Ranking Pokemon Unova Gym Leaders (and Elite Four) Designs

We're back with a huge list this time!
Thank you patrons! / twiinsiink
Twitter: / twiins_iink

[@mcparty7962]

i wish toxtricity was in gen 5 just so roxie could have it as her ace

[@justcallmeflare]

Gen 5 remakes hopefully or if they do black and white 3

[@Iron_Blood_Enjoyer1933]

@@justcallmeflare Just pray that ICLA doesn't make them, cause they'll just remake B/W with the restrictive Pokedex from those games.

[@legomagic007_YT]

Fun fact: Now she actually has amped form toxtricity in Masters EX

[@vidux6289]

​@@legomagic007_YTShouldn't she have low-key ?

[@lipika2841]

It would've been a good gen to introduce it so for that sole reason alone, but it may not be as popular as it's today cuz Zoroark is the 1 that's serving the semi-mascot role for the region.

[@jtwatts7990]

When it comes to Unova: Lenora is best Pokémon girl. She’s a strong independent black woman who radiates Queen energy, has a small twig husband, is a gym leader AND Museum owner, and can definitely give Whitney a run for her money on them Normal Pokemon

[@DragonBee259]

I was today years old when I found out Chantaul’s bow was supposed to resemble a black cat…

[@Titanxzero1]

I do like Cheren's light blushing, showing he's still new at the position of Gym Leader. I'm confused with Skyla's placement because it seems like you dislike it more than like it.

[@twiinsiink]

Because even though I dislike it I can't deny how good it still is

[@astereotypicalgamer1708]

Twiins had no choice but to rank Drayden so low because no one else had a chance against him in the competition; fans of her Twitch stream will know the man was packing heat.

[@docedeleite16]

I love iris's champion design. looks like an "evolved" form of the original. dressed like a princess, but intead of being the damsel in distress, she is the one commanding the big dragons. and thats even communicated with the shape language of the flowy fabrics of her dress vs the triangular sharp shapes of her hair and tiara.

[@ivanbackfromthecardshop8093]

I feel like this gen was a biggggg leap in character design overall compared to previous gens. Also not apart of the league but id like to shout out biancas sequel design I think its really nice

[@atubofmayonnaise3385]

i dont think its enough to move his place higher but i always liked how burgh's pants resembled accelgor's head

[@mastersword648]

Iris is one of the better designs I would say. She is iconic and her design matches her personality perfectly. Funny you put her dress up higher cuz most fans prefer her OG look. A lot more tomboy. Also Caitlin SCREAMS psychic to me, idk what to say. Even with fairy she gives off an alien and ethereal look.

[@lipika2841]

I like her champion appearance a lot more. The princess look w the tiara & the dress she's wearing along w a fantastic hairstyle (I want that for my player). Sure, her original design is simpler & cleaner, but it could've more pizzazz, which her champion design does have.

[@miatx6818]

The funny thing is. Because Chili, Cilan and Cress are cheffs or waiters. I’ve always imagined they surrounding the guest and giving them dishes representing their type. Like Cilan serving Salades because of the Grass type as a appetizer. Chili serving hot spicy food like spiced Steak or meat as the maindish representing the fire type. And Cress serving drink like Water or other drinks to represent the water type.

[@sushigivesmelife2131]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ANOTHER TWIINS VIDEO!!! You dropped this 👑

[@twiinsiink]

👑 👁👄👁

[@azure389]

I always thought Skyla was a water type gym leader because 1. Her blue color palette made her look more like a water type to me. 2. Her outfit looks more like a swimsuit than what a pilot would wear 3. I thought the propeller in her hair was a cute flower accessory because most swimwear designs have a flower in them.

[@aundersave]

Roxie is definitely one of my Favorite Unovan Gym Leaders so her getting so high just makes me happy.

[@CoralPallet]

2:15 WHY DID YOU ROAST OUR BOY THAT BAD????? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Also yeah Irish and Cheren being so low really does speak of how Unova's designs are so good. Such good characters and great games.

