To conclude this batch, we have a truly special specimen: a Hippowdon belonging to Bertha, the Ground-type master of the Sinnoh Elite Four. This is a “Pokémon SP” card, a unique mechanic from the Platinum TCG era, and a fantastic thematic addition to the Geopik collection.
Card Details
- Pokémon Name: Hippowdon
- Set: Expansion Pack (Pt1)
- Year: 2008
- Card Number: 007-018
- Rarity/Edition: Holo Rare (Promotional Pack)
- Artist: Kagemaru Himeno
- National Pokédex No.: 450
Card Text & Attacks
- Type: Ground
- HP: 90
Poké-Body: Sand Armour
- Japanese: すなのよろい
- Romaji: Suna no Yoroi
- Effect: If this Pokémon has any Fighting Energy attached to it, any damage done to this Pokémon by attacks is reduced by 10.
Attack: Bite and Crush
- Japanese: かんでつぶす
- Romaji: Kande Tsubusu
- Cost: [Colourless][Colourless][Colourless]
- Damage: 30+
- Effect: Flip 2 coins. This attack does 30 damage plus 10 more damage for each heads.
- Weakness: Water x2
- Resistance: Electric -20
- Retreat Cost: [Colourless][Colourless]
Pokédex Entry:
- (This card does not have a Pokédex entry due to its special layout.)
Collector’s Notes
This Hippowdon is a “Pokémon SP” card, a special type of card introduced in the Platinum series (2008-2009). The “SP” logo signifies that it is a “Special Pokémon,” in this case, belonging to a specific trainer—Bertha of the Sinnoh Elite Four, whose portrait appears on the card. This specific card is from a special promotional pack associated with the first Platinum expansion. The unique layout, designed to highlight the trainer, is the reason details like the Pokédex number are omitted.
The artwork by Kagemaru Himeno is incredibly dynamic. Himeno’s soft yet energetic style is on full display, depicting Hippowdon mid-yawn or mid-roar, surrounded by a swirling vortex of sand. This powerful imagery perfectly captures the essence of a Ground-type Pokémon that can create its own sandstorms, as described in its lore. The holographic finish on this promotional card makes the swirling sand effect truly stand out.
As a Friend of Geopik, this card is exceptional. Not only is Hippowdon a key thematic Pokémon due to its connection to sand and sediment, but this card’s status as belonging to an Elite Four Ground-type specialist elevates its significance. It represents the pinnacle of human-Pokémon partnership in mastering the geological elements. It’s a testament to the idea that in the Pokémon world, understanding and commanding the power of the earth is a mark of true strength.
