Charizard VSTAR 018/172 Brilliant Stars Holo – Full Collector & TCG Guide
If you’re chasing powerful Fire-types, Charizard VSTAR 018/172 from Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars is one of the headline cards of the entire set. This article breaks down what makes this Ultra Rare so desirable for collectors, anime fans, and competitive Pokémon TCG players alike.
The product discussed here is an ungraded, Near Mint Charizard VSTAR from Brilliant Stars, described as a Holo VSTAR Rare. The listing appears to show a clean copy with strong eye appeal, making it a solid pickup for anyone looking to add a modern Charizard to their binder or deck.
Quick Card Overview – Charizard VSTAR 018/172
| Card Name | Charizard VSTAR |
|---|---|
| Set | Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars (SWSH09) |
| Card Number | 018/172 |
| Rarity | Ultra Rare (VSTAR, Holo) |
| Type | Fire |
| Release Year | 2022 |
| Condition (this listing) | Ungraded, appears Near Mint (NM) based on seller description |
The card is part of the first wave of VSTAR cards introduced in Brilliant Stars, alongside other heavy hitters like Arceus VSTAR. As a result, Charizard VSTAR quickly became a chase card for players and collectors who wanted one of the earliest and most iconic VSTAR Pokémon in the game.
Because this is a raw, ungraded copy, it’s positioned in the price range many players and casual collectors can afford, while still having strong upside if kept in excellent condition. For buyers who like browsing collectible Pokémon cards, this kind of listing is often the sweet spot between value and quality.
Below, we’ll explore this card’s artwork and anime ties, its collecting and value potential, and how Charizard VSTAR functions in competitive decks.
Finally, we’ll close with an FAQ section to help you decide whether this Charizard fits your collection or your next Fire-type deck.
Charizard VSTAR in the Pokémon TCG: Card Text & Mechanics
According to the official Pokémon TCG database, Charizard VSTAR (Brilliant Stars 18/172) is a Fire-type Pokémon VSTAR with 280 HP. It evolves from Charizard V and counts as a Pokémon VSTAR, meaning it gives up two Prize cards when Knocked Out and grants access to a unique VSTAR Power.
Its key attacks and VSTAR Power are:
- Explosive Fire – This is Charizard VSTAR’s regular attack. The official text notes that the attack’s damage increases if Charizard VSTAR has damage counters on it, letting it scale up to very high damage in the right situation.
- VSTAR Power: Star Blaze – Star Blaze does a massive 320 damage, at the cost of discarding 2 Energy from Charizard VSTAR. As with all VSTAR Powers, you can use only one per game, so timing is crucial.
In practical gameplay, what this means is that Charizard VSTAR trades a hefty Energy cost for knockout power that rivals many Pokémon VMAX, despite giving up only two Prizes instead of three. Pokémon’s own strategy articles highlight how close it is in strength to typical VMAX attackers, which is impressive for a card that evolved from a basic V.
The Brilliant Stars VSTAR mechanic was designed to shake up the meta by giving players game-defining one-time powers. Charizard’s Star Blaze fits this perfectly: one well-timed attack can delete an opposing VSTAR or VMAX and swing the game in your favor.
Artwork, Flavor, and Anime Connections
Charizard’s popularity isn’t just about stats. Long-time fans of the Pokémon anime know Charizard as one of Ash’s most iconic partners: stubborn in its early days as a Charmeleon and Charizard, then eventually fiercely loyal and incredibly powerful. That legacy heavily influences why cards like Charizard VSTAR are so popular.
The Brilliant Stars Charizard VSTAR artwork shows Charizard in mid-attack, surrounded by fire, capturing that anime-style intensity. While this specific pose doesn’t directly replicate a particular anime episode, it strongly evokes Charizard’s battles against major foes like Articuno or Gary’s Blastoise. The dynamic art style is part of what makes this card such a satisfying binder centerpiece.
For anime-first fans who are just getting into the card game, Charizard VSTAR serves as a bridge between the TV series and the TCG. You’re not just getting a strong attacker—you’re picking up a piece that visually and thematically fits the fiery, high-stakes battles you remember from the show.
In many modern collections, fans like to pair cards such as Charizard VSTAR with earlier Charizard prints (Base Set reprints, EX-era Charizards, or other Sword & Shield variants) to tell the “story” of Charizard across eras. This Brilliant Stars VSTAR fits neatly in the modern chapter of that story.
