Larvitar 105/197 Reverse Holo (Obsidian Flames) – Anime Icon, Budget Collectible, and Fun Fighting-Type Attacker
If you enjoy collecting Pokémon TCG singles that actually mean something in the wider Pokémon world, Larvitar 105/197 Reverse Holo from Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames is a surprisingly charming pick. It’s a low-cost, Near Mint common card that connects the modern TCG era with classic Johto anime nostalgia and simple, beginner-friendly gameplay.
This guide walks through everything you should know about this specific card: the set it comes from, its anime roots, how good it is in decks, and what to keep in mind if you’re buying it as a collectible.
Quick Card Overview – Larvitar 105/197 Reverse Holo
| Card Name | Larvitar |
|---|---|
| Set | Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames |
| Card Number | 105/197 |
| Rarity | Common (Reverse Holofoil) |
| Type / Stage | Fighting-type / Basic Pokémon |
| HP | 70 HP (per TCGplayer listing for this card) |
| Attacks |
[F] Corkscrew Punch – 10 damage [F][F] Confront – 30 damage |
| Finish | Reverse Holo |
| Year / Era | 2023, Scarlet & Violet era |
| Condition (listing) | Ungraded, described as Near Mint |
About Larvitar in the Pokémon TCG and Anime
Who is Larvitar?
Larvitar is a Generation II Pokémon, first introduced in the Gold & Silver games and the Johto seasons of the anime. It’s a small, green Rock/Ground-type Pokémon in the video games, known for eventually evolving into the fan-favorite pseudo-legendary Tyranitar.
In the anime, Larvitar is especially memorable for its appearance alongside Ash in the original Johto saga. Ash temporarily cares for a shy and traumatized Larvitar, helping it overcome its fears in emotionally charged episodes such as those around Mt. Silver. This arc gave Larvitar a personality beyond just being “Tyranitar’s pre-evolution,” making it a nostalgic favorite for many long-time fans.
Larvitar in Obsidian Flames
According to Bulbapedia, Larvitar (Obsidian Flames 105) is a Fighting-type Basic Pokémon card in the TCG. This is part of the broader shift in the Scarlet & Violet era where some traditional Rock/Ground Pokémon are represented as Fighting types in the card game.
The Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames expansion released in 2023 and is known for its Charizard ex cards and unusual type shifts (like Dark Tera Charizard appearing as a Darkness-type). Larvitar slots into this set as a straightforward, common Fighting-type basic, ideal for early-game pressure in simple or budget decks.
Reverse Holo vs Regular Larvitar
This listing appears to offer the Reverse Holo version of Larvitar 105/197, rather than the regular non-holo common. In a reverse holo card, the artwork is non-holo, but the card border and text box areas have a reflective foil pattern. For many collectors, reverse holos are a fun way to upgrade a standard common card visually without paying premium prices.
In Obsidian Flames, collectors who want a master set often aim to have:
- One of every card in regular form, and
- One of every Reverse Holo version.
That makes reverse holo commons like this Larvitar a subtle but important piece of the puzzle.
Card Artwork and Aesthetic Appeal
What the Larvitar 105/197 Artwork Conveys
The exact visual details can vary slightly depending on how the foil catches the light in photos, but the Obsidian Flames Larvitar artwork shows the Pokémon in a confident, dynamic pose, emphasizing its tough, rocky body despite being a basic-stage Pokémon.
Even as a common, the illustration style in the Scarlet & Violet era tends to be vibrant and modern, with clear outlines and atmospheric backgrounds. Combined with the reverse holofoil effect, this card tends to stand out nicely in a binder page, especially when grouped with other Fighting-type basics or the rest of its evolution line.
Why Reverse Holo Commons Are Great for Binders
Collectors sometimes overlook common cards, but reverse holos dramatically change how a binder page looks. A page full of regular commons can appear flat; swap in a few reverse holo versions, and you get a mosaic of shimmering foil that feels much more premium.
For a Pokémon like Larvitar—one with anime significance and a beloved final evolution—it’s a sensible choice to upgrade your slot from regular to reverse holo. The cost difference is often modest, while the visual impact is large.
Condition and Buying Considerations (Near Mint, Ungraded)
What “Near Mint” Usually Means for Pokémon Cards
The listing for this Larvitar describes the card as Near Mint (NM) and ungraded. While the exact standards can vary slightly from seller to seller, Near Mint in the Pokémon TCG hobby generally means:
- Very light or no whitening on edges and corners.
- No significant scratches or scuffs on the front foil layer.
- No bends, creases, or stains.
- Centering may not be perfect, but is usually acceptable for casual collectors.
