Armaldo ex

Armaldo ex was released in 2006 as part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion Legend Maker. This set was notably the final expansion produced by Wizards of the Coast's successor, The Pokémon Company International, before the shift toward the Diamond and Pearl era. The 'ex' mechanic, introduced in the EX Ruby & Sapphire set, was designed to represent more powerful versions of Pokémon, often featuring higher hit points and devastating attacks at the cost of giving up two prize cards upon being knocked out.

The artwork for this card was illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, one of the most prolific and respected artists in the franchise’s history. Arita’s design captures the prehistoric, rugged aesthetic of Armaldo, utilizing the signature glossy, metallic finish characteristic of the Rare Holo EX cards of that period. Upon its release, it was well-regarded by players for its 'Dual Armor' Poké-Body, which allowed the card to change its type based on the energy attached, providing a strategic versatility that made it a focal point in various competitive decks of the mid-2000s.