Topsun ( Topsun )

Topsun is one of the earliest and most historically significant Pokémon card series, predating the official Pokémon TCG and capturing the franchise in its infancy. Released in Japan in 1997 by Top-Seika, the Topsun cards feature the original 151 Pokémon with simple, colorful designs and artwork based on Ken Sugimori’s classic illustrations. Each card includes the Pokémon’s name, number, and basic stats, presented against vibrant blue, green, or orange backgrounds, with some versions featuring a striking holographic finish. Unlike modern TCG cards, Topsun cards were non-playable and included as collectible inserts with packs of bubble gum, making them a nostalgic piece of Pokémon’s early merchandising history. Their simplicity, rarity, and vintage aesthetic give them immense appeal among collectors, particularly the iconic Holo Charizard, which remains one of the most sought-after cards from this era. With their clean presentation, early artwork, and cultural significance, Topsun cards stand as a foundational piece of Pokémon history, symbolizing the beginnings of a global phenomenon and the timeless charm of the original 151.