PHB Specials, Pop-over

Poptropica Characters as Pokémon Trainers — Part 2 🦸‍♂️👣👻

Happy Pokémon Day, everyone! Let’s celebrate by showing more Poptropica characters as Pokémon trainers.

If you want to know what Dr. Hare, Amelia, and DJ Saturday Nite would be like in this little AU, check out our first post in this series. Let’s hope for no more shutdown scares. 🤞

Ned Noodlehead wants to save the day!

Ned Noodlehead seems like your typical Super Nerd trainer, but he’s super in more ways than one. Ned owns a comic book shop where people read tales of great heroes like Gligarman and Accelguard. When trouble arises, he dons his super suit and fights crime with his super powerful team of Pokémon! 🦸‍♂️🌭

  • Palafin– Palafin is the quintessential superhero Pokémon. This unassuming dolphin can transform into its powerful Hero Form in battle. Fun fact: it evolves at level 38, which is a nod to Superman’s debut comic from 1938!
  • Gliscor– The Pokémon anime has an episode titled The Superhero Secret, which features Gliscor’s pre-evolution, Gligar, as a superhero’s sidekick. This line of caped crusaders is known for helping heroes, and its flight skills come in handy when catching flying fiends like Betty Jetty.
  • Magmortar– This Pokémon may not be the prettiest, but it certainly is a powerful special attacker. Members of the Magmortar line are used by fellow Super Nerd trainers, and they could act as a nod to Pop’s in-universe comic book, Lava Boys.
  • Electrode– Here’s another Pokémon frequently used by Super Nerd trainers, but this one specializes in super speed. Speeding Spike is shocked to finally meet his match!
  • Machamp-Being a super strong fighting type Pokémon, Machamp is a great addition to any superhero team. Its strength and prowess are unmatched, giving Crusher a run for his money. It also helps trainers in day-to-day life, so Ned’s Machamp moves heavy stuff around the comic shop.
  • Dachsbun– This adorable doggo may not be a hot dog, but it is a wiener dog. Dachsbun loves greeting customers and napping behind the front desk. Don’t underestimate it; its fighting skills are nothing to scoff at.

Gentleman Harold Mews wants to discover Pokémon!

Harold Mews is a reclusive billionaire who specializes in Pokémon cryptozoology. Throughout the years, he traveled to many regions in search of legendary and mythical Pokémon, and now he wants to inspire others to do the same. While his status is high, he is down to earth and cares for the Pokémon he finds. 👣🚁

  • Lapras– This Pokémon is inspired by one of the most famous cryptids in the world, the Loch Ness Monster. Since Nessie is prominent in Cryptids Island, it makes sense for Mews to have Lapras on his team.
  • Abomasnow– While there is no Bigfoot Pokémon as of now, Abomasnow is a close fit since it’s based on the Abominable Snowman aka the Yeti. Plus, the defunct Mews Foundation website mentioned that Mews pursued cryptozoology after discovering Yeti tracks on Mount Everest.
  • Malamar– This strange cephalopod is a nod to Archie the Giant Squid, whose existence inspired Mews to offer a reward for whoever discovered irrefutable proof that other cryptids exist.
  • Sableye– Although they’re not featured in Cryptids Island, the aliens spotted in the Kelly-Hopkinsville encounter inspired this Pokémon. Aliens can be considered cryptids, right? Also, Sableye’s gemstone diet is easily supported by Mews’ incredible wealth.
  • Persian-This fierce feline is a beloved pet of upper-class trainers. Persian and its pre-evolution, Meowth, know the move Pay Day, which rewards trainers with extra money when winning battles.
  • Mew– In the wonderful world of Pokémon, Mew can be considered a cryptid in of itself. It is an ancient elusive creature sought out by many explorers. Of course, it shares a similar name with Mr. Mews himself.

Madame Fiona wants to look for someone!

A rickety mansion by the sea harbors many old secrets. The silhouette of a woman appears at the top window and looks out at the sea, searching for something or someone. Few trainers dare to enter this mansion, fearing the Pokémon that take residence as well as the mysterious woman at the window. 👻🎻

  • Kricketune– The Cricket Pokémon is built like a violin and known for its famous musical cry. Its melodies soothe Fiona’s restless soul and creep out unsuspecting passersby.
  • Luvdisc-It is said that meeting this heart-shaped Pokémon promises couples loving, never-ending relationships. Fiona and Valiant likely would have encountered a school of Luvdisc near their seaside town long ago. Although death did them part, their love for each other never died.
  • Gothitelle– Fiona and Gothitelle share their love of black dresses and big bows. Fitting the town’s spooky nature, Gothitelle can see lifespans and cries upon learning when its trainer dies. Long after Fiona’s death, it senses her presence and stays in the mansion.
  • Banette– Old dolls line the shelves of Fiona’s house, so it not unlikely that some of them would become Banettes. They guard the mansion’s dark basement, keeping curious trainers on their toes.
  • Chandelure– After escaping the basement, trainers enter the mansion’s living room and contend with a grand Chandelure. Its life-draining flames pose a great risk to intruders.
  • Roselia (Shiny🌟)– Unlike normal Roselia, Shiny Roselia has a yellowed body and dark petals. It looks as if it had died before reaching its full potential. Since roses are heavily associated with Fiona, this Pokémon seemed fitting.

I hope you all liked this new installment of “Poptropica Characters as Pokémon Trainers”! What characters would you like to see next? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to vote in the Favorite Poptropica Island Tournament semifinals! The poll closes this Thursday @ 11:59 p.m. EST.

Thank you for reading, and have a good day!

—Gentle Dolphin 🐬

PHB Specials

Poptropica Characters as Pokémon Trainers 🐰🐦🤩

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. 💛💙
  • PolteageistAmelia’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 🐬