Azelf

The Azelf card, numbered XY142 as part of the XY Black Star Promos, was released in 2016 as a companion to the Mythical Pokémon Collection series. These cards were primarily distributed through specific branded blister packs and special collection boxes designed to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, serving as a way for players to acquire specific Legendary and Mythical creatures that were not always easily accessible in standard booster sets.

The card features artwork by artist Hitoshi Ariga, who is well-regarded in the community for his dynamic and character-focused illustrations. Ariga sought to capture the ethereal, psychic nature of Azelf by placing it in an active, floating pose that highlights its elemental typing. Upon its release, the promo was received warmly by collectors who appreciated the cohesive aesthetic of the XY promo era, which often utilized unique, non-standard foil treatments to differentiate these cards from the main set releases.