Pokémon Trading Cards series 1

A packet of Pokémon series 1 trading cards

Top left - 1st print // top right - 2nd print // bottom left - 3rd print // bottom right - 4th print

Pokémon Official Trading Cards, informally known as Pokémon Trading Cards series 1, was a set of Pokémon cards manufactured by Topps in 1999. There were 90 cards in total: 76 Pokémon cards, 13 character cards, and a checklist card. Each of these 90 cards also had two foil card versions (silver and rainbow) in their main United States distributions. This set contained no bonus "chase cards".

Cards were sold in randomly distributed packets of five and eight. One card in each packet would be a randomly chosen foil card.

Collecting summary

Set	Example front	No. of cards	Cards each pack	Packs needed to finish
Non holo (blue logo on back)		90/90 cards	6 out of 7 cards each pack	15 packs
Smooth silver foil		90/90 cards	1 out of 7 cards each pack*	90 packs
Smooth rainbow foil		90/90 cards	1 out of 7 cards each pack*	90 packs
Non holo (black logo on back)		90/90 cards	6 out of 7 cards each pack	15 packs
Sunrays silver foil		90/90 cards	1 out of 7 cards each pack*	90 packs
Sunrays rainbow foil		90/90 cards	1 out of 7 cards each pack*	90 packs
Non holo (green logo on back)		90/90 cards	6 out of 7 cards each pack	15 packs
Flames silver foil		90/90 cards	1 out of 7 cards each pack*	90 packs
Flames rainbow foil		90/90 cards	1 out of 7 cards each pack*	90 packs
Non holo (green logo on back)		90/90 cards	6 out of 7 cards each pack	15 packs
Pokeballs silver foil		90/90 cards	1 out of 7 cards each pack*	90 packs
Pokeballs rainbow foil		90/90 cards	1 out of 7 cards each pack*	90 packs
Promo: Tin Topper		5/5 cards	1 every Tin	5 Tins
Promo: Album		1/1 cards	1 Jumbo Pikachu each album	n/a

*Depends if it is a Silver or Rainbow foil booster pack.

