Scarlet & Violet: Paradox Rift - Top 10 Most Beautiful Cards in the Set

With the release of Scarlet & Violet: Paradox Rift, I'll be discussing my personal list of the most beautiful cards in this set.

I'll stress this is only my take, and, based on this, let's begin:

10 - Garchomp ex Terastal (Full Art - 245/182)

Garchomp had already been highlighted in the special "151" set with an artwork by Oswaldo KATO, who was working with The Pokémon Company for the first time ever.

One card rarity depicting this Pokémon brings it crystallized with the "Terastal" effect, and the artist managed to capture the same essence Akira Egawa did with their Charizard ex sv3 223. Like so, it kept this Pokémon's colors with the same "stained-glass" effect, without losing the identity and the visual dialogue of the card's art.

9 - Roaring Moon ex (Special Illustration Rare - 251/182)

This artwork is quite vivid, showing this Pokémon's splendor roaring to the ones below it, showing them it is a more threatening predator, precisely as it was in Jurassic times.

In case the artist's name, Ryota Murayama, isn't familiar to you: they are responsible for the artwork of many Charizards released in this franchise, like in Sun/Moon: Dragon Majesty, Sun/Moon: Unbroken Bonds, and Sword/Shield: Brilliant Stars.

Besides that, Murayama has drawn other Pokémon, like the Hoenn Legendary Trio: Groudon-EX PRC 85 and Kyogre-EX PRC 54 from X/Y: Primal Clash, and Rayquaza-EX ROS 75 from X/Y: Roaring Skies.

And for Eeveelutions fans, he was also responsible for the artwork on Espeon LOT 89 and Umbreon LOT 120 from Sun/Moon: Lost Thunder.

Of course, for those who collect trainers with their signature Pokémon, he drew Red with his Pikachu in the Sword/Shield: Lost Origin set on Trainers' Gallery.

8 - Loudred (Illustration Rare - 212/182)

This art was inspired by "Pop Art", an artistic style from the 60s and 70s that presented the use of vivid colors and the mix of several artistic elements at once, besides geometric forms with highlights and dynamic movement, typical in comic book styles.

Many musicians at the time, like David Bowie, and also the Japanese Pop-Music were influenced by this style, and used it in their album covers in these decades; as Loudred is a Pokémon associated with sound, the combination of this type of choice with its concepts was very well-executed by NC Empire.

Some of their recent works in Scarlet/Violet were Boss's Orders (Ghetsis) sv2 172 and Charmander PR-SV 47.

But, for those who are Charizard fans, you'll recognize them for their work in Sword/Shield: Vivid Voltage's pre-release illustration.

7 - Blitzle (Illustration Rare - 195/182)

This artwork conquers you by its atmosphere, in which we can see the forest's richness in detail with old tree trunks and a somewhat "decaying" vegetation; it seems to be Fall, and the darkness that takes over the place is contrasted by this Pokémon's shiny mane. It is a work that showcases a refined technique.

This artwork was done by matazo. It is their second commission for this company; their first was Lapras sv3 45.

6 - Iron Jugulis (Illustration Rare - 216/182)

This artwork with a style similar to a render, with granulated and flat colors, gives it a "futuristic" air that was adopted by the current public as "Vapor Wave" was revived as an art style, which uses neon elements and also focuses on technology. There is also sun at dawn, with shades of lilac and orange, quite common in this type of artwork, that mix a slightly dark blue in this gradient composition, almost like someone used "Paint's spray paint tool" to create these layers, which was genius.

As this is depicting a "future" Pokémon theme, Hydreigon in this model, the artistic goal produced something very interesting.

And, of course, the one responsible for this artwork was GIDORA, which is a well-known name here at Cards Realm.

Their main work was on Charmander and Charmeleon's lines on "151" special set.

For Charizard fans, this artist was responsible for this Pokémon's artwork in the Trainers' Gallery in Sword/Shield: Lost Origin.

5 - Porygon-Z (Illustration Rare - 214/182)

This artwork with the Pokémon as a "streamer", considering it is associated with computers and technology in general, was a genius call by the artist, GOSSAN.

There is also the vividness of the colors in this room with several electronic devices, such as a video game in the corner (looks a bit like a "Nintendo 64"). We also have a radio, and a setup for a "gamer" or "streamer". The most curious thing is that on the shelf there are a few collectibles; the "Amiibo" figurines (which are made by Nintendo themselves) from "Super Smash Bros".

GOSSAN is also new to the company, with only one illustration under their belt in Sword/Shield: Brilliant Star, but their biggest peak was with the promotional Snorlax cards in "151"'s Elite Trainer Box and the Trainers' Gallery collab of Silver and their Crobat in Sword/Shield: Lost Origin.

