19. Xatu
I have always been attracted to Pokémon with an air of dark mystery, to that certain point where they become more fascinating than scary. Xatu has always been one of those creatures for me. Ive only managed to capture one or two in fourteen years of steady Pokémon playing, but Ive also always longed to have one properly in my team. Xatu conveys a natural air of mystery. Green with standout wings and eyes upon its chest, it is the most obviously different bird Pokémon outside of the legendries. You honestly get the sense that it could tell the future, and then would keep it to itself just to continue being mysterious. It has a certain sense of timelessness and fascination, it stands out in a crowd. There is also the fact that it appeals to a certain sense of history, that only adds to the ageless feel. Xatu was apparently based on a totem pole, and looking at pictures of them it is clear to see the resemblance. This only adds to the air of mystery. Theyre steeped in culture and myth, and call back to something that we really should think about a bit more. They open a path to think and even talk about tradition. Beyond this, they convey their intended purpose really well. Xatu is supposed to be a mystic Pokémon, and you certainly get the air of a mystical creature from them. Theyre also supposed to be wise Pokémon, and yet again you get the impression of a certain wisdom. If a Xatu told me something I would certainly listen to it Not that it actually would tell me anything, due to being only able to speak its own name and unfortunately not real besides. And, finally, they just look really cool! Most further evolutions of bird Pokémon get more badass, but Xatu is one of the most. It looks like it could make most things quail just by standing there and looking rather wise, and also looks slightly like it could be perfectly at home on the arm of the gangster. Xatu is a Pokémon that conveys an air of effortless cool, and that should be appreciated.