Cards in series 1

Pokémon

Set #	Front	Pokémon	Back	Back text
1		Bulbasaur		A strange seed is planted on Bulbasaur's back at birth which sprouts into a plant. The toad-esque Bulbasaur makes up for lack of size with a will of iron—especially trained by someone like Ash. This Pokémon's confidence and ensnaring vine abilities make it a powerful ally. In "Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village," Ash finds Bulbasaur to be very tough and extremely difficult to capture in the wild—but Ash finally captures it with great persistence. First appearance: Episode 10—"Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village"
2		Ivysaur		Ivysaur is the second stage of evolution for Bulbasaur. When the bulb on its back grows large, Ivysaur appears to lose the ability to stand on its hind legs. In "Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village" Ash and company were treated to a wondrous surprise when they followed Bulbasaur to the Secret Garden of the Bulbasaurs...The time of evolution was upon them. Every year, the wild Bulbasaur migrate to a hidden location in the wild to evolve into Ivysaur. Ash's Bulbasaur was entranced, but then decided that it did not want to evolve yet. First appearance: Episode 51—"Bulbasaur's Secret Garden"
3		Venusaur		Venusaur is the final stage in the evolution of Bulbasaur. The plant on Venusaur's back blooms when it is absorbing solar energy and it is constantly moving to seek sunlight. In "Island of the Giant Pokémon," Ash and the gang wind up stranded on an island... but all of their Pokémon are missing. Pikachu, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Charmander and the rest have their own adventure trying to get back to Ash, Misty and Brock. During their travels they run into a monstrous robotic Venusaur! First appearance: Episode 17—"Island of the Giant Pokémon"
4		Charmander		This Pokémon obviously prefers hot places. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its flaming tail. According to the Pokédex, a Charmander dies if its flame goes out. Charmander's fiery personality is sure to brighten up a cloudy day. In "Charmander - The Stray Pokémon," a Charmander is abandoned by an irresponsible trainer named Damion. Brock leads the group back into the forest to rescue it from a horrible rainstorm and attacking Spearows[sic]. Nurse Joy brings the resilient and eagerly excitable Pokémon back to health. Later, saving the group from an attack by Team Rocket, Charmander decides to abandon Damion and goes with his new friends. First appearance: Episode 11—"Charmander—The Stray Pokémon"
5		Charmeleon		This is the second stage in the evolution of Charmander. When Charmeleon swings its burning tail, it raises the temperature around itself to unbearably high levels. In "Showdown at Dark City," Ash's Charmander evolves into Charmeleon in an adventure in the decimated city known only as "Dark." Here our heroes get caught up randomly battling the local gym trainers throughout the town, destroying things wherever they go. First appearance: Episode 42—"Showdown at Dark City"
6		Charizard		This is the final stage of evolution for Charmander. Charizard can spit fire that is hot enough to melt boulders, and is also known to cause forest fires unintentionally. In "Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon," Ash's Charmeleon evolves into Charizard so that it can pursue the once thought extinct Aerodactyl through the air. First appearance: Episode 46—"Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon"
7		Squirtle		Squirtle can shoot powerful sprays of foam from its mouth. After birth, Squirtle's back swells and hardens into a shell. In "Here Comes the Squirtle Squad," a group of unruly Squirtle briefly fall under the spell of Team Rocket and they capture Ash and his friends in an attempt to steal Ash's Pikachu. In a climactic battle, Team Rocket abandons The Squirtle Squad forcing Ash to rush to the aid of Squirtle. First appearance: Episode 12—"Here Comes the Squirtle Squad"
8		Wartortle		This is the second stage of evolution for Squirtle, and The Pokédex has very little information regarding this elusive water Pokémon. Wartortle often hides in the water to stalk unwary prey. For swimming very fast, it moves its ears to maintain balance and manoeuvre. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Wartortle
9		Blastoise		Blastoise is the final stage of evolution for Squirtle. Blastoise can be a brutal Pokémon with pressurized water jets on its shell. These water jets are used for high speed tackles. Although an actual Blastoise has not yet appeared in the television series, a giant robot Blastoise shows up to cause trouble as our heroes and Team Rocket get marooned on an island of giant robotic creatures. First appearance: Episode 17—"Island of the Giant Pokémon"
10		Caterpie		Caterpie's short feet are all tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls. In "Ash Catches a Pokémon," the playful Caterpie dreams of a flowery future where it might fly free as graceful Butterfree. As Ash's first capture, this Pokémon saves the day from a surprise attack by Team Rocket by capturing the corrupt crew in its sinewy web and sending them off to oblivion. First appearance: Episode 3—"Ash Catches a Pokémon"
11		Metapod		Metapod is the second stage of evolution for Caterpie. Metapod are vulnerable to attacks while their shells are soft, exposing a weak and tender body. In "Challenge of the Samurai", Ash's Caterpie spins its first cocoon and evolves into the oddly shaped Metapod. The gang then encounters an ominous young samurai out to prove his worth as a Pokémon trainer. It's Metapod against Metapod as the two masters-to-be unleash their contestants to prove who is the greater Pokémon trainer. Metapod, Go! First appearance: Episode 4—"Challenge of the Samurai"
12		Butterfree		Stage three of this Pokémon's evolution is the most gracious of all as the awkward shell of the Metapod bursts open and the brilliantly colored creature reveals itself to the world. In battle, Butterfree can flap its wings at high speeds to release highly toxic dust into the air. After Metapod sacrifices itself to save Ash from an attacking Beedrill in "Challenge of the Samurai," the eager trainer's innocent Metapod is ripped open by the Beedrill's stinger and a Butterfree is revealed. A dream realized. First appearance: Episode 4—"Challenge of the Samurai"
13		Weedle		Often found in forests, eating leaves, Weedle have sharp, venomous stingers on their heads. In "Challenge of the Samurai," Dexter the Pokédex recalls encountering this shy bug Pokémon meeting up with Ash and Pikachu. As Ash traveled through the forest searching for new Pokémon, he encountered a timid Weedle. The Weedle, in a flurry of fright, climbed high up into the trees to escape. First appearance: Episode 4—"Challenge of the Samurai"
