The Pokémon series is one of the most popular properties of all time. It’s impressive to see how the Pokémon games continue to evolve while they still retain their core elements. Nintendo has found a lot of different ways to explore Pokémon and it’s allowed audiences to connect with various aspects of the series.
People can get so focused on the exciting Pokémon in the games that it’s easy to forget that there are also human Pokémon trainers who are actually the protagonists. There have been many unique takes on what a Pokémon protagonist should look like and some of these designs have been more successful than others.
10 Lucas And Dawn (Pokémon Diamond And Pearl)
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl feature the first taste of the Sinnoh region, as well as some of the unique creatures that frequent the area. The looks of the protagonists, Lucas and Dawn, are very different from what have come before. Lucas’ look is much more sophisticated and seems to take its cues more from European fashion with his beret and scarf. Dawn’s appearance is also very metropolitan and reflects a more haute couture chic. It’s worth pointing out that while Lucas’ look is better in Diamond/Pearl, Dawn’s design feels hipper in Pokemon Platinum.
9 Chase And Elaine (Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! And Eevee!)
The Pokémon series is no stranger to remakes, but Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! are much more ambitious endeavors that take the original games and put them into a fully 3D world on the Nintendo Switch. The protagonists, Chase and Elaine, are the youngest main characters in a Pokémon title, which is clearly meant to speak to the title’s target younger demographic. Some players may not dig the more youthful designs, but they feel like fun reinventions of Red and Leaf’s look. The fact that they have adorable Pokémon hanging off of their hats doesn’t hurt either.
8 Brendan And May (Pokémon Omega Ruby And Alpha Sapphire)
Brendan and May’s original appearances in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire in Generation III mark the first real radical shift in the looks of the games’ protagonists. Headbands become a prominent feature instead of hats and this carries over into the female protagonist, too.
Brendan and May have slightly altered looks in Ruby and Sapphire, Emerald, as well as Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, but it’s the latter that’s the best. They fully feel like anime characters at this point and it helps further blur the lines between the Pokémon games and anime.
7 Victor And Gloria (Pokémon Sword And Shield)
Victor and Gloria are the newest set of protagonists to enter the series and they’ve done a good job to make the Switch’s Pokémon Sword and Shield feel as accessible as possible. Victor and Gloria both have more conservative looks that reflect characters that are on vacation and Gloria’s certainly carries some Scottish flair. Victor and Gloria feel like worthy new characters and their base appearances become less important as more customization options enter the series. It’s comforting to see that the Pokémon games understand that audiences appreciate more freedom in this area.
6 Calem And Serena (Pokémon X And Y)
Most of the protagonists in the Pokémon series push fairly modern looks, but sometimes a new game will take a more radical swing and Calem and Serena from Generation VI are maybe the best example of this. Pokémon X and Y take place in the Kalos area and Calem and Serena have more old-fashioned appearances that get as close to steampunk as the Pokémon franchise will likely ever get. The more classical attire combined with elements like googles really give Calem and Serena a different vibe, it’s just one that may not work for everyone.
5 Hilbert And Hilda (Pokémon Black And White)
Pokémon Black and White marks players’ introductions to the Unova region, a wide berth of new Pokémon, as well as some original protagonist trainers that have looks that reflect the series’ changing sensibilities in Generation V. Hilbert’s look returns to the staple of a confident baseball cap and complimentary colors and sleek clothes.
Hilda’s look features even more personality, whether it’s with the visible pockets of her shorts, her wilder hairstyle, and the gung ho energy that she exudes. She’s the most interesting female protagonist that’s appeared in the series up until this point.
4 Ethan And Lyra (Pokémon HeartGold And SoulSilver)
Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver both have very stylish looks that are creative and practical. HeartGold and SoulSilver function as remakes of the Generation II Pokémon games, so the protagonist looks are similar to what came before them, yet still feel updated and not completely derivative of Gen I’s attitude. Ethan’s look pulls from Red’s appearance, but Lyra feels more unique. Pokémon Crystal previously had Kris as the female protagonist and her look is much more bland than Lyra’s fashion style here. Lyra still feels like a modern character.
3 Elio And Selene (Pokémon Ultra Sun And Ultra Moon)
Pokémon Sun and Moon’s Elio and Selene have very comfortable looks that reflect the warmer climate of the Alola region. Despite the charm of their original appearances, Elio and Selene’s redesigns in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are just a lot more fun. The new characters look a little younger, but they’re also much more full of life. Their enthusiasm is present not just in their attitudes, but also how they dress. They both have looks that embody the future of the Pokémon franchise.
2 Nate And Rosa (Pokémon Black And White Versions 2)
Pokémon Black and White Versions 2 are a rare example of a fairly direct sequel in the mainline Pokémon series. The games feature new protagonists that feel distinct and creative that helps the sequels immediately make a strong impression. In theory, Nate and Rosa aren’t radically different from previous games, but they have a slightly futuristic style thanks to elements like their more atypical hair styles and extra accessories to their outfits. Neither of these looks go too far to the point that they’re distracting and they still feel like decent improvement over the protagonists in their predecessor.
1 Red And Leaf (Pokémon FireRed And LeafGreen)
It’s hard to not be fond of the character design that’s used for Red, the original protagonist for the Pokémon series and the character who all of the subsequent trainers have been based off of, but also the inspiration for Ash from the Pokémon anime series. Red has a simple yet effective look that gets refined in FireRed and LeafGreen when he returns. These games also introduce Red’s female counterpart, Leaf, who also has a simple, yet effective design that works and feels reminiscent of Red’s design, but with its own personality.
NEXT: Pokémon: The 5 Best Trainer Classes In Red And Blue (& The 5 Worst)