[@nechocat1234]

They both have good designs for a character but they don't feel right for their typing it really comes to that, cheren has the same problem as blue in jhoto, they are the previous rival and look the part but they don't represent nornal type well

[@CoralPallet]

@@nechocat1234 I don't mean to be rude but I understand that. I did watch the video. :p

[@selena44842]

I love these videos, they contain the two things I love about Twiins' channel, video games and character design/color theory

[@slipskolt7300]

I've been waiting for thiiiiiiis! So glad someone went off on Skyla's design, literally agree with everything you said about it lolol. I fully love Alder's design, I think his hair an poncho are great indicators into his personality and story; loud and passionate on the surface but also mysterious and guarded. Grimsley has an amazing design, there are not many Elite 4 member that look like they'd only make sense as an Elite 4 member. Some feel like just a regular type specialist and could be just a gym leader tbh. But Grimsley is design is actually ELITE and just oozes the idea that he is better than you in every conceivable way lololol

[@mittenvonscrufflears7233]

My favorite one is Elesa(the puffy coat one) and no one can change my mind. HER PUFFY COAT IS JUST SO COOL! 😍😍😍

[@potentiallypeanut5576]

I absolutely adore this series, it always has me guessing on who’s gonna be up top. I’m very glad my dear Roxie scored so high! Small question: when it comes to Paldea, will you include Team Star? I don’t expect it, since you haven’t ranked the other villain teams, it’s mostly just me wanting to hear what you think about those goobers haha

[@twiinsiink]

Since they're not part of the Pokemon League, they wouldn't be included. However, I like Paldea so much that I'd probably make a second video ranking team star and the teachers!

[@potentiallypeanut5576]

⁠​⁠@@twiinsiinkoh lets goo!! :DD

[@danigaming_]

I love my dark type gambling rambling boiiii💅♥️😍

[@IoAKAIolite]

I should have known Twiins' favourite would be the edgy twink

[@shayanwallace]

YESSSS! I'm so happy we're getting another one of these videos!

[@IronAries08]

I feel a scarf that resembles Chandelure's flames could be a better fit for Shauntal instead of that huge ribbon. I never realized it was meant to resemble a cat, I always thought it was a flower.

[@lipika2841]

Or a puffed up bow🎀

[@spring626]

Got a pokemon ad before the video started.

[@twiinsiink]

It's fate!

[@MysteryMedia2001]

Yes! Was hoping my boy grimsley would score high. Also I agree, his sharpedo alt in masters is somehow even better

[@romulusnuma116]

Yes, the best generations you best respect my girl Roxie.

[@cherrydreampalladin9784]

I agree with your final comments about how the designers just got better and better at designing the gym leaders, I think once you get to Paldea you are going to have to rank them all by your personal preference because I can only think of one gym leader there who is lacking (according to how you score them). Also, my fave designs are Roxie, Iris and Shauntal.

[@KeDe1606]

I‘m pretty sure the fairy types got introduced in the next gen (the Kalos games), not this one. But I still certainly understand where the criticism‘s coming from. A lot of those designs are very cutesy, and certainly do fit the image of a modern fairy type trainer. Especially Caitlin. Honestly, it’s weird that the fairy type DIDN‘T exist in the Black and White games, given how weirdly prevalent dragons are here

[@youdonotcare]

I think the "sheer hair accessory" you mentioned on chanpion iris is her hagoromo. Basically, hagoromo literally means "feather robe", but it also refers to the strip of silk or sheer fabric that allows tennyo (think like, buddhist angel woman) to fly. When you put one on a character they look divine or otherworldly. Basically iris is saying she's got god and anime on her side

[@felipeveloso1578]

Iris is one of my favorite characters ever. especially because of what you said about her appearance not matching her type. She is a princess, but instead of being kidnapped by dragons, she makes them her little pets.

