#bridgerteon

1st Frame

Starring Colin "Latios" Bridgerton and Penelope "Latias" Bridgerton.

Colin is a Latios because it's obvious: the Bridgerton colour is blue 🔵 and Latios is always male. Latios has a gentle nature and would rather yeet from a battle, like Colin who is kind and sensitive, and would leave the Ton to other countries to find a purpose. It also prefers compassionate trainers, which Colin also prefers a compassionate friend, like Pen, who sees his true self.

Penelope is a Latias because it's obvious as well: her red hair 🔴 and Latias is always female. Latias also has a gentle nature and is highly intelligent, like Pen who is friendly and meek, but is also witty and clever. It mostly disappears from people and becomes invisible, similar to Pen as she is a wallflower and no one ever truly sees her. That is until Colin finally sees her for a brave and successful woman that she is.

It's inspired by the movie, Pokemon Heroes: Latias and Latios. Latias and Latios are the unofficial Italian Pokemon. 🤌 The reason for their unofficial title is that the location of the movie, Alto Mare, is Italian for "High Sea". Also, the city is based on Venice, Italy, and is known as the City of Water, which Venice is a city surrounded by water canals. Therefore, the Eon Duo, Latias and Latios, are Italians. 🤌 Bellissimo! 🇮🇹 Additionally, each of them carries a mega stone as an accessory, as both of them can mega evolve.

The reason I draw Colin and Pen as Latios and Latias, respectively, is that it's difficult for me to draw Colin as Umbreon in the same stance as it would look awkward. So, it's easier to draw them as bipedal, and the Eon Duo fits perfectly in this frame. Also, a fellow Bridgerton fan and Pokemon enjoyer mentioned this movie below, which is a childhood movie. And that's how it inspires me to draw Polin as the Eon Duo.

By the way, the title is translated as "Pocket Monsters the Movie - Guardian Gods of the City of Water: Latias and Latios" and that's a mouthful! It's called "Pokemon Heroes: Latios and Latias" or simply "Pokemon Heroes" in English. I'm probably used to the English dub. 😅

The Pokemon in the portrait is Lugia (F). I don't know why I choose it, but I love Lugia and it's a Pokemon most millennials would recognise. :)) Also, based on this other childhood movie below. It's called Pokemon the Movie 2000 as it was released in 2000. It's also known as Pokemon the Movie 2000: The Power of One.

The accessories on the shelf include a flute from the Pokemon 2000 movie and a soul dew from the Pokemon Heroes movie.

2nd Frame

I have no idea why, but I thought I'll explore more by trying photo editing. I used GIMP to attempt to photo edit as the program is free. :))) Thought process is great! But execution... not quite. Like please, my attempts in cleaning up the background is horrible.

So here are the 3D printed toys I purchased from my local shopping centre. Colin is a blue dragon because of Bridgerton Blue, while Penelope is a little red fox because of her hair. It's a coincidence that blue mixed with red is purple, which the blue dragon exhibits from its horns, wings and spikes, representing Polin's friendship.

3rd Frame

This one is a tester and an experiment on using different brushes. It's also one of the themes based on my Australian home: a Bluey AU and Australian Aboriginal artworks.

Colin is a blue heeler while Penelope is a red heeler, similar to Bandit and Chilli Heeler, Bluey's parents! I kept the blue/red theme like my previous artwork as Colin is a Bridgerton (Blue) and Penelope has beautiful red hair, albeit with slight colour differences as I'm reflecting their hair colour. 🤭

I also draw random characters from Bluey. They are based on Mackenzie the Border Collie, Pat the Golden Retriever, Chloe the Dalmatian, and Wendy the Chow Chow. I genuinely have no idea why I chose them. 😅 I also drew the Chatterbox toy and a long dog; they are pretty conspicuous to find.

I also draw the background inspired by the Australian Aboriginal artworks. I wanted to do it to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, as a second gen Vietnamese-Australian living on their land where I reside, and pay my respects to the Elders and the Australian First Nations community past and present. 🙂‍↕️

4th Frame

This one is also a tester and to branch out my drawing abilities that is not Pokemon. It's also one of the themes based on my Vietnamese heritage: Vietnamese zodiac animals and the anime, Fruits Basket.

Colin is a Rooster because Luke Newton is born on the Year of the Rooster, 1993. Luke is no chicken! The Rooster symbolises someone who is highly intelligent of the arts and literature, profound thinkers and are diligent. Their personalities include punctual, trustworthy, interactive, kind and ambitious. But they are sometimes over thinkers and serious. That pretty much sums up Luke's personality. 😅

Penelope is a Tiger because of Nicola Coughlan's birth date on the Year of the Tiger, 1986. The tiger symbolises someone who is active, cautious, never regrets on what they say or do and can overcome difficulties themselves. Their personalities include straightforward, ambitious, reliable and can achieve great accomplishments. But they are sometimes too independent without asking for help and are blunt, which fortunately, Nicola isn't.

