The world of shonen anime is filled with dynamic characters who possess the drive, skills, and unique abilities to excel in almost any field. Many of these protagonists would find a natural fit in the world of Pokémon, where battles are won with strategy, teamwork, and powerful bonds with their partners. Here are 10 shonen anime protagonists who would make exceptional Pokémon trainers:
Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia)
Izuku “Deku” Midoriya, from My Hero Academia, possesses a heroic spirit and an analytical mind, making him a natural fit for the role of a Pokémon trainer. His journey from a quirkless boy to a powerful hero showcases his dedication and adaptability. His strategic approach to battles, carefully studying his opponents’ weaknesses and strengths, would translate perfectly to Pokémon training.
Deku’s Potential Pokémon Team
- Palafin: Palafin’s ability to change forms and power up into a Hero Mode mirrors Deku’s own transformations when using One For All.
- Machamp/Hitmonlee: These Fighting-type Pokémon would complement Deku’s close-combat style and his various quirks.
- Heracross: A strong, determined Bug-type that mirrors Deku’s own persistence.
- Dragonite: A versatile, powerful, and heroic Pokémon that reflects Deku’s journey and potential.
- Chestnaught: A heroic, green Pokemon who is a defender of the innocent.
- Blaziken: Its powerful legs are a great representation of Deku’s shoot style.
Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tail)
Natsu Dragneel, the fiery protagonist of Fairy Tail, has an undeniable passion for battle and an affinity for fire. His headstrong nature and close bond with his guildmates would make him a very exciting Pokémon trainer. Natsu’s love for dragons is another factor that makes him a great fit for the Pokémon world.
Natsu’s Potential Pokémon Team
- Charizard: A classic Dragon-type that suits Natsu’s fiery personality and powerful attacks.
- Dragonite: A powerful dragon to complement Natsu’s strong abilities.
- Salamence: Another powerful Dragon-type that resonates with Natsu’s fighting style and love for dragons.
- Flygon: This Ground/Dragon type would be a versatile addition to his team.
- Turtonator: A Fire/Dragon type that matches Natsu’s explosive style.
Gon Freecss (Hunter x Hunter)
Gon Freecss, from Hunter x Hunter, has a boundless sense of curiosity and an uncanny ability to connect with animals. His straightforward nature and unwavering loyalty would make him an excellent Pokémon trainer, establishing deep bonds with his Pokémon. Gon’s ability to learn and adapt rapidly would also benefit him in battles.
Gon’s Potential Pokémon Team
- Infernape: A Fighting/Fire type, mirroring Gon’s close-combat abilities and his explosive nature.
- Ursaring: A powerful Normal-type that embodies Gon’s raw strength and connection to nature.
- Scizor: Its sharp claws and dynamic nature mirror Gon’s fighting style.
- Hawlucha: A Fighting/Flying type that reflects Gon’s agility and adaptability.
- Primeape: A Fighting-type with a similarly intense personality and fighting style to Gon’s.
- Beartic: A strong, wild, ice type that could represent Gon’s determination and wildness.
Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Edward Elric, the resourceful protagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist, has a sharp mind and a talent for alchemy that could be translated into strategy in the Pokémon world. His ability to analyze situations and his tactical approach would be extremely useful in Pokémon battles.
Edward’s Potential Pokémon Team
- Bisharp: Its sharp blades and steel typing mirror Edward’s own metallic arm and close combat style.
- Spiritomb: Its unique origins as a collection of spirits reflects the Philosopher’s Stone.
- Magnezone: Represents Edward’s alchemical abilities and metallic nature.
- Golurk: This Ground/Ghost type resembles the suit of armor his brother, Al, is bound to.
- Magerna: A Pokemon whose soul heart works like a philosophers stone and also resembles Al.
- Solgaleo: A pokemon whose full metal body ability is based on the alchemical lion.
Goku (Dragon Ball)
Goku, the iconic protagonist of Dragon Ball, is always looking for a challenge and loves to push his limits. His unparalleled determination and love for fighting would make him a very strong Pokémon trainer. Goku would likely seek out the most powerful Pokémon and push them to be the very best.
Goku’s Potential Pokémon Team
- Infernape: A powerful Fighting/Fire type that can mirror Goku’s own fighting style.
- Machamp: A strong Fighting-type that would match Goku’s strength and determination.
- Electivire: A powerful Electric type with physical prowess that complements Goku’s energy attacks.
- Lucario: Another powerful Fighting-type known for its strength and quick movements.