[@CherryArtemis0]

Loved the tier list. Super fun to watch. I will note that I like the blue on Elesa's 2nd design better than the black. Maybe it could work with a different pose or without the jacket, or if her hair was styled differently, but the blue definitely breaks up the colors between her hair and jacket. Since pokemon uses pretty limited color palettes, if a color is used in multiple places, it will most likely be the same shade. Making the yellow and black the same shade as her hair and outfit makes the whole ensemble kind of clash. The blue gives it a more striking look while also separating the yellow on her outfit with the yellow of her jacket

[@lipika2841]

Elesa's redesign outmatches the original due to black hair, visor, hair sorta shaped like a lightning bolt & you're right about the added blue color in this design. Have u noticed that the wires attached to her hair kinda resemble those from Electivire's. Tho I just checked to see whether or not she uses a Electivire & she doesn't. (Boy how many times have I commented or replied in this 1 video, but I sure am having fun w it.)

[@kelico8407]

It’s kind of unfair to say a certain designs evokes fairy type, purely due to the fact that it wasn’t introduced yet imo

[@Everythingwillsurelybealright]

I love these lists so much!

[@jota3966]

Skyla and Drayden have some of the best designs and the best personalities, I think they are extremely low on the list.

[@Sugarsoleil_uwu]

Unova is my all time favorite Gen and where my favorite designs come from! One of the things that really pushed into character design and story 🥰

[@powersurge_beast]

This has been so much fun to binge!!!!!

[@Raysmr4]

So glad Grimsley won. He’s my favorite human character, his design and personality are so cool!

[@VaguelyRowlet]

Ay I've been waiting for this one!! This is my favorite generation

[@mitsunitaiko1742]

There's a gigabrain move about Iris' champion design I kinda wish you mentioned. Her hair loopies are reminiscent of Haxorus' axes. The top of her hair looks like Hydreigon's head and her giant ponytail reminds me of a dragon tail. It's genius

[@wahajhaider6313]

I love these videos

[@j-chandoseart]

I find your ranking very different from what I would've done. That's kinda neet to see

[@williamswonderland3636]

This is when the series got good, fight me

[@codman4372wx]

I've always had a soft spot for unova

[@lillianlycoris]

Grimsley my belubed ❤❤❤

[@troperhghar9898]

Twiins said shed be an electric trainer and critter a fighting trainer but what would thier teams be?

[@ToastyGhostie-np9bd]

not to be annoying but I believe it's critter who said she'd be electric and twiins said she'd be fighting

[@boocatjones7116]

Ngl it made me a little sad that Iris’s designs were pretty low on the list but I do agree with you 100%.

[@jwall1646]

Wow I’ve actually never heard of Alder. CRAZY!

[@mirramirraonthewall]

If I remember correctly, the little propeller thing on Skyla’s head also moves like a plane propeller too, which I don’t know is better or worse…

[@eclipses3131]

Omg grimsley with black hair is mmm 😮‍💨 so damn cool

[@Iron_Blood_Enjoyer1933]

Let's hope that either the Gen. 5 remakes (B2/W2 like) aren't done by ICLA, given how the disastrous release of BDSP have soured our expectations. Although I'd be really happy with a 'Legends: Kyurem' game.

[@FuzHammer]

Putting Clay above Drayden Skyla & Lenora should be a war crime bro's ugly afff😭😭

[@ToastyGhostie-np9bd]

I know Skyla is very cute (I personally love Skyla's outfit) but Clay REALLY communicates his typing SO well: his shape theory is very square and grounded, fitting for the type, he's in a lot of beige and brown, but he also has pops of blue to keep his design from being boring, his hat with the huge gem? On it kinna makes me think he's affluent, and I gotta say Clay SCREAMS character and personality! Like as soon as I saw Clay I was like - oh I know what this mf is ABOUT. And that's great character design. But don't get me wrong, Skyla is FRIGGIN ADORABLE and I do not appreciate her slander here 🤣

[@chorizord6974]

We need to see White Boy Summer Marlon

[@amberwingtundrawing776]

Marlon in Winter with no tan is the scariest thing I've heard, the jumpscare of that

[@pokepress]

I like to imagine someone putting Shauntal on a date with Egon Spengler that goes horribly wrong when he tells her “Print is dead”.

