If there is one thing and only one thing Pokémon GO fans can agree, this is it: the art of the loading screen is absolutely incredible. These screens started out beautiful and got better and better over the years, helping Niantic set the tone for events, holidays and entire seasons with artworks featuring Pokémon and trainers for each man / woman in various environments. Yesterday, when the clock struck 12 and brought in 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 refers to the first episode of Pokémon anime, it looked like the image meant a promising new start … something I believe most would agree we need. Now, Pokémon GO artist Jason Marino, the creator responsible for this canvas, explained the thought process that involved this impressive and inspiring image.
Jason Marino, responsible for many of these beloved loading screens, began to his Twitter explain this image to Pokémon GO coaches:
That New Year’s loading screen @ PokemonGoApp was something I HAD to do … Let me explain.
Painting a loading screen is not making a pretty picture or an excuse to embrace my inner nerd. Instead, it’s an outlet, to have a loading bar moment with you. A moment to bring something positive and, I hope, memorable.
This year was a time to bring HOPE.
From the rising Phoenix to the passing storms. The light at the end of the tunnel and the beginning of a new journey (totally Pokémon Ep1). 2020 was a year that we would like to forget. He brought a lot of “OMG!” moments and took us to some really low places.
As a person who has been through many things, I can safely say, with positive energy, a hint of courage and a bucket full of hope, there is no dark place / obstacle that we cannot overcome!
So I’m hopeful, there will be light at the end of this storm, and luckily, this loading screen reminds you of that, too. For everyone around the world, stay tuned and Happy New Year!
This is a message that I believe we can all feel deeply.
The episode Marino refers to is the first of the series, in which Ash struggles to take an injured Pikachu to the city so that he can be taken to the Pokémon Center. They are chased by a band of aggressive Spearow as a storm intensifies, slowing them down. As the Spear is about to catch Ash, who is trying to become his target to save Pikachu, Pikachu sees Ash’s heroism and gathers strength to shock the Spear. After that, Ash and Pikachu pass out and wake up to a new day, when they see a Ho-Oh, a completely unknown Pokémon, flying towards a rainbow, shiny and golden, signifying a new day.
Happy New Year, fellow coaches.