These Fan Made Legendary Bird Pokemon Designs Are Amazing

Last month, the Pokemon Company stunned the world with the announcement of "regional variants" in Pokemon Sun and Moon, a new twist that plays on the concept of evolution due to differing climates and settings. Several classic Pokemon were shown with wildly different forms because of their exposure to different climates in the Alola region. For instance, the usually Fire-Type Vulpix will appear in Pokemon Sun and Moon as an Ice Type as it lives in the icy mountains far away from predators and hunters.

The new concept has inspired a ton of new fan art, including these amazing designs of the Legendary Birds. Drawn by Deviant Art artist Vince Ruz, these concepts show Articuno as a Fire Pokemon, Zapdos as an Ice Pokemon, and Moltres as a Electric Type. The snowflake design of Zapdos is particularly inspired, as is the thundercloud wings of Moltres. You can check out all three designs in the photo gallery below.

The Legendary Birds have enjoyed a renaissance of sorts in recent weeks thanks to Pokemon Go, which uses the birds as mascots for the three rival teams. While players are supposed to pledge allegiance to their respective bird and team, this hardcore Team Valor player would probably be on Team Mystic had they used these designs instead.