Behind the Pokemon

A in-depth look into the history and design of each and every Pokemon.

[fantasticfakemon]

[fantasticfakemon]

The NES Classic Edition goes live on Amazon in less than 5 minutes! Supplies are expected to be very limited! You can purchase it here!

[behindthepokemon]

hiatus

until i get some things straightened out

[behindthepokemon]

Hawlucha he has so many subtle aspects to his design.

I'll add it to my list!  I'm planning to work my way through Kalos from the beginning though.

[behindthepokemon]

Renamed to Behind the Pokemon... will be going through a bit of a reboot.  Any other ideas for the name or are you happy with Behind the Pokemon?

[behindthepokemon]

Scatterbug, Spewpa, & Vivillon

Scatterbug is likely based upon the caterpillar or larva stage of various members of the Order Lepidoptera, which is the order that contains all butterflies and moths.

A persistent theme of this line is the presence of the dust or powder that is commonly associated with butterflies and moths. In the real world, this 'dust' is actually made up of modified hairs called scales, which are found on the wings of moths and butterflies. The ruff of "fur" on the neck of a Scatterbug is likely inspired by these fine, hair-like scales.

The scales on butterflies and moths have many functions, including insulation and thermoregulation. Scatterbug's Pokedex entry from Pokemon Y provides more evidence of this:

"The powder that covers its body regulates its temperature, so it can live in any region or climate."

Scatterbug's species name is the "Scatterdust" Pokemon. It's very likely that this is a reference to the scales of the Pokemon coming loose and "scattering" around. It's also noteworthy that the structual coloration of the wings of a butterfly or moth, is caused by coherent scattering.

The name Scatterbug most likely comes from the words scatter, litter, bug, and 'litter bug'.

Spewpa is likely based on the pupal stage of various species in the Order Lepidoptera which, as stated above, contains all butterflies and moths. Since Spewpa is mobile and its head is exposed, it is slightly possible that the Pokemon took some inspiration from the pupa of the Bagworm Moth. Of course, it could just be a normal cocoon or chrysalis with the larvae poking out its head. The design could also have been inspired by clothing, such as a cloak or poncho (the German name for Spewpa, Puponcho, likely comes from this word). Some of Spewpa's names in other languages also hint at themes of a "wanderer" or a "vagabond". This isn't immediately clear in the design, but if you imagine the cocoon as a cloak, the idea of a wandering cocoon does make some sense.

The scales are more evident on Spewpa than they were on Scatterbug. In fact, the official artwork of Spewpa displays some of the scales falling off the 'fur' surrounding Spewpa's body. Along with the fur, there are more substantial square-shaped scales of various colors. These scales could have been inspired by pixels, and this animation makes it seem like the scales were partially based on confetti.

The name Spewpa comes from the words spew and pupa.

Vivillon is based on the adult stage (imago) of members of the Order Lepidoptera, such as butterflies and moths. The scales are now located on the wings and Vivillon's species name is the "Scale" Pokemon. The scales still have a distinctive pixel-like shape. If you look at Vivillon's eyes, they also appear to be inspired by pixels.

The most exciting aspect of Vivillon's design is the various wing patterns. The wing pattern is determined by the geographic location set on the Nintendo 3DS system of the original owner. There are 18 known wing patterns. This variety of wing patterns is most likely inspired by Polymorphism). Here is a piece of information on polymorphism in Lepidoptera, taken from Wikipedia:

"Polymorphism is the appearance of forms or "morphs", which differ in color and number of attributes within a single species. In Lepidoptera, polymorphism can be seen not only between individuals in a population, but also between the sexes as sexual dimorphism, between geographically separated populations in geographical polymorphism and also between generations flying at different seasons of the year (seasonal polymorphism or polyphenism)"

Note: I plan on creating a bonus article, describing the possible inspirations behind each of the individual wing patterns. Check back soon!

The name Vivillon most likely comes from the words vivid, vivify and papillon (the French word for butterfly).

[behindthepokemon]

Expect an article on the origins of Scatterbug, Spewpa, and Vivillion early next week!