(Nicola could've been born on the Year of the Cat 1987 (if following the Vietnamese Zodiac) or Rabbit 1987 (if following the original Chinese Zodiac) since she was born in 1987. However, the Year of the Cat started on 29th Jan 1987, so she is not eligible unfortunately.)

I've also included the rest of the Vietnamese Zodiac animals, including the rabbit, as bystanders. 😉 The Featheringtons are also present, with the Dankworths as Harry Dog and Prudence Cat, while the Finch's are Albion Cow/Ox and Philipa Rat. I also included a jade statue of the Jade Emperor, who announced a race on the order of the animals that were positioned in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac. My background drawings are still horrible, but it's progress. :)))

There's a Chinese legend that the Cat participated in the race. However, the Rat betrayed it, and the Cat was drowned in a river; it never finished the race and was eliminated from the Zodiac. Hence why cats hate mice as of today. The Vietnamese Zodiac fact, however, chose Cat because the names of Rabbit and Cat in Chinese were so similar and the Viets just randomly chose Cat because why not. We Viets are unique. 😅 Also, rabbits are rare in Vietnam, but cats are common.

Final Frame

The Pokemon involved are the following:

Main couple:

- Colin "Umbreon" Bridgerton and Penelope "Jigglypuff" Bridgerton

Known characters:

- John "(Midday) Lycanroc" Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin, and Francesca "Flareon" Bridgerton

- Gregory "Glaceon" Bridgerton, Viscountess Kathani (Kate) "Bayleef" Bridgerton and Hyacinth "Leafeon" Bridgerton

Random bystanders (from left to right), excluding Gregory, Kate and Hyacinth:

- Dragonite (F)*

- Hawlucha (M)*

- Raichu (F)*

- Psyduck (M)

- Gengar (M)*

- Malamar (F)*

- Alolan Vulpix (F)

- Victreebel (M)*

- Swablu (F)

- Pikachu (M - with Ash Ketchum's hat and colour scheme)

*If you're a Pokemon fan and noticed something amusing, I've included the Pokemon that are capable of Mega Evolution! I was so excited to play Pokemon Legends ZA, so I thought I'll share the amusement by adding the Pokemon as the audience/bystanders that are newly introduced with their Mega Evolved form, with their Mega stones as accessories.*

I do have some freedom to be creative and draw the bystanders as I see fit. But I got to keep it consistent for the video.

The reason I decide to share the blurred versions in the video is that my raw one is very distracting, and you may not know which one is Polin in this frame! Therefore, I decide to blur the bystanders and the background so that you'll see Polin clearly front and centre.

NB: this is my drawing. I didn't "steal" it from VNTK because that's actually me. 😅 I'm vongoctukhanh (VNTK) from Twitter, Instagram and Threads.

This is my second time drawing Bridgerton based on Pokemon. But my first time contributing to Polin Week with my own drawing.

Reason I drew them: it's inspired by Colin and Penelope always seeking each other at night and be their true selves when together.

I'm slowly getting back to drawing (after many exhausting days at work and life), so I'm starting with the Working Class from Bridgerton. It's mostly the recognisable ones from S4, from Bridgerton to Featherington to Penwood.

So where I got these Pokemon ideas from: blame Pokemon Pokopia. My sister plays it and I just observe. I avoid playing it at all costs so I won't get addicted. To prevent that, I just keep drawing and watching Bridgerton S4 like a loser. 😅

My explanations for my Pokemon choices for each Bridgerton's love interests are here:

The trinkets surrounding them are the following:

Kate - the infamous bangles from S2, the mallet of death, and Yamper, a Corgi Pokemon that resembles Newton the Welsh Corgi (it is Bridgerton in a Pokemon World after all). Her outfits are inspired by the promo poster with Anthony in S3 and a Tamil costume.

Sophie - the Lady in Silver mask from the masquerade ball, a feather duster as she is a servant, and Derpy Tiger, where the Tiger is Korea's national animal as she has a Korean heritage (and yes, I have included a K-pop Demon Hunters theme on it because I can't help myself 🤭). I also taken liberty to add a Hanbok on her as 1. she doesn't have an official nobility costume yet and 2. I can draw however I want.

