#129 MAGIKARP & #130 GYARADOS
Oh boy. You'd think Magikarp and Gyarados would be easy pickings for Pokémon of the Week, but I've already talked about them so much that there hardly seems to be much more to say...does there? Well, I'm still gonna give it the old college try.
Here are some popular articles I've done featuring the fishy duo:
First, let's get talking about Mr. Magikarp out of the way--arguably, this fishy fellow is one of the most iconic Pokémon of the series and its design is pretty standard for first gen Pokémon. The parts of its design that work best in its favor are the red scales, dopey unblinking eyes, constantly agape mouth, yellow spikey fins, and the nifty whiskers that, the later three, follow up into Gyrados's design. Magikarp was the original useless Pokémon, but it did have one thin going for it... it evolved into the overpowered powerhouse that was 1st Generation Gyarados!
Gyarados is a fan favorite from the original 150-- but not one of mine, necessarily. I get why a lot of people like him, especially out of nostalgia, but I do think he is overrated. I think he doesn't quite look that in eyes are just a little too close together, his colors are a little bland, and, unlike Rayquaza, he doesn't quite carry off the serpentine look for me... that said, I still think he was a cool Pokémon for his times but has fallen behind the crowd of Dragon-themed Pokémon with awesome designs.
Also, Red Gyarados was the first shiny Pokémon that most of got to see when we ran into him in Gold & Silver. Gaze upon his glory! Also, his history as a competitive Pokémon is very interesting.
Also, Red Gyarados was the first shiny Pokémon that most of got to see when we ran into him in Gold & Silver. Gaze upon his glory! Also, his history as a competitive Pokémon is very interesting.