14		Kakuna		Kakuna are the second stage of evolution for Weedle, and practically incapable of moving, this Pokémon can only harden its shell to protect itself from predators. While their powers are limited in this stage, Kakuna provided a clever camouflaged hiding place for Ash's Metapod after it was captured by a swarm of Beedrill. First appearance: Episode 4—"Challenge of the Samurai"
15		Beedrill		This Pokémon is the final stage of evolution for Weedle. Beedrill fly at incredibly high speeds and they attack using the large venomous stingers on their forelegs and tails. The troublesome Beedrill are known for their quick attacks and violent tendencies. They traditionally gather in large swarms. A thorn in the side of all creatures, these mischievous Pokémon attack with fury and speed, usually without a moment's notice. In "Challenge of the Samurai," a Beedrill entourage kidnaps Ash's Metapod and brings it back to their nest of sleeping Kakuna. Ash and company rescue Metapod, who then throws itself in front of Ash, to save him from a deadly Beedrill stinger attack. First appearance: Episode 4—"Challenge of the Samurai"
16		Pidgey		Pidgey is the initial stage of evolution for this flying Pokémon. This Pokémon is a common sight in forests and woods and it can flap its wings at ground level to kick up blinding sands. Ash has in his Pokémon collection a Pidgeotto, the second evolutionary step of this bird Pokémon. First appearance: Episode 9—"School of Hard Knocks"
17		Pidgeotto		This is the second stage of evolution for Pidgey. Very protective of its sprawling territorial area, this Pokémon will fiercely peck at any intruder. Pidgeotto is Ash's second capture. In "Ash Catches a Pokémon," the hawk-like Pidgeotto loses its first battle with Team Rocket's Ekans and Koffing, even with the electrifying Pikachu at its side. A last ditch effort by Ash's new Caterpie saves the day. First appearance: Episode 3—"Ash Catches a Pokémon"
18		Pidgeot		This is the final stage in the evolution of Pidgey. When hunting, this Pokémon skims the surface of the water at high speeds to pick off unwary prey such as Magicarp. Joe, a Pokémon Prep school student in "School of Hard Knocks" learns that when Pidgeot leaps into action it can fly at up to 1200 meters high at speeds of up to Mach 2. First appearance: Episode 9—"School of Hard Knocks"
19		Rattata		Rattata is small and very quick, and is a common sight in many places. This pink-ish rodent creature will bite anything in its path. In "Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village," Ash and Co. see two adorable Rattata frolicking about in the fields as our heroes enter the village. They then realize that the village is a great Pokémon sanctuary, where sick and abandoned Pokémon can recover and grow. First appearance: Episode 8—"Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village"
20		Raticate		This is the final stage of evolution for Rattata. It uses its long whiskers to maintain its balance, and it slows down if its whiskers are cut off. A terrifying Pokémon when trained properly, Raticate's fear inspiring look can surprise all but the most determined opponents. In "Battle Aboard the St. Anne," Ash and company meets a distinguished gentleman and Ash trades his Butterfree for the gentleman's Raticate. First appearance: Episode 15—"Battle Aboard the St. Anne"
21		Spearow		When wild and untamed, a flock of Spearow Pokémon can be a frightening and deadly thing. In Ash and Pikachu's very first outing they fend off the savage birds, saving one another's lives and as a result, form their unbreakable friendship. Spearow eat insects in grassy areas and have to flap their short wings at high speeds to stay airborne. First appearance: Episode 1—"Pokémon—I Choose You"
22		Fearow		This is the final evolutionary stage for Spearow. The Pokédex has almost no information regarding this monstrous flying Pokémon, and the only data that was readily available was this: Fearow, with its huge and magnificent wings, can keep aloft without ever having to land for rest. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Fearow
23		Ekans		Ekans is the deadly Pokémon owned by Jesse of Team Rocket, and she has trained it to attack its foes without mercy, squeezing the life out of its opponents. Ekans moves silently and stealthily and is known to eat the eggs of birds such as Pidgey and Spearow. First appearance: Episode 2—"Pokémon Emergency"
24		Arbok		This is the final evolutionary step for Ekans, and it is rumored that the ferocious warning markings on Arbok's belly differ from region to region. Arbok is a deadly Pokémon in the wrong hands, and Jesse of Team Rocket definitely has the wrong hands. In "Dig Those Diglett," Jesse's Ekans finally evolves into the powerful Arbok, bringing tears of joy to the nasty villain's eyes. First appearance: Episode 31—"Dig Those Diglett"
25		Pikachu		I choose you Pikachu! As Ash's first Pokémon, Pikachu makes a shocking impression on the Pokémon master-to-be. This lovable and cuddly Pokémon may look innocent, but threaten its owner and you'll get a jolt of 10,000 volts of thunder shock protection. When several of these Pokémon gather together, their electricity can build and cause lightning storms. First appearance: Episode 1—"Pokémon—I Choose You"
26		Raichu		Raichu is the final evolved form of Pikachu. Raichu's long tail serves to ground it, thereby protecting itself from its own high voltage power. In "Electric Shock Showdown!," the heroes finally arrive at Vermillion City, and discover dozens of Pokémon being treated for injuries received while battling the local gym leader Lt. Surge. Despite overwhelming odds, Ash challenges Lt. Surge and pits his Pikachu against a surprise opponent—Lt. Surge's fiercely trained and quickly evolved Raichu. Pikachu, despite its small size, defeats Lt. Surge's Raichu in the end! First appearance: Episode 14—"Electric Shock Showdown"
27		Sandshrew		Sandshrew burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water, and will only emerge to hunt for food. Sandshrew is an innovative Pokémon when coached by the right trainer, like A.J.—a gym leader with unique and strenuous training methods. Sandshrew can dive and roll itself up into a ball then hurl itself at ground or airborne attackers. A.J.'s Sandshrew can withstand water due to its training with a custom built strength training harness. In "The Path to the Pokémon League," Sandshrew shows its power by splitting open the earth as it wins A.J.'s 100th battle against Team Rocket's Ekans and Koffing. First appearance: Episode 8—"The Path to the Pokémon League"
