New Blastoise V and Venusaur V Releasing in China, Long After Pokemon V Are Over!

New full art versions of Venusaur V and Blastoise V have been revealed for China’s latest Pokemon TCG set. This is the first time we’re seeing these cards — and it’s long after the reign of Pokemon V are over.

Originally we did not get full art versions of Venusaur V or Blastoise V. This is because in Japan the two cards released in December 2020’s VMAX Starter Set Decks, which precluded any full arts. We received the same cards in our Venusaur vs. Blastoise V Battle Decks.

China has been printing large compilation sets to catch up with the rest of the world, as the TCG just released there a year ago. Their latest set, Primordial Martial Arts, is our version of 2021’s Battle Styles.

Their sets always feature unique booster pack artwork. Venusaur and Blastoise are the featured Pokemon this time, so that may be why The Pokemon Company decided to commission full art versions so they would be available in the set. Venusaur and Blastoise are also classic, recognizable Pokemon that would presumably help the set sell better in China.

These full arts could remain country-exclusive cards, especially since the TCG moved on from Pokemon V at the beginning of this year. Lately The Pokemon Company has been allowing different countries to have their own cards, such as promo Oddish in the United States.