Pokemon has been combined with a number of franchises from various types media over the years, including manga, other video games, and movies. The result is creative Pokemon crossovers that fans of both series can enjoy.
One of the main types of media that gamers like to mix with Pokemon is anime. A fan of the video game series has done just that, combining the beloved world of pocket monsters with a series that is considered by many to be a modern classic.
A Redditor going by the name marcosfill combined Pokemon with the hit anime Naruto. The artist imagined what the show's three main protagonists — Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura — would look like as Pokemon trainers. All three characters were drawn wearing outfits that are reminiscent of the ones that they wear in the series. This includes Naruto wearing a shirt and pants designed after the jumpsuit he is known for, and Sakura wearing a ribbon similar to how she wears her headband.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were also accompanied by Pokemon that marcosfill created for the drawing. For Naruto, a toad was used, for Sakura a slug, and a snake for Sasuke. These Pokemon all coordinate with the three animals that the characters were associated with in the anime and were able to summon to their aid.
The work that marcosfill posted has received a few comments. One Redditor stated that they would have never thought of the Pokemon and Naruto crossover, but that it looks good and that they like it. Another user suggested a few Pokemon that could fit with the three Naruto protagonists, including Goodra and Arbok. A commenter also brought up the idea of Naruto himself being Ninetales. The artwork that marcosfill drew is a creative idea bringing together two series that gamers and anime fans can enjoy with each other.
The piece that marcosfill drew is not the only one combining Pokemon with anime. An artist known as dukepinball created virtual stamps that mixes together Pokemon and the Soul Eater anime. The work features nine different stamps of the characters from the anime all being paired with Pokemon that fit them. This includes Maka walking with a Scyther, Black Star sitting by a Greninja, and Franken Stein holding a Magnemite. Even the iconic Sun and Moon from Soul Eater were depicted with Solrock and Lunatone. According to dukepinball all the stamps were drawn with Microsoft Paint. It is another creative combination featuring Pokemon and a hit show, bringing together two different fandoms.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will release in 2022 for Nintendo Switch.