‘Similar Art Styles Make the Comparisons Inevitable’ — Palworld and Pokémon Fans Are Arguing Over Whether New Whale Pal Panthalus Copies Kyogre

Palworld and Pokémon fans are arguing over whether a new whale Pal called Panthalus copies the Pokémon, Kyogre.

Palworld creature Panthalus is a massive legendary blue-green whale with a white belly, flared fins and tribal-like markings across its body, plus a large bronze decoration. Beloved Pokémon Kyogre, meanwhile, is a legendary blue whale with a white belly, flared fins and tribal markings across its body, with no bronze decoration.

Writing on social media, some fans have said that the design of Panthalus is “clearly inspired” by Kyogre, even if the concept of a mythical whale is not unique to Pokémon. One fan dubbed the design as “brazen,” though others said it looked “legally distinct” enough.

“I feel like the similar art styles make the comparisons inevitable,” tweeted video game content creator Josh Scorcher. “Like, Game Freak doesn’t own the concept of a legendary/divine whale creature… But you have to be incredibly dishonest to not immediately think of Kyogre when you see this.”

Others, however, have dismissed the comparison. “Literally the only thing they have in common is that they’re both whales,” one fan said. “Panthalus looks NOTHING like Kyorge,” another added. “Concept is there, but I can easily visually distinguish them.”

oh my god