[behindthepokemon]

@spyrobiel reblogged this from be-diff3rent and added:

I always thought that was meant to be a weight-lifting belt

That's a great point!  I hadn't thought of that.  It's quite possible, I will add it to the article.  :)

[behindthepokemon]

Bunnelby & Diggersby

Introduced as the "common rodent" Pokemon of the Kalos region, Bunnelby is obtainable early in the game. It's immediately clear that Bunnelby is based upon rabbits and hares. One of the first things you may notice about Bunnelby is its ears. Here is the Pokedex entry from Pokemon Y:

"It has ears like shovels. Digging holes strengthens its ears so much that they can sever thick roots effortlessly."

The ears of a Bunnelby were made to look like hands and work like shovels, and are used for digging burrows through the earth. Bunnelby also has patches of dark brown on it's fur, making it look like it is covered with dirt or mud.

Bunnelby's name most likely comes from the words bunny and tunnel.

At level 20 Bunnelby evolves into Diggersby. Diggersby's ears have grown much larger and are now clearly meant to resemble powerful arms used for digging and excavating.

Other than a rabbit, the most evident piece of inspiration for Diggersby's design is that of excavation and constuction workers. Diggersby has a brown patch of fur on its face, giving it a "five-o-clock shadow" look. This, coupled with the fact that the Pokemon are known to lounge about lazily after working, help it fit into the trope of a construction worker. Diggersby's powerful "ear-arms" are clearly used for digging and excavating and are most likely based on construction vehicles such as backhoes and excavators. Both of these vehicles (and others like them) are used for excavating and digging (sounds familiar). They consist of a digging bucket on the end of a two-part articulated arm (that also sounds familiar). Both Pokedex entries offer strong evidence in favor of this theory.

"With their powerful ears, they can heft boulders of a ton or more with ease. They can be a big help at construction sites." - Pokedex entry, Pokemon X.

"As powerful as an excavator, its ears can reduce dense bedrock to rubble. When it's finished digging, it lounges lazily." - Pokedex entry, Pokemon Y.

The Pokemon also now has a band of thick fur surrounding its waist. This band of fur could possibly be inspired by a garment called a Haramaki. There are two types of Haramaki. The first is a type of armor worm by samurai in feudal Japan. The second is a more modern item of Japanese clothing that covers the stomach. Both are equally interesting to consider as inspiration for the band of fur on Diggersby. BUT considering how Diggersby is so heavily inspired by construction workers and their vehicles, I think it is even more fitting that the band of fur makes Diggersby look like a construction worker "sitting" in his backhoe or excavator. I almost expect the Pokemon to pull out some levers to control his massive "ear-arms".

Diggersby's name most likely comes from the words digger and bunny.

Another interesting theory for both Pokemon is that they may have been inspired partially by dust bunnies.

[behindthepokemon]

To avoid confusion with the recent anime series, I am thinking about renaming the blog. Any suggestions?

[behindthepokemon]

Fletchling, Fletchinder, & Talonflame

Fletchling is based on two closely related birds: the Japanese Robin (Erithacus akahige) and the Ryukyu Robin (Erithacus komadori), both of which are also known by the name komadori. This is even more obvious when you consider the fact that Fletchling's species name is the "Tiny Robin Pokemon".

Fletchling's name most likely comes from the words fletching, fledgling, and hatchling.

At level 17, Fletchling evolves into Fletchinder. Upon evolving the Pokemon grows in size, but that's not all. Although it retains much of the coloration inspired by the Ryukyu and Japanese Robins, its body appears to be based more upon birds of prey, such as falcons, kites, goshawks, and eagles. Consider Fletchinder's speed as detailed in the Pokedex entry from Pokemon Y:

"The hotter the flame sac on its belly, the faster it can fly, but it takes some time to get the fire going."

With this emphasis on speed, it is even more likely that the basis for this Pokemon is the Peregrine Falcon, which is the fastest member of the animal kingdom, reaching over 200mph in a high speed dive.

Fletchinder's name most likely comes from the words fletching, fledgling, cinder and tinder.

The final evolution of this line, Talonflame, is a larger, faster, and more powerful Pokemon than its previous stages. Here is the Pokedex entry from Pokemon Y:

"When attacking prey, it can reach speeds of up to 310 mph. It finishes its prey off with a colossal kick."

Even more emphasis is placed on Talonflame's speed, which makes it pretty clear that the Peregrine Falcon is a huge source of inspiration for this mighty bird. Talonflame even gains some features that make it look more like the falcon. Talonflame now has red bands speckled across its underside, much like the dark brown, or black, bands on the Peregrine Falcon.

