Passimian Alternate Art vs Full Art — Collector's Guide

In TCG ·

Passimian ex card art from Celestial Guardians A3

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Passimian ex: a fighting exemplar from Celestial Guardians

In the Celestial Guardians expansion, Passimian ex brings a refreshing blend of offense and utility to the table. This Basic Fighting-type Pokémon carries a sturdy 130 HP, a sturdy reminder that even straightforward brawlers can wield bite-sized strategic depth when the timing is right. Illustrated by PLANETA Tsuji, the card’s artwork captures a sense of disciplined teamwork that resonates with the Passimian archetype—the idea that a coordinated crew can outmaneuver a single powerhouse. The ex suffix boons a certain prestige, signaling a potent card that can anchor a cohesive Fighting-type deck, especially when energy management and bench stability are prioritized.

Art variants: alternate art vs full art in the TCG ecosystem

For collectors and players alike, two art-focused variants often steal the spotlight: alternate art and full-art. An alternate art typically features a distinct illustration, sometimes with a bold background or a different scene that tells a unique story beyond the standard card image. A full-art variant, on the other hand, showcases edge-to-edge artwork with a broader canvas that stretches across the card’s borders, letting the scene spill onto the margins of the card face. Passimian ex from Celestial Guardians is printed as holo and normal with standard borders, but the broader conversation among fans compares how an alternate art or full-art version would alter the display value, gameplay perception, and shelf appeal. The holo treatment adds a touch of sparkle that highlights the card’s action moment, even if the underlying mechanics—Seismic Toss for 60 damage and the Offload Pass ability—remain the same.

“Artwork isn’t just decoration; it sets the mood for how you present your deck in the room and in the trade binder.” ⚡🔥

How Passimian ex actually plays on the table

Beyond its eye-catching art, Passimian ex has a practical floor in battle. With 130 HP, it sits in a comfortable range for mid-game standoffs, especially when paired with a well-timed Offload Pass ability. If Passimian ex is in the Active Spot and is Knocked Out by damage from an opponent’s attack, Offload Pass moves all Fighting Energy from this Pokémon to one of your Benched Pokémon. That subtle energy shuffling can swing the outcome in longer matchups, allowing you to recoup momentum by refreshing attackers or preserving a crucial attacker for the next round. Seismic Toss, the lone listed attack, deals 60 damage for the Fighting plus Colorless cost—an efficient payoff that can break through small to mid-range threats, while threatening spread or build-up based on your bench layout.

The card’s Psychic weakness (+20) nudges you to consider opponent matchups and prize pressure. When you’re behind on prizes, Protecting Passimian ex behind a more resilient threat or using its energy transfer to set up a stronger finisher can be a wise plan. The Fold of a 2 Retreat Cost encourages careful positioning—protecting Passimian ex when the board state tilts toward ranged attackers or faster threats.

Collector’s perspective: rarity, set, and print history

Passimian ex is listed as a Two Star rarity within the Celestial Guardians set (A3). The Celestial Guardians banner carries a total print offering of 239 cards, with the A3 subset contributing a distinct flavor to the lineup. The card’s art is credited to PLANETA Tsuji, aligning with a strong tradition of evocative, character-driven illustrations in the Celestial Guardians era. The set’s composition includes holo, normal, and reverse variants, giving collectors multiple paths to display and complete a full art or alternate art dream if those variants exist in future printings. The Lunala booster tag further signals how this Pokémon can pop within a broader, star-studded ecosystem.

From a market perspective, Two Star cards like Passimian ex often carry a steady collector’s interest, balanced by how many print runs exist and whether a future reprint brings fresh variants. While pricing data isn’t provided in this snapshot, the general trend in Pokémon TCG markets shows fully art and alternate art prints tend to command premium, especially when they introduce a striking reinterpretation of the same card or tie into a popular theme. Keep an eye on the sea of holo prints and potential reprints—collectors often chase the unique or the rare with the strongest pull.

Gameplay synergy: building a deck around Passimian ex

For builders, Passimian ex offers a thematic anchor for Fighting-type synergy. Its Offload Pass ability encourages you to plan ahead: ensure you have at least one benched Pokémon with usable energy you want to relocate, so the moment Passimian ex is KO’d, the energy moves to a ready contender. This can enable a late-game comeback or a strategic pivot when the active attacker is removed. The 60-damage Seismic Toss may not knock out big threats on its own, but paired with the right co-attacks and energy acceleration, Passimian ex becomes a dependable setup piece rather than a pure finisher. In addition, the card’s 130 HP provides resilience against a broad swath of early- and mid-game threats, while its Psychic weakness pushes you to anticipate matchup diversity—especially in a format where Psychic opponents can overwhelm with speed or set-up potential.

Collectors who enjoy display aesthetics will appreciate how Passimian ex embodies the spirit of teamwork. The illustration by PLANETA Tsuji and the Celestial Guardians branding invite a storytelling angle: imagine Passimian coordinating a line of allies as tides of energy flow through the bench to reinforce the right fighter at the crucial moment. The art choice also makes this a strong candidate for a holo-focused binder page, where the light catches the Fighting energy and the dynamic character pose in the background.

Putting it all together: choosing between alternate art and full art

While this particular Passimian ex print may be presented in holo or standard forms, the broader conversation about alternate art versus full art carries real value for both players and collectors. Alternate art variants can offer a new scene, a different color palette, or a unique mood that elevates a card’s personality. Full-art pieces make a bold statement in a display, turning a card into a focal artwork within your binder or on a display shelf. For players, the mechanical impact remains the same, but your emotional connection to the card can shift—making a favorite character feel newly alive on the battlefield.

If you’re seeking a practical, play-ready piece that also shines in a collection, Passimian ex ticks both boxes: a solid 130 HP, a clever energy-transfer niche, and a design that looks as energetic as its rules text. And for those who love the lore of alternates, keep an eye out for future printings that might bring a true alternate art or a bold full-art variant to this fighter’s roster. The Celestial Guardians era already invites fans to celebrate the teamwork ethos that Passimian embodies—both in-game and in the art that captures its spirit. 🎴🎨

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