Ever wondered what would happen if your favorite Disney characters had Pokémon sidekicks? Well, wonder no more! Artist Krista Staggs (aka Kuitsuku) has answered that question with her absolutely enchanting series of illustrations that’ll make both Disney and Pokémon fans squeal with delight.
These aren’t just random pairings either—each Disney character has been thoughtfully matched with a Pokémon that complements their personality or story. Belle with the bookish but powerful Ursaring? Ariel with a Magikarp that’s just waiting to evolve into something spectacular? It’s like these duos were meant to be!
Kuitsuku has managed to capture the essence of both worlds, creating magical crossovers that’ll have you saying “Why didn’t I think of that?” The attention to detail in each drawing showcases not just artistic talent but a deep understanding of both franchises.
Ready to see these magical mashups for yourself? Check out Kuitsuku’s work on her website or follow her on Instagram for more delightful creations!
Belle & Ursaring
In this charming portrait, Belle—the intelligent and free-spirited bookworm from Beauty and the Beast—finds a kindred spirit in the powerful yet misunderstood Ursaring. Just as Belle saw beyond the Beast’s intimidating exterior to the gentle heart within, she recognizes something special in this fierce-looking Pokémon. While Ursaring may seem territorial and grumpy to most trainers, Belle’s compassionate nature has earned its trust completely. Together, they spend peaceful afternoons reading in the castle library, with Belle nestled comfortably against Ursaring’s warm fur. The villagers might raise eyebrows at this unusual friendship, but Belle has never cared for conformity anyway—and with her protective Pokémon companion ready to defend her against the likes of Gaston, she’s free to follow her curious mind wherever it leads.
Jasmine & Pidgey
Princess Jasmine, who longed for freedom beyond palace walls, couldn’t have found a better Pokémon companion than the gentle Pidgey. This pairing perfectly symbolizes Jasmine’s independent spirit and desire to soar beyond the confines of royal expectations. While Jasmine is confident and strong-willed, Pidgey’s docile nature complements her fiery personality, offering a calming presence when palace politics become overwhelming. Together they explore Agrabah from above, with Jasmine delighting in the bird’s-eye view of her kingdom that mirrors her own desire for perspective. Just as Jasmine was willing to see the diamond in the rough that was Aladdin, she cherishes this small flying Pokémon not for its power but for its loyal heart and the shared joy they find in flight. When Jasmine whispers “show me the world,” Pidgey responds with eager chirps, ready for another adventure.
Stitch & Pikachu
This mischievous duo is truly electric! Stitch, the hyperactive alien experiment designed for chaos, has found his perfect match in the energetic Pikachu. Both small in stature but enormous in personality, they share an impish sense of humor and boundless energy that keeps Lilo constantly on her toes. Stitch’s short temper is perfectly balanced by Pikachu’s playful nature, though the occasional spark flies when both get overexcited. Together, they’ve been known to cause island-wide power outages during their more enthusiastic play sessions! Yet beneath their troublemaking exterior lies a deep loyalty—both Pikachu and Stitch would do anything to protect their ohana. Kuitsuku beautifully captures that protective instinct in this illustration, showing how these two rambunctious characters share not just a love of adventure, but also that special spark of belonging that transformed Experiment 626 from a destroyer to a defender.
Tiana & Politoed
Hardworking, determined Tiana couldn’t have found a more fitting Pokémon partner than the cheerful Politoed. Just as Tiana poured her heart into creating her dream restaurant in New Orleans, her Politoed brings the same dedication to everything it does, whether helping in the kitchen or entertaining guests with its melodious croaking. The vibrant green of Politoed mirrors Tiana’s favorite color and her connection to the bayou that played such an important role in her journey. Both share an infectious optimism—Tiana through her unwavering work ethic and Politoed through its natural ability to gather and lead others with its distinctive call. In Kuitsuku’s delightful illustration, you can almost hear Politoed keeping rhythm as Tiana cooks up her famous gumbo, their partnership embodying the perfect blend of determination and joy that makes Tiana’s Palace the heartbeat of the French Quarter.
Merida & Teddiursa
Bold, fiery Merida and the shy, gentle Teddiursa form an unexpected but perfect partnership in this captivating illustration. While Merida is known for her headstrong independence and adventurous spirit, she’s developed a soft spot for this adorable bear cub Pokémon that reminds her of the triplets after her mother’s transformation. The Scottish princess who famously declared “my fate is my own” has found in Teddiursa a companion who admires her courage while bringing out her protective instincts. Together they roam the Highlands, with Merida teaching her furry friend archery (with mixed results) and Teddiursa helping her forage for honey and berries during their wilderness adventures. Kuitsuku brilliantly captures the contrast between Merida’s fierce determination and Teddiursa’s sweet innocence, showing how these seemingly opposite personalities bring out the best in each other—much like Merida’s own journey of reconciliation with her mother.
