Every Eeveelution in Prismatic Evolutions vs Evolving Skies
Prismatic Evolutions won’t be releasing until January 17, 2025. However, already Pokemon TCG enthusiasts are comparing this set to the legendary Evolving Skies set that released towards the end of 2021. That set also featured Eeveelutions, and it was one of the most popular Pokemon TCG sets in recent memory.
My question is, however, how do the Eeveelutions between the two sets compare?
Well, in this list, we’ll be comparing each Eeveelution side-by-side on the basis of their strengths and weaknesses primarily in artwork.
One difference you’ll note between the two sets is that the Eeveelutions in Evolving Skies also came with additional Gigantimax versions with differing art. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be comparing the better of the two.
#1. Umbreon ex vs. Umbreon VMAX
Perhaps the most talked about comparison rests between these two distinct yet complimentary cards. Although the cards themselves feature the same Pokemon, they in fact could hardly be more different. One features a very compelling and semi-realistic depiction of Umbreon playfully pawing at the moon atop a silent parapet. The other follows what you will see is the established pattern of Prismatic Evolutions to depict the essence of Eeveelutions abstractly rather than impressionistically.
As with any form of art, which of the two styles is best will depend on some subjective interpretation. And while I find the Umbreon ex to have fine qualities, ultimately it’s the Moonbreon that is still the more striking card.
What really stands out about Moonbreon to me is that the card and the artwork combined act as almost a self-fulfilling prophecy. While the renewed interest in Pokemon Trading Cards was certainly in full swing at the time the card was printed, I can only guess as to what the artist or the creative director knew about how well received this card would be. As such, this card almost seems to know that it would be the ultimate chase card of the Sword and Shield era of the Pokemon TCG – and perhaps one of the ultimate chase cards of all time.
The secret here is found in the way Umbreon is reaching for the moon, calling to mind that expression: shooting the moon. Trying to find an Umbreon ex is like trying to shoot the moon. And in printing Evolving Skies, the Pokemon Company undoubtedly shot the moon, creating one of the best TCG sets not only from Pokemon, but perhaps of all time.
Trying to shoot the moon by attempting to pull an Umbreon VMAX that is so rare and valuable as to be worth over $1000 is a risk and an adventure that has helped make Evolving Skies the best Pokemon TCG pack around.
Comparisons to Umbreon V
While the two cards above will undoubtedly continue to be the focal point of the Prismatic Evolutions vs. Evolving Skies debate, in some ways comparing the Umbreon ex to the Umbreon V from Evolving Skies feels like the better comparison. Both are Basic Pokemon after all, as Umbreon ex doesn’t have a gigantimax version. If we were comparing these two instead of the Moonbreon and the ex, the Prismatic Evolutions Umbreon is the clear winner.
Hihgly valuable in its own right, this alternate art Umbreon V is even composed similarly to the Umbreon ex, as it is positioned directly in the focal point striking a more similar pose. Prismatic Evolutions’s Umbreon is the stronger card when compared to its basic counterpart in Evolving Skies. Despite the intriguing, almost medieval backdrop of the latter, the visual resplendence of Umbreon ex far outsrips the story seeming to be told in the Umbreon V.
#2 Vaporeon ex vs Vaporeon V
I’m almost a little surprised by own reaction to the comparison of these two cards due to the fact that I harbor a special love for this Vaporeon alternate art from the Sword and Shield Era.
First of all, a bit of Pokemon TCG facts to get out of the way before diving into the artworks themselves: this Vaporeon V (despite being breathtakingly gorgeous) hails from a special box collection and not from Evolving Skies itself. An alternate art Vaporeon was not released in Evolving Skies, and actually neither was Vaporeon V. To get the Vaporeon V, you had to get a special tin that included it (I get nostalgia just remembering those tins) and to get the alt art you had to get the box.
Clearly this was a move by Pokemon to get us to buy more prodcuts, and clearly it worked.
However, as such this Vaporeon isn’t worth nearly the kind of money of comparable Eeveelutions from Evolving Skies.
History lesson out of the way, I actually prefer the Vaporeon ex over the Vaporeon V. Although it hurts to say that because the Vaporeon V is so cute and beautiful, artistically Vaporeon ex is the stronger card. Vaporeon ex’s SIR card conveys the essence of Vaporeon while also depicting its subject manner almost as a mosaic or in the same kind of pattern you would see on a stain glass window in a church. It is a more artistically bold portrayal than this obviously cute version of Vaporeon.
The stain glass window approach works particularly well here as not only are the edges of Umbreon’s drawing and the lines of its form slightly jagged and rough the way window paintings are, it also works very well given the hardened, gemlike surface of this stellar tera type Pokemon.
Vaporeon V here is instead cute and cuddly but artistically tame.
Additionally, Vaporeon ex isn’t burdened with the Rapid Strike tagging that takes up a decent amount of real estate on the Vaporeon V card – an obvious visual cue intended for the game but one that does nothing for the visuals of the card otherwise.
#3 Jolteon ex vs Jolteon V
These two cards are so similar in their theme and even their composition that you almost have to think the artist was drawing on the other for inspiration. Both cards are set against an urban backdrop, and both cards use similar visual elements to represent movement.
