>>29275408Right? The black sand beaches were one of the more memorable parts of my visit to Hawaii. I almost wish this could be the normal form but it would be lost on most people.
Palossand's shiny is just one example of my favorite thing about this gen: the amount of love and effort put into the world as a living ecosystem and region. I've seen people describe it as a "biologist's wet dream," and this is one bio teacher who agrees. The different circadian rhythms of Yungoos and Rattata mirrors the introduction of these devastating invasive species in real life: mongoose were brought in to hunt rats but their alternating activity times meant they basically just ended up tag-teaming the native birds. Wishiwashi represents the amazing phenomenon of schooling, the Oricorio forms are a clever and adorable take on the honeycreepers that are endemic to specific islands, and a number of unusual animals like bee flies, coconut and yeti crabs, mata matas, and orchid mantids are represented. I WISH there were more Alola Forms: it's such a great idea with a basis in real evolution and many of them are very well executed.
I also cannot express how happy I am with the Rowlet line. Owls are bar none my favorite animals, and Noctowl is a cool guy but was always a bit bland in the incredible world of Pokémon. Basing them off Barn Owls, giving them elemental powers, a unique theme, and illustrating their personality has brought the line into the ranks of my favorites. Can't wait to see the stats, moves, and hidden ability. Here's to hoping Rowlet3 is at least passable in battle...the subtle signs of possible favoritism give me some hope.
Going back to shinies, I love Rowlet3's. Yeah, it's just the typical "cool black starter" look, but it suits the Pokémon. It looks very similar to the Sooty Owl, a member of the Barn Owl family, but black and white also reminds me of the Snowy Owl, my lifelong favorite.
