Pokemon TCG Spotlight: Giving Recognition to Under-Represented Mainline Heroes

The upcoming set for the Pokemon TCG will feature cards belonging to certain trainers, much to the surprise of fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of one of the most powerful protagonists in the franchise.

The concept of Owner’s Pokemon was initially presented in the sixth TCG set, Gym Heroes. These cards feature a trainer’s name in the title, such as Brock’s Geodude, and were distinguished from regular Pokemon cards. This means that a Graveler could not evolve from Brock’s Geodude, but Brock’s Graveler could evolve.

During the 2024 Pokemon World Championships, it was announced that Owner’s Pokemon will be making a comeback in 2025. This news was revealed through a trailer released on the franchise’s official YouTube channel. Fans on the Pokemon TCG Reddit were surprised to spot Ethan, a character from the Gen 2 game, in the video, as he will be making an appearance in the TCG.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8phvYRz1f4

Trainer’s Pokémon Return to Pokémon TCG | Official Pokémon Worlds Reveal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8phvYRz1f4)

“Gold/Ethan! It’s about time my boy gets some recognition!”one user exclaimed, as another added, “Yes, I’m thrilled to see Ethan included as well; I’m hopeful for the inclusion of other trainers from different generations.”

“A different user expressed, “I am hoping for Iono’s Mismagius. I am curious to know which cards will be included for Ethan?”

Despite being the main character in Pokemon Gold & Silver and the male choice in their remakes and Pokemon Crystal, Ethan has yet to make an appearance in the Pokemon TCG. The closest representation we have is the Copycat card, where she is dressed as him.

After watching the trailer, it appears that Ethan’s Pichu will be one of the featured Pokemon cards in the upcoming Owner’s collection, as he was shown with the Gen 2 Baby ‘mon. We can only hope that he will also have stronger additions to his team, such as one of the Johto Legendary Birds or Celebi.

Although it has taken a while, Ethan will finally be included in the TCG. Despite being featured in popular installments of the series and emerging victorious against the formidable Red in combat, Ethan is often overshadowed by his Gen 1 counterpart. It is high time that he receives the recognition he deserves in the card game.