 23 is legal for tournament play in Unlimited format.
Key Attack: Zapdos's Lightning Burn deals 30 damage for Lightning + Lightning + Lightning energy. Special effect: Flip a coin. If heads, and if your opponent has any Benched Pokémon, choose 1 of them. This attack d...
Stats Overview: 70 HP • Lightning Type • Resistant to Fighting -30
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Zapdos Cards
Looking for other Zapdos cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wizards Black Star Promos #23 ← Current | 70 | 1 attack | Promo | $10.10 |
�📦 Wizards Black Star Promos Set Context
This Zapdos is part of the Wizards Black Star Promos expansion , released as part of the Base series in 1999.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by Toshinao Aoki, 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 Zapdos card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
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
- Promo cards from Wizards Black Star Promos are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by Toshinao Aoki 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: Zapdos 23 was released in 1999 in the Wizards Black Star Promos expansion. This set is part of the Base series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.
Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by Toshinao Aoki. Professional Pokémon TCG artists undergo rigorous selection and bring unique styles to the game. View complete portfolio →
Set Popularity: Wizards Black Star Promos 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 Zapdos have carved out niches in various competitive formats throughout Pokémon TCG history. Currently legal in Unlimited format.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Zapdos card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- 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: Zapdos works best in Lightning type decks.