Charizard isn't just the most expensive card on the market, it's almost home to some of the best artwork in the entire trading card game. A fire-type Pokemon from the original 151, his first form - Charmander - is an optional starter Pokemon in all the early games. He's a fan favorite that every player has used at least once, and every card collector probably has in their deck.
The Charizard card is almost always the rarest card to pull out of any expansion. The original first edition Charizard has sold for up to three million dollars before. It's a renowned and respected card that even non-collectors know about. But Charizard isn't just valuable, the Pokemon is also gifted with a truly stunning design. These cards display the Pokemon's incredible design.
9 Flashfire
Seeing a blue and gold color scheme on a Charizard card is always a nice twist. The Charizard Flashfire card is by far the busiest one on this list. Charizard is hardly shown, and then they splash words across the body as well.
There is something about the card, however, that makes it a valiant contender. The Blue flames seeping out of Charizard's mouth and the electric gold sparks pop off the card flawlessly. While not the best card Charizard has ever been presented on, it's worth noting as it demands your attention with its moving colors.
8 Supreme Victors
Supreme Victors Charizard is not the most pricey card by any means, but it is pretty. The purple background is a detail normally not associated with Charizard - a detail we didn't know we wanted, but now a detail we don't deserve.
The fire flowing outside the frame and off the card adds so much to what could be, in the case of the majority of Pokemon cards, a minimalist card design. These two things create the feeling of Charizard leaving a portal from another dimension through the frame of your card. The shiny exterior pieces this card together completely by heightening the dazzling, space-like backdrop.
7 Burning Shadows
Burning Shadows Charizard is quickly becoming an all-time popular Charizard card. The bluish-black color of the scales, with the blood-red wings, is a combo fans love to see on their Charizard. While dealing with a bevy of Pokemon since the dawn of its existence, the Pokémon Company took upon the idea of adding new looks to some of their most beloved creatures. This is where shiny Pokemon were introduced.
For the Black and red shiny version of Charizard, this card arguably does the best job at showing off the color design. Charizard is spreading his wings and essentially sticking out his chest as King Kong would, letting you know that this shiny Pokemon is one dangerous lizard.
6 Shining Fates
Shining Fates Charizard is an immensely popular card throughout the community. Rightfully so, as this card is flashy and intoxicating. The outwardly black and white body significantly enhances the fire effects that surround Charizard. With the backdrop being a pleasing but grainy hue, the fire is unmistakably the focus of this card, and it works wonders. If you are lucky enough to find this card, cherish it, as it is on every collector's list or most wanted.
5 Legendary Treasures
Perhaps one of the more distinctive cards on this list is Legendary Treasures. Charizard rarely ever looks more like an ancient dragon than it does in this card. While not a holographic, the card manages to hold up against some serious competition. It appears to be almost designed with watercolors that help it feel more aged.
There is so much going on in the background of the card that can easily be missed. However, the more you study it, the more impressive the entire piece is. Between the colossal fireball, Charizard's savage and beast-like body, and the apparent fumes behind it, this card categorically has layers that are worth the notoriety.
4 Darkness Ablaze
When thinking of a borderline over-the-top card design, Darkness Ablaze comes to mind. That being said, it's still an accepted and frankly welcomed extreme. Reminiscent of Shining Fates, this card does a better job of representing the fire-type Pokemon. Through this card, it seems Charizard is completely on fire. Or, possibly, Charizard has reached its hottest possible level. The backdrop on this card is also preferred over Shining Fates, as it is a bit more colorful and comes off as a space-like atmosphere. Overall this card is significant in every department and is praised across the community for that very thought.
3 Dark Charizard - Team Rocket
There is something truly special about a darker, evil version of Charizard. Everything you could picture as a dark version of Charizard is prevalent through this card. The sinister eyes and the shadow are perfectly placed across the Pokemon's face, only revealing a splash of red-orange.
The dark, starry night backdrop compliments the evil Pokemon standing in the foreground seamlessly. Dark Charizard is absolutely intimidating, and this card translates that tenfold.
2 Dragon Frontiers
A beautiful card with an arbitrary color scheme rarely seen across any Charizard to date, the Dragon Frontiers Charizard is quite simply put, the most badass Charizard card you can find. The dark colors mixed with the retro glaze overtop makes for an eccentric image created by one of the best artists to ever design a Pokemon card.
Even with all of that stated, the best aspect of this card is the fire. A Pokemon heavily associated with its fire typing needs that trait represented on its cards. This one does so masterfully. The use of fire has never been utilized the same with any other card. Not only is there fire gushing out of the frame, but there also lies fire marks across the image, causing a burning projection. The card appears as if it were actually on fire at first glance. A revolutionary concept for card design.
1 Base Set Holo
Of course, the best artwork has to go to the original base set card. Whether it be the first edition or the slightly more yellow base, the very first holographic Charizard card is and always will be the best. This is the card that started it all for the addictive high-dollar collecting we see today. It's a fantastic animation of Charizard leaning forward to release a ferocious fiery blow. The sparkling glow surrounding Charizard takes the image over the top. This card represents everything good there is in Pokemon, and it deserves to always rank amongst the very best.