[@lucad9667]

Maybe they could have played around with how the triplets wear their shirts and vests to give them a bit more personality. Cilan could stay the same, being the refined, polite type who would care the most about keeping a prim and proper appearance. Cress I always imagine being a bit more cheeky/flirty, so I could see him with his vest and shirt buttons being more undone to give him a bit of sexy cleavage. And Chili as the hot-head would probably roll up his sleeves to allow more arm movement. Just some quick ideas.

[@rainbowphoenix1363]

I really really hope you're going to look through the myriad of Pokemon Masters designs for the characters to see how they improve/regress the character designs because when they hit they hit but there are some mondo uggo designs in that game

[@flyingfist4203]

Wohoo! Gen 5!

[@Hamantha]

I think Shauntal’s big ribbon would probably work better if she were heavier set and not frail as hell

[@PeriwinklePig]

Wait, Shauntal's ribbon was supposed to resemble a cat? 🤯 Also it feels weird to see someone _not_ shit on Marlon's design lol. That tan gained some ire from people (on top of people not finding him interesting when compared to Brycen.)

[@LibertyLocalizer]

Justice for Cheren

[@israelnicholas3790]

YEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@Mr.Cynical]

You're just a hater. You ranked Skyla so low because you hate her. I will not STAND for this! No, I don't have a crush on her. No, I don't have a bias because I love Mega Man-esque design features in characters. That's just you imagining things. (Great video, by the way. 🖤)

[@ivanbackfromthecardshop8093]

Omg that is a black cat huh....

[@vicentetemes5793]

an interesting list, sadly bw2 elesa is simply better and you are wrong, sorry, you'll have to burn your computer now

[@theepickyo]

I thought marshal had a blue bottom lip this whole time 😅

[@NerdKing2nd]

Correct me if i am wrong but wasn't the Fairy type introduced in Gen 6 not Gen 5, if so any possible association with it should have no impact on judgment since it did not exist yet to cause confusing elements, before gen 6 Physic was the stand in magic type so those elements that are throwing you of actual make sense before that change.

[@twiinsiink]

Yes, fairy type was introduced in Gen 6. I didn't feel the need to specify that because I'm assuming the viewer knows that and doesn't need me to hold their hand. Much like how I mention Larry, Seibold, and Katy, I readily acknowledge generations to come when I make these videos. Because I'm not ranking them in the mindset of "when the game came out", I'm ranking them based on my opinion NOW. You could do this differently if you were to make your own video, but this is how I like to approach it for mine.

[@rachadlendar4918]

That's pretty stupid ​@@twiinsiink

[@yamjay5613]

Watch me cry when Katy isn't even in the top 5 for the Gen 9 games

[@twiinsiink]

I don't have Gen 9 ranked out yet, but I think Katy looks pretty fly. If she doesn't get at least the top half of the list, it's because Paldea's designs are all pretty fire

[@kriblar98]

Ngl when I first saw grimley I thought he looked like Swellow and thought he’d be a flying type leader also Chantal is camp at and I love her dumb “little” neck bow thing

[@beebs4283]

no emmet and ingo… 🥲

[@twiinsiink]

They are not gym leaders

[@lipika2841]

The blue mouth guard on Marshall does look ugly & unneeded. The blue accents on his arms & pants were enuf. Doesnt Marlon's design elements gives off Vaporeon vibes? Alder, Benga & Lysander have similar red coloured hair but none of them are 🔥-type specialist, which I thought was interesting to point out. It just shows how lame Lysander's design is. Cuz for whatever reason they decided to follow up G5 & make his hair so similar to the other 2 right after it.