Pikachu

The Pikachu card numbered SM157 was released as part of the Sun & Moon Black Star Promos set, a series of cards distributed outside of standard booster packs to accompany specific marketing events, video game releases, or merchandise bundles. This specific card was made available in 2018, serving as a promotional tie-in for the wider Pokémon Sun & Moon era, which introduced new aesthetic conventions and card mechanics. Its release highlights the long-standing tradition of using Pikachu, the franchise mascot, as a central figure in promotional campaigns to drive interest among both casual fans and serious collectors.

The design of this promo card utilizes artwork consistent with the vibrant and modern aesthetic of the Sun & Moon expansion cycle. Like other cards in the Black Star Promos series, it was illustrated to emphasize the Electric-type identity of the subject, featuring dynamic poses common in the portfolio of artists contracted by The Pokémon Company. Upon its release, it was well-received by collectors who prioritize the completion of promo sets, as these cards serve as distinct chronological markers within the history of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.