A dedicated Pokemon enthusiast has created an impressive handcrafted puppet of Dratini, making it appear as if the iconic Dragon Pokemon is sitting on their shoulders. The Pokemon franchise has captivated fans for years, introducing over 1,000 unique creatures, which has sparked a wave of creativity.
Fans have produced everything from new Pokemon designs and evolutions to apparel and home decor influenced by the franchise. This recent puppet project highlights the artistic talents of a Pokemon lover, focusing on a classic character.
Dratini is one of the original 151 Pokemon and represents a significant part of the Dragon type lineage, being one of only three Dragon Pokemon introduced at the beginning. As part of its evolution line, Dratini was one of the first “pseudo-legendary” Pokemon, notoriously hard to find in the Kanto region, with the powerful Dragonite as its ultimate form.
The popularity of Dratini has led to various fan creations, including mini wood carvings, but this innovative puppet design takes it to another level. Worldwarallen, a Reddit user, showcased their extraordinary Dratini puppet on the official Pokemon subreddit.
The puppet is designed to rest on their shoulders, with the user’s right hand and arm manipulating the puppet’s neck and head. Notably, the puppet features a fake arm, enhancing the illusion that Dratini is moving independently.
This project is not Worldwarallen’s first foray into Pokemon cosplay; they previously created a Pidgeotto animatronic that garnered accolades at a convention. Fans have lauded the puppet and suggested ways to make it even more lifelike.
Ideas included enhancing the fake arm’s appearance and adding sound effects, like a squeaking device to replicate Dratini’s in-game cry. Meanwhile, excitement continues to build in the Pokemon community, with game developer Game Freak preparing to release Pokemon Legends: Z-A and revamp the Trading Card Game with new features this Fall, keeping fans eagerly engaged with the franchise.