Kukui of the Alola Elite Four

The cream rises to the top, brother oh yeah

I thought Prof. Kukui was great, the first professor with an actual personality and role in the story since... maybe ever? I mean yeah I remember the other profs, because I make a damn Pokemon blog so I'm legally obligated to keep that minutia in my brain, taking up vital space that could be used to store things like my wife's birthday and the age of my children, but the point is that they kinda sucked.

And Kukui doesn't suck. I caught all the Macho Man/Ric Flair references he was throwing down, which play into my ground-breaking theory: Prof. Kukui IS the Masked Royal. I know it's hard to believe, but I think if you look at all the facts, you can see where I'm coming from.

anyway, having him play the role of the Champion for your first time attempting the Elite 4 makes sense - the thing is just cobbled together anyway, and really the purpose is just to crown you Champion, so why not play the role of final gatekeeper? On a side note, spinning further attempts as you "defending" your title against a variety of different challengers was brilliant. Especially when Youngster freaking Tristan steps up to the plate.

as for Kukui's design, it's fine. Perfectly fits a casual science bro who's as likely to jump in the water or wrestling ring as he is to conduct research. And that hat is just absolutely the sort of lame company hat that you're forced to wear. He definitely has a matching T-shirt that has the same logo and a slogan like "Alola - Because We Care" on it that he keeps buried in his closet. But mainly I love the guy for his personality and role in the story.


Overall: 10/10

Kahili of the Alola Elite Four

more like Elite Fore amirite


This time, the Elite Four wasn't even set up until the end of the game. As such, the Professor called for the best in the land, and assembled a dream team. The Kahunas are there, except Nanu was invited, but was too based to show up. And Ponii Island doesn't really have a Kahuna. So also this heretofore unmentioned golfer chick is there to make up the numbers.

I can't decide if I like this whole format or not. On one hand, it's neat to know the reputations of the E4 members before you fight them, but maybe rematches are boring? Give me new characters! Or at least make them NPCs I know, but haven't fought.

As for Kahili hereself, she's alright! Wish we'd seen the actual golf course in-game, but she looks like a total pro, and connecting Flying types to Golf via the Eagle/Birdie terminology is genius. What's up with the Push-pop colored club, though? (don't yell at me, I know it's Toucannon flavored)

It's odd that she's the only fresh face, but I like her design well enough. Could use a little... something extra to really sell that she's a step above your average Ace Trainer or Gym Leader, but that's a hard ask when the rest of the E4 is literally composed of Gym Leader equivalents who didn't dress up for the occasion at all, lazy bums.


Overall: 7/10

Hapu of Poni Island

I was doing holiday things, and in Japan, and other stuff! Sorry for the break, let's get back to it and finish this stuff off, in the hopes of a Gen 8 announcement this year.


I was kinda disappointed with how Poni island just seemed like an afterthought. It's my beloved Kauai, yet they made it a dry, uninhabited canyon without really even proper trials. Still, Hapu is cute, so I guess it balances out.

I like her eyebrows and intense stare, she may be smol, but she tuff. Doesn't really look like a kahuna, but that's kind of the point - in fact, she doesn't actually take up the reins officially until you meet her in the story. But the design is nice, with great use of repeating rounded shapes. I want to put her in my pocket and then roll her down a hill!


Overall: 8/10