28		Sandslash		This is the final stage in the evolution of Sandshrew. The Pokédex has almost no information regarding this ground Pokémon, and the only known facts about Sandslash are as follows: Sandslash curls up into a spiny ball when it feels threatened, and it can roll while curled up to attack or to escape. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Sandslash
29		Nidoran♀		Dexter, the Pokédex, is knowledgeable about almost all of the Pokémon in the world, but there are some that still have yet to be categorized. Nidoran, and the entire species of Nidoran, have very limited information available. The Pokédex has this to say about the female Nidoran: Although small, the Nidoran's venomous barbs render this Pokémon dangerous. The female of this species has smaller horns than the male. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Nidoran
30		Nidorina		As with the Nidoran's first evolutionary step, the Nidoran, there is very limited knowledge available for the Nidorina. Dexter has this information in The Pokédex: The female Nidoran's horns develop slowly. These Pokémon prefer physical attacks such as clawing and biting. This is the second stage of the evolution of the female Nidoran. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Nidorina
31		Nidoqueen		The Pokédex is a wealth of Pokémon knowledge and it has this to say of Nidoqueen: Its hard scales provide strong protection, and its ponderous body is surprisingly agile. Nidoqueen uses its hefty bulk to execute powerful moves. This is the final evolutionary step for the female Nidoran. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Nidoqueen
32		Nidoran♂		As with the female half of the Nidoran species, the Pokédex has very limited knowledge on the male half of this poison Pokémon species. Dexter has this to say of the male Nidoran: It will stiffen its ears to sense danger around it, and the larger the male's horns, the more powerful its secreted venom. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Nidoran
33		Nidorino		This is the second stage of evolution for the male Nidoran. Nidorano is an aggressive Pokémon that is quick to attack, and the horn on its head secretes a very powerful venom. If the Pokémon League could find a Nidorino in the wild to study, numerous questions would be answered, like, "Do the Nidorino's spikes shed when it evolves, or does the Nidorino's poison work on other Nidorino?" These are questions we may never know the answer to. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Nidorino
34		Nidoking		This is the final, and most powerful evolutionary stage for the male Nidoran, and this creature is truly the king of all that it surveys. Nidoking uses its powerful tail in battle to smash, constrict and then break the bones of whatever had attacked it. The Pokédex has very little information on this powerful Pokémon and the rest of its remarkable species. Perhaps one day a Pokémon master will capture one of them to study... First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Nidoking
35		Clefairy		In "Clefairy and the Moon Stone," our heroes discover many injured Pokémon while taking a short cut to Cerulean City through Mt. Moon. They search for the mysterious Moon Stone reported to possess the capability of "powering up" weakened Pokémon. In a battle with the always interfering Team Rocket they are helped by a group of Clefairy - an extremely rare Pokémon. They're very magical and their utterly cute appeal has many admirers. First appearance: Episode 6—"Clefairy and the Moon Stone"
36		Clefable		This is the evolved form of a Clefairy. Clefable are timid fairy Pokémon that are rarely seen. They will run and hide the moment they sense any humans. In "Clefairy and the Moon Stone," Ash and friends all bear witness to the wondrous magic of the stone on the enchanted Clefable Pokémon. First appearance: Episode 6—"Clefairy and the Moon Stone"
37		Vulpix		In "Pokémon Fashion Flash," Brock convinces his friends to stop by Caesar Street and go into a Pokémon salon run by the beautiful Coron. In Coron's salon Brock is introduced to Vulpix—a beautiful and gracious Pokémon that, at the time of birth, has just one small tail. The tail then splits from its tip as the creature grows older. First appearance: Episode 28—"Pokémon Fashion Flash"
38		Ninetails[sic]		This Pokémon is the final evolved form of a Vulpix. Ninetails is very smart and very vengeful, grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse. The Pokédex has almost no information on this fire Pokémon. As with many Pokémon, Ninetails can't be found in the wild at all - to obtain one, one must nurture a Vulpix until it evolves. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Ninetails
39		Jigglypuff		When Jigglypuff's huge eyes light up, its beautiful siren song will soothe the savage beast, if you can stay awake long enough to hear its melodious and calming offerings. The tempermental creature gets frustrated, however, because its audience can never stay awake for an entire song. Jigglypuff has been known to draw vandalistic graffiti on the faces of its sleeping audience in frustration. First appearance: Episode 45—"The Song of Jigglypuff!"
40		Wigglytuff		This is the evolved form of a Jigglypuff. There is practically no information regarding this evolved Jigglypuff in the Pokédex database. This is all the data that is available: The body of this Pokémon is soft and rubbery and when Wigglytuff is angered, it will suck in air and inflate itself to an enormous size. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Wigglytuff
41		Zubat		Zubats are bat-like creatures that usually form colonies in perpetually dark places and do not like to be bothered. They also use ultrasonic waves to identify and approach targets of attack. In "Clefairy and the Moon Stone," while searching for a short cut to Cerulean City through the dark and eerie caves of Mt. Moon, our band of heroes rescue a researcher named Seymour who is being attacked by a vast number of Zubat. First appearance: Episode 6—"Clefairy and the Moon Stone"
42		Golbat		Golbat is the final evolved form of a Zubat. The evolved Golbat is a very powerful Pokémon - for once Golbat strikes, it will not stop draining energy from the victim even if it gets too heavy to fly away. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Golbat.
43		Oddish		According to the Pokédex, Oddish is typically found roaming the forest at night, scattering pollen as it walks around. During the daylight hours, it keeps its face buried in the ground. In "Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village," Ash and Misty argue over who will catch the leafy topped Pokémon while Bulbasaur thwarts their attempt by rescuing Oddish. First appearance: Episode 10—"Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village"