4 - Swablu (Illustration Rare - 213/182)

The simplicity of the Pokémon gathered on the steps, as if they are really normal birds just resting for a while, is very captivating.

The use of vivid colors, a well-drawn sky, the rocky steps well represented with a perspective angle and the plants' shadows are all beautiful.

And, of course, we can't forget the one responsible for this art piece: Jiro Sasumo, the champion from Pokémon Company/Creatures illustrations in 2020 with their Charizard.

3 - Altaria ex (Special Illustration Rare - 253/182)

Continuing Swablu's story sequence in the previous artwork, they evolved and now fly with their Wingull friends, showing the local scene's splendor through an aerial view. Once again, Jiro Sagumo is responsible for this artwork.

2 - Aegislash (Illustration Rare - 210/182)

This artwork gets second place due to its more realistic tone, showing a highlight of a wall from an ancient fortress or castle, and, of course, alluding to this Pokémon as if it were armed with a sword and shield, showing the historical context.

The detail on the bricks, the stone chair, the moss that is peeking through the cracks on the sockets of the masonry, and also the floor vegetation; everything is perfect in this artwork made by Takumi Wada. This card is their first official work in a Pokémon set, on the Scarlet/Violet block, as they worked on Zelda: Breath of the Wild before.

Their first three pieces were showcased in an expo promoted by the Japanese Pokémon Company in 2022, which depicted: Zacian, Gardevoir and Dragonite (which weren't released in the West).

1 - Groudon (Illustration Rare - 199/182)

This art shows Groudon's grandiosity as sovereign of the "earthly masses", which is its role in the Pokémon world as a legendary Pokémon.

The volcanic eruptions, the contrast between the lava touching the sea, solidifying it; all of this sums up this Pokémon's story in their eternal rivalry with Kyogre.

And on top of it, majestically, similar to a "kaiju", Groudon also references a Jewish inspiration, as a Behemoth interpretation.

This artwork was created by Nurikabe, the same artist behind Tyranitar sv2 222's artwork from Scarlet/Violet: Paldea Evolved. There are also some works by them that stand out, such as Aerodactyl V LOR 180.

Tulip (Special Illustration Rare - 259/182)

We have in this piece the trademark of the grandiose Akira Egawa, which can draw very realistic artworks.

Here we see the character with Dendra in a dressing room, considering Tulip is a model in the game's stories.

Espathra (Illustration Rare - 197/182)

We have here another artwork by Akira Egawa, and with Tulip's main Pokémon.

Espathra is a Psychic type, can reach 200km/h and their abilities are transmitted through their eyes to paralyze their enemies. It is an aggressive Pokémon.

Similar to an "ostrich", it appears on mountains or deserts, as it is well-represented on the card.

Golisopod ex (Special Illustration Rare - 246/182)

Once again, Oku, the artist, returns with more serious artworks, making Bug Pokémon tougher and more majestic. After their success with Scizor sv3 205 in Obsidian Flames, they return with this magnificent Golisopod illustration, which appears to be below the sea, in some type of sunken ship.

In Paradox Rift, this Pokémon already has two additional artworks (counting with Golisopod ex, we have three artworks).

Professor Sada's Vitality (Special Illustration Rare - 256/182)

Once again, Ryota Murayama (the same artist behind Roaring Moon ex listed in our Top 10) returns with another card in these honorable mentions, which brings a gorgeous artwork depicting Sada.

Magby (Illustration Rare - 186/182)

This artwork's air of beauty is based on the color dynamic used on the lava, which is something that hypnotizes us. This beautiful work was done by Mina Hakai, which has worked for The Pokémon Company since the Sun & Moon era.

Their most recent works were Koraidon PR-SV 14 and Cleffa PR-SV 37.

Snorunt (Illustration Rare - 188/182)

Just like Magby, this artwork stands out because of the ambience, showing somewhere with a beautiful winter landscape, and the Pokémon playing in their natural habitat, which gives this artistic composition and the Pokémon a more innocent and fun tone.

The artist, Narumi Sato, has a great career, as she has taken part in 2018's Grand Prix illustration, reaching top 8 with their Eevee artwork. Ever since then, they started to work for the company.

For eeveelution fans, they created works like Glaceon V EVS 175 and Eevee sv3pt5 133.

Regarding pre-release promo cards, they worked on Snorlax PR-SW SWSH068 and Pyukumuku PR-SW SWSH169.

Steelix (Illustration Rare - 208/182)

Closing our honorable mentions, again, this artwork's composition landscape is what stands out with Steelix: inside this construction site, we can see Timburr and Gurdurr, which are Pokémon essentially characterized by supporting beams and construction structures, and Steelix is acting as a scaffold for the workers.

What did you think of this list? How would you build your Top 10 most beautiful Scarlet & Violet: Paradox Rift cards? Comment down below!

See you next time!