Introduction
Pokémon TCG fans have been treated to a first look at the newly revealed artwork for the upcoming Scarlet & Violet – Phantasmal Flames set, and the hype is real. This set, slated for release on November 14, 2025, is officially featuring Mega Charizard X ex and Mega Gengar ex as its marquee Pokémon. In this blog-style deep dive, we’ll highlight and analyze the designs of the Ultra Premium Collection (UPC), Elite Trainer Box (ETB), the booster box, and the individual booster pack artworks. We’ll also speculate on which Pokémon are likely to be stars of the set based on this artwork, share some fan reactions, and offer insight for collectors and enthusiasts. Grab your Burn Heal – these phantasmal flames are about to get hot! 🔥👻
Ultra Premium Collection (UPC) – Mega Charizard X Takes Center Stage
The Ultra Premium Collection for Phantasmal Flames is all about Mega Charizard X ex, and it shows. The UPC’s packaging art (drawn by famed illustrator Akira Egawa, according to eagle-eyed fans) is a showstopper. The design features Mega Charizard X in all its glory – black scales, vivid blue flames, and a fierce pose that immediately grabs attention. This UPC artwork actually matches the ETB art (more on that below), giving a cohesive feel to the product line. It’s almost like the UPC is an extension of the ETB, which is unusual – past UPCs often stood apart, but here the Charizard theme unifies them.
Beyond just the visuals, the Mega Charizard X ex UPC is a beast content-wise too. It comes packed with 18 booster packs, a playmat emblazoned with Charizard, a themed deck box, 65 card sleeves, a collectible metal coin, dice, and more. Of course, the biggest draw for collectors: two foil promo cards – Mega Charizard X ex itself and an Oricorio ex (likely the Ghost-type Oricorio in its sensu style). These promos haven’t been 100% confirmed yet, but they might be the same stunning prints shown at Worlds 2025. In any case, having Charizard front and center with even the promo selection including a ghostly Oricorio ties perfectly into the “Phantasmal Flames” vibe (fire and phantom). This UPC’s design screams premium – expect a slick black-and-blue Charizard aesthetic with possibly ghostly accents nodding to Gengar or other phantasmal Pokémon. Collectors are already bracing for impact; as one forum user joked, “We are never seeing this in person”, hinting at the expected rush to snag this Charizard-laden box.
Elite Trainer Box (ETB) – Charcadet Promo & Spooky-Cool Design
Next up is the Elite Trainer Box for Phantasmal Flames, which also sports a Charizard-centric design. The ETB artwork mirrors the UPC’s dramatic Charizard X scene– meaning the ETB likely shows Mega Charizard X in a fiery, dynamic pose (possibly with a ghostly silhouette or aura in the background to represent the “phantasmal” element). The color scheme on the ETB is rumored to be deep midnight purple and flame-orange, reflecting the dual ghost-and-fire theme, although we’ll know for sure once official images drop. What we do know officially is that this ETB will include a special Illustration Rare promo card of Charcadet. Yes, Charcadet – the tiny fire-child Pokémon – gets some love here! This is a fun surprise, considering Charcadet evolves into Armarouge and Ceruledge (the latter being a Fire/Ghost type, very on-theme). We haven’t seen the Charcadet promo art yet, but it’s safe to speculate it might be a cute or stylized scene, perhaps Charcadet playing with flames or shadows.
Design-wise, ETBs usually have sleek artwork on the sleeve and inner box, often using a single Pokémon outline or face. Since the star of the set is Mega Charizard X, we can expect Charizard’s intimidating silhouette or even a full artwork on the ETB cover. Some fans have theorized the Pokémon Center exclusive ETB could feature an alternate art (maybe a shiny Mega Gengar or a different color motif) – but at minimum, Charizard is likely front and center for both the regular and Pokémon Center ETB editions. The ETB’s interior goodies (sleeves, booklet, etc.) will likely carry the theme too. For example, the card sleeves might depict Charcadet or its evolutions, tying into that promo card (just like Obsidian Flames ETB sleeves featured Charmander for the Charizard-themed set). Overall, the Phantasmal Flames ETB design seems poised to delight both fire-type fans and ghost-type fans with its unique combo of elements.
Booster Box & Pack Art – Charizard, Gengar, and More
Perhaps the most exciting reveal for many is the booster pack artwork – and Phantasmal Flames does not disappoint. The booster box itself features a collage of the pack arts, giving us a preview of the Pokémon headlining this set. According to official info, Phantasmal Flames prominently features Mega Charizard X ex and Mega Gengar ex, so you know those two will grace the packs. Indeed, one booster pack design shows Mega Charizard X breathing blue flames, looking absolutely ferocious. Another pack features Mega Gengar, presumably emanating from a swirl of purple mist or flames – a truly phantasmal look that has fans already calling it “next-level” art.
