Last Updated: July 2026
Dark Venusaur is one of the most unusual Japanese vintage Pokémon promos ever released. Unlike Dark Charizard and Dark Blastoise, it was never included in the Japanese Team Rocket expansion. Instead, it debuted as a promotional card bundled with Pokémon Card Trainers Vol. 10 in 2001, making it the only fully evolved Dark Kanto starter introduced outside the Team Rocket set.
This unique release history, combined with its striking moonlit artwork by Shin-ichi Yoshida, has made Dark Venusaur one of the most sought-after Japanese promotional cards among vintage collectors.
📌 Quick Facts
| Japanese Name | わるいフシギバナ |
| English Name | Dark Venusaur |
| Release Date | March 1, 2001 |
| Product | Pokémon Card Trainers Vol.10 Promo |
| Card No. | No.143 |
| Illustrator | Shin-ichi Yoshida |
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Why Dark Venusaur Is Special
Dark Venusaur occupies a unique position in Pokémon TCG history. Although it belongs to the famous Dark Pokémon family, it was never released inside the Japanese Team Rocket expansion.
Instead, the card first appeared almost three years later as a promotional bonus with Pokémon Card Trainers Vol.10. This makes it the only fully evolved Dark Kanto starter whose original Japanese release was outside Team Rocket.
The card also features the distinctive GB symbol associated with Pokémon Card GB2: Team GR Arrives!, further separating it from earlier Dark Pokémon releases.
Artwork & English Release
The artwork was illustrated by Shin-ichi Yoshida, depicting Venusaur beneath a moonlit sky with an unusually dark atmosphere rarely seen in early Pokémon artwork.
The card was later reprinted in Pokémon Web using the e-Card layout.
Unlike Japan, English-speaking regions did not receive the card until 2003, when it was released as Best of Game Promo #7. There was never an English Team Rocket version. Winner-stamped and Jumbo variants were also produced, giving English collectors several unique versions unavailable in Japan.
Price Guide
The following values are estimated from recent sales of raw copies and PSA-graded examples. Actual prices vary depending on condition, centering, and market demand.
Japanese GB Promo Version
| Condition | Market Value |
|---|---|
| Near Mint (NM) | $409 |
| Moderately Played (MP) | $189 |
| PSA 10 | $2,075 |
English Best of Game Promo #7
| Condition | Market Value |
|---|---|
| Near Mint (NM) | $220 |
| Moderately Played (MP) | $113 |
| PSA 10 | $94 |
Buying Guide
Collectors should verify which version they are purchasing, as Dark Venusaur exists in several distinct releases.
- Japanese GB Promo (original release)
- Pokémon Web reprint (e-Card design)
- English Best of Game Promo #7
- Winner Stamp Promo
- Jumbo Promo
The original Japanese GB Promo remains the most historically significant version because it represents the card’s debut and completes the Japanese Dark starter trio despite never appearing in the Team Rocket expansion.
Collector Notes
Dark Venusaur is one of the few vintage Pokémon cards whose history is arguably more interesting than its gameplay. Its delayed release, exclusive promotional distribution, and absence from the Team Rocket expansion have made it one of the most recognizable Japanese promos among serious collectors.
Many collectors also appreciate Shin-ichi Yoshida’s artwork, which presents Venusaur in an unusually dark, mysterious setting that perfectly fits the “Dark Pokémon” theme.
Because English collectors never received a Team Rocket version, Best of Game Promo #7 has become its own collectible niche, while Japanese collectors generally pursue both the original GB Promo and the later Pokémon Web reprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Dark Venusaur released in Japanese Team Rocket?
No. Unlike Dark Charizard and Dark Blastoise, Dark Venusaur debuted as a promotional card with Pokémon Card Trainers Vol.10.
Does an English Team Rocket version exist?
No. The English release first appeared as Best of Game Promo #7 in 2003.
Why is Dark Venusaur so popular?
Its unusual release history, beautiful artwork, and status as the missing member of the Japanese Dark starter trio have made it a favorite among vintage collectors.
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