An inspired artist and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet player recently gave Nidoking a paradox redesign with a twist. Neither Nidoking nor Nidoqueen has their own official paradox versions yet, which may surprise some considering how classic they are, but a majority of Pokemon haven't received the paradox treatment. There are only 16 total in the game as of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, meaning there are still 992 Game Freak could work with and make paradox versions from. Pokemon's official artists aren't allowed to look at fan art so that it won't influence them, but it's still fun for fans to imagine the possibilities.
Nidoking is Pokemon number 34 and was used by Giovanni in his battle against Red for the final badge before taking on the Elite Four. An imposing Pokemon with poison barbs and a large horn on its forehead, Nidoking is a unique Generation 1 Pokemon, and is the first instance of gender influencing how a Pokemon evolves, as both Nidoqueen and Nidoking evolve from Nidoran. Players won't be able to obtain Nidoking in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, but it has been obtainable in every other Pokemon game besides Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Reddit user indigotcg published the Nidoking paradox form they named Toxic Spike. The design isn't just a Nidoking with different typing, but an imagining of the massive purple Pokemon's ancient ancestor. As such, the Pokemon isn't bipedal, but on all fours, with larger toxic spines running along its back. When asked about the typing, indigotcg said they pictured it as a Dragon/Poison-type, which is strong against Dragon, Grass, and Fairy-types but weak to Ground, Psychic, and Dragon-types. As a dragon without wings, it's more like a drake, but then Pokemon has never really followed the rules for what constitutes a dragon. For instance, Charizard isn't considered a dragon.
More images can be seen in the original post.
The artist let their commenters know that the next design planned is a futuristic paradox Pokemon, as well as some different versions of Nidoqueen. Their ancient paradox Nidoking looks more like Nidorino and has more rounded facial features like Nidoqueen. Maybe the futuristic version could be a Poison-Steel variant and be called something like Iron Rampage or Iron Monarch, as suggested by commenters.
With the addition of paradox Pokemon, a whole new world of customization and reimagination has been opened up for fans to experiment with their favorite old Pokemon. While reusing old Pokemon with some added changes may appear too much like fan service to some, it deepens the lore of the world of Pokemon. As a game centered on evolution, it would be odd if they all looked the same regardless of the region or environment the Pokemon are found in.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now on the Nintendo Switch.