44		Gloom		Gloom is the second evolutionary stage for Oddish. The fluid that oozes from Gloom's mouth is not drool, it is a sweet nectar that is used to attract prey. In "Pokémon Scent-sation," we see how the gym leaders of the famed Celadon City Gym train and battle Pokémon, and we also see how they use the spores from Gloom to create their wonderful perfumes. First appearance: Episode 26—"Pokémon Scent-sation"
45		Vileplume		Vileplume is the final evolutionary stage for Oddish. The larger its petals, the more toxic pollen it contains. Vileplume's big head is heavy and hard to hold up, causing a tremendous balance difficulty for this Pokémon. In "Pokémon Scent-sation," Ash and Co. have their hands and noses full as the Celadon City Gym/ Perfumery goes up in smoke at the hands of the nefarious Team Rocket. First appearance: Episode 26—"Pokémon Scent-sation"
46		Paras		Paras burrows into the Earth to suck on tree roots. In "The Problem with Paras," a beautiful girl with a knack for healing Pokémon saves the ailing Meowth. In a debt of gratitude, Team Rocket helps her evolve her Paras into Parasect. First appearance: Episode 44—"The Problem with Paras"
47		Parasect		Parasect is a host-parasite pair in which the parasite mushroom has taken over the bug host. This Pokémon prefers damp places, and is the evolved form of Paras. In "The Problem with Paras," Team Rocket instills Paras with self-respect and it evolves into Parasect. Meowth, Jesse and James all take credit for this feat but they also have other plans for this bug Pokémon... First appearance: Episode 44—"The Problem with Paras"
48		Venonat		Venonat is a furball-shaped, fanged Pokémon. It lives in the shadows of tall trees and loves to eats insects, and is attracted by bright lights at night. In "The Ninja Poké-Showdown," Ash and the gang are attacked by a female ninja and her trained Venonat. The battle rages until her brother, the master ninja, arrives on the scene to finish the battle. First appearance: Episode 32—"The Ninja Poké-Showdown"
49		Venomoth		Venomoth is the final evolved state of Venonat. The dust-like scales covering Venomoth's wings are color-coded to indicate the type of poison that it is carrying. In "The Ninja Poké-Showdown," the ninja master of Fuchsia Gym uses his Venomoth to combat Ash. The battle rages onward until Team Rocket makes their entrance. Ash and the ninja combine forces to repel the bungling bad guys - and Ash earns his next badge! First appearance: Episode 32—"The Ninja Poké-Showdown"
50		Diglett		This mole Pokémon lives about one yard underground where it feeds on plant roots. It sometimes appears above ground...but only rarely. In "Dig Those Diglett," Ash and friends discover a construction site where the foreman is asking Pokémon trainers to get rid of the pesky Diglett interfering with his work. First appearance: Episode 31—"Dig Those Diglett"
51		Dugtrio		Dugtrio is the final evolved form of Diglett. This tunneling terror is a Pokémon team of Diglett triplets. It triggers huge earthquakes by burrowing 60 miles underground. In "Dig Those Diglett," Ash and Pikachu are able to defeat the burrowing fury of these enraged Pokémon. First appearance: Episode 31—"Dig Those Diglett"
52		Meowth		Meowth is the wise-cracking third member of the terrible trio that is Team Rocket. Team Rocket's Meowth is the only Pokémon that can actually speak full English sentences. This cat-like Pokémon adores circular objects, like balls of yarn. It tends to wander the streets on a nightly basis to look for dropped loose change. First appearance: Episode 2—"Pokémon Emergency"
53		Persian		The Persian is the final evolved form of Meowth. Although its glossy fur has many admirers, this cat Pokémon is hard to raise as a pet because of its fickle meanness. Team Rocket's nefarious Boss is the owner of a sleek and deadly Persian. It makes Meowth constantly jealous to see the pampered Persian in The Boss's lap! First appearance: Episode 15—"Battle Aboard the St. Anne"
54		Psyduck		Psy-Yi-Yi! Psyduck can be a potentially powerful Pokémon, but its dim wit rarely gets it any respect—especially Misty's. While lulling enemies with its vacant look, this wily Pokémon will use psychokinetic powers. It also suffers from a chronic headache. First appearance: Episode 31—"Dig Those Diglett"
55		Golduck		Golduck is the final evolved state of the headache-plagued Psyduck. A Golduck has not yet been seen in the wild by Ash, or any other Pokémon trainers for that matter, so no true information is available on these creatures. The Pokémon has this to say about this water Pokémon: Golduck is often seen swimming elegantly by a lake shore. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Golduck
56		Mankey		Mankey is a pig-monkey Pokémon that is extremely quick to anger. It can be docile one moment, and thrashing away the next. In "Primeape Goes Bananas," Ash and company encounter a wild Mankey, and accidentally upset it causing it to enter into uncontrollable fits. When Team Rocket arrives on the scene, they upset the creature even further and Mankey wages all out war on everyone. First appearance: Episode 25—"Primeape Goes Bananas"
57		Primeape		Beware when Mankey evolves into the ferocious Primeape, as its uncontrollable temper gets even worse. This evolved Mankey is always furious and extremely dangerous. It will not abandon chasing its quarry until it is caught. When Mankey evolves into the even more temperamental Primeape - Ash, Misty, Brock and even Team Rocket have no way of slowing down its fury! First appearance: Episode 25—"Primeape Goes Bananas"
58		Growlithe		Growlithe is very protective of its territory, and is ready to bark and bite to keep intruders away. The tiger-like roar of the Growlithe will send you off in fear, but this furry creature will loyally protect his friends. In "Holy Matrimony," James is reunited with his own Growlithe when he is lured home to marry Jessibell. First appearance: Episode 48—"Holy Matrimony"
59		Arcanine		Arcanine is the final evolved form of Growlithe. Arcanine is a Pokémon that has been admired since the distant past for its beauty. It runs gracefully as if it had wings on its ankles. In "The Flame Pokémon-athon," Ash is forced to enter a Pokémon race and is cheered on by the barking of Arcanine. First appearance: Episode 33—"The Flame Pokémon-athon"
60		Poliwag		As with the Nidoran family, the Poliwag family has almost no Pokédex information on it. Dexter has this to say of Poliwag: Its newly-born legs prevent this Pokémon from running. Poliwag prefers the land to water and would rather swim than stand. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Poliwag
