While not without their flaws, Game Freak’s Pokémon Sword & Shield hit it out of the park when it comes to colorful personalities. The games’ gym leaders are especially memorable, with Bea, Leon, and Melony ranking among the franchise’s better opponents. As the leader of the first Dark-type gym in Pokémon’s entire history, Piers stands out in a big way.
Be it his punk rock aesthetic, sweet relationship with his sister, or his unassuming personality, Piers has become one of Sword & Shield’s most enduring creations despite not offering much of a challenge as a trainer. Out of all the Generation VIII characters, Piers seems like the most natural fit for fan art, with these 10 tributes serving as an example of the character’s awesomeness.
10 A Change In Personality
Art by Honnojis.
Piers changes into a different person once he has a microphone in his hand. Off the stage and out of Spikemuth’s Gym, Piers comes across as lethargic, disinterested, and lacking in presence. However, that all changes once Piers finds himself in a setting that he truly feels comfortable in. Suddenly, he is confident, loud, and charismatic.
Honnojis captures Piers at the height of his brilliance, as the gym leader pushes aside his worries and decides to just live in the moment.
9 Spikemuth’s Rockstar
Art by sakimichan.
In Sword & Shield, Piers is quite lanky and unintimidating. As the (inadvertent) leader of Team Yell, an antagonistic group that sought to help Piers’ sister, Marnie, win the Gym Challenge, Piers’ appearance seems purposefully designed to dispel any fears that he is a villain. Team Yell is not another Team Rocket situation.
Sakimichan’s Piers comes across as too powerful to quite fit the source material’s goal with the character. That said, this fan art does a fantastic job of reflecting Piers’ transformation once he starts singing.
8 A Close Up
Art by Roxoah.
Despite seeming to be stuck in a perpetual state of exhaustion, Piers is undeniably a good looking character. Although he might not have the utmost confidence in his abilities as a Pokémon trainer, Piers embraces his personal identity and style without hesitation or compromise. In some ways, this makes him an inspiration.
Roxoah’s gorgeous tribute to Spikemuth’s former gym leader envisions what Piers might look like following a good night’s sleep. The end result is something truly special.
7 A Song For A Foolish Trainer
Art by KUZUNUE.
With the exception of a handful of trainers, most gym leaders in the older Pokémon games were rarely defined beyond their type affinity. Each new generation of games has sought to shine a brighter light on the obstacles who stand in the way of the player character; consequently, Piers is allowed to become his own person beyond just the gym leader who uses Dark-type Pokémon.
Due to Piers having depth and identifiable traits, fan tributes like Kuzune’s masterful art piece can be created more readily. There is simply more to latch onto.
6 Musician First, Gym Leader Second
Art by AretMaw.
AretMaw’s Piers appears to have a slightly more western aesthetic, almost reminiscent of shows like Danny Phantom. Be that as it may, the artist still did an effective job of honoring the design of the source material while injecting just enough personal touches to craft a version of Piers that is wholly the author’s own.
The art piece recreates Piers’ attire down to the smallest detail, including the gym leader’s multi-colored gloves and sharp shoes.
5 Piers & Marnie
Art by piku-chan.
One cannot think of Piers without considering Marnie. Along with both being relatively quiet characters who just happen to prefer wearing eye-catching and loud outfits, the siblings are driven by a desire to protect their town, Spikemuth, and also each other. While they do not always see eye to eye, Piers and Marnie have an unbreakable bond.
With a still image and just two words, Piku-chan managed to distill this pair’s relationship down to its emotional essence.
4 Dressed To Rock
Art by blank-nuz.
Piers’ appearance is somewhat contradictory. In terms of his outfit, Piers has quite a busy look that clearly requires a lot of time and attention to choreograph. Such a splendidly put together attire does not just happen, but Piers’ impassive demeanor does not paint a picture of someone who is willing to dedicate considerable energy to putting together the right wardrobe.
By removing a layer of clothing, blank-nuz’s Piers’ attire almost seems like a better fit for the character’s personality.
3 The Cover
Art by Riu-yuri.
As the first Dark-type gym leader, it would have been reasonable to assume that Piers would be depicted as a villain. With the introduction of Team Yell, it initially seemed like Pokémon Sword & Shield was heading down that route; ultimately, Game Freak subverted expectations by making Piers the embodiment of “don’t judge a book by its cover.”
In a certain way, Riu-yuri’s Piers taps into those assumptions about the character, with the gym leader being given a bit more of a menacing vibe. Honestly, it works quite well.
2 He Is Piers
Art by Non-senseCreations.
Utilizing vibrant and bold colors, Non-senseCreations succeeded in presenting Piers in a unique and captivating light. The gym leader’s pose is simultaneously warm and daring, echoing the character’s dual-personality that fluctuates depending on the circumstances.
Whilst singing (or battling), Piers exudes confidence and defiance, two traits effortlessly showcased by Non-senseCreations’ mesmerizing drawing.
1 In The Spotlight
Art by CyborgNachte.
Piers might be a (former) gym leader, but there is a reason a lot of fan art focuses on other aspects of the character. That’s not a dig against his capabilities, as Piers is considered to be quite an exceptional trainer within Sword & Shield’s universe; however, his heart clearly lies elsewhere. He yearns for the day when Marnie can take over as Spikemuth’s gym leader, presumably freeing Piers to dedicate all of his time to his music.
CyborgNachte’s art piece shows Piers in his element, and he has never looked happier.
NEXT: Pokemon: The 10 Strongest Trainers In Sword & Shield, Ranked
