Obsidian Flames arrived in 2023 as one of the Scarlet and Violet era's most anticipated releases, delivering compelling artwork and competitive cards that defined the modern era of Pokémon TCG collecting. The set's special illustration rares became immediate favorites among collectors who valued artistic interpretation over traditional card designs, marking a shift toward celebrating illustrators as central to the hobby's appeal. Pidgeot ex as a special illustration rare captures the iconic flying-type Pokémon in dynamic, expressive artwork that elevates it beyond typical card presentations. Collectors pursue these special illustration versions for their visual distinction and artistic merit, valuing them as display pieces that celebrate both the character and the illustrator's vision.