Hey, Pojo.  I've already read a couple articles like this, but I thought I'd
say something anyway.  Specifically, I'm talking about mew, muk and
aerodactyl.  I'm not sure about mew (I've heard that it will probably be
promo-only in the US), but all three of these cards have serious game
altering effects.  First, aerodactyl.

Type-fighting
HP-60
Weak-grass
Resist-fighting
Retreat-2
Stage 1 (evolves from fossil(a trainer sort of like clefairy doll))
Attacks

PKMN Power- Primitive strength:As long as aerodactyl is in play, NO POKEMON
CAN EVOLVE.  This has no effect on already evolved pokemon and doesnt work if
aerodactyl is asleep, confused, or paralyzed.

(3) Wing Attack- 30damage

     This wont do much to haymakers, but I'm sure it will be in many.  The
effect will take a big chunk out of the usefulness of alakazam stall and
raindance decks.
And if mew can be aquired, the combo will be amazing-

Mew-
Type-psychic
HP-50
Weak-psychic
Resist-none
Retreat-1
evolution-basic
Attacks

(P)Psycho wave-does 10 damage for each energy card attached to opponent's
active pokemon.

(PP)Degenerate beam-Choose 1 pokemon that has an evolution(yours or your
opponents)and and PUT IT BACK INTO THE OWNERS DECK


     If your opponent evolves before aerodactyl comes out, just unevolve them!
  The 3rd card is muk-

Muk-
Type-grass
HP-70
Resist-none
Weak-psychic
Retreat-2
Evolution-stage1, evolves from grimer
Attacks-

Pkmn Power-Chemical change gas-As long as muk stays in play, NO POKEMON CAN
USE POKEMON POWERS(except for this one).  This has no effect if muk is
asleep, confused, or paralyzed.

(GGG) Sludge-30 damage- flip a coin.  If heads, the opponent is now poisoned.

     His pokemon power will take a HUGE chunk out of raindance and alakazam
decks, too.


     It might be just my imagination, but it seems that WOTC is working
themselves into a corner.  First, the way I see it, haymaker will be the
reigning champ again.  I think stall decks will be hit the hardest, and
raindance will take it pretty hard too.  But what concerns me is the younger
players, who cram their decks with evolution.  WOTC is really narrowing the
options.  GOW will be a powerful ally against these cards, but Muk and
Aerodactyl's high HP will make it difficult for a one-hit kill, and all they
need to do is pay the retreat cost and they'll be back in business.  I guess
whenever a new set comes out, we'll need to expect big changes in the card
atmosphere.  I just hope WOTC knows what they're doing (Uh, oh).

                                                                     If you
want to comment or argue, email me at
                                                                            

souper451@aol.com

                                             (PS. the new Magmar will take a
big bite out of scyther, too.)