Zacian V – Special Art Rare 225/172 | VSTAR Universe (S12a) | Japanese Pokémon Card 2022

The Hero of Many Battles — rendered in haunting monochrome ink, certified in one of the most artistically daring SARs of the era. The Zacian V Special Art Rare (SAR) 225/172 from the Japanese Sword & Shield High Class Pack VSTAR Universe (S12a) features an extraordinary full-art illustration by Hataya — a complete departure from typical vibrant Pokémon card art, rendering Zacian almost entirely in monochrome sketch-style ink against a crumbling, ornate stone archway covered in swirling decorative carvings.

This understated, painterly composition stands in deliberate contrast to the colour-saturated SARs more commonly found in VSTAR Universe — Hataya's illustration reads almost like a classical etching or vintage architectural study, with Zacian's golden crown and pink scarf providing the only true colour accents against the desaturated grey stonework. It is one of the most artistically distinctive and conceptually bold SAR treatments in the entire VSTAR Universe set — a card that rewards collectors who appreciate restraint and atmosphere over maximalist spectacle.

A Psychic-type Basic V with 220 HP, featuring the powerful Howl of the Sword Ability — once per turn (ending your turn), search your deck for a basic Psychic Energy and attach it to one of your Pokémon — and the scaling Storm Slash attack dealing 60+ damage that increases by 30 for every Psychic Energy attached to Zacian.

VSTAR Universe was released on December 2nd 2022 in Japan as the definitive Sword & Shield era swan song High Class Pack.

Card Details:

• Set: VSTAR Universe (S12a) – Japanese Sword & Shield High Class Pack 2022
• Card Number: 225/172
• Rarity: Special Art Rare (SAR)
• Type: Psychic
• Stage: Basic V
• HP: 220
• Ability: Howl of the Sword (attach Psychic Energy, end turn)
• Attack: Storm Slash (60+)
• Illustrator: Hataya
• Finish: Full Art Holofoil SAR
• Language: Japanese
• Condition: Near Mint

Why collectors love this card:
Zacian is one of the most iconic Legendary Pokémon of the Sword & Shield era — the legendary sword-wielding wolf whose lore as the Hero of Many Battles has made it a perennial fan favourite. Hataya's monochrome ink illustration is genuinely unlike almost anything else in the franchise's card art history — restrained, atmospheric, and quietly powerful in a way that stands out precisely because it doesn't shout for attention. A must for Psychic-type collectors, Zacian fans, VSTAR Universe set builders, and anyone who appreciates artistically bold, unconventional Pokémon card design.

✅ Japanese Exclusive · ✅ Special Art Rare (SAR) · ✅ Near Mint

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