61		Poliwhirl		Poliwhirl is the second evolutionary step for Poliwag. This Pokémon is capable of surviving and living in and out of the water. When the Pokémon is out of the water, it sweats to keep its body slimy. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Poliwhirl
62		Poliwrath		As with its first two evolutionary steps, the Poliwrath has almost no information available in the Pokédex database. This is all that was available at the present moment: Poliwrath is an adept swimmer at both the front crawl and the breast stroke. This Pokémon can easily overtake the best human swimmers. Poliwrath is the final evolutionary stage for Poliwag. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Poliwrath
63		Abra		Abra has the unique ability to read minds, and this tiny psychic Pokémon can identify impending danger and then teleport to safety. In "Abra and the Psychic Showdown," Ash challenges the local gym leader, Sabrina, in an attempt to earn a Marsh badge. Ash and Pikachu square off against Sabrina and her Pokémon Abra, but are sadly defeated by Abra's unique attacks. First appearance: Episode 22—"Abra and the Psychic Showdown"
64		Kadabra		Kadabra is the second evolutionary stage for Abra. This Pokémon can emit special alpha waves from its body that induces headaches. In "Haunter vs. Kadabra," Ash uses his newly acquired Haunter, the ghost Pokémon, to defeat Sabrina and her super-powered Kadabra. First appearance: Episode 24—"Haunter vs. Kadabra"
65		Alakazam		Alakazam is the final evolved state of Abra. Its intelligence quotient is said to be near 5,000, an attribute that gives it remarkable psychic powers. Ash and friends have never been face to face with one of these super-smart Pokémon, and aren't in any hurry either. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered an Alakazam
66		Machop		The Pokédex database reports that Machop is very agile and can dodge even special attacks by seasoned Pokémon trainers. Machop is also one of the more intelligent Pokémon, and loves to build its muscles and enhance its sleek physique. It trains in all styles of hand to hand combat and martial arts to become even stronger. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Machop
67		Machoke		Machoke is the second evolutionary stage of Machop. Machoke's muscular body is so powerful that it must wear a power saver belt to regulate its motions. Machoke likes body-building even more than Machop, but its vanity can get in the way of its combat training. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Machoke
68		Machamp		Machamp is the final evolutionary stage of Machop. The Pokédex has very little to say about this final evolved Machop. This is the only data available for this super-powered Pokémon: Using its heavy and super Poké-powered muscles, this Pokémon can throw punches from its quartet of forceful fists that can send the victim clear over the horizon. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Machamp
69		Bellsprout		The official Pokédex database regarding this Pokémon contains the following: Appearances can be deceiving from this innocent-looking but carnivorous Pokémon that traps and eats bugs. Bellsprout uses its rooted feet to soak up needed moisture from the soil. In "Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village," Ash and Co. find a Bellsprout resting in the safe confines of the village where it can heal and grow. First appearance: Episode 8—"Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village"
70		Weepinbell		This evolved Bellsprout spits out poison powder to immobilize the enemy and can then finish it off with a spray of acid. In a brief yet satisfying battle in "School of Hard Knocks," Weepinbell is washed over literally by Misty's more experienced Starmie, despite Weepinbells usual advantage over most water Pokémon. First appearance: Episode 10—"School of Hard Knocks"
71		Victreebell*		This Pokémon is the final evolved state of Bellsprout. Victreebells are said to live in monstrous colonies deep in the heart of certain jungles, although no one has ever returned from there to prove it. "Wow, it grew into a fabulous Victreebell. It's so big and strong and healthy looking—and friendly too," says Team Rocket's James about his recently evolved Weepinbell—right before it tries to swallow him. First appearance: Episode 57—"The Breeding Center Secret"
72		Tentacool		The jellyfish-like Tentacool usually drift in shallow seas. Fishermen who hook them by accident are often punished by their stinging acid. In "Tentacool and Tentacruel," a developer hires Pokémon trainers to get rid of Tentacool that are living in a coral reef so he can build a hotel on the same site. This attracts the attention of the always scheming Team Rocket, who try to scam the developer and get rid of the Tentacool. First appearance: Episode 19—"Tentacool and Tentacruel"
73		Tentacruel		Tentacruel is the final evolved form of Tentacool. The tentacles on this Pokémon are normally kept short, but on hunts they are extended to ensnare and immobilize prey. In "Tentacool and Tentacruel," Team Rocket comes up with a mischievous plan to drive away the Tentacool on the Hutber Port coral reef by spreading a mixture of soy and vinegar over the ocean area. Their plan backfires however, as the Tentacool evolves into gigantic and powerful Tentacruel, which attack the humans in retaliation. FIrst appearance: Episode 19—"Tentacool and Tentacruel"
74		Geodude		Geodude is normally found in fields and mountains. People often mistake them for boulders, often stepping on, or tripping over them. In the world of Pokémon gyms and training, there are failures and then there are masters. Brock is a real master. Brock is the Gym Leader at the Pewter City Gym and uses his loyal Geodude and Onix for all of his battles. First appearance: Episode 5—"Showdown in Pewter City"
75		Graveler		Graveler is the second evolutionary stage of Geodude. This Pokémon rolls down slopes to move, rolling over any obstacle without slowing or changing its direction. Graveler is normally at a disadvantage against water Pokémon like Misty's Starmie, although with special training it can sometimes defeat a water-spewing opponent. First appearance: Episode 9—"School of Hard Knocks"
76		Golem		Golem is the final evolutionary stage of Geodude. Golem, so says the Pokédex, tend to be much larger than Geodude and Graveler. They are slow to anger, but are fierce fighters when roused. This Pokémon's boulder-like body is extremely hard. It can easily withstand dynamite blasts without damage. First appearance: Ash has not yet encountered a Golem

