Obstagoon

About

Obstagoon is a new Pokémon to debut in Pokémon Sword and Shield. The Pokémon is a Dark/Normal-type and the final evolution of the Zigzagoon line, which in previous games had been a Normal-type Pokémon but was given a Dark/Normal form in Sword and Shield. Obstagoon drew attention as people observed its black-and-white design resembled rock and roll group KISS.

Origin

Obstagoon was announced in a trailer for Pokémon Sword and Shield released on August 7th, 2019. The Pokémon appears to be a preferred Pokémon of the games' antagonistic team, Team Yell.

Spread

After the trailer was released, many observers commented that Obstagoon resembled a member of the rock band KISS, particularly Gene Simmons. Twitter user @LilBillSSB^[1] made the comparison, gaining over 800 retweets and 2,900 likes (shown below, left). User @trenton_flores^[2] also made the comparison, gaining over 630 retweets and 2,100 likes (shown below, right). Gene Simmons told Newsweek,^[3] "Pokémon has been a part of our household for decades, ever since our kids first discovered them. And to see Pokémon pay homage to KISS, is flattering."

Others compared Obstagoon to the Insane Clown Posse and their fans known as Juggalos, who also wear black-and-white face paint. User @ravenbones_ tweeted fan art calling Obstagoon a "Juggalo BF," gaining over 190 retweets and 630 likes (shown below, left). User @sparklefur also posted art of the entire Galar Zigzagoon line, calling them Juggalo Pokémon, gaining 18 retweets and 41 likes (shown below, right).

Various Examples

Search Interest

External References