Collecting Charizard VSTAR 018/172 – Rarity, Condition, and Value
Rarity and Set Context
Within Brilliant Stars, this version of Charizard VSTAR is an Ultra Rare. It’s distinct from the rainbow rare and alternate art versions but remains one of the more important pulls from the main set. Being card 018/172 places it early in the set’s Fire-type lineup.
Collectors often view the “regular” Ultra Rare Charizard VSTAR as the most accessible way to own a playable Charizard from Brilliant Stars. The chase alternate arts and secret rares may command higher prices, but they’re also much harder to pull and typically too expensive for casual players to buy in multiples. This Ultra Rare balances desirability with practicality.
Price tracking sites (like PriceCharting and similar resources) show that raw Near Mint copies of Charizard VSTAR 018/172 have held a solid mid-range value since release, with typical sales hovering around the low-to-mid teens in USD. The $14.99 price tag cited in the product data is consistent with that range, though actual values fluctuate over time and by condition.
The listing we’re discussing is ungraded and described as Near Mint. As always, buyers should review photos carefully, but for players and budget-conscious collectors, raw NM is usually the best combination of affordability and visual appeal.
Why Near Mint Copies Matter for Long-Term Collecting
Many collectors look specifically for near mint Pokémon cards because they preserve both display quality and potential grading value. While this listing is ungraded, an NM copy kept well-protected in a sleeve and top loader could be a good candidate for grading later, provided there are no hidden flaws.
Even if you never plan to grade, NM copies:
- Look better in binders and top loaders, especially under holo lighting.
- Are easier to resell later if you ever decide to trade up or change your collection focus.
- Typically command a noticeable premium over Played or Lightly Played copies of the same card.
When browsing a store that specializes in Pokémon TCG singles, filtering for Near Mint copies is a smart way to balance cost versus quality. This is especially important for marquee cards like Charizard, which many collectors treat as collection cornerstones rather than filler.
For long-term storage, remember to use penny sleeves, semi-rigid or top-loader cases, and keep your cards away from sunlight and humidity. That’s the best way to protect the holo layer and sharp corners that make NM Charizards so attractive.
Value Drivers: Why This Charizard Stands Out
Several factors combine to make this Brilliant Stars Charizard VSTAR a card with steady demand:
- Iconic Pokémon – Charizard has been one of the hobby’s top chase Pokémon since the late 1990s, both for nostalgia and for its strong branding in games and anime.
- Key mechanic introduction – As one of the earliest and best-known VSTAR cards, Charizard VSTAR occupies an important place in the Sword & Shield era’s history.
- Competitive relevance – While meta status shifts over time, Pokémon.com’s own strategy coverage points to Charizard VSTAR being a legitimate threat in the right deck builds.
- Holo Ultra Rare slot – Ultra Rares naturally have lower pull rates than regular rares, adding to their scarcity.
These factors don’t guarantee future price movement, but they help explain why demand for Charizard VSTAR 018/172 has stayed fairly consistent compared to many other Ultra Rares from the same period.
If you’re looking for a Charizard that’s modern, playable, and still reasonably priced, this card checks all three boxes.
How Charizard VSTAR Plays in Competitive Decks
Core Strategy: Big One-Shot Pressure
Charizard VSTAR’s role in competitive play is straightforward but powerful: it’s a high-damage, Prize-efficient attacker. With 280 HP and the ability to hit up to and beyond VMAX levels of damage, it thrives in decks that can accelerate Fire Energy and keep it healed or protected.
Its two main tools—Explosive Fire and Star Blaze—serve different parts of the game plan:
- Explosive Fire lets you apply consistent pressure and threaten two-hit knockouts on large Pokémon, especially once Charizard has taken some damage.
- Star Blaze is your closer—a VSTAR Power you save for the turn you absolutely must secure a knockout on an opposing VSTAR or VMAX.
Because you can only use one VSTAR Power per game, experienced players will often hold Star Blaze until they can pick off a major threat like Arceus VSTAR, Palkia VSTAR, or another key attacker. Misusing Star Blaze too early can leave you without a way to cleanly take that final, crucial knockout.
The main challenge is Energy cost: loading enough Fire Energy quickly enough while not falling behind. This is where deckbuilding choices become crucial.
Key Synergies: Magma Basin and Support Pokémon
Official Pokémon strategy articles emphasize one Stadium card in particular: Magma Basin. This Stadium lets you attach a Fire Energy from your discard pile to a Benched Fire-type Pokémon and put 2 damage counters on that Pokémon.
