The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has quickly earned a reputation for delivering stunning digital-exclusive card art that pushes the boundaries of creativity. Released for mobile platforms by The Pokémon Company, Pokémon TCG Pocket lets players enjoy quick battles and daily card openings — often with beautiful art on cards that aren’t found in physical sets.
But for collectors like us, some cards are just too good to stay digital. With the release of the Celestial Guardians set, we were blown away by the intricate detail, unique visual themes, and especially the artistic representation of the Tapu Pokémon — legendary protectors of the Alola region.
Who Are the Tapu Pokémon?
The Tapu Pokémon — Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini — are Legendary Guardian Deities of the Alola region, each protecting one of Alola’s islands. Known for their ancient ties to nature and mysticism, they have appeared in various mainline Pokémon games and anime arcs, often tied to divine themes and regional lore.
In Pokémon TCG Pocket, these deities are honored with a consistent visual theme — echoing stained-glass windows, tribal patterns, and symmetry — making them a visually unified and stunning quartet.
Tapu Bulu – Guardian of Ula’ula Island
Tapu Bulu is known for its immense strength and connection to nature. This card renders it in a stained-glass mosaic style, giving it the aura of an ancient guardian carved into temple walls. The bold reds and greens pop, and the symmetrical design is captivating. A physical version could easily become a chase card.
Tapu Lele – Guardian of Akala Island
Elegant and enigmatic, Tapu Lele is a Fairy/Psychic-type guardian associated with healing and mischief. This design mirrors the sacred and symmetrical pattern of mandalas — fitting for a Pokémon that’s both divine and unpredictable. A glitter foil version would be absolutely mesmerizing.
Tapu Fini – Guardian of Poni Island
Tapu Fini controls water and mist and is revered for its mysterious, almost aloof nature. The cool tones and radial glass-like texture give this card a sacred, underwater temple feel. It’s one of the most elegant digital cards we’ve seen in the entire Pocket series.
Tapu Koko – Guardian of Melemele Island
The fastest and flashiest of the Tapus, Tapu Koko’s card bursts with yellow energy and tribal iconography. The hand-drawn texture and stained-glass motif are consistent with the others but amplified by lightning crackles and bold lines — a true collector’s dream in print form.
But there is more. Beyond the Tapus, there are plenty of digital trading cards to chase. Here are some more of our picks and we wish we someday see these in physical form.
Dhelmise ex – Deep-Sea Menace
Lurking in tangled seaweed, Dhelmise ex emerges as a ghostly anchor ready to trap prey. The art here is haunting — a shadowy silhouette highlighted with subtle gradients and depth. The underwater dread is palpable. In print, this card would look fantastic with a deep holo overlay.
Sandygast – Playground Horror
Deceptively cute but canonically eerie, Sandygast is illustrated in a whimsical cartoon beach scene — complete with toys and shovels. The pastel palette and playful tone contrast with its ghost-type nature, making this one of the most ironic and fun cards in the set.
Drampa – Abstract Chaos
Possibly the most visually intense card in the set, Drampa looks like it burst out of an abstract expressionist painting. The chaotic lines, bright reds, and shimmering texture scream energy. This would make a premium secret rare if ever printed.
Comfey – Floral Serenity
This Comfey card is a burst of floral motion — petals swirl in a circular halo, reflecting Comfey’s role as a soothing spirit. With smooth gradients and subtle shimmer, it evokes serenity and protection. A foil version with matte and gloss contrast could be exquisite
Beyond the visual beauty of these cards, the in-game abilities and moves are equally interesting — some carry strategic depth while others reflect the lore of each Pokémon. For fellow players and collectors, we’ve compiled a table below that captures the key details.
| Pokémon | Move(s) | Effect |
| Tapu Bulu | Stuck-In Tackle (GGC) – 100 | Flip a coin. If tails, this Pokémon also does 20 damage to itself. |
| Tapu Lele | Energy Arrow (PC) | This attack does 20 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon for each Energy attached to it. |
| Tapu Fini | Spiral Drain (WC) – 60 | Heal 20 damage from this Pokémon. |
| Tapu Koko | Volt Switch (LLC) – 70 | Switch this Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon. |
| Dhelmise ex | Anchor Shot (GGC) – 80 | During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t retreat. |
| Sandygast | Vibration (CC) – 30 | – |
| Drampa | Berserk (CC) – 20+ | If any of your Benched Pokémon have damage on them, this attack does 50 more damage. |
| Comfey | Flower Shield (Ability) Spinning Attack (CC) – 30 | Flower Shield: Each of your Pokémon with [F] Energy recovers from all Special Conditions and can’t be affected by them. |
Final Thoughts – Let’s Bring These Digital Beauties to Life
As more fans discover Pokémon TCG Pocket, the art continues to elevate what digital cards can be. But for Pokémon TCG collectors there’s one dream: bring some of these designs to print.
Whether as a limited physical crossover set, a promotional gallery collection, or part of a new premium product line, these Celestial Guardians cards — especially the Tapu Pokémon — deserve a place in the real world. They’re not just beautiful; they’re collectible masterpieces in waiting.
