When the Pokémon series first debuted in 1996, it had no idea that it would be at the height of its popularity decades later with no end in sight for the quirky monster collecting and battling RPG. Pokémon continues to expand in ambitious ways, whether it’s an expansion to anime, live-action films, or any of the niche areas that many Pokémon spin-off experiments have embraced. Pokémon understands that change is necessary for its survival, and it’s not afraid to incorporate new mechanics when necessary.
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Pokémon has slowly introduced new types of Pokémon that represent different subsets of creatures, but Flying-type Pokémon have been around since Generation I. Some of these Flying-type Pokémon are impossible to ignore, but there are also plenty that remain obscure anomalies.
10 Pidove Blends In With The Rest Of The Early Bird Pokémon
Any Pokémon that get introduced early on in the titles as Route One fodder generally face an uphill battle in terms of relevance. These Pokémon are typically introductory creatures that are easy to ditch in favor of more powerful and interesting Pokémon. Pidove comes into the picture in Generation V and despite his endearing look, there’s not much to latch onto here with the Flying- and Normal-type Pokémon hybrid. Admittedly, Pidove’s evolved forms make a greater impression, but the start of this evolutionary chain struggles for relevance.
9 Yanma Feels Like A Disposable Bug That’s A Nuisance More Than An Asset
There are certain type hybrids that are natural combinations and there are plenty of Flying-type Pokémon that are also Dragon or Bug-type Pokémon because of how these creatures are usually already airborne. This can lead to some exciting pairings, but Yanma is a Generation II Pokémon that represents the worst of Flying and Bug-type Pokémon. Yanma resembles a dragonfly, which makes for a unique design back in Generation II, but it offers little beyond this and there are many more exciting insects in the Johto Region.
8 Archen Squanders Its Strong Foundation
By the time that Pokémon reaches Generation V’s Unova Region, there are hundreds of Pokémon that exhibit a very diverse roster of creatures. There are still lots of rewarding Pokémon designs that come after Generation V, but there is also a wide selection that feels derivative of past designs.
Archen is a Unova Pokémon that features some vibrant colors, and it helps that the Bird Pokémon is also a Rock-type hybrid. Archen, as well as its evolved form, Archeops, have potential, but they ultimately feel like one-off Pokémon that the series abandons. Archen is absolutely due for a robust return.
7 Swanna Falls Into The Mix Of The Rest Of Water-Based Flying-Types
There is so much variety when it comes to birds, and so it’s appreciated that Pokémon never limits itself when it comes to inspiration from different bird species. The earliest Flying-type Pokémon are more conventional woodland creatures, but there is a huge cross-section of birds that spend their time by the water. Swanna is a Generation V Pokémon that’s both a Flying and Water-type Pokémon. Swanna is quite gorgeous in terms of its austere swan design, but it’s more of a showpiece than a valuable fighter.
6 Wingull Becomes The Means To An End For More Exciting Pokémon
Wingull is another Flying-type Pokémon that spends its time by the sea and is therefore a Water-type hybrid. Generation III and its Hoenn Region mark an important transition for the series as more unconventional Pokémon designs turn up. Wingull isn’t a bad idea, and it’s a Pokémon that makes more of an impact when it first debuts to Generation III’s more sparse Pokédex. However, Wingull’s evolved form, Pelipper, is the superior Pokémon in every way. Wingull becomes disposable, and it’s Pelipper who ultimately is remembered.
5 Mantyke Is An Odd Flying-Type That Avoids The Skies
Pokémon that are diverse hybrids often represent some of the series’ most creative designs. Mantyke first appears in the waters of Generation IV’s Sinnoh region. The Pokémon is clearly supposed to resemble a manta ray, which is an animal that’s used to an aquatic lifestyle.
Mantyke is a Water-type Pokémon, but it’s also a Flying-type due to its limited ability to soar out of the water with its resourceful fins. Mantyke is a serviceable beginner Pokémon, but the issue here is that it stands out more as a Water-type than a contribution to the Flying-type family.
4 Dartrix Is A Strong Alolan Addition That Deserves A Bigger Showcase
There are some impressive Pokémon that just don’t connect for whatever reason and it’s not until they’ve had a few generations to sink in that the series figures out how to get the most out of them. This is the case with Dartrix, who’s a fairly new Pokémon to come about in the Alola Region from Generation VII. Dartrix is the unique mix of a Flying and Grass-type Pokémon, plus the owl-like Pokémon conveys a very regal demeanor. That being said, not enough has been done with Dartrix to solidify its status among older Pokémon.
3 Drifblim Pales In Comparison To Its Poltergeist Predecessor
Ghost-type Pokémon represent such an unusual section of the series’ universe. There’s something innately frightening about Pokémon that are either supposed to be deceased or toe the line between life and death. Drifblim is a Generation IV Pokémon that’s a hybrid between Flying and Ghost-types, which results in a strange creature. Drifblim is a decent Pokémon, but oddly enough, it’s the Pokémon’s previous form, Drifloon, that stands out more and makes the greater impression. People often forget that Drifloon evolves in the first place because Drifblim feels disposable.
2 Natu Is An Enigma That Feels More Like A Lost Secret Than A Flying-Type Pokémon
The Pokémon series has come a long way since Generation II, but there are some major experiments with creature designs that happen as early as the Johto Region. At this point, there aren’t a ton of mysterious and ancient Pokémon, which helps Natu make a strong first impression. Natu draws inspiration from hieroglyphics and relics of ancient Egypt. It’s technically a Flying-type Pokémon, but it’s also part Psychic-type, and it’s this half of Natu that gets remembered. Natu hasn’t disappeared, but it’s easy to exclude him from the rest of the Flying-type Pokémon.
1 Minior Is A New Flying-Type That Doesn’t Even Look Like A Pokémon
One of the most exciting Pokémon developments is how the recent designs aren’t afraid to experiment with the norm and take some serious liberties. Pokémon have been coming from space and prehistoric eras for generations now, but Minior is a Flying and Rock-type Pokémon that debuts in Generation VII’s Alola Region and might easily be mistaken for an act of nature. Minior is basically space debris and it’s more of an anomaly than an asset. Minior comes in a variety of colors, which is a fun detail, but it still struggles to establish itself as a Pokémon.
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