Hi! I'm Thorin Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain! I have been wanting to post an article for some time, and I finally have time to do it. As King, I am very busy and cannot post details on all the cards I will review, so I am truly sorry if I use more of your time. PLEASE check the Spoilers for details. I will start with the best Fighting Poke`Mon:

 

Basic: DEFINITELY Hitmonchan. He has a 1st turn, 20 damage attack, high HP, and a 3rd turn 40 damage attack. He's become a staple in offensive Fighting decks, and the ESSENCE of most Haymaker decks.. He has a 2 retreat, however, and he's weak to the increasing use of Psychic, so he does have faults, but on a scale of 1 to 10, I give him an 8. HE DOES NOT FIT IN ALL DECKS, AND FOR FIGHTING STALL DECKS, THERE ARE BETTER POKE`MON ALL OVER THE PLACE!

Stage 1: Hmm.. Tough choice. Dark Machoke is good, but I think Rhydon is best. 100 HP is a KEY in stall decks using Fighting, and 30 or 50 damage for 3 or 4 Energy is good. RIPS ELECTABUZZ HAYMAKERS APART!

A 3 retreat stinks, though, and a mild self-destructive attack is awful. 7.5 on my scale.

Stage 2: Machamp all the way! 100 HP and an attack to RIP UP Speed Tuff. A Poke`Mon Power that, when comboed with PlusPower, will almost overcome his weakness. A TREMENDOUS retreat is pretty bad, but all in all, an 8.

 

The best Fire are:

 

Basic: Magmar for sure. Both Magmar are good, in different ways. Base has lower HP and a high retreat, but BEATDOWN attacks. Fossil has more HP and a lower retreat, but status effects attacks. Both fit in MOST (most-the majority, but not all) Fire decks. Base gets 7, Fossil gets 6.5 (minus .5 'cause of artwork). Needless to say, Rain Dance is a big problem for Magmar.

Stage 1: NINETALES! Lure is good, Fire Blast is average for Fire, HP high, attack cost high, retreat low, an 8.5.

Stage 2: Charizard RULES! The latest style is to LOATHE him because of ENORMOUS Energy costs. Here's an example game against a guy named Carl with a Victreebell/Magneton deck:

You each draw your hand. You get Growlithe, Jungle Pikachu, Charmander, Lass, and 3 DCE's. You begin to feel lucky and begin with Charmander, benching the others. You win the toss, and face Carl's Bellsprout. Attach a DCE to the lizard and Scratch for 20. Carl attaches a Grass Energy and hits for 10. You draw ANOTHER DCE, attach, and pass (a 2nd turn win is dull). Carl draws, Potions, and Breeders to Victreebel. He puts on Grass Energy and Acids. (30 damage on Charmander) You draw Charizard, attach a DCE to Charmander, Breeder, Burn the DCE's and Fire Spin for the win! As you can see, Charizard is AWESOME! He's a 7.

 

Here's Psychic:

 

Basic: Jynx. The "new" Haymaker is here, my friend. The "old" Haymaker (Hitmonchan) is now worthless because of Psychic's popularity. Good attacks against damaged Poke's. A 7.5 on MY scale.

Stage 1: Base Kadabra is GREAT! Recover extends his already good play time, and Super Psy beats any Psychic in ONE HIT! He requires Abra, but use Rocket Abra to get him out. A definite 7.

Stage 2: Alakazam is the best (and only) Psychic Stage 2. Confuse Ray RIPS HITMONCHAN DECKS APART! Damage Swap is good, also. In my opinion, an 8. 

 

I don't have any time for more now, but look for Colorless, Grass, Water, and Lightning in Part II, coming tomorrow. Once more, I'm Thorin Oakenshield, and you can mail me at Thorin@LonelyMountain.com.