Latias ex
Quick take
- One of the top Special Illustration Rares in Surging Sparks
- Scenic art by OKACHEKE of Latias over a sunset city
- Pairs with the set's Latios ex for Eon duo collectors
- Second only to the Pikachu ex on the set's value chart
Collector's readWhat it means for your master set
Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Surging Sparks
VariantsCard variants
Holofoil 239/191 · $185.59 — 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 Eon dragon's modern showcase
Surging Sparks leaned on legendary appeal alongside its Pikachu focus, and the Latias ex Special Illustration Rare is the best example. It is a high-end pull that trades right behind the Pikachu, which makes it the second card most Surging Sparks collectors want.
“One of the top Special Illustration Rares in Surging Sparks”
The art carries it. OKACHEKE places Latias mid-flight over a sunset cityscape, the kind of scenic, story-driven illustration that the Special Illustration Rare slot was created for. It is calmer than a battle pose and reads as a moment rather than an action shot.
Latias also brings the Eon duo crowd. Collectors who chase Latias and Latios together now have a modern pair to set alongside their older cards, which gives this one demand beyond just Surging Sparks set builders.
By the numbersMarket analysis
A strong three-figure SIR, sitting in the upper tier of Surging Sparks below the Pikachu ex. Graded gem-mint copies carry a clear premium over raw.
Settled into a stable range after the usual release spike. Legendary SIRs with scenic art tend to hold interest well, and the Eon duo following gives this one a steady second audience.
A solid modern SIR with a built-in legendary audience. As with any recent card, large print runs cap the upside, so this is more a steady hold than a scarcity play. Graded copies are the safer position.
Clear at the top grade. PSA 10 copies command a premium over raw, with PSA 9 much closer to raw. Full-art centering and the textured foil surface are the usual grading hurdles.
Scarlet and Violet sets pull any SIR at roughly 1 in 90 packs. With several SIRs in Surging Sparks, pulling this specific Latias runs into the hundreds of packs.
Same rarity and odds as the other Surging Sparks SIRs. It trades below the Pikachu ex because mascot demand outweighs legendary demand, but it holds the second tier comfortably.
ArtworkWhy the art matters
OKACHEKE is a modern Pokemon illustrator known for atmospheric, scene-led art. The style suits the Special Illustration Rare format, which rewards illustrations that tell a small story over straight Pokemon portraits.
Latias glides over a city bathed in sunset light, wings spread, with warm color washing across the scene. The composition favors mood and movement over a combat pose.
Special Illustration Rare printing with textured foil across the full card and the silver SIR border. It is a distinct illustration from the regular ex art in the set.
A scenic, sunset-lit take on a fan-favorite legendary, in the card slot built for exactly this kind of storytelling art.
BackgroundAbout Latias ex
Latias debuted in Ruby and Sapphire in 2002 as one half of the Eon duo, the Dragon and Psychic legendary pair with Latios. The two are tied together across the games, the anime, and collector culture, and Latias headlined the fifth Pokemon movie.
- ›A devoted legendary Pokemon following
- ›The Eon duo bond that drives paired collecting
- ›A starring role in Pokemon Heroes (the fifth movie)
- ›An elegant design that has aged well across generations
- ›Debuted in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire (2002)
- ›Starred in Pokemon Heroes: Latios and Latias (2002 film)
- ›Recurring legendary in later games and events
The card is a Basic Psychic ex with playable stats, but the SIR is collected for display, not tournament use.
Own it wellCollector guide
The textured SIR foil scratches easily and the silver border shows whitening. Full-art centering is the common grading problem, so check the borders closely before paying graded prices.
Grade clean copies. The PSA 10 premium justifies it, but confirm centering and surface first, since a PSA 9 sits much closer to raw on a modern card like this. Read the grading guide →
Sleeve and a top loader at minimum, a graded slab for long holds. The textured foil benefits from the protection, and direct light should be avoided. See the storage guide →
Supply is healthy, so take your time and buy on sold-price comps rather than asking prices. If you collect the Eon duo, plan to pick up the matching Latios ex from the same set as well. See the singles buying guide →
Protect your card
High Chase Score — protect and consider grading. · Amazon affiliate links · Storage guideWord on the streetCommunity sentiment
Well received. The art draws consistent praise, and the card is a popular second target after the Pikachu ex. Eon duo collectors adopted it quickly.
- ›Gem-mint graded copies trade at a clear premium over raw
- ›Holds the upper tier of Surging Sparks singles behind the Pikachu ex
Appears in Surging Sparks pull content and 'best SIR art' discussions, often paired with the set's Latios ex. Strong recurring interest from the legendary collecting crowd.
Good to knowFrequently asked questions
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