Take a look at MaRos articles describing new sets - he does not just dump the image gallery and say let me know what you think - he describes the sets design goals, the mechanics, why they were chosen, how those mechanics were placed in each colour, the limited archetypes the set was designed around, some anecdotes about the design process, etc
The practical answer: start with Pokemon 151 Pikachu AR if you are new, use Pikachu V-UNION if you want a modern Japanese centerpiece, and treat Pikachu Illustrator as historical context rather than a normal shopping target
Most Blood Artists have weaker bodies meant to offset their powerful effects, but not so with Elas
1 Stained-Glass Land: One non-foil basic land featuring the set's showcase "stained-glass" art
You can use your Cube for Commander games