What about the other pack artworks? Typically, each set has four different pack designs. For speculation, we turn to the set’s theme and composition. Phantasmal Flames is based on Japan’s “Inferno X” plus the Mega Gengar & Mega Diancie decks. So, a reasonable guess is that Mega Diancie could feature on one of the pack arts, representing the Fairy (now Psychic-type) side of the set. Another likely candidate is one of the legendary beasts from Johto – Entei perhaps – since this set is said to celebrate Johto region elements (Suicune, Entei, Raikou were teased as appearing) and Entei would fit the “flames” motif. Alternatively, we might see Oricorio (Sensu Style) on a pack, since Oricorio ex is in the set and ties ghost and fire themes (it’s a Ghost-type that learns fiery dances). It’s also possible they’ll spotlight a Hoenn or Kanto fire-type: maybe Houndoom or Chandelure if those cards are included. However, given the emphasis on Mega Evolutions, a strong guess is Mega Houndoom (Fire/Dark) could slip in as a pack star if it’s in the set. We’ll have to wait for confirmation, but Charizard and Gengar are definitely the poster boys here – the booster box even advertises the set as “featuring Mega Charizard and Mega Gengar".
From the early peek we have, the booster box art itself shows Mega Charizard X and Mega Gengar in action on the front. The Charizard is wreathed in spectral blue fire, while Gengar lurks with a mischievous grin behind a haze of purple flame – a striking contrast of two iconic characters. Sides of the booster box might carry other Pokemon cameos (perhaps silhouettes of Diancie or the Johto beasts). Collectors are already joking that this box is so gorgeous they want one just to display sealed. One Reddit user even said, “Hahaha I’m keeping at least 1 of the ETB, UPC and booster box sealed”– purely for the artwork and collection value.
Community Reactions & Collector Hype
The Pokémon TCG community is buzzing about Phantasmal Flames’ product art reveal. On social media and forums, the reactions blend excitement with a bit of trepidation. The excitement is easy to understand: Charizard + Gengar is a dream combo for many fans. These two have huge fanbases, and seeing them together in a set (with stunning artwork to boot) has people hyped. Fans are speculating about pull rates and secret rares – for instance, whether we’ll get a special art rare Mega Gengar card to accompany Charizard (since having Gengar as a set mascot without an uber-rare card would feel odd). One fan mused that since Gengar is a face of the set, “I wouldn’t be surprised if a Mega Gengar SIR (Special Illustration Rare) got pulled from the holiday set and put into this one... would be odd for the face of a set to not have a chase card.” In short, expectations are sky-high that both Charizard and Gengar will have gorgeous chase cards in the set, not just on the box art.
However, with Charizard involved, there’s also that familiar anxiety: will scalpers and resellers gobble these up? Several commenters joked (with a kernel of truth) that “we won’t be seeing this one hit the shelves”. Another replied, “Shelves? It’ll have left the van and be in a scalper’s trunk before we even get a chance”. This tongue-in-cheek doomposting stems from recent experiences with highly coveted sets selling out quickly. The UPC in particular, retailing at $119.99, will be a prime target for scalpers due to that Charizard promo hype. Many are advising fellow fans to be ready the moment preorders go live. (Historically, Pokémon Center opens preorders once they officially reveal the ETB art – which, according to insiders, should be any day now.)
On a lighter note, the community is loving the artwork direction. The blend of spooky and fiery elements feels fresh. Some have pointed out that Phantasmal Flames continues a tradition: nearly every generation’s TCG block eventually gives Charizard a starring set (Flashfire, Burning Shadows, Darkness Ablaze, Obsidian Flames, etc.), and this one continues that legacy. But adding Gengar into the mix gives it a unique twist that has even long-time collectors excited. Collectors who keep products sealed are eyeing these designs, knowing that Charizard-themed items tend to age well in value and display nicely. As mentioned, folks are planning to keep ETBs and booster boxes sealed as part of their collections – partly as an investment, partly because the art is that good. For players, the smaller set size (~90 cards before secrets, the smallest English set in 8 years) could mean more focused pulls – but for now, it’s the visuals stealing the show.
Conclusion
The Phantasmal Flames product artwork reveal has truly ignited a fire (and some phantom shadows) in the Pokémon TCG community. From the Ultra Premium Collection’s epic Mega Charizard X design to the Elite Trainer Box’s cohesive artwork and special Charcadet promo, from the booster box and packs showcasing Charizard, Gengar, and likely more fan-favorites, there’s a lot to be excited about. This set’s art captures a perfect mix of nostalgia (Charizard, Gengar, Johto legends) and new-generation flair (Charcadet, Diancie, etc.). Whether you’re planning to tear into packs or display them sealed on your shelf, Phantasmal Flames looks to be a feast for the eyes.
If you want to stay updated on Phantasmal Flames and other Pokémon TCG news (like when those preorders drop!), be sure to subscribe to the TCGStadium newsletter. Don’t miss out on the latest set insights, product drops, and exclusive content for Pokémon card enthusiasts. Join our community of fans in the know – and let’s keep the flames of excitement burning! 🔥 Subscribe now and get all the hottest TCG news delivered right to your inbox. Happy collecting, and may your pulls be ever in your favor!
