In the world of Pokémon Trading Card Game collectors, Base Set Charizard is a crown jewel. Its iconic artwork and rarity make it one of the most sought-after cards, with high-grade versions fetching thousands of dollars. But one creative Pokémon fan took a decidedly unconventional approach to their Charizard, turning it into a skateboard decoration—a move that left many collectors in awe, shock, and maybe even a little pain.
The post on Reddit from user bepicewis captured the striking and unconventional use of the card. The image shows a Base Set Charizard, carefully mounted under clear grip tape on a skateboard deck, gleaming with its iconic fiery design. The combination of the card’s holographic sheen and the skateboard’s functional design created an instant conversation starter, blending two distinct passions into one bold statement.
Base Set Charizard Is A Pricy Skateboard Decoration
Even In 2018, This Was An Expensive Decoration
In 2018, using a Charizard on a skateboard was a bold decision for a high school Pokémon TCG fan to showcase their collection in a unique way. The combination of the Charizard’s iconic fiery design and the board’s functionality creates a striking visual. However, the decision to use such a valuable card can cause some pain for collectors, and sentiments like "this is sick" from Reddit user BensLight are accompanied by plenty that acknowledge it's cool while still mourning the loss.
At the time of the skateboard’s creation, Base Set Charizard was already valuable, with even damaged or played copies commanding significant prices. Today, with the Pokémon TCG experiencing a massive resurgence in popularity, that same card could be worth exponentially more. For collectors, seeing such a rare gem used as decoration — and bolted through — feels like watching someone paint on a Picasso.
Our Take: A Cool Concept That Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive
Pokemon TCG Fans Suggest Cheaper Ways To Create The Same Aesthetic
While the idea of incorporating trading cards into a skateboard design is undeniably creative, using a Base Set Charizard as the centerpiece raises eyebrows for obvious reasons. Fortunately, this isn’t the only way to achieve the aesthetic. As some Reddit users like dontredditpressed pointed out, a cheaper card or even a high-quality photocopy could achieve a similar effect without risking a valuable collectible.
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This concept creatively merges the worlds of Pokémon and skateboarding. Using transparent grip tape to showcase art or memorabilia on a deck has been a trend among skaters for years. Trading cards — with their vibrant designs and nostalgia factor — fit perfectly into this culture. However, there’s no need to sacrifice a holy grail card when alternatives exist. Modern reprints or less valuable holographic cards could serve as great substitutes.
Pokémon’s Celebrations set, released in 2021, includes reimagined versions of classic cards like Base Set Charizard, making it a cost-effective substitute. A replica or printout would also work well under grip tape, offering a near-identical look with none of the financial loss. At its core, this mashup of Pokémon and skate culture represents personal expression. Whether you’re willing to sacrifice a prized collectible for style is a matter of individual choice. For most fans of Pokemon The Trading Card Game, though, it’s probably better to keep your Charizard safe in a protective sleeve rather than beneath your feet on a board.
Source: bepicewis/Reddit, BensLight/Reddit, dontredditpressed/Reddit
Platform(s) Game Boy Color
Released April 10, 2000
English (US) ·