>>53198988I didn't really think about it too much, my child brain was just 'wow cool strong dragon'.
In later years, I've come to appreciate it's 'cute but strong' vibe. As for its departure from Dratini and Dragonair, it's a little weird, but doesn't bother me.
I heard it's based off a Korean legend about sea serpent dragons that live in underwater caves, and if they live for 1000 years, they catch a jewel from the sky and become a real dragon. Dragonair has what looks like jewels on its head and tail. And 1000 years could refer to how it evolves super late by gen 1 standards.
