Pokemon: Pikachu Statue Unveiled in Park

These days, you can't seem to escape Pokemon. Between the massively popular Pokemon GO app and the franchise's upcoming handheld games, pocket monsters are making a comeback in a big way. And, now, it's not just the virtual world being inundated with pokemon - oh no. The creatures are hitting the real world surprisingly hard, and just recently, one fan decided to honor the franchise by erecting a not-so-legal Pikachu statue in a New Orleans park.

Pikachu statue illegally erected over night in New Orleans, La.

Reddit user Salamanagement posted a photo to r/pokemongo which shows the statue in all its electrifying glory. The statue looks antique given its worn appearance, but the statue's aesthetic is anything but old-fashioned. The statue's pre-existing base appears to be made of concrete and features a blue pokeball icon at its center. As for the Pikachu statue itself, the adorable starter can be seen pulling a pouchy face with its arms crossed over its chest.

Seriously, Pikachu looks ready to battle any pigeon that might stupidly decide to use it as a perch. I mean, do you see the creature's narrowed eyes. Yikes!

Salamanagement also posted a short message along with the photo, writing, "A friend of mine took this photo at Terpsichore between prytania and coliseum st. in Nola. Apparently it just appeared over night and no one knows who put it there." So, it's nice to know New Orleans has embraced the phenomenon that is Pokemon. Given the number of historical cemeteries in the city, fans have already been flocking those sites to catch ghost-type pokemon with varying success. But, now, trainers have their very own Pikachu to convene at should they wish.

There's no telling how long the statue will remain in the park considering its illicit status, and some are starting to woner how old the piece really is. Many fans are pointing out Pikachu appears to have 'rubbing spots' on its exposed belly and nose, but others think the mysterious artist intentionally ground the statue down to create its antique look.