Vanellope & Jigglypuff
Talk about a sugar rush meets lullaby! Vanellope von Schweetz, the sassy glitch-turned-racer from Sugar Rush, has found the perfect counterbalance to her hyperactive energy in the melodious Jigglypuff. This pairing is brilliantly ironic—Vanellope can barely sit still for a second, while Jigglypuff’s signature move puts everyone to sleep! Kuitsuku captures their dynamic perfectly, with Vanellope’s mischievous grin suggesting she’s found a way to use Jigglypuff’s singing to her competitive advantage during races. Both characters share an underlying sweetness beneath their tough exteriors—Vanellope’s hidden vulnerability as a glitch and Jigglypuff’s sensitivity about its audience falling asleep. Together, they’re the candy kingdom’s most unpredictable duo, with Vanellope’s razor-tongued wit and Jigglypuff’s inflatable defenses ensuring no one ever underestimates either of them again. You can almost hear Vanellope saying, “It’s not just singing, princess—it’s a strategic nap deployment system!”
Simba & Shinx
In this regal portrait, the young lion prince Simba finds a kindred spirit in the electric cub Pokémon, Shinx. Both are playful youngsters destined for greatness, with Shinx’s evolution into the majestic Luxray mirroring Simba’s own journey from carefree cub to responsible king. The Pride Lands and the electric fields of Shinx’s habitat may differ, but both understand the importance of finding one’s place in the great circle of life. Kuitsuku brilliantly captures the moment of bonding between these two proud felines—Simba’s curious playfulness and Shinx’s developing electrical abilities creating literal sparks as they explore together. Just as Simba had to learn the weight of leadership, Shinx’s growing power requires discipline and control. Together they embody the perfect balance of boundless energy and royal dignity, with Shinx lighting up the savanna during those nighttime adventures when they just can’t wait to be king.
Cheshire Cat & Gengar
What happens when the most mischievous cat in Wonderland meets the shadow-dwelling prankster of the Pokémon world? Pure, delightful chaos! The Cheshire Cat, with his enigmatic grin and ability to disappear leaving only his smile behind, has found his spiritual twin in the ghostly Gengar. Both share a love of mischief and mind games, appearing and disappearing to confound others with their riddles and tricks. Kuitsuku brilliantly captures their kindred spirits in this illustration, where it’s almost impossible to tell where the Cat’s grin ends and Gengar’s mischievous smile begins. Both exist in the shadowy spaces between worlds—the Cat in the nonsensical realm of Wonderland and Gengar in the space between the living and spirit worlds. Together, they’ve elevated pranking to an art form, leaving a trail of confusion and upside-down logic that would make even the Queen of Hearts think twice before shouting “Off with their heads!”
Ariel & Magikarp
In perhaps the most poetically perfect pairing, the curious mermaid princess Ariel finds a kindred spirit in Magikarp, the seemingly unremarkable water Pokémon with hidden potential. Just as Ariel dreamed of being “part of that world” above the waves, Magikarp’s destiny is to transform from an underwhelming fish into the mighty Gyarados. Kuitsuku cleverly captures the essence of their shared journey—both misunderstood by their own communities, both with aspirations beyond their current forms. Ariel’s compassionate nature sees value in this fish that others dismiss as weak, recognizing a fellow collector of human treasures and dreamer of bigger possibilities. There’s a beautiful irony in their friendship: a mermaid who wishes to walk on land befriending a fish with the potential to soar through the skies. Together they explore underwater caves collecting thingamabobs, with Ariel helping Magikarp strengthen its splashing skills—unaware that she’s nurturing a transformation as dramatic as her own would someday be.
Peter Pan & Scraggy
The boy who never grew up has found his perfect sidekick in Scraggy, the Pokémon perpetually holding up its own loose skin! Peter Pan’s cocky, adventurous spirit perfectly complements Scraggy’s headstrong and overconfident personality—both believing themselves capable of taking on opponents much larger than themselves. Kuitsuku brilliantly captures their shared swagger in this illustration, with Peter’s mischievous smile matching Scraggy’s tough-guy pose. Just as Peter refuses to grow up, Scraggy literally has to hold itself together, with loose skin that won’t fully fit until evolution—a change that, like adulthood, it seems in no hurry to embrace. Together they’re the terror of Neverland, challenging pirates and Lost Boys alike to battles that showcase their scrappy fighting spirit. Captain Hook doesn’t know whether to be more afraid of Peter’s dagger or Scraggy’s Headbutt attack! This dynamic duo embodies the perfect blend of childlike fearlessness and street-smart toughness that makes them both endearingly indomitable in their respective worlds.
These beautiful illustrations by Krista Staggs (Kuitsuku) can be found on her website at https://www.kuitsuku.com/copy-of-pokemon-puns and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kuitsuku/. Her thoughtful pairings showcase not just artistic talent but a deep understanding of both franchises, creating connections that feel both surprising and inevitable.
