Summary
APokemonfan is sharing a set of stunning re-designs for some of the franchise’s classic creatures based on legends from Japanese mythology. Throughout its more than 25-year-long history, Game Freak and the Pokemon Company have brought a wide variety of unique designs to life through the monster-catching franchise. Pokemon designs have referenced everything from real-life animals and mythological concepts to even objects likeRotom’s many different formstaking the shape of household appliances. Now, a creative fan has re-imagined several older Pokemon with a Japanese mythological theming.
The crossover ofPokemonand mythological aspects is nothing new as the franchise has often referenced folklore and legends within its designs. An interview with Pokemon creator Satoshi Tajiri from PBS previously linked the origins of the franchise to Japanese card games revolving around yokai spirits, dating back to the 1600s. The trio of Pokemon featured inPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s first DLC, The Teal Mask, also reference the classic Japanese folk tale “Momotaro.” Fans have also often shared their own re-imaginings of the iconic creatures based on many popular myths and legends.
A post shared to thePokemonsubreddit by Reddit user CanadianTurt1e shows off six different Pokemon re-designs with Japanese mythology-inspired roots. The artworkfeatures Kanto Pokemon Charizard, Rhydon, Onix, Shellder, Machamp, and Kakuna all taking forms inspired by different Japanese legends. Each image features the Pokemon’s Pokedex number written out in Japanese katakana lettering, with Rhydon’s design also referencing the statues fromPokemon’s Kanto region. The artwork also features several references to other popular anime, with Shellder holding a Dragon Ball andNaruto’s Shino using Kakuna’s shell as a disguise.
Many fans in the replies praised the stunning artwork, requesting more Pokemon for the artist to re-design with a mythological flair. Among the most popular requests from fans of the design was Arcanine, which the user confirmed he had already created aJapanese mythology-inspired re-imagining of Arcanine. Kakuna’s re-design was also popular within the replies, with some suggesting its new form bears a striking resemblance toThe Nightmare Before Christmasantagonist Oogie Boogie.
Mythology and folklore have often been a popular inspiration forPokemon’s newest creatures, especially throughout recent entries in the franchise. The previously mentioned Teal Mask expansion forPokemon Scarlet and Violettakes heavy inspiration from Japanese folklore, both with its new Pokemon and the designs forthe Kitakami region’s Ogre Clan.Pokemon Legends: Arceus' also steeps heavily into historical Japanese theming with its setting in the Hisui region.Pokemonand mythology continue to be a popular combination, both for the main series and inspiring its legions of fans.
Pokemon
Pokemon is a franchise that needs no introduction. One of the most successful media empires in history, Pokemon spans games, television, films, manga, merchandise, music, and more.
