The world ofPokemonis so vibrant and lively, it can be easy to forget that every creature has a talented artist behind it. Each of the over a thousand Pokemon were designed by a team of artists, often fans of the series themselves! Over the years, many people have contributed Pokemon designs, but a few of them stand out as long-time contributors.
RELATED:Best Pokemon Based On Dinosaurs
In 2013, Hitoshi Ariga’sdesign work on the Pokemon TCGwas noticed by Ken Sugimori, who designed all the original 151 Pokemon. Since then, Ariga has worked on all the main series games sincePokemon X & Y, contributing both character and Pokemon designs that have since become beloved. As a lifelong fan of the series, Ariga’s Pokemon designs are some of the most memorable and interesting.
8Garganacl - Rock Salt Pokemon
Garganacl is a Gen IX Pokemon introduced inPokemon Scarlet & Violet. The final evolution of Nacli, Garganacl isbased on rock salt and layers of sedimentary rock. Its name is a clever pun based on a combination of ‘NaCl’ (the chemical formula for table salt) and ‘gargantuan’, referencing its large size.
The entire Nacli line was designed by Ariga, who also contributed designs for the Psychic-type Espathra, and paradox Pokemon Flutter Mane.
7Aurorus - Tundra Pokemon
Ariga is somewhat ofa pro at designing fossil Pokemon, having designed every fossil Pokemon inPokemon Sword & Shield. His first fossil contributions, however, were the Tyrunt and Amaura lines inPokemon X& Y. Amaura goes on to evolve into the powerful Rock/Ice-type Aurorus.
RELATED:Strongest Pokemon in X & Y (Based on Stats)
Aurorus is based on a Sauropod dinosaur, specifically theAmargasaurus, which had skin flaps similar to ‘sails’ on its neck. Aurorus' sails are based on the aurora borealis, a natural and vibrant light display that can be seen in the Northern Hemisphere.
6Drampa - Placid Pokemon
Drampa is a Normal/Dragon-type from Gen VII known as the ‘Placid Pokemon’ because of its kind and docile nature, released as aPokemon Moonexclusive. It’s based on a Chinese dragon, potentially ‘Zhulong’, which is a mythological creature with the body of a dragon and the face of a kind old man.
The fur on its lower body also resembles a cloud, giving it the appearance of a dragon flying through the clouds.Drampa’s name is also a referenceto its kind nature, being a combination of ‘dragon’ and ‘grandpa.’
5Corviknight - Raven Pokemon
Corviknight made its debut inPokemon Sword & Shield, but has already become an iconic and beloved Pokemon. Hitoshi Ariga is responsible for the entire Rookidee line, including this Steel/Flying final evolution. In Gen VIII, Corviknight was the Pokemon used for the fast travel Flying Taxi,though it got a break inScarlet & Violetdue to a new foe.
The Pokemon is based on a corvid, a family of birds that includes ravens, crows, and jackdaws - all of which can be found in Galar’s inspiration region of Great Britain.
4Aegislash - Royal Sword Pokemon
Inanimate object Pokemonare either loved or hated. Luckily for Aegislash, it’s mostly loved. The sword and shield-inspired Pokemon is an evolution of Doublade and the final form of Honedge, all of which are Ariga’s creations.
RELATED:Every Pokemon Based On Frogs
Aegislash is a Steel/Ghost-type, possibly based on the legendary sword Excalibur. It has two forms - Blade and Shield, which can be used to heighten the Pokemon’s attack or defense depending on the form. It can sense leadership qualities and only goes with powerful leaders - so if a player has one on their team, they should feel honored.
3Malamar - Overturning Pokemon
One of Ariga’s first designs was Malamar, a Gen VI Dark/Psychic-type based on an upside-down squid. According to Ariga, it was deisgned in such a way because ‘squids are commonly illustrated upside-down in pictorial books’, and is also based on a stereotypical alien super villain.
Malamar is also one of a few Pokemonwith a unique evolution method. In order to evolve Malamar from Inkay, from Level 30, it must be leveled up with the games system held upside down.
2Alolan Muk - Sludge Pokemon
While Alolan Muk is technically only a recolor, it’s a vibrant and inspired one. As one ofPokemon Sun & Moon’s regional variants, Alolan Muk is a redesign of the Gen I Poison-type Pokemon, gaining a Dark-type despite its colorful form. It also gains what appear to be white rocks or teeth, which make it all the more sinister.
RELATED:Pokemon: Best (& Worst) Alolan Redesigns
Alolan Muk is most likely based on an oil spill, due to its rainbow coloring. In Hawaii, the region Alola is based on, where oil spills are a major threat to the ecosystems.
1Flutter Mane - Paradox Pokemon
Ariga’s favorite Pokemon is Misdreavus, so it makes sensethat the Paradox Pokemon he designedis based on the Ghost-type from Gen II. Misdreavus was also the first Pokemon card Ariga got to illustrate, which makes Flutter Mane an all more meaningful tribute!
Flutter Mane is an ancient relative of Misdreavous, and a powerful Ghost/Fairy-type only available inPokemon Scarlet. It has the highest Special Defense stat of all the Paradox Pokemon, but unfortunately, the lowest HP, Attack, and Defense of the group.