Talonflame's name comes from the words talon, flame, and inflame.

Another interesting note is the flame markings on the body of Talonflame, which can also been seen emerging on Fletchling and Fletchinder. These markings look like flame decals that are found on some cars and motorcycles. These designs can symbolize fire (both Fletchinder and Talonflame are Fire/Flying type) as well as speed.

Another very possible piece of inspiration for all three Pokemon are arrows and their fletching.  A fletching is what stabilizes an arrow during flight, and is often made from feathers.  If you look at the design and shape of the tail-feathers of these three Pokemon, you will see that that may have been inspired by the fletching on arrows.  This would also fit well with the heavy theme of speed.

[behindthepokemon]

Working on some new articles :)

[lonewookie]

Just saw this at my university’s store!

[fantasticfakemon]

I am currently working on another site called simply8bit!  The site has gaming news, reviews, and much more.  Today I started a weekly feature called Fakemon Fridays.

CHECK IT OUT!

[behindthepokemon]

#547 - Whimsicott

Whimsicott takes inspiration from the same things as its pre-evolution, Cottonee.  It is most likely based on the cotton plant.  It may have also drawn inspiration from clouds, sheep, or the legendary Vegetable Lamb of Tartary.  Whimsitcott also has what appear to be curled horns.  This could be further evidence of it being partially based on sheep.

Name:

whimsy / whimsical + cotton

[behindthepokemon]

#546 - Cottonee

Cottonee is most likely based on the cotton plant.  It may have also drawn inspiration from clouds, sheep, or the legendary Vegetable Lamb of Tartary.

Name:

Corruption of cottony / cotton

[behindthepokemon]

#165 - Ledyba

Ledyba is based on the Coccinellidae family of bugs, also known as ladybugs or ladybirds.

Name:

Corruption of ladybug / ladybird.

[behindthepokemon]

#124 - Jynx

The origins of Jynx are complicated and controversial.  I'm not going to go into great depth on any specific piece of Jynx's inspiration, but will provide links for more information on each.  

Also, Bulbapedia has a GREAT article on the origins of Jynx, which I suggest reading.

Jynx is possibly based on blackface, a form of theatrical makeup that created a stereotypical caricature of black people.  Blackface made its way to Japan, and lost most of its racial connotations, which may explain how a potentially offensive design was created in the first place.  Once Pokemon was released, there was a fuss about this possible connection and the design of Jynx was promptly changed (You can see the original design vs. the current design above).

Jynx may have taken some inspiration from blackface, but it certainly is not the only thing that inspired the Pokemon.  

Jynx could be based on the Japanese fashion trend Ganguro, which is "an alternative fashion trend of blonde, pink or silver hair and tanned skin among young Japanese women that peaked in popularity around the year 2000".  This actually makes sense when you remember Jynx has blonde hair.

The design of Jynx was also likely influenced by various legends and folklore.  

There is the Yama-uba, or "mountain hag".  

"The yama-uba's traits included white-blonde hair, a tattered red kimono, a large, prominent mouth and a penchant for entrancing and seducing unwary travelers."  -from the Bulbapedia article

Here is another good article on the Yama-uba.  

Because of her Ice typing, Jynx is very likely inspired by the Yuki-onna, or "snow woman".  Another good article on the Yuki-onna is here.  The Yuki-onna is even known to freeze men with sex or a kiss.  I don't know about the sex part, but kissing certainly sounds like Jynx to me.

With Jynx's Ice typing, possible blackface connections, and the fact that Jynx were seen as Santa's helpers in the anime episode "Holiday Hi-Jynx", it is also a possibility that Jynx is based somewhat on Zwarte Piet.  Zwarte Piet is the companion of Saint Nicholas in Dutch folklore and plays a similar role to Santa's elves.  Zwarte Piet is also often depicted using blackface, which makes it seem like less of a coincidence.

And the last piece of inspiration for Jynx comes from opera.  The stereotypical "fat lady" in Nordic or Viking dress is a possible inspiration for this enigmatic pokemon.  This can be seem in Jynx' dress, hair, and size.  Also, the sprite for Jynx in Pokemon Emerald depicts her singing.

Jynx is not based specifically on any one of these, but I strongly believe that Jynx took at least a little bit from each one.  Again, I highly recommend reading this great article on Bulbapedia.

Name:

jinx (A person or thing that brings bad luck)