👺 These Pokémon came from Japanese horror lore

Sup Pokéfans,

The Scarlet & Violet set prices are still ripping so we're still...ripping packs (srry). This week we also got a new teaser on Pokémon Horizons with Captain Pikachu doing Captain Pikachu things (mostly sitting looking dapper). The geekiest thing this week comes from ancient Japanese horror stories and the Pokémon that were born from them.

Happy collecting from your friends at Mystery Poke Slabs.

Pokémon Horizons trailer is here and people are freaking. It's us. We're people.

How much can you learn in 55 seconds? Depends how interested we are. Well the new Pokémon Horizons trailer starts with the line, "It's only scary until you take that first step..." while revealing a mysterious pendant. Hooked in 3 seconds. The next 52 were a blissful ride, introducing us again to Captain Pikachu. This isn't Pikachu. He's different. He has a hat now. Surely you see the hat.

The trailer got us super excited. What powers hath the pendant? Liko and Roy will have to show us the way. 

Things we didn't know: 5 Pokémon based on Japanese ghost stories

Whether you think about it often or not, if you're a fan of Pokémon, you're a fan of Japanese lore. All stories come from somewhere and creativity is a collective evolution. USA Today FTW has put together an account of 5 Pokémon that come from horror lore. Take for instance the two-mouthed woman called a Futakuchi, who grows a second mouth from within her hair. That's how we got Mawile. Say Futakuchi in the mirror five times in the dark. Nothing happens, but maybe you get a good laugh. 

Or take Whiscash, a ground-type that's very obviously a fish 🐟. Well, there's a reason for that. It stems from the Japanese fishermen noticing very distinct agitation amongst the local catfish leading up to an earthquake. The Namazu legend is that of a giant catfish that thrashed underground causing the earthquakes that have plagued the islands for millennia. Learning stuff. Catch the fever!

Learn all the Japanese lore

2023's Trainer Toolkit will center around Arceus V, releasing June 9th

For those looking to get started playing Pokémon—or to not so subtly suggest that their friend or loved one do the same—the Trainers Toolkit is as turnkey as it gets. A Trainer's Toolkit is a box that includes your basics—Energy and Trainers—as well as some powerful cards. This year the toolkit centers around Arceus V. It'll start at $39.99 and is expected to release on June 9. 

Check Dexerto for the full rundown

The Paldea Evolved expansion has been announced and it will feature 150 new cards, including powerful new Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX cards, along with new Trainer and Energy cards. The Paldea Evolved expansion also introduces a new mechanic called "Evolve Rush," which allows players to quickly evolve their Pokémon into their most powerful forms.

The expansion will be available in various formats, including booster packs, theme decks, and Elite Trainer Boxes, which include card sleeves, dice, and other accessories. The Paldea Evolved expansion will be released on April 21st, 2023.

Gen 9 gave us new Fuecoco, Sprigatito, and Quaxly, and we'll have to look to this expansion to get their evolutions. Will Fuecoco go from grocery cart to stock clern

BUNDLE FTW

Rip and Ship for maximum value now and forever

When you rip a new box, let's face it, you get excited. You wanna show off your Miraidon like it's your Stanley Cup. Everyone gets to hold it! But as we always say, more paws more flaws. Get your chase cards graded with our white glove grading service. Bundle it with a Scarlet & Violet booster box and save.

Peep the bundle

🔗 Quick hits

While it represents a "slowdown" from the insane pandemic growth spurt, hobby games still up 10% in 2022. A solid sector outlook from ICv2.

What does your Poke Ball say about you? What do you say about your Poke Ball? What do you say to your Poke Ball? If you answered the last question maybe seek help?

Video of the Week

We love some good The Shining vibes on our thumbnails, and this vid DELIVERS. It also happens to be a very good (and promising) unboxing of Scarlet & Violet. 

Bye for now love you mean it 🤗