February 27, 1996 Pokemon Red and Green released in Japan. The series, was created by Satoshi Tajiri, who wanted to share his childhood hobbies of exploration and bug collecting, with a newer generation. Over the next 20 years the series would become a phenomenon, spawning manga, toys, and an anime series that has been running for 18 long years. 20 years, six generations, 26 main series games, and 720 Pokemon later the series has finally hit its 20th anniversary. And to celebrate, I thought I’d make a special piece of art.

Pokemon Trainer Red would like to Battle!

Yup. Red the original protagonist of Pokemon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow, and the strongest trainer in Pokemon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver. Hands down my favorite Pokemon character. With this piece I attempted something I haven’t tried in a while. I emulated Ken Sugimori’s, the lead character designer for the series, art style in celebration of this epic event. I am so happy that we made it! 20 years of fantastic games and awe inspiring wonder. It feels so good to know that trainers, new and old, are still playing these games, trading, battling, and completing their PokeDexes on the way to becoming the very best. I would personally like to say thank you to Mr.Tajiri, all of Game Freak and Nintendo for bringing us this wonderful series for 20 years. Here’s hoping for another 20 years, and remember:

BONUS: Here is Red and Pikachu in Mr.Sugimori’s “classic” watercolor art style.