Primarina

Primarina's origin

Primarina is based on a sea lion, possibly also drawing on the Hawaiian monk seal, a species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, as well as mermaids. Its propensity to perform may draw inspiration from sea lion performances at circuses, zoos, and marine mammal parks, and its singing may nod to sirens. Its English name may blend prima donna, marina, and ballerina, while its Japanese name, Ashirene, pairs ashika (sea lion) with the French sirène.

Primarina on cards

Primarina's first cards arrived in 2017's Sun & Moon set: a Rare by Kagemaru Himeno and a Primarina GX Ultra Rare by 5ban Graphics, who also drew its Guardians Rising Secret Rare GX. Lost Thunder later added a Rare illustrated by Shin Nagasawa. The Mega Evolution era's Pitch Black brought Primarina back with a Rare by Taira Akitsu and an Illustration rare by satoma.

Cards to know

• Primarina (Sun & Moon #41)

  Primarina's earliest standalone card, a 2017 Sun & Moon Rare illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno.

• Primarina GX (Sun & Moon #42)

  A Sun & Moon Ultra Rare GX illustrated by 5ban Graphics.

• Primarina GX (Guardians Rising #149)

  A Guardians Rising Secret Rare GX, also by 5ban Graphics.

• Primarina (Pitch Black #088)

  A Mega Evolution era Pitch Black Illustration rare illustrated by satoma.