Set Overview
Rocket Gang, released November 21, 1997, is the set that brought in Dark Pokémon — corrupted versions of familiar Pokémon, printed with a darker frame.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | ロケット団 (Roketto Dan) |
| Release Date | November 21, 1997 |
| Total Cards | 65 cards |
| Publisher | Media Factory |
| Card Types | 53 Pokémon · 9 Trainer · 3 Energy |
| Holo Rares | 16 |
| Theme | Team Rocket |
About the Set
Rocket Gang runs to 65 cards and is built entirely around Team Rocket. Fourteen of its 16 holo rares are Dark Pokémon, led by Dark Charizard. The set also carries three Energy cards and one secret rare, the Trainer card Here Comes Team Rocket!
The English counterpart is Team Rocket, released April 24, 2000 with 83 cards.
How These Cards Are Numbered
Cards from this era carry no collector number. The number printed at the bottom right of the card is the Pokédex number of the Pokémon — the 25th card of Expansion Pack is Staryu, and it reads No. 120. Trainer and Energy cards have no number at all.
What the gallery shows: each tile is numbered by its position in the set (#1 to #65), which is the order the set is catalogued in, not a number printed on the card. Open a card and the lightbox gives both the position and the Pokédex number the card actually prints.
Rarity is shown on the card face instead, as a small symbol next to the Pokédex number: a circle for common, a diamond for uncommon and a star for rare.
Complete Card Gallery
All 65 cards from Rocket Gang, in set order. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Other Japanese Sets
English readers may also want the Team Rocket set guide, and the Japanese to English set map for how the two release schedules line up.
| Set | Japanese Name | Released | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expansion Pack | 拡張パック | October 20, 1996 | 102 cards |
| Pokémon Jungle | ポケモンジャングル | March 5, 1997 | 48 cards |
| Mystery of the Fossils | 化石の秘密 | June 21, 1997 | 48 cards |
| Leaders’ Stadium | リーダーズスタジアム | October 24, 1998 | 96 cards |
| Challenge from the Darkness | 闇からの挑戦 | June 25, 1999 | 98 cards |
| Gold, Silver, to a New World... | 金、銀、新世界へ... | February 4, 2000 | 96 cards |
| Crossing the Ruins... | 遺跡をこえて... | July 7, 2000 | 56 cards |
| Awakening Legends | めざめる伝説 | November 23, 2000 | 57 cards |
Collecting & Where to Buy
Dark Charizard is the headline card and prices accordingly. The rest of the Dark holo line is more affordable, and the set’s Trainer cards are inexpensive outside of the secret rare.
Collector tip: Dark Pokémon are a card mechanic, not a Pokémon type. Dark Charizard is still a Fire Pokémon — “Dark” is part of the card name.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card’s printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.