Forretress ex Illustrator Spotlight: Top Pokémon TCG Cards

Forretress ex holo card art from Paldean Fates illustrated by 5ban Graphics

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Illustrator Spotlight: Top Pokémon TCG Cards

In the Pokémon TCG universe, a single illustration can elevate a card from strategic tool to collector’s treasure. The renowned artist 5ban Graphics has left an indelible mark on the game, trading in bold mechanical aesthetics for vibrant energy, and nowhere is that fusion more dazzling than on Forretress ex from the Paldean Fates set. This holo showcase pairs a formidable Grass-type ex with an equally formidable artist pedigree, reminding us that behind every card’s power lies a story of design, lore, and playing style. ⚡🔥💎

Meet the artist: 5ban Graphics

5ban Graphics is celebrated for delivering dynamic, high-contrast illustrations that feel both tactile and energetic. On Forretress ex, the artist channels the creature’s armored shell into a gleaming, almost kinetic canvas, with emerald energy ribbons weaving through the chrome surface. The result is a piece that reads well on the table and looks stunning in a binder — a perfect fusion of game-ready art and collector-worthy beauty. The holo finish amplifies those metallic accents, making the pokémon’s ex status literally shimmer as you track the damage counters across the battlefield. 🎨

Card snapshot: Forretress ex

Name: Forretress ex
Set: Paldean Fates (sv04.5)
Rarity: Shiny Ultra Rare
Type: Grass
Stage: Stage 1
HP: 270
Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
Weaknesses: Noted in the official card text; Grass-type attackers often contend with other typings in the evolving meta
Retreat: 3
Regulation: G
Attacks: Guard Press — 120 damage, Grass+Grass; “During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokémon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).”
Abilities: Exploding Energy — Once during your turn, you may search your deck for up to 5 Basic {G} Energy cards and attach them to your Pokémon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck. If you searched your deck in this way, this Pokémon is Knocked Out.
Artwork: Holos in the standard size (on the card), with vivid energy accents and a polished mechanical motif that’s instantly recognizable as 5ban Graphics’ signature style.
Market note: CardMarket shows an average price around €0.44 for non-holo copies with a wider variance, and a rising trend over recent months (as of mid-late 2025). The holo variant tends to command a premium in some markets, reflecting both rarity and the desirability of the artwork.

How the card plays: strategy and tempo

Forretress ex sits at the crossroads of tempo control and energy acceleration. Its Exploding Energy ability is a double-edged sword: you can draw into up to five Basic Grass Energy and attach them wherever you need, but the football of energy comes with the risk that Forretress ex itself is knocked out as part of the price of that surge. In practice, this invites bold deckbuilding choices. Players often pair this card with strategies that set up a stronger follow-up attacker or leverage a bench-heavy plan to overwhelm an opponent before the self-sacrifice becomes a feature, not a bug.

Guard Press grants durability in a surprisingly generous way. Taking 120 damage for a single hit, then reducing damage to Forretress ex on the opponent’s next turn by 30 (after applying Weakness/Resistance) creates a stall window you can abuse with energy acceleration. A typical line might involve shoring up a powerful Grass-type attacker on the bench, powering it with Exploding Energy to surprise the opponent, and using Forretress ex as a late-game brick wall that digs out the resources needed for the comeback. The combination of high HP (270) and Guard Press’s protection can force over-extensions by adversaries who underestimate the card’s durability, especially when a full power energy sprint via Exploding Energy is in the wings. ⚡🎴

Deck-building tips to maximize Forretress ex’s potential:

Energy acceleration timing: Use Exploding Energy to pre-load your bench with multiple Grass energies on turn one or two, then pivot to your big finisher on turns three and four. Remember: if you trigger Exploding Energy, Forretress ex faces Knock Out, so plan your bench strategy accordingly.
Supportive tools: Include draw and search cards that can fetch the right Grass energies when needed without pushing you into overextension. Efficient card draw keeps you from whiffing the Exploding Energy window.
Target selection: Guard Press shines when you can expect heavy hitting options from the opponent. Position your other Grass Pokémon to absorb damage while Forretress ex buys you time to accelerate energy and set up your follow-up attack.
Resource balance: Because the card is a Shiny Ultra Rare holo from Paldean Fates, it appeals to collectors and players alike. If you’re pursuing a competitive deck, weigh the value of the energy acceleration against the risk of losing your main defensive pivot.

Collector insights: rarity, value, and a growing interest

The Paldean Fates set introduces a number of powerful Grass-type options, but Forretress ex stands out for its dramatic HP and the dual nature of Exploding Energy. For collectors, the combination of Shiny Ultra Rare status and holo presentation elevates its appeal, especially among fans who appreciate 5ban Graphics’ distinctive mechanical aesthetic. CardMarket’s current data shows an average price around €0.44 for standard copies, with a low point around €0.05, and a positive price trend (about 0.64 in the observed period). This hints at growing demand from both players seeking viable tech cards and collectors chasing holo variants from the Paldean Fates era. As with many ex cards, condition and holo treatment can swing value, so a well-preserved copy often earns a premium from discerning collectors. 🔥

From a broader market perspective, the card’s resilience reflects two forces: the enduring love for Grass-types in competitive decks and the collector pull of 5ban Graphics’ signature art. For any aficionado who enjoys hunting for “the one” card that looks as striking as it plays, Forretress ex is a compelling centerpiece—especially in an aspiring deck that values energy acceleration and frontline durability.

Art and lore: the visual storytelling of Forretress ex

When you study the illustration by 5ban Graphics, you can feel the card’s kinetic energy. The looming silhouette of Forretress ex is rendered with chrome plating and micro-detail work that suggests both armor and mechanism. The emerald energy ribbons weave through the shell, hinting at Exploding Energy’s volatility and precise timing. In the Paldean Fates universe, such visuals aren’t just pretty—they evoke the tactical mindset behind the card: accelerate, shield, strike, repeat. This isn’t merely a fight; it’s a carefully choreographed sequence, and the artwork captures that drama in a single frame. 🎨

For collectors and players who savor the intersection of gameplay and artistry, Forretress ex proves that a card can be both practical on the table and a prized centerpiece in a binder. The holo treatment of the card amplifies those metallic glints, inviting closer inspection and a deeper appreciation for the craft behind the release.

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