Last Updated: July 2026
Expansion Sheet Snorlax is one of the most fascinating non-holo cards from the vintage Japanese Pokémon Card Game. Originally released in Expansion Sheet Part 1 (Blue), the card was illustrated by Keita Takahashi, winner of the official Pokémon Card Game Illustration Contest.
What makes this card truly unique is that the English release did not reuse the Japanese artwork. Instead, Wizards of the Coast selected another Illustration Contest winner, making this one of the very few Pokémon cards with completely different contest-winning artwork between Japan and the English market.
📌 Quick Facts
| Japanese Name | カビゴン |
| English Name | Snorlax |
| Pokédex No. | #143 |
| Set | Expansion Sheet Part 1 (Blue) |
| Release Year | 1998 |
| Illustrator (JP) | Keita Takahashi |
| English Release | Wizards Black Star Promo #49 |
| Illustrator (EN) | Craig Turvey |
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Why This Card Matters
Most Pokémon cards share identical artwork worldwide.
Expansion Sheet Snorlax breaks that rule.
The Japanese version was created by Keita Takahashi, whose illustration won the official Pokémon Card Game Illustration Contest. Only twenty copies of the winning card were initially awarded before the artwork was officially released in Expansion Sheet Part 1.
Later, the same artwork appeared again in the Quick Starter Gift, although with several noticeable differences.
The Quick Starter Gift Version
Although many collectors refer to it as a reprint, the Quick Starter Gift version differs from the Expansion Sheet release.
The Expansion Sheet card features a glossy finish, while the Quick Starter Gift version has a matte finish and includes additional text identifying it as an Illustration Contest winning card.
Because of these differences, most vintage collectors treat them as separate cards.
The English Version Is Completely Different
The biggest surprise came when Wizards of the Coast released Snorlax as Black Star Promo #49.
Instead of using the Japanese artwork, Wizards selected another Illustration Contest winner by Craig Turvey.
This means both the Japanese and English versions originated from illustration contests—but feature entirely different artwork.
Very few Pokémon cards have this distinction.
Japanese vs English
| Feature | Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|
| Release | Expansion Sheet | Black Star Promo #49 |
| Illustrator | Keita Takahashi | Craig Turvey |
| Artwork | Contest Winner | Different Contest Winner |
| Finish | Glossy | Promo |
Price Guide
The following price estimates are based on recent sales of raw copies and professionally graded cards. As with most vintage Pokémon cards, values vary depending on centering, surface quality, and overall condition.
Japanese Expansion Sheet Version
| Condition | Market Value |
|---|---|
| Near Mint (NM) | $220 |
| Moderately Played (MP) | $113 |
| PSA 10 | $1,887 |
English Black Star Promo #49
| Condition | Market Value |
|---|---|
| Near Mint (NM) | $503 |
| Moderately Played (MP) | $358 |
| PSA 10 | $4,214 |
Collector Highlights
- Illustrated by Pokémon Illustration Contest winner Keita Takahashi.
- Originally awarded as a prize before being printed in Expansion Sheet Part 1.
- Later reprinted in Quick Starter Gift with noticeable differences.
- English release features completely different artwork by Craig Turvey.
- One of the few Pokémon cards where both Japanese and English versions use different contest-winning illustrations.
Buying Guide
Expansion Sheet vs Quick Starter Gift
Many listings incorrectly identify these two cards as identical.
Collectors should verify whether the card is the original glossy Expansion Sheet version or the later Quick Starter Gift printing.
The finish and text layout are different, making them separate collectibles.
Check Surface Condition Carefully
Because Expansion Sheet cards were distributed on sheets rather than inside booster packs, edge wear and scratches are relatively common.
High-grade copies are considerably harder to find than many standard expansion cards.
English Promo Authentication
When purchasing Black Star Promo #49, check the holo-free surface, print quality, and card stock carefully.
High-grade English copies have become increasingly scarce as collector demand continues to rise.
Investment Outlook
Expansion Sheet Snorlax has become one of the most historically important non-holo vintage Pokémon cards.
Its appeal comes from much more than rarity—it represents the Pokémon Illustration Contest, exists in multiple collectible printings, and has a unique English counterpart featuring entirely different artwork.
As collectors place greater emphasis on artwork history rather than simply rarity, this card continues to gain recognition among both Japanese and international collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this Snorlax card considered special?
Unlike most Pokémon cards, this Snorlax originated from the Pokémon Card Game Illustration Artist Contest. The Japanese artwork by Keita Takahashi won the grand prize and was later printed as an official card, making it one of the few contest-winning illustrations released commercially.
Is the English version the same artwork?
No. The English Wizards Black Star Promo #49 uses completely different artwork illustrated by Craig Turvey. Both the Japanese and English versions originated from separate illustration contests, making this one of the most unusual Pokémon cards ever released.
What is the difference between the Expansion Sheet and Quick Starter Gift versions?
Although they feature the same artwork, the Quick Starter Gift version has a non-glossy finish and includes additional text indicating that it is an Illustration Contest prize card. The original Expansion Sheet version uses a glossy finish and lacks this extra text.
Is this card difficult to grade?
Yes. Expansion Sheet cards were distributed on large printed sheets rather than inside booster packs, making edge wear and surface scratches more common. High-grade PSA examples are significantly harder to obtain than many standard vintage Pokémon cards.
Is this card a good long-term collectible?
Many collectors consider it one of the most historically significant non-holo Japanese Pokémon cards because of its Illustration Contest origin, multiple print variants, and unique English counterpart with completely different artwork.
Related Guides
Final Thoughts
Expansion Sheet Snorlax stands apart from nearly every other vintage Pokémon card thanks to its remarkable history. It is not simply another early promotional release—it represents the winning artwork of Japan’s original Pokémon Illustration Contest and later inspired a completely different English promotional version.
Whether you collect artwork variations, Expansion Sheet cards, or historically important Pokémon releases, this Snorlax deserves a place among the most fascinating cards of the vintage era. Its story continues to attract new collectors nearly three decades after its original release.
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