Character cards

There are thirteen cards featuring characters from the Pokémon anime. The first four cards have a Pokédex-style entry on the featured character, the other nine have pieces of a puzzle on the back. The image formed by the puzzle is the same picture that is used on the front of the checklist card.

Set #	Front	Character	Back	Back text
TV1		Ash Ketchum		On his tenth birthday, Ash Ketchum became eligible to be a Pokémon trainer. His ultimate goal is to win the Pokémon regional championships and become a Pokémon master, but first he's got a lot to learn while trying to capture as many Pokémon as possible. Ash's first Pokémon, and his best friend in the whole world, is Pikachu. Will Ash and Pikachu be able to "catch 'em" all? Don't bet against these two!
TV2		Pikachu		Here's one Pokémon you're bound to get a charge out of... literally! Pikachu's cuddly cute, but squeeze too hard and you'll get a charge of a lifetime. Professor Oak gave Pikachu to Ash at the start of his adventure. At first the two didn't get along, but now they're inseparable... and together they're unstoppable!
TV3		Misty		You'd better not make waves with Misty – especially when she unleashes her water Pokémon! Ash and Misty met when he borrowed her bike. But Pikachu's thunder shock burned her bike to a crisp, so Misty vowed to follow Ash everywhere until he paid her back. Misty is determined to prove that she's got what it takes to be a great Pokémon trainer herself and steal the spotlight from her famous sisters back home in Cerulean City.
TV4		Brock		He's got a passion for Pokémon and falls head over heels in love with every pretty girl he meets! What's a gym leader to do? He joins Ash on his adventure—that's what! And with Onix and Geodude as part of his Pokémon arsenal—you'll agree that Brock rocks!
TV5		Staryu		The back is the top-left piece of the checklist image
TV6		Geodude		The back is the top-middle piece of the checklist image
TV7		Professor Oak		The back is the top-right piece of the checklist image
TV8		Gary Oak		The back is the center/left piece of the checklist image
TV9		Jesse*		The back is the centermost piece of the checklist image
TV10		James		The back is the center/right piece of the checklist image
TV11		Meowth		The back is the bottom-left piece of the checklist image
TV12		Ekans / Arbok		The back is the bottom-middle piece of the checklist image
TV13		Koffing / Weezing		The back is the bottom-right piece of the checklist image

Completed puzzle, shown on the back of the cards

Other

Set #	Front	Title	Back	Back text
CL		Checklist		All different cards of the set with checkmark boxes

Editions

On the left side the USA print logo and on the right the UK print logo

There were four different printings from the United States that were distributed in the US, most of Europe, and Australia. These cards all had an oval Nintendo seal. The printings are distinguished by a blue, black, green, or red Topps logo, with card texts being updated between the first (blue) and second (black) printings. Due to an error, all foil cards after the first printing were printed with black logos, but can still be distinguished by the differences in their debossings.

