Gengar is a first generation Pokemon that appeared in most of the 90s Pokemon merch – video games, toys, and even the anime series. The first Gengar Pokemon card in the TCG was printed in the Fossil set, which was distributed by Wizards of the Coast. Since then, the Gengar card has appeared in most Pokemon TCG sets and will most likely continue to be printed in more future sets.
Below is a list of every TCG Gengar Pokemon card ever made, in order of release date. We’ve also included a few Japanese exclusives, because they’re artwork is so awesome.
Gengar Fossil 5/62 and 20/62
Released: October 1999
Pokedex: Under a full moon, this Pokemon likes to mimic the shadows of people and laugh at their fright.
We begin with Gengar’s rookie card. The OG coming from the Fossil set comes in both the holographic and non-holographic forms. Illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi, one of Pokemons early CG artists, this card relies on the smooth textures of Gengar’s design to help overcome the early limitations of the digital media. This is arguably Gengar’s most iconic pose, and will most likely only increase in value, especially the 1st edition version.
Sabrina’s Gengar Gym Heroes 14/132
Released: August 2000
Sabrina’s Gengar floats abstractly, awash in purple and white – or so it does in the English version of the Card. American audiences, apparently, were not prepared for the cross-filled graveyard scene depicted in the original artwork created by the iconic Ken Sugimuri, so it was censored in the Pokemon TCG. The same Ken Sugiurmi that designed the original 151 Pokemon, and this same Gengar artwork of his appears on an earlier release by Nintendo in Japan.
Sabrina’s Gengar Gym Challenge 29/132
Released: October 2000
A card so nice they made it twice! Sabrina’s Gengar makes a second appearance in the Gym Challenge set and is the second card illustrated by the G.O.A.T Ken Sugimuri. Only available as a non-holographic card, Sabrina’s Gengar stares menacingly at the viewer afront a full moon. One eye cocked, this Pokemon Gengar card shows more personality than any of its predecessors.
Gengar Masaki Promo 1999
Released: 1999
This exclusively Japanese promotional card was released in 1999 as part of the Communication Evolution Campaign. Participants could send any Haunter card alongside a copy of Bill’s PC to Media Factory in exchange for the Masaki Gengar Promo. Masaki is the Japanese name for Bill, and is the reason the promotional cards from that era are called Masaki Promos. Fun fact: This artwork was so popular that it was later released as an eReader card.
Dark Gengar Neo Destiny 6/105
Released: February 2002
Pokedex: It absorbs the heat in the air around it. If you suddenly feel cold, it’s because a Gengar has appeared.
Dark Gengar boasts heavy cheshire cat vibes. The shady purple form absorbs most of the illustrated space, only broken apart by an eerily long smile and angular eyes. And although Gengar is seen in a static pose, its body streams off to the right, giving the illusion of wind or energy.
Gengar Expedition Base Set 13/165 and 48/165
Released: September 2002
Pokedex: Hiding in people’s shadows at night, it absorbs their heat. The chill it causes makes the victims shake.
Gengar’s next appearance comes from the Expedition Base set. Once again appearing as both a holographic and non-holographic card, but this time illustrated by Yukiko Baba. Set against a barren field, Gengar’s red eyes and signature smile define this Pokemon’s character. This is Gengar’s debut in the e-Card series. These cards are quickly gaining popularity and will probably stay solid investments.
Morty’s Gengar Pokemon VS 21/141
True to the videogame, Morty’s Gengar WILL try and put you to sleep using hypnosis. This Japanese exclusive card was illustrated by Naoyo Kimura and has all the winning components for Gengar – a massive tongue, a full moon, and a dynamic pose. This is an awesome card that is often looked over because it does not have an English version
Gengar Skyridge H9/H32 and 10/144
Released: May 2003
Pokedex: Hiding in people’s shadows at night, it absorbs their heat. The chill it causes makes the victims shake.
The artwork from the Skyridge set is generally praised as some of the best in the entire Pokemon TCG, which includes the Gengar illustrated by Kyoko Umemoto. Using a bold and flat design aesthetic, Gengar appears as overlaid above a crumbling desert ruin. This card includes more background detail than any previous Gengar card. Statues of the Legendary birds, Zapdos and Articuno, are seen in the background, adding strength to the imposing shape of the smiling Gengar.
