Since his earliest illustrations appeared in 2022’s Brilliant Stars, Shinji Kanda’s distinctive style has rapidly earned him a reputation as one of the top active artists in the TCG.
To convince you why he might eventually go down as one of the best, here’s a selection of his greatest work:
Shinji Kanda’s Best Pokemon Card Artworks
Magikarp – Paldea Evolved – 203/193
The first thing you need to know about Kanda’s style is that there’s usually a LOT going on.
Case in point: the red brushstrokes of this Magikarp are unmistakable against the chaotically-detailed background – so much so that it’s easy to miss the Gyarados etched into the top of the frame.
Magneton – Scarlet & Violet Promo – 159
Kanda really comes into his own when he’s given the freedom of a full art design. The more space he has, the more vibrant the piece. And with this Magneton, you can almost feel the card buzzing with static electricity.
You can get your hands on a stamped version of this card in the Pokémon Centre’s Surging Sparks Elite Trainer Box.
Galarian Moltres – Sword & Shield Promo – 284
Equally, Kanda is also skilled at the art of simplicity, with this Galarian Moltres representing a rare use of a subtle background.
The classical style imagines Moltres as a figure from traditional Japanese folklore, which is a powerful way to pay homage to the fire bird’s status as an original legendary Pokémon.
Giratina V – Lost Origin – 186/188
All great art relies on a harmony between the artist and their subject. So what better Pokémon than Giratina, with its dimension-distorting powers, for Kanda’s trademark kaleidoscopic style?
That’s probably why this is his most popular card to date, with even ungraded versions fetching hefty prices online.
Who’s The Best Pokémon Card Artist?
As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people love Kanda’s artwork; others prefer more straightforward designs.
When all’s said and done, though, it’ll be fascinating to see how his legacy stacks up to that of other iconic artists like Mitsuhiro Arita, Yuka Morii, and Tomokazu Komiya.
Only time will tell…