Because the card is ungraded, it hasn’t been sent to PSA, CGC, or Beckett. For lower-value commons and reverse holos, most players and collectors don’t bother grading anyway, so ungraded Near Mint is the standard way these cards change hands.
Why Condition Still Matters on a Cheap Card
Even though Larvitar 105/197 Reverse Holo is a common and typically sells for well under a few dollars (TCGplayer market prices suggest a low entry point for both normal and reverse holo prints), condition is still important if you:
- Want a clean-looking binder set with minimal whitening.
- Plan to build a Near Mint Obsidian Flames master set.
- Intend to pass your collection on or sell it in the future as a well-kept lot.
Sourcing near mint Pokémon cards from a store with consistent grading standards will save you time and disappointment compared to constantly upgrading rough copies later.
Collecting Value: Is Larvitar 105/197 Reverse Holo Worth Picking Up?
Rarity and Print Status
This Larvitar is officially a Common card in the Obsidian Flames set, with a Reverse Holofoil treatment. Common reverse holos are not particularly rare on release, but they can become a bit trickier to find in clean condition once the set is out of print and bulk supply dries up.
It’s not a chase card or a secret rare, so you shouldn’t expect explosive price growth. Instead, think of it as a steady, low-cost piece that helps complete:
- A full Obsidian Flames Reverse Holo set.
- A Larvitar/Tyranitar evolution line page.
- A Johto-themed or anime-inspired binder.
Price and Market Context
PriceCharting and TCGplayer data referenced in the research show that Larvitar 105/197 (both regular and reverse holo) typically sells in the budget range—often well under a dollar for bulk copies, with Near Mint reverse holo copies slightly higher depending on seller and region.
The eBay listing you’re considering is around $1.99 USD at the time it was captured. For a reverse holo Near Mint common, that’s within a normal range, especially if shipping is reasonable or combined with other cards.
Long-Term Collecting Appeal
From a long-term perspective, Larvitar benefits from several soft factors:
- Anime nostalgia: Its Johto-era story with Ash gives it emotional value beyond its stats.
- Evolution line popularity: Tyranitar is consistently popular in both competitive play (in various formats) and collecting.
- Set identity: Obsidian Flames is a 2023 Scarlet & Violet set with strong Charizard branding; sets with notable mascots often retain collector interest.
This doesn’t guarantee significant price appreciation, but it does mean Larvitar 105/197 Reverse Holo is more than just random bulk. For many collectors, it’s exactly the kind of collectible Pokémon card they’re happy to slot into a themed page or character-focused mini-collection.
Gameplay and Deck Strategy with Larvitar (Obsidian Flames)
Card Stats and Attacks
Based on the TCGplayer listing for Larvitar (Obsidian Flames 105/197), the card’s key gameplay attributes are:
- Type: Fighting
- Stage: Basic
- HP: 70
- Attack 1 – Corkscrew Punch
Cost: [F]
Effect: Deals 10 damage. - Attack 2 – Confront
Cost: [F][F]
Effect: Deals 30 damage. - Weakness / Resistance: As a Fighting-type in this set, it has the usual weakness (typically to Psychic in the modern TCG), though the exact weakness symbol should be double-checked on the physical card.
These are very straightforward, vanilla attacks with no additional effects, making the card extremely simple for new players to understand.
Where Larvitar Fits in Actual Decks
Larvitar 105/197 is not a meta-defining card, but it does have a few sensible uses:
- Evolution starter: If Obsidian Flames or nearby sets include a Pupitar and Tyranitar line (or if you’re playing in a format where older Tyranitar cards are legal), Larvitar serves as the Basic you need to get your heavy hitters into play.
- Teaching tool: The simple attack text and basic stats make it ideal for teaching kids or new players how to attach Energy and attack.
- Budget Fighting deck: In ultra-budget or kitchen-table formats, any 70 HP Basic with 1-Energy attack can fill early-game roles while you set up your main strategy.
Because it doesn’t have any abilities, draw power, or disruption, you won’t usually see it in competitive Tournament lists on its own. Its main gameplay purpose is as a stepping stone to a more powerful Stage 2 or as filler in casual Fighting-type builds.
Combos and Synergies to Consider
In casual or local play, you can make Larvitar more effective by pairing it with cards that support Fighting types or Basics:
- Damage boosters: Stadiums or Tools that increase Fighting-type damage can push Confront from 30 into more meaningful ranges.
- Energy acceleration: Cards that help you attach extra Fighting Energy can let Larvitar attack quickly and then evolve into stronger threats.
- Bench protection: If you’re using Larvitar as your main Basic while you set up, include cards that reduce Bench damage so it isn’t sniped off before evolving.
While not a powerhouse, Larvitar’s simplicity is part of its charm for players building thematic decks around Johto Pokémon or Tyranitar.