Gengar EX Legend Maker 5/92
Released: February 2006
Gengar from EX Legend Maker gives us a unique peak at his spikey backside. Illustrator Kouki Saitou has the viewer above Gengar looking down – and it looks like Gengar has noticed! The tension of this card pops off the page and since it can still be purchased for just a few dollars, it should be easy to collect.
Gengar Diamond and Pearl 27/130
Released: May 2007
Pokedex: It hides in shadows. It is said that if Gengar is hiding, it cools the area by nearly 10 degrees F.
Gengar, in all his mischievous glory is on full display in the Diamond and Pearl set. Kagemaru Himeno sets this devilish little fellow on a stump under a starry sky, and what’s not to love? Red eyes, big grin – thankfully, some things never change.
Gengar Stormfront 18/100
Released: November 2008
This card is a smorgasbord of textures. A Van Gogh sky morphs into a dark comic book dream in Illustrator’s Hajime Kusajima vision of Gengar. Interestingly, the Gengar from Stormfront uses an attacking move called poltergeist that is only later introduced into the video games.
Gengar ex FireRed and LeafGreen 108/112
Welcome to EX Pokemon and the beginning of the power creep into the TCG. EX Pokemon were more powerful than regular Pokemon, but at a cost – actually a double cost of two prize cards. This card was illustrated by one of Pokemon’s most prolific illustrators, Mitsuhiro Arita. A PSA 10 sells for $1500-$2000.
Gengar GL Rising Rivals 40/111
Here comes Fantina and her level 65 Gengar. This card comes straight out of Pokemon Platinum, where Gym Leader Fantina has a power Gengar at level 65. Striking a dynamic pose, illustrator Naoyo Kimra’s Gengar is battle-ready, jumping straight out of the card. Maybe it’s just us, but does Fantina’s hair look a bit like a Gengar?
Gengar Arceus 16/99
Pokedex: The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people.
The Pokemon Arceus Set introduced two new Gengar cards at the same time. Illustrator Midori Harada uses a fish eye perspective to focus Gengar in the center of the card. The Arceus set shows Gengar’s full range of environment – from the forest to the city, no one is safe.
Gengar Arceus 17/99
Pokedex: The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people.
Gengar looks most comfortable dancing across the rooftops at night. Mitsuhira Arita perfectly captures this madness within Gengar as lightning cracks in the background. Fingers crossed if you pull a Gengar from the Arceus Set, let it be this one.
Gengar LV.X 97/99
This ruby eyed beauty couldn’t be contained, and has broken free of its borders. Entering the text box, Illustrator Shizurow creates the illusion of depth and the feeling of movement in one fell swoop. This is a highly under-rated card and currently undervalued.
Gengar Triumphant 94/102
You know he’s Prime by the glint in his eye. Like all Prime cards from the Triumphant set, some portion of the Pokemon has a specific shine. Takashi Yamaguchi’s Gengar has a devious glint in his eye and that signature tongue finally makes an appearance. We will be seeing a lot more of that tongue in the future.
Gengar BREAKthrough 60/162 Generations 35/83
The non-holographic Gengar from the BREAKthrough set is ready to party. Drawn with a distinctive street art style, Saya Tsuruta’s Gengar looks like it was sprayed alongside a New York train car. Bright colors and an active pose, what more could you want from a card? Maybe that’s why they printed it again in Generations.
Gengar Crimson Invasion 38/111
Unless you are a huge Gengar fan like us, the last thing you want to see in a dark alley is this creepy purple fella. Awkwardly staring at you from behind the wall, Shin Nagasawa, portrays Gengar in his element. An empty bottle throw on the ground shows that even in the Pokemon world trash is a problem. Or maybe it’s just a future Trubish.
Gengar Unbroken Bonds 78/214
Pokedex: You can hear tales told all over the world about how Gengar will pay a visit to children who are naughty.
The Gengar from Unbroken Bonds whirls playfully in light and shadow. Somehow in its own space while simultaneously in an eerie room. Illustrator So-Taro places Gengar in a position of tension that grips the viewer. In our opinion, this is a highly under-appreciated card.
Gengar EX Phantom Forces EX-34/119
Gengar EX has done it now, breaking into another, more colorful, dimension. Illustrator Eske Yoshinob places Gengar EX in the midst of a swirl of multi-colored shapes. The burst of color is a welcome introduction to the normally dark world of ghost Pokemon.
