Pokémon PhD Alison

battle shrimp

Chillin’

Rooty, Dandy, Anita, and Me! My team of grass type Pokémon from Let’s Go Pikachu!

there’s nothing more absolutely tepid and luke-warm than people trying to force the square “pokemon” peg into the round “super gritty and painfully edgy” hole. like did you know, actually, if a charizard breathed fire on something, that it would fucking die?? i do actually know that because i also live in the world and am aware of the concept of physics, chemistry, and basic biology. i am also capable of “imagination” and “suspension of disbelief,” which is a weird ability of mine that allows me to interact with media without feeling the need to tell other people that this couldn’t happen in real life. 

yes, making two animals fight in real life is abusive and abhorent. no, pokemon is not comparable because it takes place in a fantasy setting where a pokemon’s inherent nature is to be competitive, where a realistically violent battle equates to friendly sparring in the context of this universe, and where physical combat is an allegorical device used to demonstrate the growing bond of friendship between pokemon and their trainers. 

no, pokemon and pokemon battles are not realistic in our universe. trying to remove this concept from its context, where it very much makes sense, is the most boring fucking thing you could do. i promise it will not kill you to take things at face value from time to time. pokemon is a franchise propped up on pillars of friendship, determination, and harmony with nature. it’s much, much, much more fun when you stop looking for secret, edgy lore, i promise

It's critical to remember, too, that Pokémon are NOT animals and have more in common with human athletes boxing for sport. Pokémon have agency too--they refuse fights if they don't respect their trainer and go to sleep or load around, and even a weak level 5 pikachu can escape a pokeball if it doesn't want to be in one. Psyduck in the cartoon also leaves its pokeball of its own volition and there's a Machamp in SuMo who is said to have gotten rid of its ball entirely.

IT’S THE DREAM TEAM. 

#167 Spinarak and the sneaky ninja.

Every combination of Pokemon type.

Here you go OP

some pokemon i’ve caught in pokemon go so far in northern california!

Pokemon Trainer Katie Emma 🌱

my heart,,

Young Motley tucking his trainer in to bed (and perhaps nibbling on the blanket, as moth larvae are wont to do)