Top Qwilfish Card Illustrations by a Pokémon Artist

Qwilfish card art from Secret Wonders (dp3-101) illustrated by Kenkichi Toyama

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Spotlight on Qwilfish: Artistry by Kenkichi Toyama

Among the quiet, splashy moments that spark a collector’s smile, the dp3-101 Qwilfish card from the Secret Wonders set shines as a delightful study in color, motion, and whimsy. Illustrated by Kenkichi Toyama, this Water-type basic Pokémon captures the mischievous sting of a sea-dweller that’s equal parts adorable and dangerous. Toyama’s work here blends crisp linework with soft gradients, turning a simple aquatic creature into a card that feels alive on the card back and on the tabletop. The Small Oddity of Qwilfish—his balloon-like spines ready to surprise—becomes a visual signature under Toyama’s careful palette, inviting both players and collectors to pause and admire the artistry between turns ⚡🔥.

Card Details at a Glance

Name: Qwilfish
Set: Secret Wonders (dp3)
Card Number: dp3-101
Type: Water
Stage: Basic
HP: 70
Rarity: Common
Illustrator: Kenkichi Toyama
Abilities: Balloon Sting (Poke-POWER) — Once during your opponent’s turn, if Qwilfish is your Active Pokémon and is damaged by an attack (even if knocked out), flip a coin. If heads, the Attacking Pokémon is now Poisoned. Put 2 damage counters instead of 1 on that Pokémon between turns.
Attacks: Nerve Shot — Cost: Water, Water. 20 damage. Effect: Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokémon is now Paralyzed.
Weakness: Lightning +20
Retreat Cost: 1
Variants: Normal, Holo, and Reverse holo variants exist for this card.

Gameplay Perspectives: Balloons, Beams, and Board Presence

Qwilfish’s Balloon Sting is a clever, tempo-kicking ability that rewards strategic timing. When used on your Active Qwilfish, it creates a subtle layer of risk for your opponent: if their attacker breaches your line and damaged Qwilfish on their turn, you trigger a coin flip that could poison the attacker and steadily chip away with 2 damage counters between turns. It’s the kind of effect that shines in stall-y—or tempo-based—matchups where managing the pacing of damage matters as much as landing big blows.

The Nerve Shot attack provides a straightforward, reliable 20 damage for a Water–Water cost, with a chance to paralyze the foe—an effect that can tilt a fragile endgame in your favor. The combination of Balloon Sting and Nerve Shot encourages players to think in terms of status control and board presence: Qwilfish doesn’t just chip away; it pressures the defending player to navigate potential poison and paralysis on the path to victory.

Weakness to Lightning adds a realistic counterplay dimension, especially in formats where Electric-types are common. The Retreat cost of 1 keeps Qwilfish flexible on the bench, allowing you to pivot to a safer water core or to set up a sequence of Balloon Sting activations as you rebuild your board state. For collectors, the card’s holo and reverse holo variants provide eye-catching display options, while the regular version remains a practical staple in many water-themed decks of its era.

Artistry That Tells a Story

Kenkichi Toyama’s rendering of Qwilfish emphasizes a lively sense of motion—spines curling, eyes bright with mischief, and water currents wrapping the creature in a glimmering aqua glow. The Secret Wonders set was a celebration of discovery and hidden depth, and Toyama’s piece embodies that spirit: a familiar Pokémon reimagined with a touch of enchantment that invites players to imagine underwater escapades beyond the card’s mechanical text. The artistry doesn’t just decorate the card; it invites you to speculate about the world beneath the waves where Qwilfish darts through kelp and shadow, ready to unleash a balloon-like flurry at the opportune moment 🎨🎴.

Collector’s Insight: Rarity, Variants, and Value

As a Common card in a well-loved water-line, dp3-101 Qwilfish remains accessible for many collectors, while holo and reverse holo versions become even more desirable for display and trade. The Secret Wonders set brought together a mix of iconic Pokémon with lighthearted, energetic artwork, and Qwilfish’s charming portrayal by Toyama supports both casual collecting and focused subset hunts. Pricing data from CardMarket around the time of this writing shows a typical low in the cent range and a mid price hovering under a few euros for non-holo copies, while holo copies trend higher in the single-digit euro area depending on condition and print run. On TCGPlayer, the non-holo variant often sits near a modest pocket price, with reverse holo commanding a modest premium when available in solid condition. The dynamic nature of card pricing means a careful eye on market pulse can yield a small but satisfying bump for a holo or reverse holo example. Overall, it’s a card that balances accessibility with a touch of sparkle—perfect for fans who treasure skillful illustration as much as strategic play 💎⚡.

Market Pulse: What’s Driving Value Today

The numbers paint a simple, hopeful picture for new and veteran collectors alike. For non-holo dp3-101, values sit in the sub-€0.50 range in many markets, while holo variants trend higher as a display piece and long-term hold. If you’re exploring the market on TCGPlayer, you’ll often see low prices around the €0.10–€0.30 zone for common versions, with mid to high prices for clearer, sharper holo copies depending on edition and supply. CardMarket’s euro-based data corroborates this with similarly modest averages for standard copies, and a modest uplift for holofoil iterations. The beauty of Toyama’s Qwilfish isn’t just in what it does on the table, but in how it catches the eye when you lay it out in a binder or on a shelf—the kind of card that earns a double take ⚡💎.

For collectors who love the tactile thrill of a well-preserved holo, or for players who want a dependable Water-type with a touch of status-inducing flair, dp3-101 Qwilfish offers a satisfying blend of playability and aesthetics. The price movement for the card, including normal and reverse holo variants, reflects broader market trends, but the enduring appeal of Kenkichi Toyama’s art and the Secret Wonders set’s charm keeps Qwilfish as a consistent request in many trade discussions. If you’re eyeing a well-preserved copy, consider both condition and variant—holo copies often capture more attention in person, and their display value makes them worth a thoughtful investment for many collectors 🔍🎴.

For fans who adore the intersection of gameplay and gallery, this Qwilfish stands as a perfect bridge between the two worlds. Whether you’re building a cohesive water deck, chasing a holo addition for show, or simply admiring Toyama’s expressive lines, it’s a card that rewards both strategic use and heartfelt appreciation of Pokémon art.

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