Connecting the Card to the Pokémon Anime
Larvitar’s Anime Storyline
In the anime, Larvitar is most famous for its role in the Johto arc, where Ash helps a traumatized Larvitar overcome its fear of humans and return safely to its mother, a Tyranitar. The episodes give Larvitar a timid but brave personality, turning it into a fan-favorite despite not being a long-term member of Ash’s team.
This emotional storyline has stuck with many fans for decades. Owning a modern Larvitar card from the Scarlet & Violet era is a way of connecting that older Johto nostalgia with the current game.
Why Anime Fans Might Want This Specific Card
If you grew up watching the Johto seasons—or you recently revisited them on streaming—this Larvitar card can be a nice physical reminder of that arc without requiring a large budget. It’s far cheaper than chasing high-rarity ex or illustration rare cards, while still feeling thematically meaningful.
You could even build an anime-inspired mini-collection page in your binder featuring:
- Larvitar cards from various sets (including this Obsidian Flames print).
- Tyranitar cards that show its fully evolved power.
- Other Johto Pokémon heavily featured in Ash’s journey.
Why This Listing Might Be a Good Pickup
Affordable Entry into Obsidian Flames Collecting
Obsidian Flames is best known for its Charizard cards, which can get expensive quickly. But not every collector wants—or needs—to chase only high-end pulls. Starting with affordable reverse holo commons like Larvitar 105/197 is a smart way to:
- Get a feel for the set’s artwork style.
- Begin a binder project without a huge upfront investment.
- Experiment with building a Fighting-type or Tyranitar-themed deck.
An eBay store specializing in Pokémon TCG singles can also make it easy to bundle several commons, uncommons, and a few hits into a single order.
Near Mint, Reverse Holo, and Johto Nostalgia in One Card
When you put all the factors together—Near Mint condition, reverse holo finish, anime relevance, and inclusion in a modern flagship set—Larvitar 105/197 becomes more appealing than its “common” rarity tag suggests.
For a couple of dollars, you get a card that:
- Looks great in a binder thanks to the reverse holofoil.
- Represents a beloved Johto Pokémon with anime history.
- Has straightforward gameplay utility in casual decks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Larvitar 105/197 Reverse Holo
Is Larvitar 105/197 Reverse Holo from Obsidian Flames rare?
No. It’s a Common card with a Reverse Holo treatment. While reverse holo commons are rarer than their regular non-holo versions, they’re still quite accessible and are not considered chase cards.
Is this Larvitar card good in competitive Pokémon TCG play?
On its own, Larvitar 105/197 is not a competitive staple. Its attacks are basic and designed more for early-game or teaching new players. It can be useful in casual or budget Fighting-type decks, especially if you plan to evolve it into a stronger Tyranitar, but you shouldn’t expect it to define tournament-level strategies.
What format can I play Larvitar 105/197 in?
Because it’s from Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames (a 2023 set), Larvitar 105/197 is legal in the Standard format while that set remains in rotation, and it will continue to be legal in Expanded long-term. For casual and kitchen-table play, you can of course use it in any format you and your friends agree on.
Does the Reverse Holo version play differently from the regular version?
No. The Reverse Holo version is purely cosmetic. Game text, HP, attacks, and costs are identical to the regular non-holo Larvitar 105/197. The differences are in the foil effect and collectability, not gameplay.
Is Near Mint ungraded good enough for collectors?
For a common reverse holo like Larvitar 105/197, Near Mint ungraded is exactly what most collectors look for. Grading fees often exceed the value of the card, so grading is usually reserved for high-end ultra rares or historically significant prints. As long as the card truly matches Near Mint standards, it’s perfectly suitable for binder displays and long-term collections.
How can I store this card safely?
To keep your Larvitar 105/197 Reverse Holo in great condition, use:
- A penny sleeve (soft sleeve) as a first layer.
- A toploader or binder page for extra rigidity.
- Storage in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
This is especially important for foil cards, as the holo layer can be more sensitive to scratching or warping than non-foil cards.
Where can I find more cards like this?
If you’re looking to expand your collection with more Obsidian Flames singles, reverse holos, or Johto-themed cards, browsing a dedicated eBay store like POKEFERH’s collectible Pokémon cards can be a convenient option. You can often combine shipping and hand-pick exactly the Near Mint copies you want.
Larvitar 105/197 Reverse Holo from Obsidian Flames may be a common on paper, but it’s backed by anime nostalgia, a beloved evolution line, and the modern Scarlet & Violet aesthetic. Whether you’re a collector completing a master set, an anime fan honoring Ash’s Johto journey, or a player building a budget Fighting deck, this Near Mint reverse holo is a small but meaningful addition to your Pokémon TCG collection.
