Pokémon fan art is a wide and colorful universe, but occasionally a piece stands out from the rest, one that makes even experienced trainers stop and take notice. Popular mascots such as Pikachu and Eevee are often the focus of fan art, but one artist has brought a less-than-stellar group of Pokémon into the spotlight: Generation 1’s underappreciated Bug-types.
A Nostalgic Twist: Scientific Art Meets the Kanto Region
Reddit illustrator Karkajou has done something remarkable—a scientifically styled vintage poster called “Insects of the Kanto Area.” Very far from the bright, cartoonish imagery most people connect with Pokémon, this piece appears to have been stolen from a 19th-century entomology magazine. With detailed anatomical side and top illustrations, the poster redescribes twelve of the classic Bug-types in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow as if they were actual-world insects, researched and documented by biologists.
This is not fan art—this is a blend of science drawing and Pokémon legend. Each beast is drawn with labels and descriptions that go into great detail, allowing fans to view familiar faces in new ways. It’s smart, informative, and gorgeously drawn.
Anatomy of the Kanto Bug Collection
Here’s a closer examination of how each of these vintage Bug-types appears in Karkajou’s scientific opus:
Caterpie, Metapod, and Butterfree
The evolutionary chain starts with Caterpie, illustrated in a style that highlights its caterpillar-like structure. Metapod is marked as a chrysalis stage, and Butterfree is illustrated with minor variations in wing pattern for males and females—details frequently ignored in the games.
Weedle, Kakuna, and Beedrill
Weedle is depicted as a larva, Kakuna as an intermediate form, and Beedrill shows up in full stinger-wielding glory. The design conveys the frightening aura of Beedrill yet bases it in realistic insect anatomy.
Paras and Parasect
This pair receives a very creepy handling. The evolution from Paras to Parasect is described as happening through parasitic fungi—more precisely, the Cordycipitaceae family. It’s a very smart reference to the real-life basis for these Pokémon and surfaces the terror hiding under the surface of their evolution.
Venonat and Venomoth
Venonat is reimagined with a stretched-out body, moving away from its standard curved appearance toward a more realistic insect form. Venomoth caps off the lineup as a smooth, ethereal moth with intricately detailed wings.
Scyther and Pinsir
These two powerhouses appear with anatomical accuracy that showcases their menacing features and battle-ready builds. Their fearsome design is even more striking in this scientific guise.
Where Biology and Imagination Collide
What makes this article so compelling is the way it weaves actual science with Pokémon’s fantasy universe. By approaching these creatures as actual insect species, Karkajou presents a new perspective on their designs and backgrounds. Every diagram, label, and descriptive comment challenges fans to look again at what they thought they had learned.
The educational spin adds an extra layer of appreciation—this isn’t just visually impressive, it also deepens the lore in a creative, respectful way. It’s the kind of art that sparks curiosity, whether you’re a biology enthusiast or a lifelong Pokémon fan.
A Reminder That Every Pokémon Has Its Moment
Bug-types might not always take center stage in the world of Pokémon, but this poster demonstrates their storytelling and creative potential. In a fanbase whose artistic expression spans from whimsical doodle to gallery-worthy artwork, Insects from the Kanto Region is a piece that speaks to the essence of both art and science.
From scientific posters to alphabet charts and playful mashups, the world of Pokémon fan art just keeps on growing. And thanks to creatives such as Karkajou, even the most forgotten and underappreciated of Pokémon are receiving the loving attention they deserve.