Arcanine holds a special place in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) as one of the original cards featured in the Base Set released in 1999. Its depiction in the card’s artwork captures the majestic and powerful nature of the Fire-type Pokémon, making it a sought-after and nostalgic piece for collectors who reminisce about the early days of the TCG.
Arcanine has been featured on 34 different cards since it debuted in the Base Set, showcasing its enduring popularity and presence in various expansions. This extensive representation across multiple sets further solidifies Arcanine’s status as a beloved and iconic Pokémon in the Pokémon TCG community.
Arcanine – Skyridge – H2
The first Arcanine card in our list is from the Skyridge set, one of the most expensive sets to complete. The artist, Aya Kusube, has worked on a wide range of sets and pokemon. She is a freelance illustrator and has been involved in pokemon since 1998. The card was first released in the Japanese set Mysterious Mountains in 2002. As with all cards from the Skyridge set, the card has on it a short strip that contains Pokedex information of Arcanine.
Light Arcanine – Neo Destiny – #12
This Arcanine is one of the first Light cards to be created as part of Pokemon TCG. The card was designed by Atsuko Nishida who was the character designed for Pikachu. The Neo Destiny set was released internationally in 2002 and was the 11th international expansion. The set contained 113 cards with 8 being secret shining cards. In Japan this card was released as part of the “Darkness, and to Light…” set in April 2001.
Blaine’s Arcanine – Gym Challenge – #1
Ken Sugimori is the lead character designer and art director for the Pokémon franchise. He created this version of Arcanine, specifically Blaine’s Arcanine. This card is the second oldest card in the list, released internationally in the summer of 2000. Blaine’s Arcanine was the first Pokémon in the TCG to have an attack with a base damage of over 100. The card was first seen in Japan, as part of the Guren Town Gym Theme Deck.
Arcanine ex – Legend Maker – #83
This version of Arcanine is one of the most unique cards in the list. The artwork was done by Hikaru Koike, one of nearly 50 cards he has designed. Released as part of the Legend Maker set, in 2006, which is a set based in Mirage Forest where a lot of legendary pokemon live! This gave name to the set the card was released in in Japan, “Mirage Forest” in June of 2005.
Arcanine – Aquapolis – H2
Wizards of the Coast’s stewardship ended in 2003 and this was one of the last cards released. The artwork on the card was created by Kyoko Umemoto who’s first card was the Arbok from the Expedition Base Set. Aquapolis was, and to this day remains, one of the largest expansions in the history of the English TCG. It features a massive 186 cards, 340 once you add in reverse holos. In Japan the card was released in 2002 as part of the “The Town on No Map” set.
Arcanine – Base – #23
The first Arcanine card created was designed by Ken Sugimori and was released as part of the Base Set in 1999. Base Set cards have the most variants of any released sets, they are; No rarity symbol Japanese cards, 1st edition cards, Shadowless English cards, Unlimited cards and Error/Misprint cards. The artwork from this card was reused in the Legendary Collection in 2002.
Hisuian Arcanine – Lost Origin Trainer Gallery – TG08
We’ve potentially snuck one in here, but we still count it as it’s a beautiful card! One of the most recent cards designed by You Iribi, who designed the Pikachu card recreating the famous “The Scream” painting. This card features the Hisuian form of Arcanine and was included as both a Regular card and a Full Art Secret card in the Lost Origin expansion.
Arcanine – Wizards Black Star Promos – #6
Another Ken Sugimori card in this list is one of the many cards he worked on from the Black Star Promos. The card was available through the Pokémon League in March 2000 and in Japan as part of a Toyota Auto Campaign in 1997. This card, along with Pikachu, came sealed in a card booklet presented to visitors at participating dealerships.
Arcanine ex – Scarlet & Violet – #224
This card is the only card from the current Scarlet & Violet era of cards. The card was designed by 5ban Graphics, who designed all 3 versions of Gyarados in the Crimson Invasion set. This card was included as both a Regular card and a Full Art ultra rare with both sets of artwork being by 5ban Graphics. In Japan the card was released at the start of 2023 as part of the Violet ex set.
Arcanine – Secret Wonders – #22
Onto a card from 2007 designed by Kouki Saitou, who is an illustrator who has been involved in creating many cards and games from the Pokemon series. This card was part of the third main expansion of the Diamond & Pear series. In Japan this card was released in the Shining Darkness set in the summer of 2007, 4 months before its international release.
Arcanine – FireRed & LeafGreen – #18
The final card of this list is done by the designer who has featured most in this list, Ken Sugimori. He designed a large majority of the first 151 Pokémon. In Japan the card was released as part of the Flight of Legends expansion in 2004. It was also released in the Venusaur and Blastoise Random Constructed Starter Decks.