The Pokemon TCG world – and by extension, the broader ecosystem – is filled with wonderful art. Some things make a lot more sense than others, but that is perfectly OK. However, there are some interesting fan theories capable of upsetting the status quo. For instance, there is the Gyarados-Dragonite theory affecting both evolution lines.
Pokemon Evolution Confusion
It is not hard to see why people are thinking along these lines. Looking objective at the evolution lines, things do not necessarily make sense. We have Magikarp, a flopping fish, evolving into a sea dragon. On the other hand, we have Dratini, evolving into Dragonair. A very elegant Pokemon that somehow turned into a DRAGON!?!??!
To be more specific, things do not necessarily line up visually either. A Magikarp is bright orange/red, with bits of yellow. Dragonite is orangeish – with yellow. In theory, this would make for a sensible evolution. Then again, going from a fish to a dragon is also a stretch, especially if that dragon is NOT a sea dragon.
Then again, the “blue color” evolution would fit in the other scenario. Dratini is blue, Dragonair is blue, Gyarados is blue. That is also where this possibility ends, as the other physical traits do not align. There is nothing that would tie Dragonair to Gyarados except for the color. There’s also nothing tying Magikarp to Dragonite, besides the color.
However, going from a blue serpent (Dragonair) to a blue serpent (Gyarados) is not that big of a stretch. Plus, many people feel Dragonair loses tremendous elegance when evolving into Dragonite. That is mainly subjective, but one cannot deny this aspect holds a fair bit of merit.
Gyarados, or Dragonite?
When we look at things a bit closer, other elements begin to stand out. The body composition of Dragonair is way more similar to Gyarados. One could also argue that its evolution into Dragonite is rather jarring, for numerous reasons. Plus, if we look at the “lore”, Magikarp’s evolution is all about turning into a dragon, not a sea serpent.
However, there are also factors one cannot dispute or ignore. Firstly, there has never been a leaked or official document claiming Gyarados and Dragonite should have been swapped in their evolution lines. Nor will there be, as it seems this was the intended evolution line from day one. No developer or illustrator has come forward stating anything contrarian to what exists today either.
Moreover, the early assets in Pokemon Red/Green connected the evolution lines as they are today. That is irrefutable evidence of things being the way they were intended, even if some fans would like things done differently. It’s a nice concept to think about, but not what was intended.
Given the lack of Pokemon concept art stating the opposite, there is not much ground to think this fan theory is rooted in truth. That is further reinforced by the Chinese/Japanese carp-to-dragon myth. In that legend, a carp keeps swimming upstream to eventually make the final leap up the mountain. Doing so will let it evolve into a dragon, or in this case, a sea dragon.
Final Thoughts
While it is an entertaining theory, Dragonite and Gyarados were not meant to swap places. Some parts of this theory DO align well, but there is a clear vision by Pokemon that takes precedence. Moreover, the Magikarp-Gyarados line is a direct representation of existing legends, so there is no reason to change it.
What do YOU think? Should Gyarados and Dragonite be swapped? Are they in their right place today? Would you change the design of either?
