Mudkip

The Mudkip card, numbered 10/40 in the Nintendo Black Star Promos series, was released in 2003 as a promotional tie-in for the launch of the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire video games on the Game Boy Advance. Distributed in North America as part of a promotional campaign often associated with the Pokémon Center and various retail partners, it served to introduce players to the Hoenn region's starter Pokémon. The card features Mudkip in its signature Water-type format, signaling the transition into the third generation of the trading card game.

The design follows the distinct visual language established for the early Nintendo-era promos, prioritizing clean, accessible artwork that highlights the character against a simple background. Illustrated by artist Atsuko Nishida, who has been responsible for many iconic Pokémon designs including Pikachu, the card captures Mudkip’s cheerful and aquatic nature. It was well-received by collectors and players alike for its role as an accessible entry point to the new generation of cards, remaining a staple of early 2000s promotional sets.