Cubone 076/159 Reverse Holo (Journey Together) – Collector, Anime & TCG Strategy Guide
The Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together expansion has quietly delivered some beautiful lower-rarity cards, and Cubone 076/159 Reverse Holo is one of the standouts for nostalgic collectors and casual players alike. This article takes a deep dive into this specific Cubone printing, looking at its anime connections, collector value, and gameplay potential in today’s Pokémon TCG.
| Card Name | Cubone |
|---|---|
| Set | Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together (SV09) |
| Card Number | 076/159 |
| Rarity | Common (Reverse Holo version) |
| Type / Stage | Fighting-type / Basic Pokémon |
| HP | 70 HP (as listed in official databases) |
| Attacks | Stampede (10), Light Punch (20) |
| Finish | Reverse Holofoil (holo on card background, non-holo artwork) |
| Condition (listing) | Appears to be Near Mint, ungraded |
The featured eBay listing describes this card as “CUBONE 076/159 REVERSE HOLO Common Journey Together NM Pokemon”, which indicates a near mint Reverse Holo Cubone from the Journey Together set in English, in ungraded condition.
About Cubone in the Pokémon World
Cubone has been one of the most emotionally memorable Pokémon since Generation I. Known as the “Lonely Pokémon”, it wears a skull helmet and carries a bone as a weapon. Over the years, Cubone has become a favorite among anime watchers and TCG collectors because of its tragic lore and unique design.
In the Pokémon anime, Cubone has appeared multiple times, often portrayed as shy or grieving but ultimately brave. One of the most iconic early anime arcs involves a Cubone in Lavender Town connected to the ghostly atmosphere and the loss of its mother. More recently, Cubone has also shown up in modern series like Pokémon Journeys, reminding new fans why this small Ground-type (Fighting-type in the TCG) is so beloved.
Because of this emotional backstory, many collectors actively seek Cubone-themed binders or pages featuring different artworks from every era—from the original Jungle printings through modern Scarlet & Violet sets like Journey Together. This Reverse Holo common is a relatively low-cost way to add a modern Cubone to that kind of character collection.
Visually, official databases list this card’s illustrator as Mugi Hamada, a modern artist whose style often leans toward soft, storybook-like scenes. This helps the card stand out even though it’s only a common; the reverse holo treatment lets the background shimmer, highlighting Cubone’s silhouette.
Journey Together – Where This Cubone Comes From
Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together (SV09) is a modern Pokémon TCG expansion that continues the Paldea-era power creep while still including many nostalgic species from earlier generations. Cubone’s inclusion in this set is a nice callback for long-time fans while still fitting naturally into the Pokémon universe’s ongoing journey theme.
Journey Together is filled with chase cards—special illustration rares, ex Pokémon, and more—but many collectors also like to build master sets, which means they need every common, uncommon, and holo in both regular and reverse holo versions. That’s where a card like Cubone 076/159 Reverse Holo becomes important: it’s not expensive, but it’s essential if you’re completing the set.
The card number 076/159 places Cubone roughly in the first half of the set list, among other Fighting and early-numbered Pokémon. Because this is the Reverse Holo variant of a common, it’s more visually appealing and slightly less common than the non-holo version, while still staying budget-friendly.
For players and collectors who enjoy browsing curated selections of Pokémon TCG singles, Journey Together commons like this Cubone are often bought together with other low-cost cards to fill binder gaps or complete evolutionary lines.
Card Details – Attacks, Stats, and Typing
Fighting-Type Basic with 70 HP
According to TCGplayer and the official Pokémon card database, this Cubone from Journey Together is a Fighting-type Basic Pokémon with 70 HP. In the video games Cubone is Ground-type, but in the TCG that often translates to the Fighting type, which is shared by many Ground- and Rock-type species.
Seventy HP is typical for a basic, single-Prize Pokémon that’s not designed to be a main attacker. It’s low enough that Cubone will usually go down in one or two hits in a modern format dominated by big damage ex and Terastallized Pokémon, but that’s expected from a common like this.
Attacks: Stampede and Light Punch
This card has two simple attacks:
- Stampede – For [C] (one Colorless Energy), it deals 10 damage.
