Gym Challenge, released in 2000, marked a pivotal moment when the Pokémon TCG shifted focus to Gym Leader–themed cards that celebrated the anime's beloved characters. This set brought collectors closer to the show they loved, pairing iconic trainers with their signature Pokémon in ways that felt genuinely connected to the series' storyline. The Gym sets remain nostalgic cornerstones for players and collectors who grew up during the TCG's golden age. Misty's Staryu captures one of the most recognizable trainer-Pokémon partnerships from the anime. Staryu appears throughout Misty's journey as her reliable water-type companion, and this card honors that bond with artwork that resonates with fans of the show. Collectors seek these character-specific cards for both their connection to beloved television moments and their place in the broader tapestry of early 2000s Pokémon collecting.