Though the strange Paradox Pokemon from the most recent Pokemon games have inspired countless new fan designs, one artist has applied the concept to Gyarados, giving the classic and widely-favored Water-type Pokemon a whole new look. Both the seemingly prehistoric Paradox Pokemon and the futuristic, robot-like ones have led to Pokemon fans thinking up new Paradox Pokemon inspired by their own personal favorite creatures, with these freaky alternate-world Pokemon variants widely being considered some of the most bizarre designs in the series yet.

Introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and found to dwell exclusively in the depths of Area Zero, Paradox Pokemon differ from the regular Pokemon that fans are familiar with in terms of design, behavior, and even timeline of origin. Each version of the most recent core-series Pokemon installations offer a different variety of Paradox Pokemon, with the seemingly robotic ones exclusive to Pokemon Violet and the exceptionally ancient Paradox Pokemon only available to catch in Pokemon Scarlet. While every single Paradox Pokemon across both games is based on an existing creature that fans have met in previous generations, each one typically boasts much stronger stats and alternate type combinations.

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One creative member of the Pokemon community known as CraigRosnerArt has applied the attributes of Pokemon Scarlet's ferocious past Paradox Pokemon to Gyarados, who has remained one of the most iconic Pokemon since Gen 1. This Paradox variant of Gyarados has been named Roaring Fang, and boasts dinosaur-like features, complete with limbs, claws, and a tail that resembles that of a regular Gyarados. Unlike most Paradox Pokemon which only see one of their types changed, Roaring Fang uses both the Ground and Dragon types, neither of which are used by the Gyarados that fans are familiar with.

While Roaring Fang does share a few of Gyarados' most recognizable traits such as the tail, facial structure, and crest-like feature on its forehead, the designer's choice to make its body fully red rather than its usual blue was likely a nod to Gyarados' shiny form. Many fans may be aware that Gyarados' shiny form is particularly famous thanks to the iconic "red Gyarados" which can be found at the Lake of Rage in the Gen 2 Pokemon games and their remakes.

The Case for Paradox Pokemon Returning in 2024

The popularity of custom creature designs and fan art among the Pokemon community has exploded since the Gen 9 games were released, with the games' considerable number of new critters and variants fueling creative inspiration among the community. Many players have questioned whether Paradox Pokemon will return in future Pokemon games, though this currently seems somewhat unlikely given the rumors that upcoming titles in the franchise will revisit classic regions rather than introduce new ones.

Pokemon

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Satoshi Tajiri