If I were to say 'Pikachu', even most people without a single ounce of Pokémon knowledge would understand what I'm talking about, and in some ways, Charizard comes a close second in being an official mascot for the Pokémon TCG. However, while Pikachu was only the focus of one Scarlet & Violet set (Surging Sparks), Charizard has had prevalence throughout. Now the Zard infection is spreading into the Mega Evolution era too, and you know what? I don't much care for Charizard, and I wish The Pokémon Company didn't either.
OK, that's probably a little harsh; I can't say that none of the bangers in our list of the best Charizard cards appeal to me. From the original shadowless gem to Phantasmal Flames' latest SIR, there've been some cracking Zards over the years, but at this point it's getting dull seeing him top the bill so darn often. Like going from having an incredible meal once in a while to having it every day, this dragon's flame is starting to dim, and I've gone from an enjoyer of the iconic 'mon to someone who could gladly go the rest of my Pokémon TCG collecting journey without seeing the winged doofus again.
With with every set having roughly 30 Illustration Rares or above to collect, there's limited space for headliners each time round, and it makes sense to focus on series heavyweights. Still, considering that newcomers join the ranks with each new game release, Charizard's prevalence seems to be not only unnecessary - it feels like nostalgia bait. The total number of Pokémon now readily available from every game, every anime, and every other piece of media the franchise has its paws in is now over 1,000. Surely there are a few more 'Mons deserving a chance in the spotlight?
I wish I had kept my Charizard collection from when I was eight years old, as it would probably be worth a small fortune, but my son, who is now getting into the series, wouldn't bat an eyelid at it. Koraidon? "That looks cool, Dad." Zacian? "I love his sword." Giratina? Well, if he likes her, that's on me. I love that legendary Pokémon more than any other. He, of course, loves Pikachu, but Charizard is nothing but a 'meh' to him. As more starters are introduced with each new entry into the franchise, the TCG's top echelon cards feel a bit stuck in the past, and it's holding back the excitement a fresh batch of 'mons could bring.
I'm not saying that The Pokémon Company should drop Charizard from all forms of the franchise, including the TCG; I'm not a monster, pocket or otherwise. But I wish the most expensive Pokémon cards from each expansion didn't revolve around whether scalpers or investors can get their hands on the latest Zard bait. Even based on my Phantasmal Flames review, the Charizard SIR is ridiculously overpriced considering that pull rates are fairly generous, and even though it's more common than Twilight Masquerades Greninja SIR, it's valued higher. Why? Because it's Charizard - that's all.
Charizard has gone from being a staple of the TCG - and an iconic Pokémon, second only to darling Pikachu - to being something that I roll my eyes at whenever the newest Pokémon set pops up, and the card list is revealed. I can already see something like 'X Flames' popping up again in the next era of the TCG, and 'oh look, another Charizard SIR'. And, that's not including the likes of 151, Paldean Fates, and more, where the stupid great orange lizard has popped up outside of its own focused sets.
Would I still be happy pulling a Charizard IR or, if I'm lucky, an SIR? Yes, absolutely. Who doesn't love getting those hits? But it's no longer as exciting as it used to be, and after becoming apathetic to something that was a major part of my childhood, it feels a little disappointing. The kid in me is sad, the adult me is sad, and most of all, my kids don't care about Charizard, so I'm not winning either way.
Think you can change my mind about my lack of love for Charizard? Probably not, but you can join our Wargamer Discord to try and tempt me onto the Zard side. Alternatively, we also share discounts on anything TCG, from our beloved 'mon to those fancy Lorcana cards, so make sure to join and chat with like-minded collectors and players.