The SIR format gives the illustration a tactile quality that elevates it above a standard card, and the combination of the shiny Pokemon theme with the SIR treatment creates a premium product that appeals to collectors who value both rarity and artistic quality
This card of Hydrapple resembles an ancient mural, harkening back to the Pokmons mythological inspirations
As a defensive card, it also shines: keep your guys from dying to removal, or reuse a comes-into-play creature
How many cards have survived power creep and how many have aged like a fine wine
Only a few years ago, a Western set would have felt very out there for Magic and its more traditional fantasy
Cub is, essentially, a better version of Bristly Bill: a mythic rare from Thunder Junction