Gengar EX Phantom Forces 114/119
Gengar EX part two comes in the form of a stunning full art card. Gengar EX balloons into the foreground, propelled by a tornado of colorful shapes and blobs. Looking larger than life, Ryo Uedo’s Gengar EX gives off strong carnival vibes. Full-art cards always feature the entire Pokemon, and are often sought after by collectors.
M Gengar EX Phantom Forces 35/119 and 121/119
Nothing gets past M Gengar EX, well, that’s because it sprouted a third eye. This pumped up Gengar uses a move called Phantom Gate – the name of the Japanese set in which it was released. This 5ban Graphics card was also printed as a secret rare, but to be honest, the cards are almost identical. This only real difference comes from the color of the overlaid Japanese text.
M Gengar EX XY Black Star Promo XY166
It looks like M Gengar EX has seen a ghost! M Gengar EX got a whole new color scheme, and it looks amazing. Sporting a bone white complexion, this M Gengar EX has become a fan favorite. Released within the 2016 collector chest as a XY Black Star promotion, this is 5ban Graphics at their best.
Gengar and Mimikyu GX Team Up 53/181
The next four cards are all from the Team Up set. Four cards in one set may sound like overkill, but Gengar does not arrive alone. Gengar is featured alongside Mimikyu in this Tag Team card illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita. Gengar appears out of the grass, like a wild pokemon from the video games. Fierce and intimidating, Gengar stares out from the card, with Mimikyu worn like a hat.
Gengar and Mimikyu GX Team Up 164/181
Our personal favorite of the Gengar Tag Team cards, this full-art features both Gengar and Mimikyu emblazoned across a lavender diamond background. This gorgeous card gives incredible detail of each Pokemon, and the color contrast between Mimikyu and Gengar is perfect. The card was created by 5ban Graphics.
Gengar and Mimikyu GX Team Up 165/181
In this next Tag Team card, Gengar decides to give Mimikyu the spotlight. However, Gengar’s big bright eyes and crescent moon smile steal the show, leaving Mimikyu looking more like Gengar’s toy doll. Pictures hardly do this beautiful card justice. Illustrated by Midori Hirada, Gengar’s eyes light up with the holographic reflection.
Gengar and Mimikyu GX Team Up 186/181
The final Gengar Tag Team card comes in the controversial rainbow color scheme. Although undeniably beautiful, the rainbow pattern does take away from the true color combination of the Pokemon. Love it or hate it, this 5ban graphics card fills the secret rare slot for Gengar in this set.
Gengar Sword and Shield 85/202
Pokedex: On the night of a full moon, if shadows move on their own and laugh, it must be Gengar’s doing.
This holographic Gengar card features vivid artwork by Eri Yamaka. Gengar appears mid spell, surrounded by red smoke, or could he be getting ready to VMAX!
Gengar SWSH052 Black Star Promos
Gengar gets a playful remake in his second Sword and Shield appearance. Artist Shibuzoh shows us a rarely seen side of Gengar – winking and giggling in a flowery meadow. Well, even Gengar needs some rest and relaxation, but let’s not forget, this card has a move called “Life Shaker”.
Gengar Chilling Reign 57/198
Pokedex: It is said to emerge from darkness to steal the lives of those who become lost in mountains.
This fantastic card art provided by Aya Kusube leans heavily on one of Gengar’s more prominent features – a wicked tongue. If a flight of stairs isn’t enough of a challenge, now picture being chased by a twenty-foot tongue. And although it’s listed attack is Pain Burst, it looks like it’s ready to deal some damage with Lick.
Gengar V Fusion Strike 156/264
Another 5ban Graphics card on the list… Gengar V from Fusion Strike shows up in the middle of his attack. Launching what looks like a shadow ball out from the card, this card features an upgraded version of a previous attack “Pain Burst”. This new attack, “Pain Explosion”, packs quite the wallop at 190 damage plus three damage counters.
Gengar VMAX Fusion Strike 157/274
Gengar was given some love in Fusion Strike. Gengar received both a regular VMAX card and an alternative art VMAX card, and they both are rocking some serious tongue. The Gengar VMAX from 5ban Graphics has an appetite to match its size, that is to say it looks HUNGRY.
Gengar VMAX (Alternate Art) Fusion Strike 271/274
Illustrator sowsow hits a homerun with this Gengar VMAX card. Dark and twisted, this Gengar VMAX is the reason you shouldn’t walk alone at night. With his cavernous mouth, and slippery tongue, this massive Gengar is eating more than just dreams. This card already comes with a hefty price tag, but is a must for any Gengar collector.
