Dark Gyarados 36/109 Reverse Holo – Pokémon EX Team Rocket Returns (2004)

)

🌊 A striking example of one of the most formidable Dark Pokémon from the legendary EX era, Dark Gyarados 36/109 Reverse Holo from the 2004 Pokémon EX Team Rocket Returns expansion.

Featuring Mitsuhiro Arita’s dramatic artwork, the highly collectible EX Team Rocket Returns set stamp, and a distinctive reverse holographic finish, this exceptional vintage card captures the darker atmosphere and nostalgic appeal of one of Pokémon’s most celebrated early Nintendo-era expansions.

Combining an iconic first-generation Pokémon with the distinctive Dark Pokémon design and set-stamped holographic treatment, this Dark Gyarados represents a fantastic addition to any serious vintage Pokémon collection.

🌊 A Fearsome Pokémon from EX Team Rocket Returns

Released in November 2004, EX Team Rocket Returns marked the return of Pokémon’s infamous criminal organisation, revisiting the darker themes of the original Team Rocket expansion while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics, memorable artwork, and highly collectible holographic variations.

The expansion featured powerful Dark Pokémon, Rocket’s Pokémon-ex cards, and the introduction of Pokémon ☆ Gold Star cards.

Among its memorable Pokémon stands Dark Gyarados, a formidable interpretation of Gyarados, the fearsome evolution of Magikarp and one of the original 151 Pokémon.

Numbered 36/109, this card features Dark Gyarados in a striking illustration by Mitsuhiro Arita, an artist whose work has helped define the Pokémon Trading Card Game since its earliest releases.

The artwork captures Gyarados’s intimidating appearance and aggressive personality, perfectly complementing the darker themes associated with Team Rocket.

✨ The Iconic EX Team Rocket Returns Stamped Reverse Holo

What makes this particular variant especially appealing is its distinctive EX Team Rocket Returns Reverse Holo treatment.

Unlike the standard non-holographic version, this reverse holographic card features a reflective finish across the illustration, accompanied by the prominent EX Team Rocket Returns expansion stamp.

These design characteristics distinguish stamped reverse holos from their regular counterparts and make them particularly attractive to collectors pursuing complete EX-era master sets.

The card showcases several defining features:

• EX Team Rocket Returns Set Stamp: The iconic expansion logo appears within the artwork, identifying the collectible reverse holographic variant.
• Reverse Holographic Finish: A shimmering reflective treatment enhances the dramatic illustration.
• Mitsuhiro Arita Artwork: A powerful depiction of Dark Gyarados by one of Pokémon’s most celebrated original illustrators.
• Classic EX-Era Design: The familiar yellow border and early-2000s Pokémon card layout reflect the distinctive visual identity of the Nintendo era.
• Dark Pokémon Heritage: Dark Gyarados represents one of the most recognisable Pokémon associated with the classic Team Rocket theme.

Stamped reverse holographic cards from this period offer a distinctive collecting experience, combining expansion branding, beautiful artwork, and nostalgic card designs.

📈 Historical Significance & Collector Appeal

EX Team Rocket Returns occupies a particularly important position within the history of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

As a successor to the original Team Rocket expansion, the set revisited one of Pokémon’s most recognisable themes while introducing powerful Dark Pokémon, memorable illustrations, and highly desirable holographic variations.

The expansion is especially celebrated for its Gold Star Pokémon, Rocket’s Pokémon-ex cards, and distinctive stamped reverse holographic designs.

Dark Gyarados carries additional nostalgic significance through its connection to the original Team Rocket expansion, where the Pokémon previously appeared as one of the set’s memorable holographic cards.

This 2004 interpretation brings that classic concept into the EX era, combining the recognisable Dark Pokémon identity with updated artwork and the collectible stamped reverse holographic treatment.

Gyarados’s enduring popularity further enhances the appeal of this card, making it attractive to collectors of original-generation Pokémon, Team Rocket cards, and vintage EX-era releases.

While future market values cannot be guaranteed, the combination of nostalgic significance, distinctive artwork, and EX Team Rocket Returns heritage makes this Dark Gyarados an appealing vintage Pokémon collectible.

🌍 A Standout Addition to Any EX-Era Collection

Whether completing an EX Team Rocket Returns master set, building a dedicated Gyarados collection, or pursuing stamped reverse holographic cards from the early Nintendo era, this Dark Gyarados is a fantastic choice.

Its dramatic artwork, distinctive holographic finish, and iconic Team Rocket branding make it an attractive addition to a vintage Pokémon display.

For collectors who appreciate the darker themes and unique visual identity of the Pokémon EX Series, Dark Gyarados 36/109 represents a memorable piece of Pokémon TCG history.

✨ Key Features

• Pokémon: Dark Gyarados
• Card Number: 36/109
• Expansion: EX Team Rocket Returns
• Release Year: 2004
• Language: English
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Variant: Reverse Holo
• Special Feature: EX Team Rocket Returns Set Stamp
• Card Type: Water
• Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
• Era: Nintendo / EX Series
• Condition: As photographed

💎 Own a Piece of Pokémon History

The EX Team Rocket Returns expansion remains one of the most memorable releases of the early Nintendo era, celebrated for its darker themes, exceptional artwork, and distinctive holographic variations.

This Dark Gyarados 36/109 Reverse Holo combines classic Kanto nostalgia, powerful artwork, and the iconic stamped reverse holographic finish, making it a fantastic addition to any vintage Pokémon collection.

At Holotrove, we specialise in exceptional vintage Pokémon cards, helping collectors acquire authentic pieces of Pokémon history with confidence.

📦 Shipping & Insurance Notice

Your purchase will be carefully packaged to protect the card during transit.

Fully insured UK postage is included, covering the complete value of the card. International shipping is available worldwide, with an additional £10 insurance charge applicable.

The exact card pictured is the card you will receive.