Darkness Returns

Overview

EX Team Rocket Returns, released November 8, 2004, revived the Dark Pokemon theme with 111 cards. It combined the beloved Team Rocket aesthetic with EX-era mechanics, introducing powerful Dark Pokemon-ex cards and the first secret rare Gold Star cards.

Most valuable cards

Rocket's Mewtwo ex and Dark Tyranitar ex are top chase cards. Rocket's Sneasel ex and Dark Ampharos ex are also valuable. The secret rare Mudkip Gold Star and Torchic Gold Star are extremely rare and command premium prices of $500+.

1 #106

Rocket's Zapdos ex

2 #107

Mudkip ☆

3 #108

Torchic ☆

4 #109

Treecko ☆

5 #110

Charmeleon

6 #111

Here Comes Team Rocket!

Tips to finish the set

The Dark Pokemon theme makes this set popular for thematic collectors. The Gold Star secret rares are the biggest challenge for master set completion. Focus on the Dark Pokemon-ex cards as your primary targets.

1. 01

   Identify Team Rocket Returns cards by set code ex7 / symbol — do not sort by art alone

2. 02

   Split bulk commons/uncommons from holos and special rarities before pricing

3. 03

   Track Rocket's Mewtwo ex and Dark Tyranitar ex as priority singles, not pack EV fantasies

4. 04

   Scan or checklist-gap the rest after the chase budget is honest

Scan with the app

Pokex identifies the Dark Pokemon variant naming and distinguishes Team Rocket Returns cards from the original Team Rocket set. The scanner is essential for spotting valuable Gold Star cards.