A talented Pokemon fan has used their artistic prowess to create a futuristic mecha version of Koraidon, one of the two box art Legendaries for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The custom-made image has triggered a strong response from other Pokemon fans, although it appears to be leaving many of them confused.
Koraidon, along with counterpart Miraidon, are the box art Legendaries of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Both are what are known as Paradox Pokemon, which are a group of Pokemon that are a version of an already existing Pokemon from either the ancient past or distant future. The Koraidon in Pokemon Scarlet is an ancient version of Cyclizar, while Miraidon represents a future version, although this Pokemon fan decided to flip that on its head.
Posting the drawing onto the popular Pokemon subreddit r/pokemon, artist Xezeno has created an awe-inspiring futuristic design for the ancient Pokemon Scarlet mascot. The design retains many of the basic elements that distinguish Koraidon's unique look, including its various plumes and antennae, albeit with a more mechanical, inorganic style. Rather than its bright scarlet, white, and blue-purple color scheme, this version of Koraidon features a far darker color scheme; predominately black and gray with some scarlet and gold accents. The Koraidon also sports some clever details, including a drop-down visor and plumage converting to a windshield in drive mode.
The post is certainly popular with other Pokemon fans on the forum website - garnering over 6,000 upvotes at the time of writing - although the overall concept has left the post filled with confused comments. Being that Miraidon is a futuristic, mechanized version of the same root Pokemon that Koraidon is, a number of fans have commented that the drawing is essentially Miraidon, but with "extra steps." A few fans thought the design was reminiscent of Zoids, while another compared it to Raiden from Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
This actually isn't the first time that Xezeno has made impressive artwork, and for the exact same Pokemon. Last month the artist showed off their incredible Monster Hunter-style makeover of Koraidon. This version of Koraidon appears to take some design cues from the franchise-favorite flying monster Rathalos, bearing thick red scales and a massive tail. While both Koraidons retain their signature plumage and antennae, the Monster Hunter Koraidon more closely resembles the original version.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
