Tetsuo Hara, the legendary manga artist behind Fist of the North Star and Ikusa no Ko, has illustrated the Palafin EX Special Art Rare card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Part of the Terastal Festival ex set, the card launches on December 6, with the announcement made via Hara’s X (formerly Twitter) account on December 3.
"【WORK】
I drew an illustration of Palafin EX (SAR) for the Pokémon Card Game's High Class Pack Terastal Festival ex launching on December 6☆
I hope you all like it✨️
Please get it☆ (Tetsuo Hara)"
Hara revealed his creative process in an interview excerpt shared by Coamix from the February 2025 issue of Monthly Comic Zenon, which goes on sale December 25. He aimed to combine his distinct style with Pokémon’s essence, focusing on dynamic fists, water reflections, and an afterimage effect reminiscent of the Hokuto Hyakuretsu Ken attack.
Beyond Pokémon, Hara has contributed art to Magic: The Gathering, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and promotional campaigns for McDonald's Japan. He also serves as a board member of Coamix Inc.