- Slaking: A Normal type known for its exceptional strength.
- Passimian: A fighting type known for its strength, teamwork and love of battle.
Shinra Kusakabe (Fire Force)
Shinra Kusakabe, from Fire Force, possesses incredible fire abilities and a strong sense of justice. His agility and fiery attacks would make him an outstanding Fire-type Pokémon trainer. Shinra’s past and heroic ambitions could also lead him to having a more diverse team.
Shinra’s Potential Pokémon Team
- Cinderace: This Fire type uses its feet to perform fire attacks, much like Shinra.
- Salazzle: A Fire/Poison type that reflects Shinra’s unique fire abilities.
- Sableye: A Dark/Ghost type Pokémon that symbolizes his past and future.
- Arcanine: A powerful and loyal Fire-type Pokemon known for its speed and strength.
- Heatran: A powerful Fire/Steel type that has an intense aura.
- Talonflame: A Fire/Flying type that is known for its speed.
Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
Naruto Uzumaki, the spirited protagonist of Naruto, is known for his perseverance and ability to connect with others. His use of summoning jutsu and his wind-type chakra would translate well into Pokémon training, especially with Pokémon that reflect his abilities.
Naruto’s Potential Pokémon Team
- Seismitoad: A Water/Ground type that has a similar toad-like appearance to Naruto’s summons.
- Pidgeot: A strong Flying-type, reflecting his wind-based chakra abilities.
- Ninetales: This Fire type embodies the demon fox within Naruto and compliments his powers.
- Greninja: A powerful water type that can mirror Naruto’s speed and agility.
- Talonflame: This Flying/Fire type can represent Naruto’s wind chakra and fiery personality.
- Riolu: A Fighting-type Pokemon with a strong fighting spirit, just like Naruto.
Ken Takakura (Dandadan)
Ken Takakura, from Dandadan, is a character who is very thorough when it comes to the supernatural and all things related to it. His desire to understand the unexplained would make him a meticulous and dedicated Pokémon trainer, studying each of his Pokémon and maximizing their potential.
Ken’s Potential Pokémon Team
- Metagross: A Steel/Psychic type that embodies the analytical mind of Ken, which is similar to the psychic powers he often has to fight against.
- Alakazam: A Psychic type known for its intelligence and strategic battle capabilities.
- Espeon: A psychic type with a high level of awareness that could be very useful to Ken.
- Porygon-Z: A Normal-type that would represent his desire to understand the unexplained.
- Beheeyem: A Psychic type that can represent the aliens and supernatural forces he studies.
- Rotom: An electric type pokemon known for its ability to understand machines.
Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)
Monkey D. Luffy, from One Piece, has a very carefree personality and an enormous appetite. His flexibility and fighting style would make him a formidable Pokémon trainer, with his focus on offense and his ability to inspire others.
Luffy’s Potential Pokémon Team
- Ambipom: This Normal type’s tail is as flexible as Luffy’s limbs.
- Infernape: A fighting type to complement Luffy’s fighting style.
- Snorlax: A Normal type known for its enormous appetite, matching Luffy’s own.
- Empoleon: A water type that could be a representation of the pirate king that Luffy wants to become.
- Lapras: A water type known for its large size, and its ability to travel over water.
- Delmize: A Bug/Flying type that has pirate like features.
Ash Ketchum (Pokémon)
Though he is already a Pokémon trainer, Ash Ketchum from the Pokémon anime, with his unwavering determination and constant drive to improve, deserves a spot on this list. Despite his lack of strategic planning, his deep bond with his Pokémon and his ability to overcome challenges makes him a natural fit for this list.
Ash’s Potential Pokémon Team
- Pikachu: Ash’s very first pokemon, and a staple of his team.
- Blipbug>Dottler>Orbeetle: A bug type that could be his first psychic pokemon.
- Rookidee>Corvisquire>Corviknight: The regional bird, something that Ash always catches.
- Sobble>Drizzile>Inteleon: A water type that will help complete his team.
- Rolycoly>Carkol>Coalossal: A fire type that is reminiscent of Boldore.
- Dreepy>Drakloak>Dragapult: Another pseudo-legendary that can help Ash gain a greater understanding of ghost types.
These shonen anime protagonists have the perfect combination of personality traits, skills, and battle experience to make them amazing Pokémon trainers. Whether it is the drive of Goku or the heroic spirit of Deku, each character would bring their own unique flair to the world of Pokémon.