It’s amazing to see how many different types of Pokémon there are. This franchise has been around for over 20 years and it’s gone through quite a few changes. There have been 7 generations of Pokémon so far, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop anytime soon.
But how can we forget the first generation of Pokémon that started it all? For many of us, it was this generation that got us into Pokémon in the first place. While there are a lot more Pokémon now, it’s good to remember the originals sometimes. Who could forget their first starter Pokémon? It doesn’t get much more classic than Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur.
The first generation is also where the anime series got its start, which also got popular and what introduced many people to Pokémon. It was always fun to see Ash and his friends come across all of these interesting Pokémon for the first time. From Pikachu to Meowth to Onix, the series showed off a lot of fun Pokémon.
And with the first generation of Pokémon comes a lot of awesome fanart! Many fans have dedicated their skills to create different versions of their favorite classic Pokémon. Because let’s face it, while a lot of this generation Pokémon are pretty cool, they may not always look as impressive.
But that changed with these artists. So, let’s take a look at some epic redesigns of the first generation of Pokémon!
Think we missed some really good fanart? Make sure to let us know in the comments section below!
25 Dangerous Vines
Bulbasaur is iconic as one of the starter Pokémon. This Pokémon is as classic as it gets, and yet we still don’t talk about them very much. It’s kind of a shame that Bulbasaur isn’t as popular as the other starters. It’s a pretty cool Pokémon that packs quite the punch.
This art piece of Bulbasaur and its evolutions is seriously awesome! You can feel the power coming from it. And the detail is amazing, giving this Pokémon a realistic edge.
Art by Arvalis.
24 Cause We’ve Got The Fire, Fire, Fire
Aw, who doesn’t love Charmander? This fire Pokémon is seriously adorable, but don’t let his cuteness fool you. Charmander can pack quite the punch, and it’s got a lot of firepower backing it up. So, you probably don’t want to make it your enemy.
Charmander is a cute and powerful Pokemon.
What I like about this art piece is that the artist made Charmander pretty epic looking while still keeping it cute. It’s a great juxtaposition of seeming harmless creature being capable of great destruction. All I’m saying is don’t mess with Charmander.
Art by Vermeilbird.
23 That’s A Dragon
If Charmander is a powerful little guy, imagine how powerful his 3rd evolution is. Although, let’s be honest, Charizard is pretty much a dragon. Just imagine the damage this Pokémon could do. Out of the first generation of Pokémon, Charizard definitely stands out as a powerhouse.
And this artist decided to show Charizard in all its fiery glory. The background of this art piece is pretty interesting since it shows the aftermath of Charizard’s power. This is one Pokemon that you really don’t want to mess with.
22 Don’t Mess With This Dinosaur Of A Pokémon
There are a lot of big Pokémon out there, and Rhydon is one of them. This Pokémon looks like a cross between a rhino and a dinosaur, which does make it look pretty cool. If you’re looking for some power in your court, Rhydon is the way to go.
This art piece makes Rhydon look incredibly dangerous and intimidating, which I think is fitting of the Pokémon. The setting is pretty awesome too and gives us this element of power and danger. I definitely wouldn’t want to go up against this Rhydon anytime soon.
Art by EnigmaSystem.
21 A Rock Snake Would Be Pretty Cool
Onix doesn’t really need much help in looking intimidating. This huge rock Pokémon is basically like a giant rock snake, which is pretty amazing. If you have Onix in your ring, you can’t lose.
I would love to see a more colorful Onix.
What I like about this art piece is that it’s a different look at Onix. The artist decided to give Onix a more mystical feel. The use of colors is amazing and they make this Pokémon look so otherworldly. It’s what Onix would look like if it were made of glowing rocks, and it looks pretty awesome!
Art by tdspiral.
20 Nine Tails Seems Excessive
Ninetales is one of those Pokémon that’s both powerful and beautiful. The look of this fox Pokémon is very nice and gives us this wild element of some mystical creature. (And you know you totally want one as a pet.)
This artist decided to make Ninetales look gorgeous and dangerous, which I think is a great combination. The fire surrounding it looks incredible and adds to the danger. This Pokémon is radiating power, but it also looks seriously regal. I feel like if I encountered this Ninetales, I’d definitely admire it from a distance.
19 This Mouse Is Electric
Who doesn’t love Pikachu? This cute little mouse has gotten so popular all over the world! In fact, it’s practically become the mascot of Pokémon. But don’t be fooled; Pikachu’s got some serious electricity power.
This art piece still has fun with Pikachu’s cuteness, but it puts the Pokémon in a more dramatic setting, which is pretty fun. This Pikachu is ready to fight and throw down. The wave and the lightning in the background are amazing and really add to the drama of the piece.
Art by JamalC157.
18 Well, I’m Not Sleeping Tonight
Ghost-type Pokémon, in general, are pretty creepy since they are, well, ghostly creatures. So, it makes sense if they have a scarier look. And Haunter is no exception. This Pokémon looks like a cross between a ghost and a demon, which is pretty cool.
Haunter looks like a cross between a ghost and a demon.
And this artist took the scary factor up a notch and made Haunter look seriously spooky. The colors in this art piece are absolutely amazing and I love the atmosphere. If I came across this version of Haunter, I would probably run away screaming.
Art by tdspiral.
17 Yes, There Are Sea Monster Pokémon
The fact that such a huge sea serpent type of Pokémon like Gyarados came from Magikarp is seriously crazy. How did such a useless fish involve into a giant monster of a Pokémon? You definitely don’t want to mess with Gyarados.
Gyarados doesn’t need much help to look epic, but this artist decided to take it up a notch and make Gyarados look even crazier and intimidating. The storm in the background really adds to the atmosphere. If I came across this Gyarados while sailing, I probably wouldn’t stand a chance.
