Pokémon Artist Akira Egawa Responds to the Jirachi Card Pulled by Avery The Poke Kid Before His Death

Days after the death of 12-year-old Pokémon personality Avery The Poke Kid, the acclaimed illustrator behind the coveted Jirachi card he pulled in his final moments has publicly responded to the heartbreaking story. Akira Egawa, the artist responsible for the special-illustration card, took to social media to express her emotions over the young creator’s last big pull, which unfolded in a video recorded by Avery’s parents just before he passed away on September 18, 2026. The moment — in which Avery opened a Pokémon 30th Anniversary pack and revealed the legendary Pokémon card — has since become one of the most emotionally resonant stories in the trading card community, blending the raw reality of a child’s battle with pancreatic cancer with the pure joy of a fan’s dream come true.

A Legacy Built on Love, Not Rarity

Avery The Poke Kid was far more than a collector chasing expensive cards; he was a young creator whose channel was defined by genuine enthusiasm and heartfelt commentary. Even as the visible toll of chemotherapy weighed on his videos, his content radiated a warmth that resonated deeply with viewers. “It’s not about having the best cards, or the most expensive ones,” Avery said in a video from early 2026. “It’s about having the cards that you truly love and will cherish for the rest of your life.” This philosophy helped him gain a following, including a notable feature by card vendor BeardDadCardz, who lavished the youngster with cards and helped amplify his reach across social media.

According to his parents, collecting Pokémon cards offered Avery a sense of hope during grueling hospital visits and a protracted fight against cancer. His favorite card was a gold star Pikachu, whose crossed arms reminded him of Ash Ketchum’s electric companion. “Ash’s Pikachu is brave, it takes challenges, it fights against gods … it has courage … that’s how I see myself,” Avery said. That self-image — of a brave, courageous fighter — would prove poignantly fitting as his story reached its conclusion.

Image: Akira Egawa/The Pokemon Company

A “Destined” Pull and an Artist in Tears

Avery passed away on September 18, per a memorial post shared by his parents. Shortly after the announcement, they released a video capturing his final Pokémon card pack opening. To his delight, the pack contained a special-illustration Jirachi card drawn by Egawa. “No way,” he exclaimed, treating the pull as especially lucky because his penultimate pack had contained an Articuno art card. Even accounting for the 30th Anniversary set’s increased pull rates, hitting two art cards in a row was considered unusual.

The significance of the pull extends beyond the card itself. Jirachi is a Legendary Pokémon known to awaken only once every thousand years, granting wishes for seven days before slumbering once more — and staying asleep unless awakened by a voice from a pure heart. With such lore, Avery pulling a Jirachi as his final card almost felt destined, a fitting final gift from a Pokémon whose mythology speaks to kindness and hope.

The story has now reached Egawa herself, whose art cards have long fetched high prices and drawn praise across the community. Having drawn 173 Pokémon cards since 2019, Egawa took to X to share her reaction. “I want my art to bring happiness to people,” she wrote, in reference to Avery. “That’s one of the reasons I draw.” In a separate post, she added, “I’m so deeply moved. I’m so glad I kept drawing. I’ve honestly been in tears ever since I saw this.”

While fans across the community continue to share memories of Avery, BeardDadCardz’s response has drawn particular attention for its sincerity. “I’ve seen you put yourself through so much pain for others and through all of it, you always had that smile,” the vendor wrote on Instagram. “I promise I will do everything I can to keep that legacy alive. I’ll keep telling your story. I’ll keep spreading the kindness and joy you gave all of us. And every time I see Pikachu, I know I’ll think of you and that smile.”

Looking Ahead

As the Pokémon community processes this heart-wrenching chapter, the focus has shifted from the card to the lasting impact Avery left behind. Egawa’s public response signals a broader reckoning within the TCG world, where collectors and artists alike are reflecting on the human stories that often sit behind the cards they chase. While no official plans have been announced regarding the Jirachi card or Avery’s legacy, the emotional weight of the moment suggests that Avery’s story will continue to be honored through the community’s shared memories and the continued work of those who supported him. For now, the Jirachi card stands not as a mere collectible, but as a poignant reminder of a young fan whose love for Pokémon touched far more than his own life.