Team Rocket Returns in Style with “The Glory of Team Rocket”

The wait is over—all 98 cards from The Glory of Team Rocket have officially been revealed, and the hype is real! The highly anticipated set is set to launch in Japan on April 18th, with its international counterpart, Destined Rivals, hitting English-speaking regions on May 30th.

A Modern Revival of Team Rocket's Legacy

This new set brings back a fan-favorite theme—Team Rocket’s Pokémon. Every Pokémon card is labeled “Team Rocket’s ____,” echoing the classic vibe of earlier Rocket sets. But there’s a twist: instead of the classic “Dark” moniker, the cards spotlight various Rocket trainers, each marked with unique Trainer icons.

These icons represent:

Giovanni, the infamous boss himself
The four Rocket Executives from HeartGold & SoulSilver:
- Ariana
- Proton
- Archer
- Petrel
The iconic Rocket Grunts from FireRed & LeafGreen

While fans might notice the absence of Jessie and James, their exclusion likely ties into their recent departure from the anime storyline.

Nostalgia Meets New Design

Even without official “Dark Pokémon,” longtime fans will recognize nods to Rocket-era favorites.

Team Rocket’s Hypno borrows inspiration from the 2000 Team Rocket set, featuring a familiar Bench Manipulation attack.
Team Rocket’s Ampharos channels the spirit of 2006’s EX Team Rocket Returns with its Darkest Impulse Ability—identical to the old Poke-Body on Dark Ampharos.

These callbacks are subtle but significant, creating a powerful sense of continuity for collectors and competitive players alike.

The Art: One Big Picture

Rounding out the set is a beautifully illustrated “connected artwork” series by Ayako Ozaki, known for her detailed, atmospheric compositions. This year’s full illustration is now complete, showcasing a stunning Rocket-themed scene. While Yanma appears within the same world, it isn’t part of the directly connected sequence—a fun little side cameo for keen-eyed fans.

The Glory of Team Rocket is shaping up to be more than just a nostalgic tribute—it’s a full-force revival of the Rocket legacy. Whether you're in it for the art, the gameplay, or the connection to classic sets, this release is one you won’t want to miss.