When Pokémon was first unleashed upon the world, there was but one generation, which consisted of a mere 151 Pokémon (well, 152 if you count the legendary Pokémon Missingno). Of these 151 Pokémon, there are some pretty cool designs, whether cool because of the designs themselves or simply because of the stories behind them. So, join us as I count down my picks for the top 10 best Pokémon designs of the 1^st generation.

#10

Cubone

There may be some cooler-looking designs that could have made this list, but when you take into account the story behind Cubone’s design, it’s just messed up enough to make the cut. Simply put, Cubone wears the skull of its dead mother and uses one of her bones as a weapon. I know, right? We never do get to see its actual face, but did you guys ever notice how the skull looks an awful lot like Charizard’s head? I wonder…

#9

Parasect

At first glance, Parasect seems to be nothing more than some sort of mushroom crab. But the reality of…this made-up creature is that, believe it or not, it’s a parasite. Hence the Pokémon’s name. It’s a parasitic mushroom that has completely taken over its insectoid host. You can tell just how screwed the insect is by the pure whiteness of its eyes. Once you know what Parasect is, you’ll never see its design the same way again…

#8

Scyther

Its arms are scythes. Need I say more? Scyther is not only one of the more badass bug Pokémon of ‘em all but also has one of the most badass designs of the entire generation. It’s based on the mantis, but of course, looks very little like one aside from its green color and bug-like qualities. It kinda looks more like the result of Zorak from Space Ghost, a dinosaur, and a couple of scythes getting into some freak accident and fusing. That… sounds like one hell of a plot…

#7

Gyarados

Otherwise known as OH GOD IT’S GONNA KILL US ALL, Gyarados is a very menacing Pokémon. Its design is based on a Chinese dragon but with a few fish-like features. It’s also categorized under the “Atrocious” species of Pokémon. Don’t say that to its face, though, because it will eat you. Coming from the lamest Pokémon in the series, Gyarados is one hell of an evolution. And its mega evolution looks like something created by H.P. Lovecraft. Atrocious indeed…

#6

Ninetales

Ninetales is the very definition of “elegance.” I mean, not literally, of course. That’d be silly. But also pretty awesome. Anyway, this Pokémon is based on the kitsune, a nine-tailed Japanese fox spirit. It’s also probably the most beautiful Pokémon of the whole generation. No, it IS the most beautiful! With its golden-white fur and gleaming red eyes, it’s downright gorgeous! Wait, is Ninetales controlling my mind again? I don’t even know anymore…

#5

Charizard

The final evolution of one of the 1^st generation’s starter Pokémon, Charizard is probably the most popular. And for good reason. I mean, just look at him! He’s, like, a dragon! Except, he’s not, for some reason. He looks just like a dragon. He can breathe fire like a dragon. He can fly like a dragon. But he’s not a dragon. What the hell, man? Well, he does become a dragon if you mega evolve him in Pokémon X. If you do that, he ends up looking 10 times cooler.

#4

Gengar

Ah, Gengar. Six generations in and you’re still the coolest ghost Pokémon in the series. He has a pretty simplistic design, but it’s also a very perfect design for what it is. He’s the Shadow Pokémon, so what more do you need in its design than a dark purple silhouette with a sinister grin and creepy red eyes? Well, I guess shadows don’t normally have those last two, but still. And just like the last Pokémon mentioned, this one has one awesome mega evolution. Especially if it’s a shiny.

#3

Arcanine

Part dog, part tiger, part lion, and part awesome. Arcanine is known as the Legendary Pokémon for a reason. I mean, you can’t tell me that isn’t one legendary design! Well, I guess the reason has something more to do with him originally being intended as a legendary Pokémon alongside the three birds, but he still has a pretty legendary design. If I could own a dog that looked like him, I would. But I can’t. Real life is so unfair…

#2

Mewtwo

Well I can’t have a list like this without including Mewtwo, can I? I mean, I suppose I could, but I’m not gonna. He is one sweet-looking Pokémon. Especially when Giovanni throws him in that robotic suit of armor in the anime. Or when he mega evolves. His design isn’t overly complex, except for maybe that tube-like thing connecting the back of his head to the top of his spine that serves who knows what purpose, and yet he doesn’t look like someone you ever want to mess with.

#1

Pikachu

Pikachu is easily the most recognized Pokémon there is. It has become the series’ mascot since its inception, mostly thanks to the anime, and nowadays you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t know its name. This electric mouse has appeared in various TV shows, either in its original form or as a spoof.

Pikachu has also appeared in various promotional events, whether as a balloon in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a painting on the side of an airplane, or as a friggin’ car. Pikachu even has a protein named after it. So yeah, it’s a popular one. Whether you agree or disagree, its design is so iconic at this point that it deserves to be given the #1 spot on our list. If you don’t agree, then fight me. Pikachu will somehow win, I just know it. At least according to the anime.

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Do you agree with this list? What Pokémon do YOU think have the best designs? Be sure to let me know in the comments below. Do you have an idea for a list you’d like to see me use? Leave that in the comments as well and I might just pick it up.