{"product_id":"mega-charizard-x-ex-textured-full-art-holofoil-mep-023","title":"Mega Charizard X ex (Textured Full Art Holofoil) [MEP #023]","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMega Charizard X ex (Textured Full Art Holofoil) — Near Mint or Better\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mega Evolution Promos  |  \u003cstrong\u003eCard Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 023  |  \u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2025  |  \u003cstrong\u003eRarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Promo (Special Illustration Rare Tier)  |  \u003cstrong\u003eCard Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fire \/ Stage 2 Mega Evolution ex Pokémon (360 HP)  |  \u003cstrong\u003eVariant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Textured Full Art Holofoil  |  \u003cstrong\u003eIllustrator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Saboteri\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout This Card\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eReleased in mid-2025 as the crown jewel of the Phantasmal Flames Ultimate Premium Collection, MEP 023 is far more than a standard Black Star Promo — it is a cultural moment for the Pokémon TCG. This card marks the triumphant modern return of the Mega Evolution mechanic to the competitive card game, a fan-favorite system that had been absent from the TCG for years. Its exclusive distribution inside the Phantasmal Flames UPC means it was never available through booster packs or standard retail channels, creating a hard supply ceiling that makes pristine raw copies immediately scarce as sealed product exits the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe artwork, illustrated by Saboteri, is a genuine masterpiece of modern card design. Mega Charizard X is depicted radiating its signature brilliant blue flames against a sweeping stained-glass backdrop of magenta, teal, and gold — a composition that feels simultaneously ancient and electric. Saboteri's signature touch is the dynamic superimposition of massive stylized Japanese text over the illustration, spelling out the devastating Inferno X attack in a bold, comic-book-inspired layout that commands the entire frame. The Textured Full Art Holofoil treatment amplifies every detail: the raised surface texturing catches light across the stained-glass panels and Charizard's scales in a way that makes the card feel alive in hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith 360 HP and the return of the Mega Evolution ex framework, this card carries both competitive intrigue and enormous collector weight. Saboteri has rapidly become one of the most celebrated illustrators in the modern TCG era, with their pieces consistently commanding premium prices on the secondary market. For Charizard completionists, Mega Evolution enthusiasts, and collectors who prize SIR-tier artwork in a promo format, MEP 023 is one of the most significant singles released in 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy This Card?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUPC-Exclusive Promo Scarcity:\u003c\/strong\u003e MEP 023 was only available inside the Phantasmal Flames Ultimate Premium Collection — never pack-pulled — making flawless raw copies genuinely difficult to source as sealed UPC inventory dries up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMega Evolution's Modern Return:\u003c\/strong\u003e This card marks the first major reintroduction of the Mega Evolution mechanic to the modern TCG era, giving it historical significance that extends well beyond its immediate release window.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSaboteri's Signature Artistry:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the most sought-after illustrators in the current TCG landscape, Saboteri's pieces consistently appreciate on the secondary market — making this card a strong long-term collector hold as well as an immediate display centerpiece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrading Upside:\u003c\/strong\u003e Razor-sharp edges, a flawlessly centered layout, and a pristine textured surface make this an exceptional PSA and CGC submission candidate, with Gem Mint grades commanding significant premiums over raw market value.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEternal Charizard Demand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Charizard — and especially Mega Charizard X — drives some of the most consistent and aggressive collector demand in the entire hobby. Promo variants with SIR-tier artwork and exclusive distribution histories are among the most persistently valued pieces in any Charizard master set.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cem\u003eAll cards are shipped securely in a sleeve and toploader.\u003c\/em\u003e","brand":"The Rip Stop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51487713263849,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0814\/9165\/6937\/files\/IMG_0218.jpg?v=1783288557","url":"https:\/\/theripstop.com\/products\/mega-charizard-x-ex-textured-full-art-holofoil-mep-023","provider":"The Rip Stop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}