Generation VII'sPokémon Sun & Moonsaw players and Ash in the anime heading to a tropical paradise called Alola, based on Hawaii. While the games and series were quite well received, their reputations have grown somewhat polarizing over the years. Alola proved to be a scenic region and also brought many changes to the franchise, including the introduction of Z-Moves, alternate forms of classic Pokémon, and the removal of Gym Leaders.

For a license known for not deviating from the status quo too frequently,Pokémon Sun & Moonstand out due to their willingness to take risks, even if their core gameplay remains largely consistent with the rest of the series. Generation VII sparked some intense reactions from fans, which naturally led to the creation of many Alola-themed memes.

10 Change Can Be Difficult

Comic by Synth_G2.

In a single page, Synth_G2's meme manages to reference all of the more divisive features of Generation VII and Alola. As exciting as the idea of region-specific Pokémon might be, Alola did not quite manage to consistently deliver on the concept's potential. In fact,Pokémon Sword & Shieldwould doa better job of refreshing the designs of earlier Pokédex entries.

Z-Moves have yet to make an appearance following the Generation VII games, so it looks like they are destined to be restricted to the Alola region.

9 Game Freak's Process

Along with the removal of Gym Leaders, Game Freak's decision to update the aesthetics of some older Pokémon was the most polarizing aspect of Generation VII. The problem was that many of the redesigns were a touch underwhelming, even if the series did try to contextualize the changes.

Exeggutor is perhaps the most nonsensical example, as the Alolan version is somehow classified as a Grass/Dragon-type simply because its neck is longer due to it receiving more sun. A more creative design would not have hurt.

8 Regional Differences

Compared to some other Alolan redesigns, Persian did at least receive a more substantial makeover. While cool enough, the Kanto version has a relatively unspectacular look, as the Pokémon sticks a bit too close to the real-life feline. Conversely, the Alolan Persian went full-on cartoon.

This meme pokes fun at the facial composition of Generation VII's Persian, although using a dog for the punchline is an odd touch. Are there just too many cat memes out there already?

7 Charizard's Hopes & Dreams

Despite what its design must suggest, Charizard is a Fire/Flying-type and is not classified as a Dragon. Dragon-type has been a part ofPokémonsince Generation I, so Game Freak made a mindful decision to not classify Charizard as one.

This strangely depressing meme pushes Charizard's identity crisis to the forefront, as the beloved Generation I starter tries to make sense of its appearance. If Exeggutor only needs to stretch its neck to become a Dragon, then there is no reason Charizard cannot do the same. The Pokémon just needs to spend a bit more time in the Alolan sun.

6 Glove World

In a match made in meme heaven,PokémonandSpongeBob Squarepantscombined their massive fanbases to create this odd crossover.Pokémon Sun & Moon's female playable character has a peculiarly shaped beanie on her head, one that seems to resemble a glove. Therefore, the only explanation is that she went to the theme park under the sea, Glove World!

SpongeBob and Patrick's designs would not look all that out of place in a Pokedex, especially the one of Alola.

5 Blessed

One of the most interesting Generation VII debutants was Mimikyu, a Ghost-type draped in a Pikachu costume. Although this outfit is worn to protect Mimikyu from sunlight, the Pokémon also specifically dresses as Pikachu because it is envious of the latter's popularity. Mimikyu wants to be loved but tends to react aggressively when approached by trainers or other Pokémon.

A welcome change of pace, this meme is heartwarming rather than funny or outrageous. Mimikyu has found someone it feels comfortable with.

4 Alolan Gyarados

Game Freak might sometimes struggle when it comes to creating compelling new designs of Pokémon, but the studio has yet to reach the absolute bottom of the barrel. If that were to ever happen, this Gyarados might just be the end result.

The thing is that this meme's fake Alolan Gyarados is not significantly worse than a Diglett with three hairs or a Golem that needs a shave. At the very least, this meme's Pokémon is unique.

3 Uber Alola

Like the games,Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moonalso changed up the formula for the anime. Opting for a more slice of life tone at the expense of battles or a sense of adventure, theSun & Moonanime largely takes place on Melemele Island and revolves around Ash's time in the Pokémon School.

The anime's first episode, which features this scene of Tauros acting as a taxi, wastes little time in establishing thatSun & Moonwill be a more laid back series. On Melemele Island, nobody is in a rush.

2 Ideas

Despite being based on Hawaii, Alola's Pokémon are not necessarily inspired by the region. Overall, Generation VII tried to keep things simple when it came to new Pokémon.

This is best reflected by the uninspired designs of the starters, especially their base forms. Litten is just a cat, Rowlet is an Owl that really likes to nap, and Popplio is a blue sea lion. Their subsequent evolutions are a bit more interesting, but Alola does not feature the most unique of starters.

1 Finally

Alola holds a special place in the franchise's history as the first region to crown Ash a Pokémon Champion. After approximately two decades, the trainer from Pallet Town finally managed to go all the way and win the big one. Not too bad for a 10-year-old.

For the Pokémon's anime, Ash's eternal youth has been a constant target for ribbing. Considering this a world where children can be repeatedly electrocuted and Team Rocket can fly off into space a thousand times without getting seriously hurt, then Ash having access to the fountain of youth does not seem all that farfetched.

NEXT: Pokémon: Ranking The 10 Most Underrated Alola Pokémon