What’s particularly interesting about this Jolteon ex is that it stands out from others in Prismatic Evolutions due to its more firm background concept. While the images are blurred and slightly out of context, it’s relatively easy to discern where Jolteon is and what’s going on.
I think the strength of one card is the weakness of the other and vice-versa. The Jolteon V has a stronger background with heavy details and a clear setting. Meanwhile, the Jolteon ex has a stronger depiction of the Pokemon. Jolteon is more friendly here, and it feels like it’s almost leaping off the page with energy.
Despite the realism in the Jolteon V, you could almost miss the fact that it is moving at incredible speeds due to its posture. Meanwhile, the entire image of Jolteon ex feels alive with movement.
For this reason, ultimately I think Jolteon ex is the stronger card. I’ts not by a wide margin but it feels like the more cohesive and dramatic of the two.
#4 Sylveon ex vs Sylveon VMAX
Sylveon isn’t my favorite of the Eeveelutions, but the Prismatic Evolutions Sylveon goes a long way in changing my opinion. Although the Sylveon VMAX from Evolving Skies features an interesting batch of characters, it falls far short of the captivating colors, textures and symbolism Sylveon ex Special Illustration Rare portrays.
This card is beautiful and should be highly collectible given the attention to excellence the artist has put into its final form.
#5 Glaceon ex Glaceon V
Speaking purely aesthetically, Glaceon V Alternate Art is one of my favorite cards in the Evolving Skies set. Beautiful, serene, and wintery, there’s so much to like about this card. While Glaceon ex has some solid coloring, it falls short of the impact its Evolving Skies counterpart. While its patterned background may sport vaguely winter-like visual cues, I prefer my Glaceon lightly dipped in snow resting on a park bench in the great outdoors.
While Glaceon V is a stronger card in general, it’s not even the best Glaceon from Evolving Skies. Let’s not forget about the hugely valuable Glaceon VMAX.
Glaceon VMAX’s alt art card is as fun as the V is serene. Not to mention it also includes several iconic Pokemon skating together in a Glaceon-made winter ice park.
#6 Flareon ex vs Flareon V
This comparison is a tough call as both cards have their merits. Flareon ex gives off competitive, fiery vibes that illustrate the potential power of this original Eeveelution. Meanwhile, Flareon V’s alternate art card depicts a cozy, realistic look of the fire Pokemon resting by a nice cozy fire.
Ultimately, I’m going to have to give the edge to Flareon ex here as its artwork is pretty exciting versus the more day-to-day nature of the V.
#7 Espeon ex vs Espeon VMAX
As much as I like the creative artwork from Evolving Skies of the Sylveon V, I like Sylveon ex from Prismatic Evolutions better. This card just looks really solid, with Espeon descending out of the ether surrounded by strange and interesting flowers and patterns that really draw you in. Both of these cards are creative takes on this well-loved Pokemon, but Sylveon ex feels stronger and will likely be highly sought after upon Prismatic’s release.
#8 Leafeon ex vs Leafeon V
Last but definitely not least is Leafeon. The Leafeon V from Evolving Skies holds a special place in my heart. Not only do I love this Pokemon, Leafeon VMAX was the deck I enjoyed playing most from that era, and I included Leafeon V in many of my competitive decks during that time thanks to its strong Greening Cells ability.
I also happened to pull this incredibly rare card from a pack at League Night. All of that being said, Lefeaon ex has a lot going for it. This is another one of those Eeveelution depictions from the set that would look at home in an ancient building. It’s got a regal look that makes Lefeon ex almost look like a Legendary Pokemon – not just a regular-old Lefeon you can get from evolving an Eevee with a Leaf stone.
At the end of the day, Leafeon V is my preferred artwork. But I could very well be biased.
The Verdict
When I first set off to write this article because of my sheer love for Evolving Skies, I thought for sure I would overwhelmingly prefer Evolving Skies Eevelutions over Prismatic Evolutions ones. However, after looking at both side-by-side, I feel differently than I expected.
Strangely enough, Prismatic Evolutions has a lot to offer in the Eeveelution department that is actually kind of lacking in Evolving Skies. While I doubt the Special Illustration Rares will overall rival the value of the Alternate Arts we got in Evolving Skies, Prismatic Evolutions contains alternate artworks for each and every Eeveelution.
Evolving Skies, on the other hand, lacked three alternate arts for three key Eveelutions, making the comparison not entirely fair as those were special promos you couldn’t get in packs (the original Eeveelutions featuring Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon).
Additionally, the phenomenal Espeon VMAX Alt Art also is missing from Evolving Skies, instead getting featured in Fusion Strike.
All said and done, Prismatic Evolutions is actually a better Pokemon pack (at least on the surface) for people who want to collect all the Eeveelutions.
Well…there you have it! My definitive comparison of every Eeveelution from Prismatic Evolutions and Evolving Skies. Both sets have unique takes on these popular Pokemon, and both are exciting to chase and collect.
Given the market price of Evolving Skies boosters, however, I think we all should be glad a new and more affordable set is coming out, one chalk full of secret rates to chase.
I’m also realizing I may spend just a little too much time thinking about Pokemon card arts. But it’s a great way to get excited about the upcoming Prismatic Evolutions special set.
