The Pokemon franchise's box arts have changed quite a lot over the years. The intricate box covers from Generation 1 would evolve over the years into more simple showcases of featured Pokemon. Some are curious how the box arts for the Pokemon franchise would appear if they didn't change
Game Freak recently showcased a new trailer for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet which included a look at five new Pokemon. Among the new Pokemon were the box art legendaries, Koraidon and Miraidon. While audiences have no information on what role these two will play in the narrative, a fan artist designed a new look for one of them in a familiar style.
An artist on Reddit by the name of va_cao designed box art for Koraidon inspired by the aesthetic from Generation 1. The fan art emulates the design of Generation 1 Pokemon Japanese box covers with the two-color background and Koraidon standing in the center surrounded by text with the logo layered over-top. Va_cao also redesigned Koraidon, shrinking some of the Pokemon's features such as the large head feathers and tire-like appendage that sits in Koraidon's chest. Koraidon's claws and jaws have seen a noticeable size reduction as well.
One signature element of Generation 1 va_cao incorporates is the pale, wash-out colors of classic Pokemon artwork. Contrasted to Koraidon's modern design, va_cao is less saturated which falls in line with Game Freak's previous design philosophy. While this is va_cao's most recent artwork for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the artist has also done this very same concept for the Generation 9 starter Pokemon. Other franchises va_cao does fan art for include The Legend of Zelda, Gundam, and Demon Slayer.
Pokemon's stylistic evolution is something Pokemon fans discuss their varying opinions on. Some prefer Generation 1's simpler designs while others appreciate the more detailed appearance of modern Pokemon. Va_cao seems to capture the best of both design elements in this fan art throw-back to the signature style of early Pokemon, maintaining the intricate elements of the original design while simplifying it to match classic Pokemon.
The Pokemon Scarlet and Violet release is coming soon and fans have yet to see most of the new Pokemon. While audiences now have opinions on the new professors, 4-player co-op feature, and the open-ended aspect of this game's world, discussion around the new Pokemon continues. While fans have no knowledge of when more information will be revealed, they wait with curiosity to see what Game Freak has in store.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet release on November 18th, 2022 on Nintendo Switch.
