Last December, The Pokémon Company announced it would be holding another Pokémon Card Game Illustration Grand Prix contest for residents of Japan. The theme was “Pokémon’s Cool Moments” and artists could only draw the following Pokémon: Charizard, Pikachu, Tyranitar, Milotic, Lucario, Genesect, Wishiwashi (solo form), and Zacian. Submissions closed in March of this year, and after whittling 4,050 entries to 50, we have our Grand Prix winner!
Charizard, illustrated by Jiro-san, takes the top prize. Taking the top spot, Jiro-san wins ¥300,000 ($2,804.65) and will have their winning piece printed and released as an official Pokémon TCG card.
Excellence awards for 2D Illustration and 3D Illustration were also issued. Satoshi Kusunoki’s take on Wishiwashi received the 2D Illustration award, whereas artist Mr. takuyoa’s rendition of Genesect earned the 3D Illustration award. Each will receive ¥100,000 (about $934.88).
Lastly, five jury prizes were also awarded and come with a prize payout of ¥50,000 (about $467.44). The illustrations that won this title feature Zacian, Milotic, Tyranitar, Pikachu, and Charizard.
It’s too early to tell if there will be a 3rd Pokémon Card Game Illustration Grand Prix competition, but I welcome the notion. Seeing the different interpretations of the theme and Pokémon is fantastic!
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Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
