In addition to the main collection of cards in the latest
Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Sword &
Shield—Astral Radiance, there’s a special 30-card subset dubbed the
Trainer Gallery, complete with its own numbering system (look for the “TG”
prefix in the card number). As the name suggests, these cards focus on
exploring and celebrating the beauty of the relationships between Trainers and
their Pokémon. As you can tell from the different tones and styles of these
cards, no two Trainers and Pokémon are quite the same. Here are some of the
cards that caught our attention for their humor, poignancy, and style. Don’t
forget to keep an eye out for additional Trainer Gallery cards as you open your
Sword & Shield—Astral Radiance booster packs.
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The leader of Galar’s Turffield Gym is known for two things:
his love of Grass-type Pokémon and his kind, laid-back personality. As the
first Gym Leader new Trainers face in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon
Shield, Milo always has an encouraging word for Trainers and Pokémon alike.
Both of Milo’s best-known qualities are on display as he and his Flapple harvest
apples together. Milo developed his skills as a Pokémon Trainer by working on
the farm with his Pokémon, and it’s obvious that the experience has only served
to strengthen the bond between Milo and Flapple. The expression of pride and
contentment on Milo’s face as he watches the Grass-type Pokémon work speaks
volumes about Milo and about their relationship.
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Going for a ride on a ferocious Kingdra surely requires
courage in spades, but Clair’s expression suggests she couldn’t be happier.
While the Dragon Pokémon’s Pokédex entries are filled with warnings about its
immense power causing whirlpools and even tornadoes, it’s no surprise that Johto’s
Blessed User of Dragon Pokémon is exactly where she belongs. The blue of the
Blackthorn Gym Leader’s hair almost seems to meld into the branches protruding
from Kingdra’s head as it churns powerfully through the water. And while
Clair’s strength and ferocity as a Trainer and Gym Leader are never in
doubt—she’s capable of holding her own against the Elite Four, after all—it’s
always nice to see the obvious affection between a powerful Gym Leader and her equally
strong Pokémon.
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Gardevoir are known and beloved for their incredible loyalty
to their Trainers, to the point that a Gardevoir will sacrifice itself to
protect its Trainer. In this case, Gardevoir seems to be displaying its loyalty
by cleaning and organizing while its Trainer, a Doctor, works on the computer. Judging
by the Embrace Pokémon’s expression of affection, Gardevoir knows that its
Trainer plays a vital role in keeping Pokémon healthy and happy. While the
domestic scene might be simple, it’s filled with warmth, purpose, and pride.
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It’s rare to see Bea without a stern expression on her face.
The Gym Leader of Galar’s Stow-on-Side Gym is known for the strict training
regimen she and her Fighting-type Pokémon endure to be their very best at all
times. The Trainer spends so much time working out and battling that the sight
of her and Falinks doing something as ordinary as running errands almost makes you
do a double take. It’s no surprise that Bea, who is also a careful and
thoughtful strategist, decided to bring along the Formation Pokémon, which is
known for excelling at teamwork. It’s also no surprise that the Trainer and her
Fighting-type Pokémon would require a hefty haul of groceries for a hearty meal
after a long day of training.
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The Axe Pokémon doesn’t appear to be in a complete frenzy
judging by its normal coloring, but Clan Warden Lian is keeping his distance
just the same. It’s possible that this noble Pokémon from the Hisui region and
the young Trainer tasked with caring for it are playing a game. Even a powerful
Pokémon with enormous axe arms needs to have fun every now and again, after
all. And given Lian’s youth and affection for Kleavor, he’d be thrilled to
indulge the Pokémon in a game of hide-and-seek in the Obsidian Fieldlands.
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Mightyena is clearly celebrating something, and Trainer
Sidney has gone all out to make the Bite Pokémon feel special on its big day.
The mouthwatering display of treats include bone- and Poké Ball-shaped snacks—and
a cake shaped like Mightyena’s head, which appears to have delighted the
Pokémon. There’s a good chance those desserts are about to experience the
savage bite that the Darkness-type Pokémon is known for, although it might not
be able to bring itself to ruin the beautiful cake. Sidney, a Dark-type Trainer
and member of the Hoenn Elite Four, appears somewhat embarrassed by the amount
of effort that went into Mightyena’s party—or maybe, given his punk look and
attitude, he just didn’t want anyone to find out about the whimsical pastel
colors of his living room.
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Piers and Obstagoon are in perfect harmony, whether staging
a concert or battling at the Spikemuth Gym. In addition to being a Gym Leader
in Galar, Piers is a performer who loves to write and sing songs. This makes
Galarian Obstagoon the perfect partner for Piers, because these Pokémon are
known for having a voice capable of truly staggering volumes. On the
battlefield, Obstagoon use this quality to intimidate and overwhelm foes. But Piers
and Obstagoon obviously love to put on any kind of show with their shared
dramatic flair and theatrical presence.
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If you’re going to meditate on top of a remote mountain,
Hoothoot is a solid choice of companion. The Owl Pokémon is known for having an
internal organ that tracks the earth’s rotation, ensuring that it always knows the
time. This allows the Sage to peacefully focus while Hoothoot stands guard over
its Trainer. While it’s difficult not to imagine the arduous climb required to
get there, the views through atmospheric mist at the stunning mountain peaks were
well worth the effort. Hoothoot and its Sage Trainer aren’t exactly relaxing
together, but the fresh air and peace are certainly essential components to a
day of rest and relaxation. The duo will return from their perch feeling
restored.
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Misty is one of the most iconic and recognizable figures in
the Pokémon world. As the Gym Leader for the Cerulean Gym and Ash’s longtime
traveling companion, Misty has a well-known love of Water-type Pokémon. So it’s
no surprise to find Misty and her partner Starmie soaking up the sun in style.
The duo train hard, so it makes sense that they would play just as hard. And
given that they seem to have thought of everything—a floating feast to snack on
while lounging in the pool, a Poké Ball float for Misty, and plenty of pool
toys—it’s obvious this isn’t their first poolside vacation.
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There’s nothing Sonia won’t do in the name of Pokémon research—including,
it seems, chasing down a wild Galarian Zapdos. This Legendary Pokémon is known
for its impressive speed and powerful kicks, but that fact doesn’t seem to be
stopping Sonia from her heated pursuit. Fortunately, the Galar region’s newest Pokémon
Professor has a Rotom Bike and, judging by her determined expression, she’s not
going to let the Strong Legs Pokémon escape. But Zapdos looks equally resolute,
so there’s no telling how this scene will play out, though a bicycle crash does
seem like one possible outcome…
Don’t forget: this is just a sampling of the Trainer Gallery
cards available in the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Astral Radiance
expansion.
Source: Pokemon
