Mega Charizard Y ex
Quick take
- First SIR printing of Mega Charizard Y
- Counterpart to the set's Mega Gengar ex
- Features the 'Crimson Drought' Ability (Meta relevant)
- Blue-chip status for long-term sealed and single collectors
Collector's readWhat it means for your master set
Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Ascended Heroes
VariantsCard variants
Holofoil 294/217 · $318.79 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.
The storyThe Solar King Reclaims the Sky
Any set featuring a Charizard Chase card automatically gains 'Blockbuster' status, and 'Ascended Heroes' is no exception. This card is significant because it marks the first Special Illustration Rare treatment for Mega Charizard Y, finally giving the sleek, aerodynamic form the premium art treatment previously reserved for the bulky Mega Charizard X.
“First SIR printing of Mega Charizard Y”
For master set collectors, this card represents the 'Safe Harbor' asset of the expansion. While other cards may fluctuate based on competitive meta shifts, high-rarity Charizards maintain a high price floor solely due to character popularity. It serves as the primary 'Bookend' card to the Gengar ex, creating a dual-chase dynamic reminiscent of the 'Evolving Skies' Umbreon/Rayquaza split.
By the numbersMarket analysis
Currently trading neck-and-neck with Mega Gengar ex for the top spot. While Gengar has higher volume, Charizard has a higher average sale price due to buyout attempts.
Aggressive upward pressure. Release weekend saw immediate buyouts of copies listed under market price, creating an artificial floor early on.
Excellent. Charizard cards are widely considered the 'Gold Standard' of TCG liquidity. Even if the 'Mega' hype dies down, this card will retain value as a unique art piece of the franchise's mascot. Long-term projection suggests it will outperform the set's average growth.
High. PSA 10 listings are commanding a 3x premium over raw, driven by the difficulty of grading the 'Stellar Etch' surface without corner whitening.
Estimated 1 in 700 packs (Slightly harder than Gengar based on early user data)
Comparable to the Charizard ex SIR from 'Paldean Fates' in terms of scarcity and chase factor.
ArtworkWhy the art matters
A legendary TCG artist known for a gritty, realistic style that blends digital painting with heavy shading. Kawayoo often illustrates powerful, legendary Pokemon, giving them a sense of weight and intimidation.
The card depicts Mega Charizard Y breaking through the ozone layer, bathed in harsh, blinding sunlight (referencing its 'Drought' ability). The perspective is from above, looking down at the clouds, emphasizing the Pokemon's mastery of the sky. The single horn and tattered wings are rendered with high-contrast lighting.
The 'Stellar Etch' texture here is used to simulate sun rays. When tilted, the foil pattern creates a radial burst effect originating from the sun behind Charizard, a unique application of the tech not seen on other cards in the set.
It breaks away from the 'fire breathing' cliché. Instead, it focuses on atmospheric dominance and altitude, making it stand out in a binder full of standard Charizard flame-spitting cards.
BackgroundAbout Mega Charizard Y ex
Charizard is the face of the TCG. The 'Y' Mega Evolution is the version that stays true to the original design, enhancing its special attack and flying capabilities rather than changing its type to Dragon (like Mega X).
- ›The most collected Pokemon in history
- ›Nostalgia for Pokemon Y (2013)
- ›High Special Attack stat in video games translates to 'Big Damage' perception
- ›Box art mascot for Pokemon Y
- ›Alain's rival Charizard in the XYZ anime series
- ›Frequent appearances in Super Smash Bros.
High. The 'Crimson Drought' ability sets up harsh sunlight, boosting Fire moves and disrupting Water-type decks (specifically countering the popular Palafin ex decks currently in the meta).
Own it wellCollector guide
The radial foil pattern makes surface scratches extremely visible. Check the back corners for 'whitening'—the dark blue back of English cards contrasts poorly with the cutting die used for this set.
Grade only if centering is perfect. The 'Kawayoo' art style has dark borders which hide some edging issues, but centering on this card has been notoriously right-heavy in the first wave. Read the grading guide →
Use a perfect-fit inner sleeve and a UV-protected magnetic case. Sunlight (ironically) will fade the magenta ink used in the sunset background relatively quickly. See the storage guide →
If you are strictly a collector, wait for the 'second wave' of product hitting retailers in mid-February. If you are an investor, buy PSA 10s now before the population report reveals the low gem-rate. See the singles buying guide →
Verify the 'fingerprint' texture on the wings. Fakes often smooth this out. Also, ensure the set symbol 'ME2.5' is crisp; counterfeits often bleed the ink here.
Protect your card
High Chase Score — protect and consider grading. · Amazon affiliate links · Storage guideWord on the streetCommunity sentiment
Polarized but profitable. Some collectors are 'Charizard fatigued,' arguing that other Megas (like Metagross or Lucario) deserved the slot. However, value-oriented collectors are thrilled to have a high-value anchor for the set.
- ›First verified eBay pre-sale: $450 (Raw)
- ›BGS Black Label Bounty offered: $5,000 by prominent YouTuber
Debates are raging on Twitter/X about whether the 'Y' form art is better than the 'Flashfire' Mega Charizard X Secret Rare. The consensus is leaning toward this being the best 'Y' art ever printed.
Good to knowFrequently asked questions
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