Penelope - a Lady Whistledown pamphlet, a green butterfly symbolising the Featherington Family, and the moon to symbolise her connection with Colin (if you squint, there's a rabbit and a tree, which is part of a Chinese [rabbit] and Vietnamese [tree] fairy tales about the moon). She is holding a feather from Ho-Oh, a legendary Pokemon, which she uses as a pen! Furthermore, Pen wears a flower called Penelope (Hybrid Musk) Rose on her hair tuff; Google it as they do exist.

Simon - a top hat as he was introduced wearing it like a sexy boss, a boxing glove as he does boxing with Will Mondrich, and a water shuriken which he can use to fight with great accuracy as he is part ninja 😏 and his high aiming precision can make up for his stuttering, which he struggled during childhood.

Edmund - a magic wand as he can shapeshift into any Pokemon or human for pranks (he is a prankster according to Anthony in S2), a paper crown (he likes to wear them on birthdays according to Violet in Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story), and lilacs (his favourite flower according to Violet in S2).

Phillip - a letter (as he writes letters to Eloise), a tree branch in a falcon tube representing botany or a study of plants, and a sad sun symbolising him as a tragic sunshine due to his traumatic childhood but keeps a happy-go-lucky attitude.

John and Michaela - a love triangle representing the cousins both falling in love with Francesca, a black ribbon representing death and grief, and Yin and Yang representing two opposites that respect and support each other. I also drew Michaela with a South African headpiece that I found from Pinterest, representing Masali Baduza's South African heritage (I hope it's appropriate 👉👈).

Lucy - a ring with a knotted rope symbolising her arranged engagement (which is a coincidence as I found it from Tiffany and Co), a gear and light bulb represents her practical nature, and a heart and drama masks inside a television represent telenovelas or Latino soap operas, as the theme of the final Bridgerton book is like telenovelas: full of love, drama, angst and comedy. I also drew her in a dress inspired from a Disney animated movie, Encanto, as I believe she would be a Latina.

I included the name of the pokemon and type so it's easier to learn/recognise. The costumes varies: Daphne's from S1, Anthony's from S2 and the rest from S3. Any Bridgerton fans can recognise their costumes and their accessories from book and show. 😏

History: In every Pokemon game, I nickname the Eeveelutions based on the Bridgertons. I started it when playing Pokemon Legends: Arceus, that year is when Bridgerton S2 premieres, the Kanthony season. Once I got obsessed with it, I incorporated that obsession into nicknaming Eeveelutions as Bridgertons, since 8 Eeveelutions = 8 siblings plus Eevee and Violet. It's now stuck and I always associate Eeveelutions with Bridgerton. :))

Lucario and the Mystery of Mew is my favourite Pokemon movie growing up. As a kid, I pretend to have aura abilities, reading minds and sensing surroundings. 😅 Lucario is also one of my favourite Pokemon (it's not a legendary Pokemon, unlike most movies). Just think of this movie as part Merlin, part Terminator. Because of the royalty theme, it inspired me to adapt it to my top-rated Bridgerton series, Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story.

I chose these Pokemon based on the newly introduced Pokemon in the movie, where they are from the Sinnoh region, but are also found in Kanto surprisingly, and the movie is part of Gen 3. It's quite confusing if you're not familiar with the Pokemon series. 😵‍💫

Nota Bene (NB): my explanations are not historically accurate as I'm no historian. I'm just basing characters from the Bridgerton series; in other words, its fictional and not related to real people.

So here are my choices:

Queen Charlotte - Mime Jr 👸🏿🤡

Queen Charlotte or Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz is a smart woman, who likes to listen and be part of the Ton gossip and loves to do some match-making. She does love the King and cares for his wellbeing.

In her youth though, she was creative and clever, with high emotional intelligence and good at making connections, as she had her first connection with Lady Danbury as the Queen. Although she enjoyed the extravagant life, she preferred a love connection, was often feeling lonely and struggled to adapt. Fortunately, after a few months, she adapted well into the British society and had an emotional connection with her husband who she loved and cared for despite his mental health and unpredictable behavioural changes. She was quite spontaneous on imitations that allowed George to feel comfortable around her, such as pretending that she was Venus so George can quietly go back inside.

Mime Jr would be a great partner for Queen Charlotte as it also likes to mimic other people and can pick up emotions easily. Although playful, it can also exhibit emotional intelligence and will comfort people with a cheery smile, as it likes to entertain. Also, Mime Jr is Queen Ilene's Pokemon partner, shown below. Hence the Queens get a Mime Jr. 😉

King George III - Weavile 🫅🏽⚔️

King George III is a respected King of Great Britain and Ireland and a beloved husband of Queen Charlotte. Unfortunately, he was hidden from public view due to his mental decline. Although he lost most of his memories and is at times deranged, he still remembers and loves Queen Charlotte wholeheartedly.

