Although it’s a game series and franchise that has thrived off children, and those that have yet to grow up,Pokémonhas some strangely dark aspects that seem to go against the family-friendly nature of the IP. Sure, there are the cute, like Pikachu, the cool, like Charizard, and the comedic, like Magikarp, which have had a strong appeal for such a long time, not every Pokédex entry can have this level of fame. In ways, this has helped the Pokédex have some strange and interesting entries.
Some are oddly dark due to manyPokémonbeing based on creatures of folklore all over the world, and many of these creatures can have darker origins. Shiftry, based on a Yokai called a Tengu, is a good example of this, while others are dark for seemingly random reasons. Despite being a Pikachu spin-off, Mikikyu being lonely and having an appearance so ghastly that it causes people to die is horrifying, andthis doesn’t even hold a candle to Banette, a Gen 3Pokémonthat could be a horror movie villain.
Banette Is A Cursed Pokémon Seeking Revenge On Children
It Has The Backstory Of A Horror Villain
Banette seems like quite a normalPokémonas Ghost-types go, being called the Marionette Pokémon, but its Pokédex entry hides a horrifying truth. While different games have different entries, all are variations of Banette being a discarded doll, and that its strong emotions around being discarded turned into a grudge. This grudge brought it to life and made it aPokémon,which is now seeking the child that originally discarded it.
Banette evolves from Shuppet, and even has a Mega Evolved form.
A possessed doll is scary enough on its own, (Chucky can attest to that), but aghostly doll hunting children after a grudge could make for a decent horror movie plot. It should be noted that many children inPokémonare without parental care after beginning their journeys, leaving them at the mercy of a Banette. While earlier entries from older generations merely mention Banette as a disowned doll with a grudge, like inGen 5’sBlack and White,Scarletmentions that it is often seen in dark alleys.
Banette Is Just One Of Many Terrifying Pokémon
Pokédex Entires Can Be Strangely Dark
While Banette’s entry sounds like a horror movie plot, it isn’t the only terrifying description in the Pokédex. Despite Drifblim having a seemingly innocent appearance, its Pokédex entry inUltra Sunmentions that whoever spots a “Drifblim floating on the wind at dusk"will be “carried away to the afterlife”,while itsSwordentry suggests it’s “a collection of souls burdened with regrets.“Entries like Banette’s andDrifblim’s aren’t uncommonand, for a family friendly IP, there’s a fair amount of darkness.
Ultimately,Pokémonhas become a franchise that appeals to basically everyone, given how it has become the largest media franchise of all time. Kids can enjoy the cute, cuddly, and cool while adults can enjoy the more shocking entries, like Banette’s.It shows a level of versatility and depth in the world ofPokémonand helps to add an element of danger. Banette stalking children while hunting the one who abandoned it might be a bit much, but there are enough Pokédex entries with dark backstories to stop it from sticking out too much.
