Staryu

Released in May 2003, the Skyridge expansion served as the final set produced by Wizards of the Coast for the Pokémon Trading Card Game before the license returned to The Pokémon Company. This set is notable for its integration with the Nintendo e-Reader, a device that allowed players to scan dot-code strips on the cards to unlock mini-games and Pokédex data. It represents the conclusion of an era, marking the end of the e-Card Series which pushed the boundaries of how physical cards could interact with digital gameplay.

The Staryu card, numbered 104/144, features artwork by the illustrator Kyoko Umemoto. Consistent with the aesthetic of the Skyridge set, the design focuses on a clean, minimalist depiction of the character, prioritizing readability and standard composition typical of common-tier cards of that period. While the set itself is now highly sought after by collectors due to its limited print run and the eventual transition of the license, this card remains a quintessential example of the accessible, foundational artwork that defined the late-stage Wizards of the Coast design philosophy.