The Fiery Evolution Pokémon

Get ready to turn up the heat, Pokémon fans! This week, we're exploring the world of Charmeleon, the fiery evolution of everyone's favorite starter, Charmander. With its vicious nature and powerful flames, Charmeleon has been captivating collectors and battlers alike since its debut in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Charmeleon's Scorching TCG Journey

Charmeleon first graced the Pokémon TCG in the iconic Base Set, released way back in 1999. Illustrated by the legendary Mitsuhiro Arita, this card showcased Charmeleon's fierce personality and set the stage for its future appearances.

- Charmeleon has appeared on 25 different cards in the Pokémon TCG.

Notable Charmeleon Cards:

Base Set (1999): The original Charmeleon card

Dark Charmeleon (Team Rocket, 2000): A shadowy twist on the classic

Charmeleon δ (EX Crystal Guardians, 2006): A rare Dragon-type variant

Charmeleon (Evolutions, 2016): A nostalgic reprint of the Base Set card

Charmeleon (Pokémon GO, 2022): A recent addition inspired by the mobile game

Collector's Corner: Values and Rarities

While not as coveted as its evolved form, Charizard, Charmeleon cards still hold a special place in collectors' hearts. Here are Top 5 Charmeleon Pokemon Cards:

1. 2001 Pokemon card Dark Charmeleon WoTC Stamp (Gold w stamped Promo) #32/82

Ungraded: $299.95

Graded:

Promo card

2. 2003 Pokemon card EX Dragon Charmeleon #99/97

Ungraded: $87.80

Graded: PSA 10 $447.98

Secret Rare card

3. 1996 Pokemon card Charmeleon Base Set #024/102

Ungraded: $87.49

Graded: PSA 10 $2,476.55

Shadowless

4. 2008 Charmeleon Diamond and Pearl Stormfront #102/100

Ungraded: $60.01

Graded: PSA 10 $720.00

Secret Rare card

5. 2004 Charmeleon Holo EX Team Rocket Returns #110/109

Ungraded: $50.74

Graded: PSA 10 $2,650.00

Secret Rare

As a middle-stage evolution, Charmeleon cards are generally not as valuable as their Charizard counterparts. However, certain Charmeleon cards from older sets, promotional releases, and those with special designations like Secret Rare or Shiny Vault still command respectable prices and are sought after by collectors.When looking to add valuable Charmeleon cards to your collection, keep an eye out for cards from the EX era, Secret Rare prints, and promotional releases like POP Series packs. While not as flashy as Charizard, Charmeleon still holds a special place in many collectors' hearts as a key part of the iconic Kanto starter's evolution line.

Tip: Keep an eye out for first edition prints and cards with unique artwork or typing, as these tend to command higher prices and appreciate well over time.

Charmeleon in Battle: A Fierce Competitor

Don't let its middle-stage status fool you - Charmeleon can hold its own in battle! With access to powerful Fire-type moves like Flamethrower and Fire Fang, this Pokémon can quickly turn up the heat on its opponents.

Key Attributes:

- Type: Fire

- Weaknesses: Water, Ground, Rock

- Resistances: Fire, Grass, Ice, Bug

Notable Attacks:

- Flamethrower: 90 damage

- Fire Fang: 65 damage with a chance to burn

- Slash: 70 damage

The Evolution of Charmeleon

One of the most exciting aspects of Charmeleon is its evolution. Evolving from the adorable Charmander at level 16, Charmeleon gains a significant boost in stats and a more aggressive appearance. But the real treat comes at level 36, when Charmeleon evolves into the mighty Charizard, one of the most iconic and powerful Pokémon of all time.

Fun Facts and Trivia

- Charmeleon's name is a combination of "char" (to burn) and "chameleon," likely referencing its ability to change color when angry.

- In the Pokémon anime, Ash's Charmeleon famously disobeyed him after evolving, showcasing its hotheaded nature.