Though Pokemon as a franchise is known for being limited by Nintendo's copyright policies, the franchise has had its fair share of partnerships over the years. For example, Pokemon is partnered with Niantic on Pokemon GO, as well as partnered with Legendary Studios for cooperation on movie titles.
With a franchise as storied and long-running as Pokemon, other companies are far from the only groups using the franchise as their medium; fans are by far the biggest users of Pokemon's designs. Since the creation of the franchise, fans have been creating their own redesigns of existing Pokemon as well as dreaming up their own unique Pokemon creations. This leads to fan-created crossovers and Pokemon like one fan who created their own Smoliv evolution along with other unique designs.
Recently, a fan decided to create a new crossover between one of generation 1's starters and a classic comic turned cartoon show. Taking inspiration as well as seeing a connection, the fan combined gen 1's water starter Squirtle with the color palette of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, creating an incredibly cute ninja Squirtle that even rivals the crochet version of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Lechonk.
I made a “Squirtle the Ninja Turtle “mash up and I turned them into magnets! [OC] They turned out so cute!!!! frompokemon
Reddit user honeybeewilde turned said combination into an adorable refrigerator magnet that would fit perfectly in the home of any Pokemon fan. The Squirtle magnet features a happy-looking Squirtle that looks as though it has been painted from head-to-toe so that it features colors more fitting of a regular turtle. Also, the Squirtle is wearing a stylish red mask that may bring back memories of Pokemon's notorious and stylish Squirtle Squad.
Reddit users loved the fridge magnet, applauding honeybeewilde for their lovable crossover. Many comments stated that the magnet was cute or adorable. Another comment noted how this magnet looks as though it could be a shiny version of a Squirtle Squad member; however, without black glasses the Squirtle will have a tough time being recognized as a squad member. Along with the series of comments, honeybeewilde linked their Etsy account, providing a direct link to purchase the Squirtle magnet for themselves.
Comments aside, honeybeewilde's creation is equal parts simple and creative. Combining turtles from different franchises to create a new, creative character is not necessarily a huge leap, and yet it is still extremely creative through honeybeewilde's execution. Much like the Pokemon Bulbasaur and Squirtle energy card art, this "Teenage Mutant Ninja Squirtle" is charming and truly inspired.