{"product_id":"kanto-starter-trio-037-039-2026-black-star-promos-ace-10-gem-mint-sequential","title":"Kanto Starter Trio #037–039 2026 Black Star Promos – ACE 10 Gem Mint Sequential","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePokémon TCG: Kanto First Partner Trio MEP 037–039 – ACE Gem Mint 10\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mega Evolution Black Star Promos (MEP)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u003c\/strong\u003e First Partner Illustration Collection—Series 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCards:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bulbasaur MEP 037, Charmander MEP 038 and Squirtle MEP 039\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelease Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 March 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e English\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Saboteri\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrading Company:\u003c\/strong\u003e ACE (Authenticated Card Experts)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrade:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gem Mint 10 on all three cards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertification Numbers:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1469207, 1469208 and 1469209\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each slab remains inside its original sealed ACE sleeve, with the sleeve unopened\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBring together the three first partners that began the original Kanto journey. This matched graded set contains Bulbasaur MEP 037, Charmander MEP 038 and Squirtle MEP 039 from the Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection—Series 1, with every card awarded an overall ACE Gem Mint 10.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe three holofoil Black Star Promos were created as illustration rare-style cards for Pokémon's 30th anniversary. Illustrated by Saboteri, their artwork is designed to be displayed together as a connected Kanto composition, combining the original first partners with colourful references to the earliest Pokémon adventures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the artwork are recognisable Kanto-era details including Pokédex, Poké Ball, Bicycle and Gym Badge motifs, while the anniversary Pikachu stamp identifies each card as part of the 2026 milestone release. Collected together, the three cards read as a single display rather than three unrelated promotional cards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe set is also sequential twice over. The card numbers run consecutively from MEP 037 to MEP 039, while the ACE certification numbers continue without interruption from 1469207 to 1469209.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCharmander and Squirtle each achieved a complete sweep of four 10 subgrades. Bulbasaur received 10s for Surface, Centering and Edges, with a 9 for Corners. Altogether, ACE awarded the trio its maximum category score in 11 of the 12 assessed areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e🏆 \u003cstrong\u003eThree ACE Gem Mint 10 Grades:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every card in the set has received ACE's top numerical grade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e🔢 \u003cstrong\u003eSequential Cards and Certifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Consecutive promo numbers MEP 037–039 are paired with consecutive ACE certifications 1469207–1469209.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e🎨 \u003cstrong\u003eConnected Saboteri Artwork:\u003c\/strong\u003e The three illustrations form a matched Kanto display filled with references to the original Pokémon journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e✨ \u003cstrong\u003e30th-Anniversary Promos:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each card carries the commemorative Pikachu anniversary stamp associated with the 2026 release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e🖼️ \u003cstrong\u003eIllustrated ACE Labels:\u003c\/strong\u003e All three slabs use ACE's bespoke illustrated label treatment, complementing the artwork beneath it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e🛡️ \u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Sealed ACE Sleeves:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each graded slab will be supplied inside its original sealed ACE sleeve, which has not been opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrade \u0026amp; Subgrades\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e🏆 \u003cstrong\u003eOverall Grade: ACE Gem Mint 10 on all three cards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery slab in the trio has achieved an overall Gem Mint 10. The certification numbers below identify the exact three cards included in this listing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBulbasaur MEP 037 — Certification 1469207\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🔲 \u003cstrong\u003eSurface: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum surface subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📐 \u003cstrong\u003eCentering: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum centering subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eEdges: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum edge subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📌 \u003cstrong\u003eCorners: 9\u003c\/strong\u003e — One point below the maximum category score.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBulbasaur achieved three 10 subgrades, with Corners the only assessed category across the complete trio not awarded a 10. The card nevertheless received an overall ACE Gem Mint 10.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharmander MEP 038 — Certification 1469208\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🔲 \u003cstrong\u003eSurface: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum surface subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📐 \u003cstrong\u003eCentering: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum centering subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eEdges: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum edge subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📌 \u003cstrong\u003eCorners: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum corner subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCharmander recorded a complete four-category sweep, with Surface, Centering, Edges and Corners all receiving 10.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSquirtle MEP 039 — Certification 1469209\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🔲 \u003cstrong\u003eSurface: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum surface subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📐 \u003cstrong\u003eCentering: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum centering subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eEdges: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum edge subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📌 \u003cstrong\u003eCorners: 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — ACE's maximum corner subgrade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSquirtle also achieved a clean sweep of four 10 subgrades, completing the trio with a second perfect category report.