For Charizard VSTAR, that’s perfect synergy:
- It accelerates Fire Energy from the discard directly onto Charizard V or Charizard VSTAR.
- It places damage counters on Charizard, which powers up Explosive Fire’s damage output.
In effect, Magma Basin both fuels Charizard and boosts its damage ceiling, turning what might be a drawback (self-damage) into a benefit. Combined with the natural draw and search packages of the format (like Professor’s Research, Ultra Ball, and Quick Ball in the Sword & Shield era), this can create a surprisingly fast and explosive deck.
Common support partners have included other Fire Pokémon or general-purpose engines; while the exact optimal partners have shifted over time, the principle remains the same: you want efficient Energy acceleration, consistent draw, and ways to protect your prized Charizard VSTAR from being sniped or stalled.
Who Should Play Charizard VSTAR?
Charizard VSTAR decks tend to appeal to players who like:
- Big-damage, straightforward game plans – You’re not playing an intricate combo deck; you’re hitting very hard with a central attacker.
- High-risk, high-reward turns – Timing Star Blaze and managing Energy discards can create big momentum swings.
- Iconic archetypes – Using Charizard gives your deck a strong identity and often draws attention in local scenes.
From a difficulty perspective, Charizard VSTAR is fairly accessible. You need to understand when to commit your VSTAR Power and how to manage resources, but the deck’s game plan is easy to grasp: get Charizard online, pressure big threats, and finish with Star Blaze.
If you build your deck with a budget in mind, the Ultra Rare Charizard VSTAR (018/172) is often the version you’ll play, reserving the more expensive alternate arts for pure collection goals rather than regular tournament use.
Buying Tips for This Charizard VSTAR Listing
Understanding the Listing Details
The product data describes this card as:
- Charizard VSTAR 018/172 from Brilliant Stars
- Holo VSTAR Rare (Ultra Rare)
- Ungraded, with a stated condition of Near Mint (NM)
- Priced around $14.99 USD at the time of the data snapshot
Because grading has not been done, the card’s value rests heavily on the actual physical condition. For a Near Mint card, you want to see:
- Minimal whitening or chipping on corners and edges.
- No creases or surface dents.
- Clean holo surface with no major scratches or print lines.
The listing appears to include multiple images, which is a good sign. Be sure to inspect the photos as closely as possible before buying, especially if you’re particularly condition-sensitive.
If you’re building a Charizard binder page or just trying to secure a strong Fire-type attacker, an NM raw card from a seller that regularly deals in near mint Pokémon cards is generally a safe and practical choice.
When to Choose Raw vs. Graded Copies
For Charizard VSTAR 018/172, here’s a basic guide on whether to go raw (ungraded) or graded:
- Choose raw (ungraded) Near Mint if you:
- Plan to play the card in a deck and shuffle it (in sleeves).
- Are building a casual or semi-competitive collection on a budget.
- Want flexibility to grade later if you feel the card is strong enough.
- Choose graded if you:
- Are building a high-end, slabbed Charizard collection.
- Prefer guaranteed condition standards (e.g., PSA 9 or 10).
- Value the security and presentation of encapsulated cards.
The listing we’re discussing falls into the first category: it appears ideal for players and collectors who want a beautiful copy, but don’t necessarily need a graded slab. If prices on graded 9s and 10s feel too steep, this kind of NM raw copy offers most of the enjoyment at a fraction of the cost.
Remember that grading fees, shipping, and turnaround times also eat into your budget. For many modern Ultra Rares like this Charizard, keeping them raw is perfectly reasonable unless you’re aiming for a top-end, investment-focused collection.
How This Charizard Fits Different Types of Fans
For Anime Fans
If your main connection to Pokémon is the anime, Charizard VSTAR 018/172 can serve as a striking centerpiece card. The dynamic art and fiery aesthetic echo Ash’s Charizard in its prime: dominating gym battles, league matches, and legendary encounters.
Anime fans often like to create small themed displays—Charizard figurines, Blu-rays of favorite episodes, and a few carefully chosen cards in toploaders or stands. This VSTAR card, with its bold holofoil and high HP, visually screams “endgame boss,” making it ideal for that kind of display.
Even if you never shuffle a deck, owning a modern Charizard that reflects current mechanics (VSTAR) alongside the nostalgia of the original series is a fun way to stay connected to the franchise’s evolution.
