For those Pokémon fans who wonder just how Pikachu conducts electricity or Bulbasaur sprouts, artist Christopher Stoll has (unofficial) answers for you. The biologist and illustrator is working on volume two of his guide to Pokémon anatomy, also known as PokéNatomy. His new illustrations reveal fresh insights about characters not included in volume one.
For instance, Smeargle’s anal glands are at the tip of its tail, implying those secretions are used as paint. Girafarig’s two heads share a stomach and digestive system. And Wobbuffet’s skull is actually in its tail, leaving only muscles inside its head.
We learned about the new round of artwork thanks to GameSpot.Opens in a new tab They referred to it as nightmare fuel but I think this content is super cool. And so educational! Stoll says his drawings are used in hundreds of classrooms to help teach anatomy. He raised nearly $35,000 on KickstarterOpens in a new tab for the first book, which can be purchased on AmazonOpens in a new tab. No specific news about the sequel yet, other than the new artwork Stoll released on social mediaOpens in a new tab.
Looks like other characters coming to PokéNatomy Volume II include Steelix, Tyrano, Donphan, Espeon, Bellossom, and Togepi. There’s nearly 1,000 total, enough to fill many more volumes. Here’s hoping Stoll keeps up the good work and makes the comprehensive set.
There’s so much potential for educational Poké content. Another artist, RJ Palmer, draws realistic Pokémon and even recently created new Pokémon based on evolutionOpens in a new tab. There’s also Squirdle, a Pokémon Wordle variantOpens in a new tab. If you’re really looking for disturbing, there’s also videos on how to cook PokémonOpens in a new tab.
Now that we know how Poké Balls workOpens in a new tab, it may be hard not to consider these anatomical insights next time you’re playing Pokémon GO.
Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star WarsologiesOpens in a new tab, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruthOpens in a new tab.