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation Data\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBulbasaur MEP 037 — Certification 1469207\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation with the ACE label at Grade 10:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3,950\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade 10 population across all labels:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4,014\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation graded lower:\u003c\/strong\u003e 818\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation graded higher:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal submitted:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4,833\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGem rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 83%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharmander MEP 038 — Certification 1469208\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation with the ACE label at Grade 10:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4,316\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade 10 population across all labels:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4,393\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation graded lower:\u003c\/strong\u003e 513\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation graded higher:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal submitted:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4,907\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGem rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSquirtle MEP 039 — Certification 1469209\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation with the ACE label at Grade 10:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4,208\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade 10 population across all labels:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4,289\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation graded lower:\u003c\/strong\u003e 595\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePopulation graded higher:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal submitted:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4,885\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGem rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 88%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor transparency, all three cards have high gem rates, so these are not being presented as rare Grade 10 outcomes. The value of this set lies in receiving the complete Kanto trio at the highest numerical grade, with two four-subgrade clean sweeps, a continuous certification run and the certainty of the exact graded cards shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePopulation figures are a snapshot from the supplied ACE grading reports and may change as further copies are submitted and graded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Artwork\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSaboteri's three illustrations are designed as a coordinated Kanto display. Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle each occupy their own energetic colour palette while the surrounding objects and graphic details connect them to the original Pokémon adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReferences across the composition include familiar Kanto-era objects and symbols such as the Pokédex, Poké Ball, Bicycle and Gym Badge motifs. The commemorative Pikachu stamp on each card ties the trio directly to Pokémon's 30th-anniversary celebrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe consecutive numbering strengthens the intended presentation: Bulbasaur opens the sequence at MEP 037, Charmander continues it at MEP 038 and Squirtle completes the group at MEP 039.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Release\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe First Partner Illustration Collection—Series 1 launched on 20 March 2026 and celebrated the first partner Pokémon of Kanto, Sinnoh and Alola.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach collection contained a dedicated promo pack holding three of nine illustration rare-style promotional cards. This listing removes the uncertainty of assembling the regional group separately by presenting the complete Kanto trio together, already graded and matched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eACE Labels \u0026amp; Sealed Presentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach card is professionally encapsulated in an ACE grading holder and uses the illustrated ACE Label treatment. These bespoke labels extend the visual theme of the card above the holder, giving the three slabs a stronger display presence when positioned together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing grading, each slab was placed inside an ACE protective sleeve. All three will be supplied in those original sealed sleeves, which have remained unopened. The graded holders have therefore not been removed or handled outside their ACE sleeves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCards:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCard Numbers:\u003c\/strong\u003e MEP 037, MEP 038 and MEP 039\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mega Evolution Black Star Promos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u003c\/strong\u003e First Partner Illustration Collection—Series 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRelease Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 March 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e English\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Holofoil illustration rare-style promotional cards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Saboteri\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnniversary Mark:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pokémon 30th-anniversary Pikachu stamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrading Company:\u003c\/strong\u003e ACE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gem Mint 10 on all three cards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLabel Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Illustrated ACE Label\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertification Numbers:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1469207, 1469208 and 1469209\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 individually encapsulated graded cards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each slab supplied inside its original sealed ACE sleeve, unopened\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA complete graded Kanto first-partner display combining consecutive promo numbers, sequential ACE certifications, illustrated ACE Labels and three Gem Mint 10 grades. Eleven of the twelve assessed subgrades are 10s, including complete four-category sweeps for both Charmander and Squirtle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're building a graded Kanto collection, displaying Saboteri's connected anniversary artwork, or securing the original first-partner trio at the top numerical grade without the uncertainty of submitting raw cards, this graded trio delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Collectors Emporium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55371047895382,"sku":"PE248","price":199.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/1509\/7174\/files\/first-partner-illustration-series-1-ace-10-trio-front.jpg?v=1789406969","url":"https:\/\/thecollectorsemporium.com\/products\/kanto-starter-trio-037-039-2026-black-star-promos-ace-10-gem-mint-sequential","provider":"The Collectors Emporium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}