Is M Lucario rare? Yes, it certainly is!

Lucario, the formidable Aura Pokémon, has captured the hearts of many trainers. And its Mega Evolved form – M Lucario – stands as one of the rarest and most coveted cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). But what exactly makes this card so valuable? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore Lucario‘s history, Mega Evolution powers, competitive viability, card rarities, and valuation. Whether you‘re a collector looking to add M Lucario to your set or just love this fan-favorite mon, you‘ll see why its one of the best out there!

Lucario‘s Origins and Background

Introduced in Generation IV, Lucario takes inspiration from Egyptian deities like Anubis with its jackal-like design and hieroglyphic patterns. It also references martial art disciplines and aura manipulation. Lucario‘s movie debut in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew garnered it even more popularity. As a fiercely loyal Pokémon with the ability to detect emotions, Lucario resonated with audiences.

In terms of stats, Lucario stands out with its balanced 125 Atk/SpAtk spread, key for a physical/special sweeper. Its Speed tier of 90 enables it to outpace slower walls and tanks as well. According to usage statistics across generations from Smogon and Pikalytics, Lucario consistently ranks in the upper tiers for OU and VGC playability. For context, as of Gen 8 OU it holds a usage rate of 22.3% – solidly A rank.

The Power of Mega Evolution

In X/Y, Lucario gained the ability to Mega Evolve into Mega Lucario using its Lucarionite stone. This grants some massive boosts:

• HP: 70 → 70
• Attack: 110 → 145 (+45)
• Defense: 70 → 88 (+18)
• Sp. Atk: 115 → 140 (+25)
• Sp. Def: 70 → 70
• Speed: 90 → 112 (+22)

Mega Lucario‘s Attack and Speed increases make it especially deadly, reaching an elite base 145 Atk to demolish foes. It can also Mega Evolve and attack in the same turn thanks to its Adaptability ability reducing Mega Evolution‘s speed penalty.

Here‘s a damage calc example of its raw power:

• +2 252 Atk Adaptability Mega Lucario Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Corviknight: 180-216 (45 – 53.8%) — 69.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

As shown above, Mega Lucario can blow through physical walls like Corviknight with its STAB Fighting moves after just one Swords Dance boost.

Competitive Viability and Usage

Thanks to its substantial improvements, Mega Lucario instantly became a top ranked threat in the X/Y metagame. Smogon usage statistics showed it as the most used Pokemon in OU at over 25% usage – a true metagame definer. In later generations it continued to perform well in OU and make appearances on championship teams.

At the 2014 US Nationals, Mega Lucario was a key member of Sejun Park‘s winning team. Its adaptability boosted attacks enabled sweeps against unprepared teams. In the 2016 World Championships finals match, eventual winner Shoma Honami‘s Mega Lucario almost single-handedly knocked out Alberto Lara‘s Tyranitar and Salamence.

Due to its continued dominance across multiple generations, Mega Lucario stands out as one of the best designed and most competitively impactful Megas. It exemplifies how a great base form (Lucario) can be taken to even higher levels.

Mega Lucario Card Rarities and Valuations

Given Mega Lucario‘s immense popularity, its cards are highly sought after by collectors and trainers. Let‘s examine some of the rarest and most valuable Mega Lucario cards:

• Mega Lucario EX (Secret Rare): $400-500 PSA 10
• Mega Lucario EX (Full Art): $50-100 PSA 10
• Mega Lucario & Lucario GX (Hyper Rare Tag Team): $150-200 PSA 10

The Secret Rare Mega Lucario EX from XY sets commands the highest prices due to its status as an ultra rare pull. Some collectors estimate its pull rates at an abysmal 1 in 300 booster boxes! Visually, it pops off the card with rainbow colors and a dynamic stance.

While prices fluctuate based on condition, 1st Edition print runs, and market demand, M Lucario cards consistently sit at the higher end of valuations. They offer collectors a chance to own a highly playable and iconic Mega Evolution Pokemon.

Final Thoughts

As a long-time Pokemon fan, Lucario has always stuck out to me as a uniquely designed Pokemon. Its Egyptian motifs fused with martial arts flare really make it stand out. The bonus of aura powers and a movie co-starring role also boosted its popularity in the fandom. When Mega Evolution rolled around, I was pumped to see Lucario get a mega. The dual type fighting/steel gains some nasty super effective STAB moves. Its Speed boost makes it a relentless sweeper.

Given Mega Lucario‘s strength and its awesome rainbow rare Secret cards, it‘s no wonder collectors go crazy over M Lucario. I‘ll certainly be keeping an eye out for any mint copies to show off in my own collection one day!