Pokemon Ascended Heroes Most Expensive Cards: Top 10 Rares, Hits & Artist Grails
- Patrice Journ
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
One month after release and the initial hype, now is the time to consider the big dip (about 30% off) and pick up Ascended Heroes cards that are likely to appreciate thanks to the exceptional artist roster and Bandai’s stunning designs. Already recognized as one of the most visually delightful sets — balancing vivid and pastel compositions — we’ll examine the currently most expensive cards and the historical value tied to the artists behind them.
All sold price ranges reflect completed eBay listings (raw, not graded) from the seven-day period preceding this article’s publication date.
Mega Gengar ex - 284/217
Sold price range on eBay (last 7 days): $1,100
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
This artwork was created by danciao, a rapidly rising star in the Pokémon TCG illustration world, known for a signature style that uses intense, saturated colors and dynamic, perspective-heavy compositions. The same artist who made Mega Charizard X ex (SIR) from the Phantasmal Flames set, which is considered a top-tier companion piece to this Gengar:
Mega Dragonite ex - 290/217
Sold price range on eBay (last 7 days): $700
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
DOM is an established illustrator in the Pokémon TCG who typically focuses on high-rarity, visually dense cards. DOM is recognized for "full-canvas" masterpieces that often incorporate celestial or pastel themes, blending multiple Pokémon into a single cohesive scene. The Mega Diancie ex (SIR) is also another high-profile card from the Ascended Heroes set, noted for its lavish and mythical detail - sitting at $55:
Mega Charizard Y ex - 294/217
Sold price range on eBay (last 7 days): $625
Rarity: Mega Hyper Rare
Aky CG Works is a specialized studio that has illustrated hundreds of Pokémon cards, particularly those requiring high-quality 3D models and digital rendering. Their work is defined by sharp, clean 3D renders that emphasize the physical texture of the card's etching rather than a hand-drawn background. They excel at making Pokémon look like "living trophies" in high-rarity slots.
Pikachu ex - 276/217
Sold price range on eBay (last 7 days): $680-750
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
Booota (ぶーた) is a prominent Japanese freelance illustrator and a relative newcomer with a limited portfolio. Rather than crystalline or abstract effects, Booota’s work is celebrated for detailed, serene backgrounds and a “classic” feel that captures the natural environments of Pokémon.
Alongside the Pikachu ex in the Japanese Start Deck 100 Battle Collection, Booota also designed Erika’s Tangela (Art Rare), another hugely popular, more affordable cuddle hit (around $50) that has already become a fan favorite:
Mega Dragonite ex - 295/217
Sold price range on eBay (last 7 days): $350-400
Rarity: Mega Hyper Rare
Another work from Aky CG Works studio. While we’re using the official raw database for this article, it doesn’t credit the artists for the amount of detail in these golden artworks — just search to see real samples and appreciate the intricate textures these cards offer. Jaw-dropping!
Pikachu ex - 277/217 (Special Illustration Rare)
Sold price range on eBay (last 7 days): $400
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
This artwork was created by James Turner, the first Westerner to officially design Pokémon for the video game series. He designed popular species such as Golurk, Trevenant, Guzzlord, Naganadel, Polteageist, and the infamous Vanillite line. He is as well credited with designing the Shadow Lugia for Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, a jumbo size promo card.
Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 281/217
Sold price range on eBay (last 7 days): $320
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
This artwork was created by the legendary Mitsuhiro Arita, who has been with the Pokémon TCG since its very first set in 1996. It is a modern "Special Illustration" reimagining of one of the most iconic cards in history: the original Team Rocket's Mewtwo from the 2000 Gym Challenge set. The purple-and-red contrast is striking and the gaze is intense — the latest beauty from the artist who drew the iconic Base Set Charizard in 1996.
Lillie's Clefairy ex - 280/217
Sold price range on eBay (last 7 days): $160-200
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
Lillie is one of the most beloved characters in the entire Pokémon franchise. Naoki Saito is essentially the "rock star" of Pokémon trainer illustrators and is largely responsible for the modern "waifu card" phenomenon in the TCG. He’s known for a clean, anime-perfect style with vibrant colors and expressive faces that convey strong personality. He also runs a very popular channel where he teaches viewers how to illustrate like a pro.
N's Zoroark ex - 286/217
Sold price range on eBay (last 7 days): $120
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
This artwork was created by Raita Kazama. It features the popular character N alongside his signature Pokémon, Zoroark, in a detailed, storybook-like scene. Kazama has illustrated other high-end chase cards, most notably the Mega Gardevoir ex Special Illustration Rare from the Mega Evolution ME01 series:
Mega Feraligatr ex - 274/217
Sold price range on eBay (last 7 days): $130
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
This card marks the first time Feraligatr has received a Mega Evolution form in the TCG, a concept introduced in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A era. Souichirou Gunjima is a veteran illustrator known for a high-contrast, energetic art style that makes Pokémon look both formidable and lifelike.
Honorable Mentions
There are many other cards we could have added to this list, which would have made it very long. Instead, we want to share a few of the missing Special Illustration Rares and Mega Attack Rares that are currently popular and highly liquid.
You can open each picture and click to search for direct eBay listings.
Special Illustration Rares Cards
We picked six other SIRs worth collecting. While they feature more niche characters, they’re still growing opportunities with their distinct style, ranging from $70 to $100 each.
The Mega Attack Rares
Among the many attack rares, we wanted to highlight the two most coveted — Gengar and Dragonite — currently priced at $50 and $80, respectively.
Key Takeaway (Not Financial Advice):
Collectors should focus on artist-led Special Illustrations and scarce chase variants—these pieces (often $50–$100+ and up to rare high-ticket SIRs) combine iconic character appeal, renowned illustrators, and limited supply, making them the strongest long-term value and most consistent performers among Ascended Heroes cards.
Final Note: Balance enthusiasm with caution—focus on cards where scarcity, story, and quirks align, not hype. Stay informed, patient, and prioritize long-term appeal.
Our newly launched Buyer’s Guide section is your first mate in charting these waters.
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