How the Black Bolt Illustration Rares Were Pumped by Influencers
Black Bolt Illustration Rares have recently taken the trading card community by storm, with yet another dramatic price surge centred around the Black Bolt Set. These unique cards, celebrated for their artwork and niche collectability, have suddenly become the focus of market manipulation. Following the earlier hype of the “Booger Mew,” a new trend has emerged, driven by the same influencer, leading to a rapid and artificial increase in card values.
1. The Rise of the “Rubber Mew”, Tynamo - 113/086 - SV: Black Bolt (BLK)
The Tynamo Illustration Rare from Black Bolt has become the latest target of online speculation. Dubbed the “Rubber Mew” because of a small driplet in its top-left corner, this card’s price has skyrocketed overnight. Initially trading at around £10, recent sales now sit firmly between £40 and £80, with the lowest listings on TCGPlayer priced at £40 and only a single eBay listing below £80.
The market’s current data still reflects older pricing, meaning collectors relying solely on “market price” readings may not realise just how inflated this card has become. Shockingly, the only PSA 10 listing for this card is currently priced at £500, demonstrating how speculative interest has overtaken organic demand within the Black Bolt Set market.
2. Cubchoo - 109/086 - SV: Black Bolt Illustration rare (BLK)
Another Black Bolt Illustration Rare to experience a similar pump is the Cubchoo Illustration Rare, affectionately (and somewhat mockingly) called the “Booger Bear.” This card, promoted by the same content creator known as Dom, saw its value jump from £10 to £50, with some sales even surpassing that range.
At its peak, the only PSA 10 version of Cubchoo sold for £180, a figure that far exceeds its intrinsic collector value. Such pricing patterns closely mirror those seen in the earlier Booger Mew hype cycle, suggesting a repeating pattern of influencer-driven speculation within the Black Bolt Set series.
A Market Correction Is Inevitable
While these Black Bolt cards have seen explosive short-term gains, such price spikes are rarely sustainable. The Solosis once a £70 card, has already declined to around £50, with multiple listings signalling a continued correction.
Collectors and investors should exercise caution. Artificially inflated prices, driven by influencer promotion rather than genuine scarcity or demand, almost always revert to more realistic levels once the hype fades. If you are considering purchasing any of these cards, patience is crucial — their true market value will likely stabilise in the coming weeks.
Other Cards to Watch
Reports indicate that several other Black Bolt Illustration Rares are being quietly promoted by the same individual. These include at least four additional cards, each experiencing sudden attention on social media and trading platforms. Collectors should monitor these listings closely and avoid impulse purchases based solely on trending discussions or influencer-driven posts.
Conclusion
The recent market activity surrounding the Black Bolt Illustration Rares serves as a reminder of how easily trading card prices can be manipulated. While these cards are artistically impressive and hold genuine collector appeal, their sudden price inflation reflects hype rather than long-term value. Savvy collectors should approach such trends with scepticism, ensuring that their purchases are based on authentic interest — not social media speculation.
References
- eBay (2025) Recent Sales Data: Pokémon Black Bolt Illustration Rares. Available at: https://www.ebay.co.uk
- TCGPlayer (2025) Market Listings for Tynamo and Cubchoo Illustration Rares. Available at: https://www.tcgplayer.com
- Pokémon Price Guide (2025) Historical Price Tracking for Illustration Rares. Available at: https://www.pokemonprice.com
