Pokemon Designs From Pop Culture

[Dewgong Reign]

Most Pokemon are either based off of animals, plants, mythological beings or insentinent objects. But every so often you notice Pokemon designs that seem to draw inspiration from other fictional creatures. A few days ago, I noticed the similarities between Victini and Miyazaki's "fox-squirrels":

Nausicaa's pet fox-squirrel, Teto

^Notice the two pointy teeth

Here's a group of fox-squirrel kits under the protection of the robot in Laputa's garden:

Spoiler

So, noticed any similarities like this? Post them here!

(I had a few more Miyazaki correspondences, but I'll have to add those later- I had to punch in those image URLs by hand with the Wiimote, on Opera's on-screen keyboard...)

 

[Giovanni Sakaki]

Wow those pictures of Nausicaa and Laputa bring back such wonderful memories.

I wouldn't peg Victini as being inspired by the foxsquirrels, consciously or otherwise, but yes I can definitely see the resemblance.

I don't know about pokemon inspired by other story creatures, but there's certainly contemporary culture inspired pokemon. Jynx, for example, she's based off the Ganguro style of fashion that was popular in Japan in the 90s'. Scraggy's basically a lowrider pokemon, and I don't even need to explain Gothita! Also, while it never made it past design, there was originally going to be a Pokemon based on Dolly the cloned Sheep! http://bulbanews.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Unused_Pokémon_design_revealed_in_magazine_interview

 

[Cyber Jet]

I think that Sawk and Throh are somewhat based off Ernie and Bert due to the fact that they just look so much alike.

Also the Gothita line is based off the gothic lolita fashion I think.

 

[Grave-E]

I dunno. I'd have thought the first monster to come to mind in comparrison to those fox-squirrels would have been Eevee.

Anywho.
Back when the 'mons were slowly being revealed, I remember being the first to point out that Purrloin's design is heavily influenced by the character Doronjo, from the classic anime series Yatterman.

Spoiler

It's much easier to see when the poke is standing on it's hind legs. It's head is shaped like her mask, and it's body markings resemble parts of her outfit.

 

[WeatherWitch]

Jynx is supposedly based off Ganguro girls and the general Ganguro fashion; with the darker skin tone, bright clothes and bleach-blonde hair.

You see? Scary as Jynx.