Ns Zoroark ex
Quick take
- Third most valuable card in Journey Together at approximately $50
- N is one of Pokemon's most memorable and morally complex characters
- Zoroark was N's canonical partner in Black and White
- The pairing has direct story significance from Generation V games
Collector's readWhat it means for your master set
Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Journey Together
VariantsCard variants
Holofoil 185/159 · $41.53 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.
The storyN and His Zoroark
N is unusual among Pokemon antagonists. He wasn't straightforwardly evil — his goal of separating Pokemon from humans came from a place of genuine concern for Pokemon wellbeing. Team Plasma's actual villainy came from Ghetsis manipulating N rather than from N himself. That moral complexity made him a standout character in Black and White, and fans remember him for it.
“Third most valuable card in Journey Together at approximately $50”
Zoroark was N's partner in Black and White, appearing in key story moments and in the Gen V film Zoroark: Master of Illusions. The Illusion Fox Pokemon's ability to transform into other Pokemon fit N's themes of questioning appearances and truth. The pairing was deliberate game design.
Putting them together on a Journey Together SIR is the natural choice. The set's theme of Trainer-Pokemon bonds fits N and Zoroark perfectly, and the result is a card that collectors from the Black and White generation immediately recognize and want.
By the numbersMarket analysis
Third in Journey Together's SIR pricing hierarchy. Competitive with N's Zoroark ex's strong character recognition. Trades close to the $50 range but has moved in both directions based on new pack supply.
Launch prices reflected strong initial demand from Black and White fans. As product supply increases, some correction is likely. N cards have a track record of holding value better than average Trainer cards due to the character's persistent popularity.
N cards have historically performed well relative to other Trainer cards. The character has staying power beyond nostalgia cycles. Zoroark adds collector demand from Pokemon fans as well as character fans. A reasonable hold.
PSA 10 and CGC 10 copies typically reach 1.5 to 2x raw value. The darker color palette of Zoroark's design means print defects can show — inspect before submitting.
Special Illustration Rares appear roughly once every 36 packs. Journey Together has multiple SIRs, so pulling specifically N's Zoroark ex requires either luck or deliberate purchasing.
Third in the Journey Together SIR hierarchy by price. Sits below the Lillie and Salamence cards but above the remaining SIRs. N's character recognition separates this from other mid-tier Trainer SIRs.
ArtworkWhy the art matters
Ryuta Fuse works in a painterly style with strong use of contrast and atmosphere. The work tends toward character-focused scenes with detailed backgrounds.
The artwork shows N in his characteristic white outfit and flowing green hair, with Zoroark beside him. The Illusion Fox is depicted in its standard form rather than disguised, the dark fur and red mane prominent. The background has a forest-like quality that fits both characters' connection to wild Pokemon.
The SIR holofoil treatment works well with the darker palette, adding shimmer to the background while keeping the character details crisp. Zoroark's mane catches the foil effect when the card is tilted, adding visual depth to the illustration.
The artwork captures the specific dynamic of N and Zoroark — not a conventional Trainer-and-companion pose, but something that suggests the unusual bond N has with Pokemon. N doesn't look like a standard Trainer here, and that's correct. He never was one.
BackgroundAbout Ns Zoroark ex
Zoroark was introduced in Generation V as the signature Pokemon of the Unova region's film, Zoroark: Master of Illusions, before Black and White were released. This marketing strategy — premiering a new Pokemon in a film before the games launched — built anticipation. The Illusion ability, allowing Zoroark to disguise itself as the last Pokemon in your party, was genuinely clever design that players engaged with.
- ›Introduced through a movie event before Black and White launched, building hype
- ›Illusion ability is one of the most mechanically interesting abilities in the franchise
- ›Dark type with a sleek, threatening design appeals broadly
- ›N's canonical partnership elevates its profile above most Dark types
- ›Hisuian Zoroark variant in Legends: Arceus refreshed its relevance
- ›Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010) — film debut before Black and White
- ›Pokemon Black and White as N's partner Pokemon
- ›Legends: Arceus with Hisuian Zoroark variant
- ›Competitive use in VGC due to Illusion ability interactions
Zoroark's Illusion ability has seen competitive play as a lead disguise strategy. The ex card gives competitive players a modern version with ex HP and attacks relevant to current formats.
Own it wellCollector guide
Zoroark's dark fur and the card's overall color palette can reveal print defects on inspection. Check the card under direct light for any texture irregularities. Centering is the standard concern for all modern SIRs.
At $50 raw, grading makes sense for high-quality copies. PSA 10 at $75-$100 covers submission costs for the right copy. Verify centering meets grading tolerance before submitting. Read the grading guide →
Perfect fit sleeve immediately, then rigid toploader or magnetic case. Keep away from sunlight — the lighter background elements in this artwork can show UV damage over time. See the storage guide →
TCGPlayer sold history gives the clearest picture of what buyers actually pay. Avoid overpaying on active listings during the initial release window when prices tend to run high. Supply increases as more product is opened over the following months. See the singles buying guide →
Protect your card
High Chase Score — protect and consider grading. · Amazon affiliate links · Storage guideWord on the streetCommunity sentiment
Strong response from Black and White nostalgia collectors on release. N has a dedicated fanbase that actively seeks his card appearances, and this SIR satisfied demand that had built for a modern N full-art treatment.
Reddit and Discord discussion in Pokemon TCG communities consistently mentions N's Zoroark ex as one of the must-haves from Journey Together. The character's popularity drives ongoing conversation beyond initial release hype.
Good to knowFrequently asked questions
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