Zekrom – Next Destinies (#97)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Zekrom (#97) is a Rare Ultra card from Black & White - Next Destinies released in 2012. It showcases artwork by 5ban Graphics and the Glinting Claw attack (50+ damage), Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 30 more damage.. TCGplayer market price sits around $160.45, Cardmarket average sale is €54.57, Floor listings start near €9.87.
- TCGplayer market price: $160.45
- Cardmarket trend price: €61.29
- Recent low listing: €9.87
Card Details
- Set
- Next Destinies
- Card Number
- 97
- Rarity
- ✨ Rare Ultra
- Illustrator
- 🎨 5ban Graphics
- HP
- 180
- Type
- ⚡ Lightning
- Weaknesses
- Fighting ×2
- Retreat Cost
- 3 (Colorless, Colorless, Colorless)
Attacks & Strategy
-
Glinting Claw
[Lightning, Colorless, Colorless]
— 50+
Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 30 more damage. -
Strong Volt
[Lightning, Lightning, Colorless, Colorless]
— 150
Discard 2 Energy attached to this Pokémon.
💡 Excellent damage-to-energy ratio (37.5 per energy).
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Zekrom from Next Destinies (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 Zekrom 97 is legal for tournament play in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
Key Attack: Zekrom's Glinting Claw deals 50+ damage for Lightning + Colorless + Colorless energy. Special effect: Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 30 more damage.
Stats Overview: 180 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 Zekrom Cards
Looking for other Zekrom cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Next Destinies #97 ← Current | 180 | 2 attacks | Rare Ultra | $160.45 |
�📦 Next Destinies Set Context
This Zekrom is part of the Next Destinies 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 Zekrom 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 Next Destinies 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: Zekrom 97 was released in 2012 in the Next Destinies 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 Zekrom is among the premium chase cards from Next Destinies. These premium versions typically hold value better than common printings.
Set Popularity: Next Destinies 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 Zekrom 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 Zekrom 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: Zekrom works best in Lightning type decks.