There was only one print run made in the UK with the blue logo and round Nintendo logo on the back. For all intents and purposes the blue logo cards are often considered part of the same set/version.

• USA 1st printing: blue logo on all cards, foil cards had a smooth texture with no debossings (with oval Nintendo logo on back).
• UK 1st printing: blue logo on all cards, foil cards had a smooth texture with no debossing (with round Nintendo logo on back).
• USA 2nd printing: black logo on all cards, Pokémon foil cards were debossed with rays and starbursts, while TV cards had a sandpaper finish.
• USA 3rd printing: green logo on non-foil cards only, Pokémon foil cards were debossed with flames and teardrops, while TV cards had dots and rectangles.
• USA 4th printing: red logo on non-foil cards only, Pokémon foil cards were debossed with Poké Balls and targets, while TV cards had dents.

A fifth printing featuring foil cards with a smooth finish but a black logo (features of both the 1st and 2nd printings) was also produced to an uncertain extent.

US Produced Printings

The US Topps locations produced 13 unique 90-card sets across all US printings. The 4 rainbow foil sets are not pictured.

Variation	1st Printing (smooth)	2nd Printing (sunrays)	3rd Printing (flames)	4th Printing (pokeballs)
Logo Color
Pokémon Foil
TV Card Foil

In other countries

On the top side the USA card back is seen and on the bottom the UK card back

Versions of the cards were also produced for the United Kingdom and some alternate languages. In addition to an English version for the UK, French, German, and Italian printings were produced by Topps' United Kingdom location, while Portuguese and Spanish printings were produced by Topps' Argentina location. These printings all feature a round Nintendo seal and a blue Topps logo, but none of these printings had a rainbow foil variation of the cards.

Each non-English printing has translated text on the backs of the cards. In French and German, the fronts of the cards were also translated, but in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, character and Pokémon names are often the same as in English, so they were left untranslated (notably including the Gary Oak, Professor Oak, and checklist cards).

Topps' 75th Anniversary card set

Topps' 75th Anniversary card set from 2013 featured stamped buyback cards, confirmed to include some cards from Series 1, Series 3 & Pokémon First Movie. These are cards that Topps bought from the secondhand market via the buyback program and stamped with a gold "Topps 75th" logo. Some of the cards that were from Series 1 in the 75th Anniversary set include: #5 Charmeleon, #13 Weedle, #36 Clefable, #45 Vileplume, #50 Diglett, #70 Weepinbell, #72 Tentacool, #74 Geodude. (non-foil) Clefairy (smooth silver foil)

Promotional items

Tin toppers / Jumbo cards

The Jumbo cards are about 2 times the seize of normal Pokemon Topps card

A set of five tins were also manufactured for series 1. The tins included seven packs of cards and an extra-large chrome card that matched the cover of the tin.

1. Pikachu
2. Squirtle
3. Bulbasaur
4. Charmander
5. Meowth

Tin toppers / Jumbo cards

Set #	Front	Back	Pokémon
TT1			Pikachu
TT2			Squirtle
TT3			Bulbasaur
TT4			Charmander
TT5			Meowth

Collectors Album & Jumbo Pikachu

In the United Kingdom several promotional items were made to promote the Series 1 sets. One of those was a collectors album including a Jumbo Silver foil Pikachu.

Pokemon topps series 1 Album front	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins

Pokemon topps series 1 Album first pages	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins

Pokemon topps series 1 Album backside	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins	The Sneak-Peek Tins

Trivia

Errors

• In general, the cards do not capitalize words that are normally capitalized in the games and other media, like Trainer and Gym Leader. They will also add an "s" to Pokémon names to form a plural, when the plural form is normally the same as the singular.
• Jessie's name is misspelled "Jesse" everywhere it occurs. This happens in #23 Ekans, #24 Arbok, #47 Paras, and TV9.
• #05 Charmeleon incorrectly lists its first appearance as "Showdown at Dark City", while in reality, its anime debut was the next episode "The March of the Exeggutor Squad".
• #18 Pidgeot misspells Magikarp as Magicarp.
• #33 Nidorino misspells Nidorino as Nidorano once.
• #39 Jigglypuff misspells temperamental as "tempermental".
• #48 Venonat mistakenly writes that Venonat loves to eats insects.
• #70 Weepinbell mistakenly omits a possessive apostrophe in "Weepinbells usual advantage".
• #71 Victreebel is misspelled as "Victreebell" throughout.

References

Topps Pokémon Trading Cards Pokémon Trading Cards series 1 • series 2 • series 3 • Pokémon Johto Trading Cards series 1 Pokémon Johto League Champions Trading Cards • Pokémon Advanced Trading Cards • Pokémon Advanced Challenge Trading Cards Pokémon Top 10 Collector Cards • Pokémon the First Movie Trading Cards • Pokémon the Movie 2000 Trading Cards

This article is part of Project Merchandise, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on all Pokémon toys, dolls, books, and collectible merchandise.