For the ask game: 10, 11, 12, 13
10. My favorite champion is probably Red! I like that he uses multiple types of Pokémon rather than sticking to a monotype team and I like that he’s a quiet, solitary individual. He doesn’t let the fame go to his head. I do think he should wear longer sleeves when he’s brooding stop Mt. Silver, but I appreciate his dedication to his aesthetic.
11. My favorite Gym Leader is Jasmine! We are both Ampharos Appreciators and I like that she uses Steel types. Her gym battle has always been challenging for me, and I like that she is kind and empathetic even when she’s scared.
12. Ball Guy. Ok. I know people love ball guy. I get it. (Not really but. For the sake of argument.) he’s a funny guy and he has the body of a big Human Adult. But he represents the complete downfall of the traditional art of crafting Pokèballs by hand.
Crafting your own Pokéballs, working hard to make a comfortable and beautiful home for your partner— it’s being devoured by the advance of companies like Silph Co. and the Devon corporation. Sure, there are benefits to mass-produced, cheap metal Pokéballs. Easy entry for new trainers, affordable for those who want to train Pokémon but are on a budget, and generally more convenient than hand crafted, but they’re also very problematic in other ways! We’ve seriously interfered with the evolution of Pokémon like Foongus and Stunfisk, they also create way more pollution to manufacture (I’m looking at you, Kalos Pokéball Plant), and are way more likely to cause data corruption with the electronic transfer to a box system than traditional apricorn balls and pastures!
Not to mention that there are many benefits to re-introducing hand-crafting to new generations (planting and caring for new apricorn trees long-term, which provide food and shelter to wild Pokémon and stabilize soil horizons to combat erosion etc…) and the beautiful artistry of handmade Pokéballs.
BUT ALL THIS TO SAY. Ball Guy is a gross oversimplification of serious environmental and ethical issues designed to shill Pokèballs to eager young trainers.
13. Ah, the Indigo League. Specifically, the Indigo League featuring Will, Koga, Bruno, Karen, and Lance. I want to preface by saying that I really do love and respect these trainers! Challenging, unique, and memorable all around! I think that Will is doing amazing. No notes. Fashionable, passionate, and straight to the point. Koga is also a solid addition to the roster! I like poison types (especially Crobat!) and he represents. Bruno is a little bit of a wildcard. Personally, I like that he uses Pokémon outside of his monotype specialization! It adds challenge and interest to the fight! But there are folks who don’t like it. I think it makes a battle more exciting than to just send out a strong Pokémon with a super effective move and grind your foe into the ground by spamming it. Anyways, Karen is a queen. The Dark type DOESNT get enough love and Karen really helped me realize how cool they are. Lance… well.. Lance could do better in my opinion. Three Dragonites is two too many, friend. I say embrace your love of Flying Pokémon and go all out.
