Summary
APokemonfan has created a new evolution for Barboach. While thePokemonfan artist says that they like Barboach’s normal evolution, Whiscash, they’ve come up with a design for a “cooler” evolution that some may find makes more sense as a second form than what it has in the official series.
Experiencing a Pokemon’s evolution tends to be a cool moment for Pokemon trainers, but the results aren’t always something fans are excited by. In some cases,Pokemon evolutions can dramatically change the appearanceor overall qualities of a Pokemon in a way that their trainer might not like. For anyone who has felt that way about Whiscash, this new form might go over better.
On Reddit,Pokemonfan artist GusMarkkesArt has shared their concept of what analternate Barboach evolutioncould be like, introducing Tidoach. GusMarkkesArt explained that they were inspired by how Pokemon like Magikarp and Feebas go from “ugly” to “cooler” when they evolve, so they came up with Tidoach to take Whiscash’s place. Tidoach includes elements of Barboach’s appearance, but gives it a twist based upon surfing. According to the artist’s lore, Tidoach was once used to ferry people across rivers, but is now best known for acting as surfboards in Tidoach surfing contests.
Tidoach Is a Fitting Follow-Up for Barboach
Barboach’s actual evolution Whiscash is a bit odd, as it transforms the loach-like Pokemon into something more akin to a rotund catfish. Tidoach, on the other hand, maintains the whiskers from Whiscash, but retains a serpentine-like overall shape and design. Instead of having a “derpy” facial expression, Tidoach seems more intense and predator-like in its facial features. The artist also shared some images demonstrating how much bigger Tidoach is than both its first form and humans, as well as some action shots, including thePokemon being used to surf.
Players in the comments seem to like the idea of Tidoach, with some noting that they don’t like the goofier look that Whiscash takes on. Several wondered if this might work as a regional form, especially since the artist took inspiration from tidal bore surfing in Brazil. To that end, one suggested that Barboach might turn into Tidoach if it were to evolve south ofHoenn. Another suggested that it might be able to use a King’s Rock to evolve, which would allow players to easily choose between Tidoach or Whiscash, as there are still many fans of Whiscash.
Pokemonnever fails to inspire artists, and they readily share the possibilities their imaginations have come up with. It remains to be seen if Barboach will ever get a new evolution or alternate form in the official series, but fans may come up with additional ideas for the Pokemon.