Art by AlreadyOverWhat.
16 It's A Spooky Bug
Weedle, like a lot of bug-type Pokémon, is not particularly memorable or impressive since it basically looks like a type of worm. In general, there’s not much to it, and we tend to remember its evolutions more.
But this artist decided to change that and the change is pretty dramatic. This Weedle looks amazing and pretty spooky. The look is a bit more realistic and what a Bug-type Pokmon would probably look like in real life. I definitely wouldn’t want to come across this version of Weedle.
Art bymjwills.deviantart.com.
15 This King Looks Seriously Freaky
Nidoking is an interesting Pokémon since it looks mostly reptilian, but also has some tufts of fur. It basically looks like a cross between a type of mouse and reptile. But it is a Poison-type Pokémon, which makes it pretty cool.
Nidoking has never looked so intimidating.
I love this art piece because it’s such a different look at Nidoking and it looks incredibly freaky (but in a pretty cool way). It really looks like a creature you’d see out of a horror or monster film, and it’s incredibly intimidating and powerful. Don’t mess with this Nidoking!
Art by JRCoffroniii.
14 This Will Be In My Dreams
Kabutops has a pretty unique look on its own. The fact that it basically has scythes for hands makes it a pretty intense Pokémon, to begin with. So, you don’t want to make this Pokémon mad; it will take you down.
And this artist decided to take Kabutops’ slightly freaky look and raise it up a few levels. This version of Kabutops is seriously crazy and awesome. It looks like an ancient horror that you’d find deep within some underwater cave. I really wouldn’t want to come across this Pokémon.
Art by Alecyl.
13 The Snake Of All Snakes
If you’re afraid of snakes, then Arbok probably isn’t the Pokémon for you. It basically looks like a giant cobra, and fittingly, it’s a Poison-type Pokémon. It’s also got a lot of strength, so it’s a good Pokémon to have in a fight.
This art piece really makes Arbok look like the powerful cobra it is, and having it fight Ninetales is just amazing. This is a battle I would love to see. The use of colors and lighting is done really well, and everything looks really impressive.
Art by Simon Gangl.
12 I Really Don’t Want To See This In Real Life
Parasect is a kind of cute Bug-type Pokémon. Well, it’s somewhere between being cute and slightly creepy. What’s really freaky about it is that it’s actually been completely taken over by the parasitic mushroom on its back. So yes, kind of disturbing.
Parasect is kind of cute and kind of creepy.
And this art piece really capitalizes on that unsettling factor. This ultra-realistic looking Parasect looks pretty horrifying and kind of cool. It’s creepy, but you can’t really look away, which is what I think the artist was going for. Nicely done!
Art by Pegaleconlapie.
11 That’s One Creepy Jellyfish
Of course, there’s a Pokémon that looks like a jellyfish. Tentacool can also possess and control anything it touches with its tentacles, which is impressive and seriously spooky. Trust me, you don’t want this Pokémon as an enemy.
Tentacool’s original design isn’t too impressive since it looks mostly like a box jellyfish. So, this artist decided to give Tentacool more of an eldritch horror look, and it’s pretty awesome. The detail on its body makes it look amazing and creepy, making it resemble some kind of Leviathan from the deep.
Art by MysticalDonkey1.
10 That’s Just Gross
Apparently, a Pokémon can be a pile of sludge. Well, that’s pretty much what Muk is. Considering it’s a Poison-type Pokémon, which tends to have some of your stranger Pokemon, it’s not that unusual. It would definitely be unpleasant to fight this goo.
And this art piece really captures Muk in all its sludgy glory. I really like the use of colors here, and the detail makes a pile of gloop look pretty intimidating. I would hate to have to go up against this Pokémon.
Art by SoupAndButter.
9 I Would Ride This Into Battle
Rapidash is a pretty awesome Pokémon. I mean, who wouldn’t want a flaming unicorn? (I wonder if you can ride it?) And with its fire attacks, it’s definitely a good one to have in a fight.
Who wouldn't want a flaming unicorn?
And this fanart of Rapidash is absolutely amazing. You can feel the power in this Pokémon. The flames look so good surrounding the Rapidash and I love the contrast of the fire with the background. Imagine having this version of Rapidash in a battle. The other Pokémon wouldn’t stand a chance.
8 He Never Looked So Amazing
When a Pokémon is both a Poison-type and a Ghost-type, you know it’s one to watch out for. And while Ghastly may be a small one, it’s not one to mess with. And it doesn’t even have a solid form, being mostly poison gas. That’s intense.
And this art piece really makes Ghastly look seriously horrifying and powerful. The artist managed to make poisonous gas look even more intimidating. And the color in this piece is just stunning. It’s both beautiful and spooky.
Art by Vvernacatola.
7 It’s Got The Power
Despite its grim origins, Cubone doesn’t look all that intimidating. If anything, Cubone is more tragic than epic, since it lost its mother and mourns her. This is basically just a small Pokémon that wants its mother back.
But this art piece captures Cubone in a more intense light. While the artist didn’t do much with Cubone’s design, they did everything with the setting. This Cubone looks like it will stop at nothing to win. It’s not easy to make this little guy intimidating, but apparently, it can be done.
Art by Solkorra.
6 Marowak Is Looking Pretty Wild
While Cubone may be pretty cute, its evolution Marowak is a bit more intense. (Though it still looks pretty cute too.) It is pretty intense since the mask it wore as Cubone has now fused to its jaw (which is a bit messed up, but also seriously cool).
I'd hate to go up against this Marowak.
This artist decided to give Marowak a more realistic look, and it is pretty amazing. It looks like something you’d see back in the Ice Age. This is one Pokémon you don’t want to mess with. I also love the background since it really adds to the atmosphere.
Art by GrendelGrack.