If there is one and only one thing Pokémon GO fans can agree, it’s this: the loading screen art is absolutely amazing. These screens started beautifully and got better over the years and helped Niantic set the tone for events, holidays and entire seasons with artwork with Pokémon and all-male / female trainers in different settings. Yesterday, when the clock struck 12 and the new year, the loading screen was updated with a new image that looks more than just a way to set the tone for 2021. Instead with an image that returns to the whole first episode of the Pokémon anime, it seemed like the image meant a hopeful new beginning … something that I think most agree we need. Now, Pokémon GO artist Jason Marino, the creator responsible for this screen, explained the thought process that went into this striking, inspiring image.
Jason Marino, responsible for many of these beloved loading screens, did just that on Twitter to explain this image Pokémon GO coaches:
This New Year’s @ PokemonGoApp loading screen was something I HAD to do … Let me explain.
Painting a drawer screen is not about a pretty image or an excuse to embrace my inner nerd. Instead, it is an outlet to have one load moment with you. A moment to bring something positive and hopefully memorable.
For this year, it was a moment to bring HOPE.
From the rising Phoenix to the storms that pass. The light at the end of the tunnel and the beginning of a new journey (total Pokémon Ep1). 2020 was a year we would like to forget. It has a lot of “OMG!” moments and took us to some very low places.
As a person who has been through a lot, I can say with confidence, with positive energy, gravel and a bucket full of hope, there is no dark place / obstacle that we can not overcome!
So I’m hopeful, there will be light at the end of this storm and hopefully this drawer screen will remind you of that too. Keep your heads up and happy new year to everyone around the world!
I believe we can all feel deeply.
The episode that Marino refers to is the very first of the series, where Ash struggles to find an injured Pikachu in the city so he can be taken to the Pokémon Center. They are chased by a herd of aggressive Spearow while a storm rages and slows them down. While the Spearow is going to get Ash, who is trying to make himself their target to save Pikachu, Pikachu sees Ash’s heroism and gathers the power to shock the Spearow. After this, both Ash and Pikachu go out and wake up to a new day, while they see a Ho-Oh, a then completely unknown Pokémon, glistening and flying gold to a rainbow, which means a new day.
Prosperous new year, co-coaches.