- Light Punch – For [F][C] (one Fighting and one Colorless), it deals 20 damage.
There are no added effects, no coin flips, and no conditions attached. These moves are straightforward and beginner-friendly, perfect for newer players learning the basics of attacking, retreating, and trading Prizes. In competitive play, this Cubone is not intended to be a heavy hitter; its role is more as a filler Basic or a thematic choice.
Because the listing is ungraded and described as “NM,” it appears to be aimed more at collectors or casual players who want a clean Reverse Holo copy of this Cubone rather than tournament-focused buyers.
Condition: What “Near Mint” Usually Means
The eBay product title explicitly includes “NM”, which is commonly understood by TCG buyers to mean Near Mint. While condition grading on raw cards can be subjective, “Near Mint” typically describes a card that:
- Has no major scratches, dents, or creases
- Might have very minor edge or corner wear visible only under close inspection
- Has a clean front and back surface with intact gloss and no inking
- Is suitable for both play and most raw collecting binders
This particular listing is ungraded, so there is no PSA, CGC, or Beckett certification attached. For most modern reverse holo commons, grading is uncommon anyway; the time and cost usually outweigh the card’s raw market price unless the card has some unusual demand spike or is included in a special personal collection.
If you’re building a binder of near mint Pokémon cards, a clean Reverse Holo like this Cubone can slide into your Nine-Pocket pages nicely alongside other Journey Together basics, evolutions, and ex cards.
For players, Near Mint condition also ensures the card will shuffle smoothly and not stand out in a deck, which can be important in official events where marked cards are not allowed.
Collector Appeal – Why This Cubone Reverse Holo Matters
Budget-Friendly Character Collecting
Many collectors focus on a single favorite Pokémon across all sets rather than chasing only ultra-rare pulls. Cubone is a prime candidate for this style of collecting because it has:
- A strong narrative connection in the anime and games
- Multiple unique artworks over the years
- Printings in both older and modern sets
The Cubone 076/159 Reverse Holo from Journey Together is ideal for that kind of binder because it is:
- Relatively inexpensive compared to chase cards
- More visually appealing than the regular non-holo common
- Modern, which means clean print quality and easy availability (for now)
Price-tracking sites show this card trading in a low single-dollar range, which lines up with the listing price around the $1–$3 mark (the specific listing indicates US $1.99 at the time of parsing). That makes it a perfect candidate for filling a “Cubone page” with modern artwork diversity without stretching your budget.
Reverse Holo vs. Regular Common
From a pure game perspective, the Reverse Holo and non-holo versions of Cubone play exactly the same. However, from a collector perspective, Reverse Holo cards add:
- A shimmering backdrop that catches light in binders
- A slightly lower print frequency compared to base commons in bulk packs
- More desirability for master and reverse holo set builders
For long-term binders, some collectors choose to store only Reverse Holo commons and uncommons, replacing every basic printing with its reverse counterpart when possible to give the whole binder a premium feel.
Journey Together is still relatively recent, but as time passes, clean Reverse Holo copies of even common cards can become a bit harder to find in the wild without surface scratches. Securing a Near Mint copy early can save time later if you ever decide to complete a fully reverse holo master set.
Anime Connections – Why Cubone Resonates with Fans
While this Journey Together Cubone card isn’t tied to a specific anime episode by name, the character itself has appeared across several Pokémon series, often in emotional or character-building episodes.
Key anime-related reasons Cubone cards remain popular include:
- Lavender Town storyline (Original Series): Cubone’s story is central to early depictions of loss and grief in Pokémon, making it unforgettable for many long-time fans.
- Recurring cameos: Cubone appears in later series, such as Pokémon Journeys, reminding newer viewers of its classic design and lore.
- Symbolic design: The skull helmet and bone weapon give Cubone a distinctive, slightly darker aesthetic that stands out visually on cards and in merchandise.
For anime fans turning to the TCG, a modern Reverse Holo Cubone is a great way to own a piece of that nostalgia without paying vintage prices. It’s also an easy card to gift to someone who remembers the early Kanto episodes fondly but might not be actively following competitive TCG play.
Even though Journey Together is a modern Scarlet & Violet-era set, Cubone’s presence creates a bridge between classic Kanto nostalgia and the current generation of Pokémon games and cards.
Gameplay & Deck Strategy – Is Cubone Playable?
From a competitive standpoint, Cubone 076/159 is not a meta-defining card. Its damage numbers (10 and 20) and HP (70) are modest, and it doesn’t offer energy acceleration, search, disruption, or other high-impact abilities.
However, that doesn’t mean it has no place at all. There are several realistic use cases:
1. Teaching Tool for New Players
Cubone’s simple attacks and basic energy requirements make it an ideal teaching card for children or new players learning the fundamentals of the Pokémon TCG. You can use a card like this in:
- Homemade teaching decks with clear, straightforward Pokémon
- Intro-level League or store play where the goal is learning, not winning
- Casual family games where younger players want familiar characters from the anime
Having a Reverse Holo version in a teaching or starter deck also adds a bit of flash, helping newer players feel like they’re playing with something special even when the card is technically just a common.
2. Theme and Flavor Decks
Some players build “flavor decks” or character-themed decks that aren’t meant for tournament-level play but are fun for kitchen-table battles. A Cubone-themed or Marowak-themed deck might include:
- Multiple Cubone printings from different sets
- One or more Marowak cards (where available in the format you’re using)
- Trainer cards that visually or thematically match Cubone’s world (such as spooky, graveyard, or desert aesthetics)
In such a deck, this Cubone can function as an on-theme basic attacker or simply as a stylish placeholder while you search for more complex cards. If you like building collectible Pokémon cards into casual decks you can show off to friends, this Reverse Holo Cubone is perfect for that.
3. Budget Fighting-Type Bench Filler
If you’re building a budget Fighting-type deck and just need to fill out your Basic slots, Cubone can serve as a cheap and cheerful option. While it won’t win you games on its own, it:
- Provides an early-game attacker that can chip in 10–20 damage
- Can absorb an attack while you power up more important Fighting Pokémon on your Bench
- Might score an occasional early knockout on very low-HP basics in casual formats
For example, in a casual Fighting deck built around higher-impact attackers (like various Fighting-type ex or Stage 2 Pokémon), Cubone can function as a “placeholder” attacker and pivot Pokémon while you set up.
4. Cube Drafts and Custom Limited Formats
Some advanced players build custom draft environments (often called cubes) using a curated pool of cards. In lower-power cubes or beginner-friendly cubes, basic attackers like Cubone are valuable. They:
- Keep damage levels under control
- Encourage more board-based gameplay rather than one-hit KOs
- Represent iconic characters that players recognize
Because this is a modern common, it’s easy to pick up multiple copies at a low cost, especially when browsing bulk and single listings at stores like Pokeferh’s eBay store, which often carries a wide spread of recent-set commons and Reverse Holos.
How This Card Fits into a Long-Term Collection
While it’s unlikely that a modern Reverse Holo common like Cubone 076/159 will become highly valuable in the short term, it still plays a role in a thoughtful collection strategy.
1. Building a Cubone / Marowak Character Collection
If you love Cubone, you can build a dedicated section of your binder that includes:
- Every Cubone printing you can find (Jungle, newer Sun & Moon, Scarlet & Violet, etc.)
- Both regular and Reverse Holo versions where they exist
- Any Marowak cards that evolve from Cubone
In that context, this Journey Together Reverse Holo is a must-have because it represents Cubone’s appearance in the Scarlet & Violet era of the TCG.
2. Completing Journey Together as a Set
Set collectors often break their goals into phases:
- Acquire all non-holo commons and uncommons.
- Add standard holos and ex cards.
- Finish the set with all Reverse Holo variants.
Cubone 076/159 Reverse Holo is part of that final phase. While not rare, it’s one of those cards you might simply forget to track down if you only focus on flashy ex or illustration rares. Picking it up now while it’s accessible ensures you won’t have to hunt it later when Journey Together booster packs are less common on shelves.
