Design wise, its a minimally stylized rendition of an orange carp, giant koi, or similar. The only thing that makes it distinct is the dorsal/ventral spines and long whiskers. Definitely needs more than extended whiskers and some spines to make it a a great designed pokemon. I found it tough to even draw one from memory because it is so generic looking but not in a recognizable-from-normal-fish way.
Just not what Im looking for when I think perfectly designed pokemon. I was going to try making a point about how little it was changed from a real world example but Im out of time and dont want to waste my mock up. Enjoy.
That illustration was never formally released beyond the comic to my knowledge. I like the Unikarp illustration and I appreciate that its move is Dragon Rage (an attack that it could not normally learn). The competition was also excellent, as it showed children the importance of education and perseverance.
I guess since I love magikarp so dearly I too will weigh in with my top 3 (but actually 5), in no particular order because it’s impossible to do so, considering the greatness before our very eyes with each and every one:
Komiya makes me feel actual bliss. A jumping karp contest, with allusions to real life inspirations, waving poliwhirls atop the falls, and eager karps floating below the current jumper. Again, utter joy. Iykkyk (get it?)
I hate to admit it, but this is kanda’s magnum opus to date, even in the face of SV slowbro (which says so, so, so much). We all have eyes and see this marvel. There needs not be words said.
One of so many classics that is still scarcely beaten. The color is immaculate, the simplicity and character. The realness. Those greens are incredible. Such fond memories of my first time seeing this glorious karp on card.
Harada has such a dreamy, ethereal quality to this one. The forced perspective, FISH eye lens, the colors, the glow, the setting, and the spacial night. Similar qualities with Komiya’s latter karp. Lawdy lawd.
Probably it’s exactly about the ownership, a lot fewer people have the fankarp so they don’t know the looks of it in hand. In photos regular shining arguably looks better and it’s also definitely more familiar for most of people voting
These are my top 3 - honestly kinda surprised the tag team special art hasn’t be called out yet. It’s right there at the top with both shining variants for me - I love how the artwork pops and I think this is one of my favorite cards of the whole SM era!
The Oshiyama card is special. Magikarp has consistently been outshining Gyarados in a lot of recent sets. I am also particular to the most recent from the Squirtle Deck:
