The Pokémon franchise is one of the biggest and most important ones in the world. Including video games, TV series, movies, card games, collectible cuddly toys and even clothing, the Pokémon empire’s profits amount to billions of dollars annually. With more than 800 species of Pokémon, the work for Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri has taken inspiration from various cultures around the world to invent each of the “pocket monsters,” and some were inspired by Latin America.

Nintendo and the Pokémon Company have published well over 50 different Pokémon games.

#DidYouKnow the original DMG Gameboy can play most GBC games
If it has a clear cart it won't work but black cartridges and all the pokémon games minus crystal work perfectly just without color
Making it the only console to be forwards compatible. pic.twitter.com/9Z1FcCFnQr

— Amy Ames ???? (@TheAmy00) January 16, 2020

In the two decades since Pokémon first came to be, Nintendo has released over 50 games set in different worlds —featuring hundreds of unique monsters.

Currently, there are 722 official Pokémon that have been confirmed by Nintendo.

The nearly 800 monsters, draw upon the folklore from various cultures. Mawile, a fairy/steele-type monster, is loosely based on the Japanse legend of the Futakuchi-onna, a demon woman with a second mouth hidden in the back of her head, for example.

While some Pokémon are tied to myths, others are grounded in real-world cultures.

In particular, there just so happen to be a handful of pocket monsters with direct links to Latin America. Some of them are super cool and some of them are…well, pretty racist. But they’re all a part of the Pokémon legacy and you should know all about them.

Ludicolo

In typical Pokémon fashion, it’s difficult to tell what Ludicolo’s supposed to be exactly. It’s a pineapple. It’s a duck. It’s a man wearing a poncho and a sombrero who likes to sing and dance? At best, Ludicolo’s supposed to be a tribute to Mexican Mariachi. At worst, it’s just offensive. You decide.

Sigilyph

*#Sigilyph ???????? IV84% CP: 1358 :LVL: 19 Zen Headbutt/Ancient Power :Female: 15/14/9*
38.0669143,23.8125113 pic.twitter.com/yyUd49RNjc

— ✨????????ENGEL Pokémon GO????????✨ (@engel_go) January 16, 2020

Sigilyph is a flying/psychic Pokémon first introduced in the Black and White games. Unlike most Pokémon, Sigilyph isn’t based on a specific animal, but rather a drawing of one. The monster’s design is inspired by the Nazca Lines, a set of artistic geoglyphs etched into the earth of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru.

Hawlucha

Hawlucha is definitely part of the Pokémon wall of fame. It’s a fighting/flying hawk-esque creature with an affinity for airborne wrestling moves inspired by lucha libre. Whereas Ludicolo came across as a slightly-racist reading of a cultural tradition, Hawlucha’s characterization tends to be much more respectful and celebratory. Also it’s just cool.

Wooper

I dont have a single favorite pokemon but Wooper is def a stress reliever. pic.twitter.com/nOqWI1aMsE

— Gavin Vining (@Odin136) January 14, 2020

This Pokémon is inspired by the axolotl, the amphibian endemic to the Mexican Basin, who can regenerate its own body. The Mexican-inspired monster is blue, and has a pair of antennae on its head —which are a clear reference to the gills of Axolotls.

Rayquaza

Rayquaza is a mixture of several mythological beings, but we gotta say that its resemblance to Quetzalcoatl is pretty evident. This is one of the most powerful Pokémon of the franchise’s universe, and there’s a colorful version in the Pokémon Go video game.

Maractus

For foreigners, the cactus is a very Mexican element, and Maractus is a Pokémon-cactus, its bright colors are reminiscent of Mexican culture. In addition, it shakes what would be its hands as if they were maracas, another very “Mexican” element for people —hence the name mar(acas)(ca)ctus.

Mew

When the first Pokémon games were released, Mew was something of an urban legend. When Mew’s existence was finally confirmed and the Pokémon was made available to the public, we learned that Mew was the original Pokémon from which all others descended.

In the first Pokémon movie, Mew’s described as being a psychic capable of learning all moves and transforming into other Pokémon. It’s also explained that researchers looking for the elusive monster eventually (and unknowingly) discover it in the jungles of Guyana. Ancient Guyanese cultures, it’s implied, encountered Mew often enough that they incorporated it into their local mythology, a concept that’s worth pointing out considering that Mew’s known for rendering itself invisible.

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Pokémon has a special place in the hearts of millions around the world. Even the most evil of people can’t help but love the little pocket monsters they grew up with. We can only assume that that goes for the novela villains that have haunted our dreams since we first saw them on tv. If you’ve ever wondered what novela villain you are meant to be, this quiz will use Pokémon to show you.

Fennekin

Slugma

Castform

Magmar

Squirtle

Mudkip

Spheal

Cubchoo

Tangela

Steenee

Turtwig

Bulbasaur

Pikachu

Mareep

Pachirisu

Magnemite

Poochenya

Sneasel

Absol

Deino

Gastly

Litwick

Mimikyu

Spiritomb

Poipole

Gulpin

Zubat

Skorupi

Pick Your PokéSquad And We Will Match You With The Novela Villain You Are Clearly Meant To Be

Teresa

Just like you, your Pokémon have to keep up appearances. We aren't talking about just looking beautiful, but also being a tough opponent for whoever crosses your path. Obviously, you have some strong Teresa vibes and your Pokémon picks prove it.

Catalina Creel

You are all about the hidden strengths and surprises. That's why you picked the Pokémon that have so much more to them than you first see. Sure, they are all pretty powerful when trained right but their evolutions and continued strength proves that you are Catalina Creel.

Soraya Montenegro

Sweet, innocent, and full of venom. There is something so terrifying about someone, or somePokémon, who possess all three in equal parts. You and your PokéSquad are part of that impressively terrifying team. Congrats, Soraya. You know your Pokémon.

Olimpia Mercouri

You keep things classic and kind in most situations. At least, that's what you want them to think. In a matter of seconds, you can turn on those around you and make them all regret crossing you. We won't be messing with you or your fierce PokéSquad.

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READ: This Artist Gave Pokémon The Mayan Makeover You Didn’t Know They Needed

Notice any needed corrections? Please email us at corrections@wearemitu.com