“What is the best While Secret Lairs are relatively new to Magic’s illustrious 30-year history, they’ve already established themselves as a firm favourite among players and a fantastic celebration of the game. As Blake Rasmussen, Communications Director at Wizards of the Coast, puts it:
Hello, my name is Luke! I've worked here at Magic Madhouse for almost 5 years now. I run all the Magic Madhouse social media accounts, so anything you see on there is posted by me and if you message any of those accounts it'll be me that replies. I got back into collecting Pokémon in 2016 when XY Evolutions came out, but I was collecting Funko Pops and other trading cards a little before that.
What's your favourite set from the Pokémon TCG?
My all time favourite sets are Pokémon Gym Challenge and Gym Heroes. I love the trainer cards and there are so many all timer art works in those sets. Iconic trainers like Brock, Erika, Blaine, Misty, Lt Surge, Sabrina and then Team Rocket. I loved these cards as a kid and to this day they remain my all time favourite sets.
In terms of modern sets I think every set has something for everyone. Recent sets like Perfect Order and Chaos Rising may not have the same "hype" as the likes of Ascended Heroes or Prismatic Evolutions but there are some incredible cards. A great example would be Watchog from Chaos Rising or the Clefairy from Perfect Order. I'm currently in the process of mastering every set from Scarlet and Violet onwards but every set has something for everyone.
How would you recommend a brand-new collector should get started?
For a new collector I'd always recommend starting with whatever the most recent sets is. You're going to have the easiest time finding newer sets compared to older ones.
For main expansions Booster Bundles are the best price per pack, Booster Boxes are good if you want just packs and then Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) if you have an interest in learning/playing the tcg as the ETB comes with sleeves, energies, dice etc.
What about a returning fan who hasn't collected since childhood?
Same as new collectors, stick with the newer sets as they're the easiest to get a hold of, but also look at cards you like and look to pick up singles of your favourite Pokemon.
What about a serious collector looking for something special?
Where do I begin? Ultra Premium Collections, Super Premium Collections and Big Premium Collections are what I'd consider special items and more premium with lots of packs and cool extra bits like promos, figures, pins etc.
Which Pokémon do you think is the most underrated?
This is a tough question but I think someone like Rapidash doesn't get enough love. It's legit a FIRE HORSE. Rapidash can also jump like 400 feet in the air with bounce. Super underrated
What would be your dream six-Pokémon team?
My team would be so random but right now im going to say Magcargo, Mewtwo, Groudon, Toucannon, Rayquaza and Watchog.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone getting into Pokémon today, what would it be?
Collect what you like and not what others tell you to. If you like Geodude, collect Geodude cards. It's YOUR collection so just collect whatever you like/enjoy. Also be patient when it comes to getting product.
Which Pokémon would you want as a real-life pet?
I feel like the most logical answer here is Rotom since it can turn into a Microwave, Washing Machine, A Freezer, A Fan and a lawnmower but aside from that I think, although it wouldn't be very practical, but I'd choose Magcargo.