Pair it with a classic Charizard art (even a modern reprint) to show the character’s journey from early Kanto adventures to the contemporary TCG powerhouses.
For Collectors
From a collecting perspective, Charizard VSTAR 018/172 can fill several roles:
- Set completion – A must-have if you’re building a full Brilliant Stars binder.
- Charizard line-up – One of the key Sword & Shield era Charizards to sit alongside other V, VMAX, GX, and EX Charizards.
- VSTAR showcase – A central card if you’re making a page devoted to iconic VSTAR Pokémon.
Because this version isn’t as rare as the alt arts, it’s often the first Charizard VSTAR that Charizard-focused collectors pick up. Later, they may upgrade to multiple copies, grade their best one, or branch out into the more specialized printings.
Regardless of your collecting path, Charizard VSTAR 018/172 is one of those cards that rarely feels out of place. It’s iconic, visually striking, and mechanically important—exactly what many people want from their centerpiece cards.
If you like building out your binder from a single, reliable source of collectible Pokémon cards, keeping an eye out for NM copies of this Charizard is a smart move.
For TCG Players
For players, this card is about closing games with style. You’re not just doing damage; you’re using one of the most recognizable Pokémon in the game to deliver massive, game-ending swings.
Whether you’re attending local League, casual play nights, or small events, piloting a Charizard VSTAR deck usually draws interest from other players. It’s a deck you can be proud to play, even if you’re still learning deeper competitive nuances.
And because this is the standard Ultra Rare printing, you can usually acquire your playset without breaking the bank, leaving more room in your budget for supporting trainers, stadiums, and tech Pokémon.
If you’re a player who loves the anime and collecting side as well, Charizard VSTAR might be one of the best “crossover” cards you can buy—fun to play, fun to collect, and deeply tied to the franchise’s history.
FAQ: Charizard VSTAR 018/172 Brilliant Stars
Is Charizard VSTAR 018/172 good in the Pokémon TCG?
Yes. Official strategy articles from Pokémon highlight Charizard VSTAR as a strong attacker that’s “nearly comparable to a typical Pokémon VMAX” in terms of power, despite being worth only two Prize cards. Its 280 HP, Explosive Fire attack, and Star Blaze VSTAR Power make it a dangerous centerpiece in Fire-focused decks, especially when supported by Magma Basin for Energy acceleration.
What is the difference between this Charizard VSTAR and the alternate arts?
The 018/172 version from Brilliant Stars is the standard Ultra Rare Charizard VSTAR. There are also rarer printings, such as rainbow rare and alternate art versions, which feature different artwork and are typically more expensive due to lower pull rates. In terms of gameplay, they function the same; the difference is mostly in collectability, artwork, and price.
Is an ungraded Near Mint Charizard VSTAR worth buying?
For most players and many collectors, yes. Ungraded NM copies are generally the most cost-effective way to enjoy the card’s artwork and playability. As long as the condition matches the description and photos, a Near Mint raw Charizard VSTAR offers strong value compared to paying a premium for graded copies, especially if your primary goal is to use it in decks or display it in a binder.
Does Charizard VSTAR appear in the Pokémon anime?
The specific VSTAR mechanic is unique to the TCG, so you won’t see a “Charizard VSTAR” explicitly named in the anime. However, the card clearly draws inspiration from Charizard’s powerful, climactic battles in the series. Its dynamic art, massive attacks, and role as a late-game closer mirror how Charizard often serves as a trump card in Ash’s biggest matches.
How should I protect my Charizard VSTAR 018/172?
For storage, place the card in a soft sleeve (penny sleeve) and then into a top loader or semi-rigid holder. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping and holo damage. If you plan to play with it, always use high-quality card sleeves and consider double-sleeving if you want extra protection from shuffling wear.
Where can I find more Charizard and Brilliant Stars singles?
If you’re expanding your Charizard collection or building out a Brilliant Stars deck, browsing a dedicated Pokémon eBay store that regularly posts singles in clearly described condition is a good approach. The store at this link appears to focus on Pokémon TCG items and can be a useful starting point when hunting for matching pieces or upgrades.
Whether you’re an anime fan, collector, or competitive player, Charizard VSTAR 018/172 Brilliant Stars Holo is a standout card that captures the spirit of Charizard in the modern Pokémon TCG. From its explosive attacks to its iconic artwork, it’s a worthy centerpiece for any fire-breathing collection or deck.
