PokeCYC.comComplete Your CollectionWizards Black Star Promos – Complete Guide
The Wizards Black Star Promos are a series of promotional Pokémon cards released by Wizards of the Coast during their run of the TCG license from 1999 to 2003. These cards were not part of mainline sets and were distributed through various special events, magazines, products, and tournaments.
Quick Facts
- Release Period: July 1999 – 2003
- Total Cards: 53
- Notable Promos: Ancient Mew, Eevee, Mewtwo (Movie Promo), Surfing Pikachu
- Promo Symbol: A black star with the word “PROMO”
Types of Promo Distribution
Promo cards came from a wide range of sources including:
- Movie theater ticket giveaways (e.g. Mewtwo, Dragonite)
- Magazines like Nintendo Power and Top Deck
- League and tournament events
- Bundled with products like VHS tapes, figures, or Game Boy games
Investment Outlook
Promo cards are unpredictable but some, like Ancient Mew, Birthday Pikachu, and Lucky Stadium, are prized collectibles. PSA 10 grades of rarer promos fetch premium prices, particularly if still sealed.
Fun Facts
- Card #1 – Electabuzz – was given out at the theatrical release of Pokémon: The First Movie.
- Ancient Mew has multiple versions with slight foil and copyright text differences.
- Promo #24 - Birthday Pikachu was banned from tournament play due to personalized damage mechanics.
Browse All Black Star Promos
FAQs About WOTC Promos
❓ Are all WOTC promos legal for tournament play?
No. Many were never legal for tournament use, especially those with special effects or that were released after rotation. They’re primarily for collecting now.
❓ How do I know if a card is a WOTC promo?
Look for the black star symbol with the word “PROMO” in the corner of the card. They also have card numbers like “Promo #1” to “Promo #53”.