There are now almost 900 different species of Pokémon available across the series, each with their own unique design, so we dread to think how many there would be if you added all of the scrapped ideas into the mix, too. As it happens, one very early idea appears to depict a cute Godzilla-like character, and it has never seen the light of day.
The Pokémon in question is Godzillante, a creature that was found in design documents which date back to before the launch of Pokémon Red and Blue - back when the series was known as Capsule Monsters. Godzillante isn't a new discovery, but the character has hit the headlines again this week after being highlighted by YouTube content creator, Dr. Lava.
Dr. Lava notes that Godzillante was created by Pokémon franchise art director Ken Sugimori, and was "probably just created to illustrate the game's mechanics - not to become an actual Pokémon". It was first revealed in a Game Freak book which showcased the origins of the franchise, and was actually seen in a piece of art alongside another unreleased Pokémon called Gorillaimo. You can see this below.
Similarities can be made between Godzillante and Tyranitar - a second-generation Pokémon - and also the design used when a Pokémon uses the move Substitute. It also looks a little bit like the statues found at Gyms. Perhaps its design was recycled after all?
[source twitter.com, via comicbook.com]
Comments 22
Well, I don't really think it resembles Tyranitar, maybe just with the color scheme in the fanart. Plus both (the original design of) the substitute doll and the Gym statues were based on Rhydon.
Many of the first few Pokémon created were based on this kaijuu-like appearance, like Rhydon, Nidoking, Nidoqueen, Kangaskhan, and the unreleased Omega and Gyaoon, and I don't think Gojirante/Godzillante resembles Tyranitar much more than these, so I don't think it was necessarily a direct inspiration. Not to mention I think that's a single horn on its head, not the eye things the fan recreation implies.
The lack of finer details and simplicity of these and other earlier (gen 1-2) designs actually leaves a lot to the imagination and that, in my opinion, somehow makes them better.
Still a better/cuter design than the actual baby Godzilla, Minya.
Isn't that Substitute doll?
Also, the fan recreation went with big "eyeleashes" while I think that is supposed to be a single horn, Hitmontop style
I think it's very important we mention the gorilla is wearing a cap. It isn't just a gorilla, it's a pokemon
Yeah, I saw these on Bulbapedia years ago. There's some cool unused Pokemon designs documented there.
https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/List_of_unused_Pok%C3%A9mon_and_character_designs
It look like an early version larvitar
I like to think the Gym statues are, like, some kind of "our founder" stuff.
Somebody is a fan of King Kong vs. Godzilla
Why did they give it eye lashes when it's clearly a single horn in the middle of it's head.
I think this one is less 'unused' and more 'become Larvitar'.
I wish they'd included some of these cut designs into the let's go remakes.
Well, it does look a little like the real Godzilla. He's the reason I am never going to visit Japan because I refuse to be squished by some big monster.
This would have never passed at least with that name.
Toho is just as infamous as Nintendo when it comes to the copyright protection of their I.P.s
Its cute. Perhaps it became Tyranitar later?
Would be cool to have a godzilla in a special pokemon movie.
"Pikachu go get him" hahaha
Well, if Nintendo or Game Freak ever want to make this Pokemon a reality...
"Why, how many have you drawn?"
...
"Fifty? I have to code 50 of them?!"
I just realized something. The "Gorillaimo" sketch is just wearing a baseball cap which seems weird for a Pokemon character design.
I haven't been exactly been keeping with Pokemon since D.&.P. but usually, any Pokemon that has "clothing" is usually contextualized to be a part of their body right? Like Greninja and his scarf tongue for example.
@Elvie Yeah, everything on a Pokemon is part of them, like Sylveon's ribbons or Gardevoir's dress. A few exceptions have weapons and things like masks, but those are either for fighting or connected to their Pokedex entry, rather than any sort of outfits. It is weird, but that's probably why we don't have a 'Gorillaimo' today.
Seen this before, reminded me of Larvitar but also a little of Rex from Super Mario World for some reason.
It made the cut – it got wings and became the generic monster statue (sometimes referred to as winged Rhydon).
Shame. I can definitely see that as a Pokémon
Looks kinda like a baby Kangaskhan.
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