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Post by TV Eye on Jul 12, 2010 21:31:56 GMT -5
Alright, I'm sure a ton of us find Pokemon origins to be interesting, especially when it's something incredibly obscure. We've already been talking about it in the Black and White topic, but it seems a little out of place, so I'm starting a new topic. As most of you know, Bulbapedia is currently running articles on Pokemon origins, but it's only updated once a week, so how about we start naming some origins ourselves? Here's some... -------------------------------------------- Mew is based on a fetus complete with pink skin and umbilical chord Lotad is based on a lily pad, it evolves into Lombre whose design is similar to a Kappa. Kappa's had a lily pad like bowl on their heads, and legend had it that when a person bowed, the Kappa would be obligated to return the bow, spilling all the water from its bowl. It would remain in this position until the lily pad was refilled. Ludicolo bears a stronger similarity to the Kappa with its duck beak, but that's about all I can tell with him. Omanyte's name comes from the word ammonite which is a distant relative to the nautilus. Kabuto is based on the samurai helmets also called Kabuto, which in itself was based on a horseshoe crab. Kabutops is based on samurai and a type of shrimp called a triops. |
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Post by Johans Nidorino on Jul 12, 2010 22:09:11 GMT -5
I thought that other thread was open for discussion on other Pokémon/Nintendo origins. Plus Bulbapedia has them in all their Pokémon entries (except the weekly colum narrates some of them in more depth). On the other hand, I take it The Qu wanted to do his own feature on Pokémon origins, so I don't know what to do with this thread. Let's let Fry decide  |
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Post by The Qu on Jul 13, 2010 0:19:29 GMT -5
Tyranitar is not, as most people think, based on Godzilla. He is based on Anguirus, who appeared in the second Godzilla film, Godzilla Raids Again. Tyranitar's Japanese name, Bangiras, shows an obvious influence from Anguirus' Japanese name, Angirasu. They are likewise similar in appearance. Drowzee is based on the Baku, a Japanese dream eating spirit. They are often shaped like Tapirs, because the Japanese are weird. New Pokemon Munna is partially based on baku as well, but also on koro, pig shaped incense burners. I guess that umbilical cord in its evo is actually a smoke trail then. Bannete is based on the Tsukumogami a type of Japanese ghost that is an object possessed on its 100th birthday. Karakasa, umbrella demons like Jumper Shoot in Kirby, are a good example. EDIT: Good call Johans. Wouldn't have posted this had I seen that- what I get for leaving a post in the quick reply for three hours. |
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Post by Fryguy64 on Jul 13, 2010 3:38:48 GMT -5
I like that the other thread updates with the new Bulbapedia articles. This is fine. I will deign to allow this However, I am moving it to the General board. |
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Post by TV Eye on Jul 13, 2010 7:44:24 GMT -5
Hmm...why did I miss that thread? Jeez, I gotta stop making threads after 10 hour work days. Alright, well I've gathered up some information from the Black and White thread which will be posted here for easy reference. I took out some of the more obvious ones. From The Qu - Hitmonlee is based on the Blemmyes.- Honchkrow is based on Dons of La Cosa Nostra. From Koopaul - Charizard is based off Western dragons, complete with wings, horns, and fire breathing capabilities. - Diglett and Dugtrio's designs are based off of a Whac-A-Mole. - Kadabra and Alakazam were created after (in honor of?) Uri Geller's bending spoons and has Zener Card markings on their bodies. - Girafarig's original design suggests it was based off of Pushmipullyu. (reference?) |
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Post by The Qu on Jul 13, 2010 11:58:19 GMT -5
The Pushmi Pullyu is the two headed llama from Doctor Doolittle. Y'know, this thing. As for the OG design, this is it:  . |
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Post by The Qu on Jul 15, 2010 0:59:12 GMT -5
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Post by Fryguy64 on Jul 15, 2010 3:12:14 GMT -5
Err... Please say you're joking |
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Post by kirbychu on Jul 15, 2010 6:12:44 GMT -5
It's definitely partially based on something along those lines, with its iron filings mustache. But mostly on Moai heads.
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Post by Fryguy64 on Jul 15, 2010 6:43:07 GMT -5
Yeah, I wouldn't have said that having iron filings for a moustache was enough to definitively declare that it's based on an American toy. Hell, I've never heard of Woolly Willy, yet I'm pretty sure I've made iron filing moustaches before.
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Post by TV Eye on Jul 15, 2010 7:55:26 GMT -5
Wooly Willy was a pretty famous toy. It came out in the 50's and there was even a reference to him in Family Guy. I'm sure he inspired knockoffs in other countries... |
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Post by Johans Nidorino on Jul 15, 2010 9:41:35 GMT -5
Has anybody ever gotten an answer to why Nidorina and Nidoqueen can't breed?
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Post by Fryguy64 on Jul 15, 2010 10:19:33 GMT -5
Because dey is uuuuuugly! ;D They're one of those Pokemon species that's never really been worked out. There's a lot to suggest that Nidorino (and perhaps Nidorina) are based on the horned, big-eared fictional monster Baragon.  But that opens up the question why the first evolutions, the Nidorinos, resemble horned rodents. And then there's the question of why they were the only like to be given a gender-species divide as well. They could be based on the extinct Horned Gopher. Or maybe they were just one of the first monster designs and aren't really based on anything. Who can say? |
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Post by Manspeed on Jul 15, 2010 12:20:24 GMT -5
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Post by The Qu on Jul 15, 2010 12:33:38 GMT -5
Some unholy combination of Groucho Glasses and Woolly Willy is likely.
Sometimes you just gotta sit back and be amazed at what people type, eh?
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