For many collectors, filling in Reverse Holo pages is one of the most satisfying parts of building a set: every time you flip the page, you see rows of shimmering commons that show the full breadth of the expansion.
3. Cube and Bulk Organization
If you run events, teach the game, or maintain a cube, it’s useful to keep playsets of basic attackers sorted by type. Having a few copies of this Fighting-type Cubone in your Fighting box can be handy when:
- Someone wants to build a casual Fighting deck on the spot
- You’re assembling standardized teaching decks with familiar faces
- You’re refreshing older cubes with artwork from more recent sets
Because the listing appears to offer the card individually at a low price, it’s easy to buy exactly how many copies you need without committing to a full sealed product purchase.
Buying Tips for This Cubone Listing
When shopping for Cubone 076/159 Reverse Holo Journey Together Near Mint cards, a few practical tips can help you get the best experience:
1. Confirm Condition from Photos
This listing appears to show the front, back, and angle shots of the card. When you look at any seller’s photos, check for:
- Surface scratches in the Reverse Holo area
- Edge whitening or corner dings
- Bends or warping
Minor signs of handling can be normal, but a card described as Near Mint should present well under standard lighting.
2. Combine with Other Singles
Because a single Reverse Holo common is relatively inexpensive, many buyers prefer to combine this card with other singles to make shipping more efficient. Browsing a dedicated seller of Pokémon cards—such as a store that specializes in collectible Pokémon cards—lets you fill multiple holes in your binder in one order.
This is especially handy if you’re aiming to build out a full Journey Together set list or if you’re targeting a variety of Kanto favorites in their modern printings.
FAQ – Cubone 076/159 Reverse Holo (Journey Together)
Is Cubone 076/159 Reverse Holo from Journey Together rare?
It is officially a common card, so it’s not rare in the traditional sense. The Reverse Holo variant is less frequently pulled than the regular non-holo common, but it still sits in the “easily obtainable” category compared to ultra rares, illustration rares, and ex Pokémon.
Is this Cubone card good in competitive Pokémon TCG play?
In current competitive formats, this Cubone is generally not considered strong. It has simple attacks with modest damage and no additional effects. Its main value is in teaching, flavor decks, or as a thematic inclusion rather than as a top-tier attacker.
Why do collectors care about Reverse Holo commons like Cubone?
Reverse Holo commons are popular with set builders and character collectors because they:
- Look more visually impressive in binders
- Are slightly less common than non-holo versions
- Help complete Reverse Holo master sets for expansions like Journey Together
Is the card in this listing graded?
No. The product is described as “Ungraded” and “NM” (Near Mint). That means it has not been sent to PSA, CGC, or another grading company. Condition is based on the seller’s assessment and photos.
Is this card suitable for a Cubone or Marowak themed deck?
Yes. Even though it’s not overly powerful, it’s perfectly suitable in a Cubone/Marowak-themed casual deck or a character-based collection deck. It offers on-theme artwork and simple, easy-to-use attacks that fit Cubone’s role as a basic Fighting-type Pokémon.
Can I use this card in official tournaments?
As long as the card is an authentic English printing and Journey Together is legal in the format you’re playing (usually Standard or Expanded), you can use it in tournaments. Just remember that while legal, it’s not typically part of top-tier meta decks due to its low damage output.
Is this a good card for new players or kids?
Yes. The Cubone 076/159 Reverse Holo is excellent for new players and younger fans because:
- Its attacks are easy to understand
- It features a familiar Pokémon from the anime
- The reverse holofoil treatment makes it feel special without being expensive
How should I store this Cubone Reverse Holo to keep it Near Mint?
For long-term preservation, store the card in a penny sleeve and then in a toploader or binder with individual card pockets. Avoid bending, keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight, and don’t shuffle it unsleeved if you want to preserve its condition for collecting rather than play.
Whether you’re a Cubone fan from the early anime days or a modern Scarlet & Violet collector, Cubone 076/159 Reverse Holo from Journey Together offers a low-cost, high-nostalgia addition to your binder, cube, or casual deck—especially when picked up in clean Near Mint condition.