In the past, King George was kind, witty and curious, though at times annoying. He loved astronomy and also farming, often nicknamed "Farmer George". He was amused with Queen Charlotte's antics and loved her at first sight, even though it's an arranged marriage. Sadly, there were times he started to spiral in mental breakdowns, which his valet, Reynolds, and his mother were aware of; he couldn't let Queen Charlotte witness his illness. So he made himself estranged from her, even getting treated by a cruel doctor so that he would get better and be the loving husband she deserved. He did all of this because he loved her and that he won't be afraid that his madness would hurt the Queen, which she refuted like a boss.

His partner is a Weavile, an intelligent and cunning hunter with sharp claws, which will definitely be useful for farm work. Its appearance would be similar to Egyptian deities and Pharaohs, as its headdress, collar and eye-shadows makes it look like a leader. It can also attack and defend from intruders and its expression is menacing enough to deter others. However, it is a loyal Pokemon and would protect the King and others it cares about from harm, hence Weavile would suit King George.

Brimsley - Buizel 💂🏼🛟

Bartholomew Brimsley is the Queen's most trusted valet and royal butler (and somewhat close friend). His full name is from the book, Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story (I'm not lying). He always follows the Queen at exactly five paces from her and is quite a gossiper as well. 🤭 However, his love life is quite sad and lonely when Reynolds, the King's valet, is missing. He always stays with the Queen until the end.

In his youth, he was methodically strict, never disclosed any personal information and always followed the protocol. He was somewhat the leader of all the servants on the Queen's end. He had a romantic relationship with Reynolds, the King's valet, but kept the relationship a secret. He sometimes rolled his eyes or groaned at the young Queen's antics, but always remained with her diligently. He was constantly worried about the King and Queen, even trying help when he can or ordered others to leave to avoid eavesdroppers.

This fits Buizel as it can help those in need; its neck is similar to a lifebuoy as it helps people on the ocean from drowning. It also has a good fighting spirit to ward off gossipers from listening to drama and would fight against those who defy the Crown or protect the Queen. Buizel will always be there for their trainer who needs any assistance, which suits Brimsley as he is a great assistant for the Queen to adapt to British Royalty.

I admit that I slightly cheated on this one as Buizel does not exist in the Lucario movie. It actually debuted in this one below. However, since it also has a royal theme, as Manaphy is the Prince of the Sea, why not? The themes from this movie are part Atlantis, part Titanic (no one dies in this one, unlike the Lucario movie...).

Reynolds - Lucario 💂🏼🐶🔵

In the present, Reynolds doesn't exist; he's missing. Where is Reynolds and why aren't he and Brimsley together?! I wanna know! 😠

In the past, Reynolds was the King's most trusted valet, advisor and only friend in the palace. He was extremely loyal and devoted to the King, no exceptions. He always kept secrets of the King's illness and never disclosed it to anyone, not even the Queen. He was constantly worried of the King's unpredictable illness, but was genuinely happy to see King George calm and happy with Queen Charlotte. Reynolds did love Brimsley, the Queen's valet, but they were never meant to be, usually keeping their relationship a secret. He was sometimes protective of the King, promised him that no one would found out what's going on (until Queen Charlotte figured it out) and even attempted to fight off against the Doctor's henchmen after he heard the King's painful cry (until Queen Charlotte barged in and saved the King like a boss 😎).

Reynolds's heroics would definitely suit Lucario as it's prideful and extremely loyal to its trainer. It also has a natural sense of justice, which fits Reynolds as he also had a righteous personality. Lucario can protect those that it cares about and would sometimes worry for their trainers. It is excellent at reading feelings or tracking movements using aura, similar to how Reynolds understood the King's cryptic statements and emotions without any elaborations, and knew where the King was hiding during his manic episodes.

To be honest, Reynolds has the vibes similar to Sir Aaron, an Aura Guardian and valet to the Queen, shown below.

The artworks and outfits are based on the poster of the King and Queen and the scene with Brimsley and Reynolds. Everyone has a crystal symbol on their accessories and clothing, which is from the Lucario movie title. In the movie, the crystals are used to communicate with others using aura and to connect with the Tree of Beginning. This might suit as a symbol of the British Royal Family as the connection to the citizens of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Both artworks have Mew, a Mythical Pokemon with a green scarf. It likes to visit the royal palace, acting as a guardian and advisor, always with good intentions, albeit rather mischievous. It's a mystery on why Mew sticks around in the palace and following the Royal couple and the staff. Hence the title, Queen Charlotte and the Mystery of Mew, a smash of two media.