Giovanni's Machamp - Challenge from the Darkness (Near Mint)

Giovanni's Machamp is one of the most sought-after Trainer Pokémon cards from the original Gym era — a Holo Rare straight out of the 1999 Japanese-exclusive Challenge from the Darkness (Gym Leaders #2) set. Card #68/98, illustrated by Ken Sugimori, this was a Japan-only release, never distributed in English under the same set — which makes every Near Mint raw copy a genuine piece of vintage Pokémon history that Western collectors have to actively hunt.

The card packs real gameplay identity too: its Pokémon Power, Fortitude, gives Giovanni's Machamp a coin-flip shot at surviving a knockout with 10 HP remaining — a mechanically distinctive ability that cemented it as a fan favorite in the original WOTC era. Paired with its Fighting/Hurricane Punch attack and a commanding 100 HP, this is a Stage 2 holo that commands a display case.

• Set: Challenge from the Darkness (Japanese Gym Leaders #2, 1999)
• Card Number: #68/98 — Holo Rare
• Language: Japanese exclusive
• Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
• Condition: Near Mint (raw)
• Market value: ~$11–$15 raw Near Mint, with graded copies commanding meaningful premiums

Over 25 years out of print and never reprinted in this form, clean Near Mint copies of Giovanni's Machamp from Challenge from the Darkness are a cornerstone of any serious vintage Japanese Pokémon collection. If you're chasing the full Gym Leaders #2 set or building a Giovanni trainer line — this is the anchor piece.

Available at Collector Station, Easley, SC. Local pickup available. All sales final. Shipping damage must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos.