POP Series 1

With only 17 cards and a balanced rarity spread, POP Series 1 is approachable to complete while still offering a few clear visual focal points. The presence of Tyranitar ex as the set’s top-valued card can create a wider range of collecting targets within the same compact checklist.

Released: Sep 2004
Cards: 17 printed
Illustrators: 6
Top card: Tyranitar ex $96.57
Series: POP
Era: EX era

17 unique Pokémon 17 Pokémon Average market $13.20

§ 01 — The full checklist

Browse the 17 cards.

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§ 02 — About POP Series 1

A look inside the set.

POP Series 1 presents a tightly edited 17-card lineup made entirely of Pokémon, with no Trainer or Energy cards. Its structure is straightforward—Rares, Uncommons, and Commons in near-even balance—so the set reads like a small gallery of character studies rather than a sprawling checklist. Across the selection, traditional rendering and bright, colorful finishes dominate, supported by focused, simple compositions that keep attention on the subject.

The prevailing mood is playful and lighthearted, with bursts of intensity and motion where action takes over. Vibrant palettes lead the way, often paired with contrasting accents and occasional warm or pastel notes. Visual highlights include Armaldo ex, alongside Blaziken and Metagross as additional standouts. The artist roster is concise, led by Ken Sugimori, with key contributions from Kagemaru Himeno and Hisao Nakamura, giving the set a consistent, illustration-forward identity.

I · Visual identity

The set’s visual language is character-forward: centered subjects, clean silhouettes, and simple backgrounds that keep scenes readable at a glance. Color is predominantly vibrant, often sharpened by contrast, with warm and pastel touches appearing as secondary notes. Overall moods skew playful and lighthearted, punctuated by energetic, action-leaning moments.

II · Illustrators

Ken Sugimori anchors the set with the largest share of illustrations, establishing a consistent baseline across the lineup. Kagemaru Himeno and Hisao Nakamura add variety within the same clear, illustration-led framework, while the small overall artist pool helps the set feel cohesive from card to card.

§ 03 — Featured