Zapdos 23
Set: Wizards Black Star Promos
Released: Jul 1, 1999
Pokémon
Lightning Type
Promo
Lightning Type
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Price History (Raw)
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PSA Graded Prices
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About Zapdos
This legendary Pokémon is said to be present wherever there is a lightning storm.
Card Details
- Card TypePokémon
- Featured Pokémon
- National Pokédex #145
- Card Number 23
- Card RarityPromo
- IllustratorToshinao Aoki
- Release Date01/07/1999
- SeriesBase
- Expansion Wizards Black Star Promos
- Standard FormatNot Legal
- Expanded FormatNot Legal
- Unlimited FormatLegal
- EraVintage
- Production StatusOut of Print
- RegionKanto
- Generation Generation 1
Card Attributes
- Energy Type
Lightning
- Health Points70 HP
- Resistance
Fighting -30
- Retreat Cost
Colorless ×1
Lightning 
Fighting -30 
Colorless ×1 Attacks
- Lightning Burn30
Flip a coin. If heads, and if your opponent has any Benched Pokémon, choose 1 of them. This attack does 30 damage to that Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.) If tails, Zapdos does 30 damage to itself.
Artwork Description
The artwork on this card depicts Zapdos, a legendary bird Pokémon, dynamically flying through a vibrant stormy sky. The background is an explosive mix of electric blues, whites, and reds, emphasizing the intensity and power of the scene. The sky crackles with electricity, with bolts radiating outwards, giving a sense of high energy and movement.The art style is bold and striking, using a vivid color palette dominated by yellows, blacks, and electric blues. Shading is minimal but effective, focusing on contrast to highlight Zapdos's sharp, angular features and dynamic form. The atmosphere is electrifying and intense, conveying a sense of power and speed.
Playability Overview
Zapdos offers decent damage potential with Lightning Burn, but its coin flip risk and moderate HP limit its consistency and overall viability in competitive play.
Binder Inspiration
Main Binder Theme: Electric StormPlace Zapdos in the center of an electric-themed page. Its striking artwork and dynamic pose make it a great anchor. Surround it with other Electric types or Pokémon that have a stormy vibe, like Raikou or Ampharos, to really capture that electrifying atmosphere.Additional Binder Suggestions: Electric Field / Energetic / Bright Yellow / Thunder Strike / Sky Surge
