Many Pokémon are based on real plants or animals. However, there are also pocket monsters from the anime that are based on real people. MeinMMO presents them to you.
By now, there are over 1,000 pocket monsters that trainers can collect in the video games. The names of the Pokémon are usually puns derived from their inspiration and appearance.
Among the fantasy creatures, there are some that are inspired by real people. These include martial artists, actors, or even developers. So that you know which people are so unique that the developers of Pokémon dedicated a pocket monster to them, you must not miss the following list.
Mewtwo can at least speak like a human:
These 8 Pokémon are based on real people
Inteleon
- Game Generation: Pokémon Diamond & Pearl
- Name Origin: Emperor + Napoleon
Just by looking at Inteleon, you can tell that it is a particularly imposing Pokémon. The real-life inspiration for this pocket monster is Napoleon Bonaparte. The general became famous when he became Emperor of the French and conquered much of Europe.
He is one of the most important figures in European history, as he initiated the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire and created a modern civil law for the European states. Napoleon’s appearance was reflected in Inteleon through the crown-like beak and the white area on its chest. Fun Fact: Both Inteleon and Napoleon are approximately the same size.
Kadabra
- Game Generation: Pokémon Red & Blue
- Name Origin: Abracadabra
The German name of Kadabra does not yet hint at which real person inspired it. The name Kadabra comes from the magic phrase “Abracadabra”. However, the Japanese name reveals the basis for Kadabra: Yungeraa is said to be derived from Uri Geller.
Uri Geller is an Israeli magician who claims to possess supernatural powers. He became famous for bending spoons with the power of his thoughts. The Pokémon Company used this inspiration for Kadabra, which is always seen with a spoon. In 2000, Geller even sued the company (via BBC).
Barrikadax
- Game Generation: Pokémon Sword & Shield
- Name Origin: Barricade + Badger
Zigzagoon and Linoone have been around since the 3rd game generation, but with Sword & Shield, the Galar forms of the Pokémon have included another evolution stage. Unlike its pre-evolutions, Barrikadax has a more human-like physique and a black/white pattern on its face.
Particularly striking is the tongue that always hangs out of the Pokémon’s mouth. The appearance, combined with the tongue, strongly resembles Gene Simmons. He was the bassist of the rock band KISS and reacted very positively to his alter ego in the Pokémon games, unlike Uri Geller (via Newsweek).
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