The Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCGO) Space Time Smackdown expansion, released January 30th, features a Weavile ex card depicting a disturbing scene that has ignited passionate debate among players. While the Weavile ex card exists in three variations, it's the 2-Star full-art version causing the controversy. The artwork shows a group of Weavile poised to attack an unsuspecting Swinub.
Reddit threads exploded with reactions, expressing concern and outrage at the depiction of predation. One post, garnering nearly 10,000 upvotes, simply exclaimed, "NO! SWINUB LOOK UP!! LOOK UP!!". Comments echoed the sentiment, with players lamenting the graphic nature of the card and expressing sympathy for the Swinub. The inherent brutality of the Pokémon world, even with its fantastical elements, was a recurring theme in the discussion.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged with the full-art Mamoswine card (Swinub's evolution). Some fans interpreted this card, showing Mamoswine protectively looking upward, as a positive counterpoint, suggesting Mamoswine witnessed the Weavile's attack and intervened. This offered a measure of solace to those upset by the Weavile card's imagery.
NO ! SWINUB LOOK UP !! LOOK UP !! by u/RegularTemporary2707 in PTCGP
Gone, but not forgotten. by u/AshesMemeFolder in PTCGP
The Space Time Smackdown expansion, themed around Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, introduces Weavile and Mamoswine alongside other iconic Pokémon like Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. Containing 207 cards (smaller than Genetic Apex's 286), it boasts a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex's 60).
Despite the controversy, Creatures Inc. has remained silent. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" (500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses) was distributed, the developer hasn't addressed fan concerns regarding the card's artwork or responded to requests for comment.
