Machamp-GX

Machamp-GX (154/147) was released in 2017 as part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion Burning Shadows. This set was notable for introducing a high number of GX cards, a mechanic that debuted in the Sun & Moon era, featuring powerful attacks and abilities that require a player to forfeit two prize cards upon being knocked out. The card serves as a hyper-rare variant, distinguished by its textured, holographic rainbow foil finish which became a staple for chase cards within the era.

The artwork for this specific card was rendered by 5ban Graphics, a design collective frequently employed by The Pokémon Company to produce 3D-style illustrations for ultra-rare cards. Their approach for this Rainbow Rare iteration prioritized a monochromatic, prismatic aesthetic designed to highlight the intricate texture of the card surface rather than traditional illustrative cel-shading. Upon release, it was highly sought after by competitive players for its 'Muscle Punch' and 'Zenia-GX' attacks, as well as by collectors drawn to the elevated rarity profile of the Burning Shadows secret rare subset.