Thursday, May 31, 2012

Looks like Pokémon Black and White 2 will be just as gay (literally) as their predecessors

Those of you who have been visiting this little, rainbow-splashed slice of the Internet may remember a post I published just over a year ago. It's headline: "There's something about Brycen (or, Pokémon Black is pretty gay, isn't it?)."

In that post, I rather cheekily suggested that Pokémon Black and White--or, more specifically, a number of those game's gym leaders--were gayer than the Golden Girls dressing up as Cher, Judy, Lady Gaga and Madonna and singing a mash-up of "I Will Survive" and "YMCA" (hey, it could happen) at Elton John's Halloween party. (Yes, I know I just dated myself with that remark.)

Thanks in large part to this recent post over at the Video Games Made Me Gay tumblog, I'm getting the distinct impression that Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 will be just as gay.

What makes me think Shizui (right), one of this sequel's many gym leaders, is gay, you ask? Well, for starters, there's his glitter-covered coiffure. And then there's his broad shoulders, shaved bod and fashion-forward (not to mention skintight) trousers.

Granted, that nasty tan line around Shizui's waist is a bit questionable, as is his lack of nipples (aren't those, um, a requirement?), but I still think he's likely "gayer than a three-dollar bill," as my mom used to say. (Don't worry, I got her to stop long ago.)

Anyway, all of the above really is just a long way of me saying that I'll be plopping down my hard-earned cash on Pokémon Black 2 (or maybe Pokémon White 2) as soon as someone allows me to pre-order it.

16 comments:

Viewtiful_Justin said...

Me, too! I'm way excited for it to come out. And...what's with Nintendo being against nipples?! None of their shirtless male characters have nipples, that I've seen. Xenoblade has a surprising lack of nipples.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Glad to hear you're looking forward to this one, too, Justin! As for Nintendo being against nipples: I don't know what's up with it, either :|

Anonymous said...

I am truly offended by the lack of nipples too :/

He also has white feet which is a bit disturbing, I love his hair though! :D

Yeah he does look a bit gay, to be honest Japanese media culture has always tended to stylise using more abstract and avant-garde designs, I don't think they really have a perception of what looks gay or not to westerners.

I can't wait for Black 2 btw! :D

Bryan Ochalla said...

Hey there, Josef!

My post was at least somewhat in jest. That said, I do think many Pokemon games can be seen as somewhat gay -- Black/White and Black/White 2, especially.

I have no idea if that's intentional on the part of its developers, of course. Based on what you're saying, it sounds as if it could be coincidental.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to it, too :D

Zack said...

Nice to see the word gay used properly(somewhat). I'm sick of hearing kids at my high school use gay as an insult. I'm not even gay and it annoys me.

diaglyph said...

Yea I'm not interested in Pokemon, so I'm just commenting about the nipples LOL I just find it amusing how games have a lack of nipples, like Xenoblade.
Must be weird to live in a world without nipples :p

Bryan Ochalla said...

Zack: Oh, I'd definitely never use the word gay on this blog to denote that something is "bad," dumb," "lame," etc.

As for me using it somewhat properly: Just know that this post is supposed to be taken lightly, in a kind of tongue-in-cheek manner.

Hopefully it won't turn off too many people. It's all meant in fun!

Bryan Ochalla said...

Igor: I'm not sure why game devs, Nintendo especially, are worried about giving male characters nipples. I guess it's too titillating? I find it all a bit creepy, personally :|

diaglyph said...

haha yea, though they should just follow Disney's lead - Disney's not afraid of nipples

Bryan Ochalla said...

Really? I'd think Disney would be afraid of them, too. Well, if they aren't, Nintendo shouldn't be either, in my opinion!

diaglyph said...

hmm ok looks like I could be wrong LOL did a quick google of some characters - no nipples or "masterfully" covered by clothing LOL (well except Tarzan, just circles but still something!)
the only nipples I see are mostly on fan art
*sigh*
those dangerous nipples! they will destroy the world! and lead kids down the dark path!

So, what were we talking about originally?

Bryan Ochalla said...

Yeah, avoiding nipples is weird. I mean, I guess including nipples is just too sexual? But shouldn't even fairly young kids realize all of us have nipples? Weird.

As for what we were talking about originally: Pokemon Black/White 2 and how literally gay it seems it will be, plus one of the gym leaders' lack of nipples...

Unknown said...

I'm glad to hear you appreciate Shizui, Bryan! I've actually made it a habit to collect all the Shizui fanart I could find since his first reveal, but sadly he isn't nearly as popular as that preteen girl gym leader with a guitar. Figures.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Hey there, Anne! Welcome back!! Are you ready to get your podcast on? ;)

As for Shizui: Oh, yes, I definitely appreciate him, despite his lack of nipples :)

Are you going to post this Shizui fanart you speak of on your blog at some point, BTW, or are you just keeping it for yourself?

Regardless, I'm very much looking forward to this game. I probably should try to beat the "original" Black and White before it's released, though.

I'm guessing you've already beaten either Black or White?

Unknown said...

Oh, I'm ready!

Yeah, I do admit his lack of nipples is quite is disturbing.

Actually, I've just been posting them on my very neglected Tumblr, as none of them have been wowing enough to put up as a separate post on my blog. I haven't been keeping up lately, so most are on page 2 or earlier: http://apricotsushi.tumblr.com/page/2

Yeah... Admittedly, I haven't beaten White myself! I'm close to the end, though... I think I just have one gym leader and the Elite 4 left. Better get on it soon!

Bryan Ochalla said...

Anne: I didn't even know you had a Tumblr! Cool :)

I'm glad to hear I'm not alone in not yet beating Pokemon White/Black, BTW. I really liked it while I played it, so I'm not sure why I walked away from it. Oh, well, I'll do my best to get back to it before Black 2/White 2 come out...