For over two decades, a curious void existed in the Pokemon Trading Card Game universe. The evolutionary line of Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam—psychic powerhouses from the original Kanto region—had been conspicuously absent from new card prints since the early 2000s. It was a strange case, a ghost story whispered among collectors. While The Pokemon Company (TPC) never officially spelled out the reason, the widely accepted narrative pointed to a legal dispute with famed illusionist Uri Geller. Geller had alleged that Kadabra's design, with its spoon-bending psychic theme, was an unauthorized parody of his persona, leading to lawsuits and, seemingly, a quiet removal of the Pokemon from the TCG. That all changed in late 2020 when Geller, in a surprising turn of events, issued a public apology and relinquished any claims, giving his blessing for Kadabra's return. Fast forward to 2026, and the wait is finally over. The original 151 Pokemon are getting a massive, nostalgia-fueled revival in a special Japanese TCG set, and leading the charge is the triumphant return of the long-lost psychic trio. Talk about a plot twist!

The Legacy of a Legal Limbo

For newer players who joined the TCG scene after the early 2000s, the absence of Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam might have seemed like a mere oddity. But for veterans, it was a glaring omission. This line wasn't just any set of Pokemon; it was a cornerstone of the original video games and the early TCG meta. Alakazam, in particular, was a beast with its high Special stat. The legal limbo created a unique collector's market for older Kadabra cards, as no new versions were entering circulation. It was the TCG's own version of a 'missingno.'—a glitch in the system everyone knew about but couldn't fix. Uri Geller's 2020 apology was a game-changer. By stating he had "no issues" with Kadabra's return, he effectively removed the largest perceived roadblock. It was a moment that had the community buzzing with speculation: When would they come back, not if.

The Grand Revival: Back to Kanto

The answer to that question arrives with a bang in 2026. TPC is pulling out all the stops for a special set dedicated entirely to the original 151 Pokemon, from Bulbasaur all the way to the mythical Mew. This isn't just a reprint of old cards; it's a complete, modern reimagining. And the inclusion of the Abra line signals that all historical baggage has been officially left in the past. The set's focus is pure, unadulterated nostalgia, a love letter to the generation that started it all. For many fans, completing a master set of the original 151 has always been the holy grail, and for years, that was impossible due to the missing Kadabra. Now, that dream is within reach once more. It's a full-circle moment that's got everyone feeling the hype.

Spotlight on the New Cards

Let's break down what we see in the newly revealed artwork. The cards showcase a cohesive artistic style that blends classic Pokemon aesthetics with modern TCG flair.

• Abra: Often depicted napping, this card likely focuses on its elusive nature. The little psychic Pokemon looks as serene as ever, probably storing up energy for its evolution. Catching one in the games was always a test of patience!

• Kadabra: The center of the controversy stands tall, holding its signature spoon. The design is unmistakably Kadabra, yet feels fresh and dynamic. Its return to the card pool is, frankly, long overdue.

• Alakazam: And here's the big news—Alakazam is getting its very own ex card! This isn't just a return; it's a promotion. ex cards are typically reserved for major, powerful Pokemon, featuring higher HP and devastating attacks. Giving Alakazam an ex card is TPC's way of saying, "Welcome back to the big leagues." This card is sure to be a chase card for the set, both for its competitive potential and its symbolic significance.

The artwork itself is crisp and detailed, a far cry from the simpler designs of the Base Set era, yet it perfectly captures the essence of these classic Pokemon. It's the best of both worlds.

What This Means for Players and Collectors

The implications of this release are huge, no cap.

For Collectors:

Aspect	Impact
Set Completion	The original 151 master set is now achievable.
Historical Value	New Kadabra cards become instant modern classics.
Investment Potential	The Alakazam ex, especially in rare foil variants, will be highly sought-after.

For Competitive Players: The meta-game could get a serious shake-up. Alakazam ex will undoubtedly have a potent ability and attack set, likely focusing on high-damage psychic attacks or disruptive abilities that move damage counters around—a classic Alakazam tactic. Deck builders will be theory-crafting around it for months. The return also opens up new possibilities for "evolutionary line" themed decks that were previously incomplete.

The Bigger Picture: Nostalgia as a Driving Force

This move by TPC is a masterclass in fan service. By resolving a decades-old issue and weaving it into a massive nostalgia project, they're creating a must-have product. It shows a keen understanding of their audience: those who grew up with the original games and cards are now adults with disposable income, ready to relive their childhood. The June release in Japan will be followed by intense global demand, with the set likely getting an international release later in the year or early 2027. The message is clear: the past is prologue, and even the stickiest controversies can have a happy ending.

In the end, the saga of Kadabra's disappearance and return is a uniquely Pokemon story—a blend of pop culture, legal drama, and enduring fandom. Seeing Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam back in action, with Alakazam getting the star treatment as an ex, feels like correcting a cosmic imbalance. The psychic trio is home. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go pre-order a few boxes... for research purposes, of course. 😉 The hype train for this set is officially leaving the station, and it's powered by pure, nostalgic psychic energy.