For the majority of Pokemon trainers in the late '90s who started their epic adventure to be the best that ever was Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle along with their final forms of Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise hold special places in their hearts. Being the Pokemon that Professor Oak gave them in Pallet Town, stayed with them all the way through 8 gym challenges throughout Kanto, and culminating with them becoming the Pokemon Champion atop Indigo Plateau, the first-generation starter Pokemon became many children's best friends. Part of the rock-paper-scissor dynamic of these three starter Pokemon was that each of them was stronger against one yet weaker against the other leading to your rival always picking the Pokemon that had an advantage over your own. Featured here is a glorious depiction of one such battle by Ryota Murayama showcasing Venusaur and Charizard squaring off against one another in the most coveted card in the entirety of the Star Birth set. An alternative art card that is sure to stand the test of time among any fans of the original Pokemon Red & Blue Game Boy games, this BGS Black Label example represents the pinnacle of what modern Pokemon has become.
