Category: PHB Specials

Hello, fellow trainers! What would Poptropica characters be like if they lived in the world of Pokémon. What types of trainers would they be? What Pokémon would they use on their teams? We’ll look at three of these hypothetical trainers today. You can consider this as a spiritual sequel to our PHB Pop-over post about Popémon Go.

SCIENTIST DR. HARE WANTS TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD!

Professor Harvey Hare was once a respected professor who studied Pokémon biology. Everything changed when an incident involving Infinity Energy fused his DNA with that of a rabbit Pokémon. Now he goes about his days stealing berries and plotting world domination. 🐰🧪

• Wigglytuff– This Pokémon matches Dr. Hare to a T. Both are perfectly pink, have similar rabbit ears, and hide great power behind their cute appearances.
• Diggersby– Aside from Wigglytuff, Diggersby is the only other rabbit Pokémon that fits Dr. Hare. Its powerful ears can dig through the ground and lift heavy items. I can see Diggersby helping Dr. Hare build his inventions and laboratories.
• Orbeetle– It’s a simple nerd turned mad scientist, fitting of our favorite mad doctor. Plus, its Gigantamax form is capable of controlling the minds of others.
• Hypno– Speaking of mind control, Hypno’s most infamous Pokédex entry states: “It carries a pendulum-like device. There once was an incident in which it took away a child it hypnotized.” Dr. Hare would likely use Hypno to “recruit” children to work for him.
• Alolan Raticate– The Alolan variant of this classic Pokémon can command Alolan Rattata to retrieve produce, which is extremely helpful for Dr. Hare. Plus, this could be a nod to the giant rats found in the carrot cake factory’s sewer system.
• Durant– The Iron Ant Pokémon is a nod to the ants that plague Dr. Hare’s dream in Super Villain Island. Maybe he uses Durant to conquer his myrmecophobia?

GYM LEADER AMELIA WANTS TO TEST YOUR SKILLS!

Amelia is a lot of things in the world of Pokémon: a pilot, an adventurer, a landowner, an entrepreneur, and (most important for this post) a gym leader. She tests new trainers with her Flying-type Pokémon and sends them off with cash and words of wisdom. Her first four Pokémon are on her gym team, but her last two are her personal picks. 🐦🎈

• Pidgeot– This iconic Route 1 bird is a great choice for many trainers. It’s a strong, fast, and striking bird of prey.
• Braviary– Our American-born pilot has what’s probably the most American Pokémon out there. Aside from nationality, both are loyal and willing to fight for their friends no matter the cost.
• Corviknight– While Amelia’s team has plenty of strong Flying-types, her Corviknight is the strongest of them all. Outside of battle, it helps her with transportation and deliveries.
• Drifblim (Shiny🌟)– Amelia had a starring role in Monkey Wrench Island, which showed the origins of the iconic yellow blimp. It makes sense for to have not just any ordinary Drifblim, but one representing Pop’s yellow and blue. 💛💙
• Polteageist– Amelia’s side quest revealed a few things about her, one of which was her love of tea. Polteageist would be a tea-riffic companion, but it’s best not to drink too much of its ghostly tea.
• Galarian Ponyta– Amelia doesn’t just love adventure and tea. Her side quest also revealed her unicorn obsession. Galarian Rapidash resembles the pastel “My Little Pony” type of unicorns that she loves so dearly.

POKÉMON COORDINATOR DJ SATURDAY NITE WANTS TO PERFORM!

DJ Saturday Nite is a Pokémon Coordinator, a type of trainer who raises Pokémon to compete in Pokémon Contests. Her performances have a focus on music, singing, and synchronizing her Pokémon’s moves to the beat. Of course, a coordinator needs a team that’s ready for the spotlight. 🤩👩‍🎤

• Cosplay Pikachu– Anyone big in the contest scene would be crazy to not have Cosplay Pikachu. This special Pikachu is most frequently dressed as Pikachu Pop Star, matching her trainer’s style.
• Loudred– The Big Voice Pokémon is the perfect partner for a DJ. Just watch the Detective Pikachu movie and see what I mean.
• Oricorio– Oricorio is as talented as it is versatile. It can learn four different dance styles depending on which type of nectar it drinks.
• Amped Form Toxtricity– Just like its trainer, this punk rock lizard loves music and knows how to put on a good show!
• Tsareena– Tsareena is a beautiful Pokémon with a commanding stage presence. Its pre-evolution, Steenee, is known for dancing. Nite’s Tsareena would have likely kept this habit after evolving.
• Starmie– Poptropica’s resident DJ incorporates a lot of star imagery in her wardrobe, and she’s a star in her own right. It makes sense to give her the biggest star Pokémon out there.

That’s all for now! I had a lot of fun designing Pokémon-styled versions of these characters. This might become a series if there’s enough interest from readers.

What do you think of these trainer concepts? What other Pop characters do you want to see as trainers, and what Pokémon would they use? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!

Thank you for reading, and have a good day!

—Gentle Dolphin 🐬