{"product_id":"giovannis-machamp-challenge-from-the-darkness-near-mint","title":"Giovanni's Machamp - Challenge from the Darkness (Near Mint)","description":"\u003cp\u003eGiovanni's Machamp is one of the most sought-after Trainer Pokémon cards from the original Gym era — a \u003cstrong\u003eHolo Rare\u003c\/strong\u003e straight out of the 1999 Japanese-exclusive \u003cem\u003eChallenge from the Darkness\u003c\/em\u003e (Gym Leaders #2) set. \u003cstrong\u003eCard #68\/98\u003c\/strong\u003e, illustrated by Ken Sugimori, this was a \u003cstrong\u003eJapan-only release\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe card packs real gameplay identity too: its Pokémon Power, \u003cem\u003eFortitude\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003eFighting\/Hurricane Punch attack\u003c\/strong\u003e and a commanding 100 HP, this is a Stage 2 holo that commands a display case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Challenge from the Darkness (Japanese Gym Leaders #2, 1999)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCard Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e #68\/98 — Holo Rare\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japanese exclusive\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ken Sugimori\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Near Mint (raw)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMarket value:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~$11–$15 raw Near Mint, with graded copies commanding meaningful premiums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver 25 years out of print and never reprinted in this form, clean Near Mint copies of Giovanni's Machamp from \u003cem\u003eChallenge from the Darkness\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAvailable at Collector Station, Easley, SC. Local pickup available. \u003cstrong\u003eAll sales final.\u003c\/strong\u003e Shipping damage must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collector Station","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49205277917436,"sku":null,"price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/1387\/2892\/files\/8F1B7A21-2324-4758-A394-F0CDB18D518D.jpg?v=1781635460","url":"https:\/\/thecollectorstation.com\/products\/giovannis-machamp-challenge-from-the-darkness-near-mint","provider":"Collector Station","version":"1.0","type":"link"}