While some would call a Pikachu ink the obvious tattoo idea for those who love Pokemon anime, we call it a great tribute to the adorable hero. There are so many fantastic Pikachu tattoo ideas to inspire your next design.
Who better to represent your love of the Pokemon universe than a tattoo design of one of its most famous, not to mention iconic, characters?
Even those who aren’t fans of the television, movie, games, and merch immediately recognize Pikachu, the rodent-like creature that Pokemon main character Ash Ketchum trains to battle with other pokemon, or pocket monsters.
While many collectors opt for the traditional bright yellow Pikachu, he can also be represented in styles true to the original artwork but stylized and modified in a way that makes your tattoo one of a kind.
Check out the following collection of the top 20 Pikachu tattoo ideas that may provide inspiration for a Pikachu piece of your own.
1. Pikachu Tattoos for the Arm
“Pikachu, I choose you!” Well, that’s what Ash would have declared upon seeing this popular tattoo design in the traditional bright yellow color.
Pikachu is joined by Mew, a small pink pokemon, in this body art.
Gotta catch ’em all! Pikachu holds on to a poke ball, which trainers like Ash use to catch and store pokemon, as he discharges electricity with an intensity equal to a lightning bolt.
In this design, Pikachu cosplays as Naruto, another famous anime character, although his headband is marked with an inverted symbol of Naruto’s village. With Pikachu is Ninetales, the fox pokemon that was created based on the mythical nine-tailed fox, in black ink.
2. Cute Pop Culture Pikachu Tattoos
Pikachu is dressed up as The Joker, the iconic supervillain in the American comic book series Batman.
‘Tis the season to be jolly with Christmas Pikachu in the bright colors of the holidays.
A Jack-O-Lantern Pikachu is the kind of Halloween tattoo that looks great throughout the year.
Here’s a Pokemon, Minecraft, and Unikitty! crossover that some fans have been dreaming of. This tattoo design shows Pikachuon the shoulder of Steve, the main character of American video game Minecraft. With them is Puppycorn, one of the main characters of animated TV series Unikitty (stylized as Unikitty!) in the US.
3. Detective Pikachu Tattoo Art
Detective Pikachu is the first live-action film based on the Pokemon franchise. In the movie, Pikachu and other pokemon try to solve the disappearance of a former pokemon trainer’s father. In this simple black ink tattoo design inspired by an iconic image of a detective, Pikachu peers through a magnifying glass.
The original Pikachu trained by Ash loves ketchup, but Detective Pikachu drinks coffee, so he gets a steaming cup in this tattoo design.
Detective Pikachu – in complete costume of suit, tie, bowler hat, and umbrella – goes to the Pokemon Center in London, a pop-up store with all kinds of Pokemon merchandise.
4. Pikachu Tattoo Designs for the Leg
Pikachu, wearing Ash’s jacket, gets ready to smash his opponents with his powerful electric bolts in this tattoo design.
Can you imagine Pikachu finally agreeing to be confined in a poke ball? For most of the anime tv series, this favorite character prefers to stay by Ash’s side instead of seeking shelter inside a poke ball. The poke ball is where trainers store their pokemon after catching them. It’s also supposed to protect the pokemon from any threat.
5. Black Ink Tattoo Ideas
Pika-pika, the doe-eyed Pikachu in this tattoo art seems to be saying. Pikachu can say only its name, or parts of its name.
Here are more Pikachu tattoo ideas in black ink.
6. Small and Simple Tattoo Designs
Here are some cute designs featuring Pikachu that you can ask your tattoo artist to etch on your arm, legs, or even wrists.
You can also ask your tattoo artist to make a design inspired by Pikachu in various costumes and the many other characters in Pokémon Go, an augmented reality mobile game based on the Pokemon franchise.
What does a Pikachu tattoo symbolize?
Pikachu ink is significant for fans of the Pokemon universe. Kids have grown up with the lessons and morals made famous in the games, television shows, movies, and magazines, and have then chosen to get tattoos in homage to characters.
Pikachu himself is associated with the concepts of bravery, loyalty, friendship, and determination. He’s a tough, great-hearted Pokemon who is dear to his trainer Ash Ketchum.
Whether you’re into the deeper lore of Pokemon or not, Pikachu is a great tattoo choice.
What do detective Pikachu tattoos mean?
The character of Detective Pikachu was first released in video game format, in 2016 in Japan, then later worldwide. Its popularity was such that a live-action/CGI film was made to widespread popularity.
Being slightly different from the old school Pokemon character makes iterations of the Detective–replete with idiosyncratic hat, jacket, and magnifying glass–a popular choice for tattoo collectors.
What style should I get for my Pikachu tattoo?
The majority of Pikachu tattoos are done in a style similar to the anime and television character–a cheerful yellow creature that may have a pokeball in his possession.
Other choices include traditional black and gray pieces with a focus on line work and shading, vibrant color tattoos incorporating other Pokemon characters, or crossing over with other prominent pop culture figures, such as Batman/Marvel characters or real-life stars.
You may even find sleeve tattoos that incorporate Pikachu and the rest of the Pokemon world.
What other characters make for popular Pokemon tattoos?
Tattoo collectors have different associations with the characters–and there are so many that you can find one perfectly suited to your tattoo style and subject.
Aside from Pikachu, popular Pokemon tattoo choices include:
- Ash Ketchum
- Bulbasaur
- Charizard
- Charmander
- Blastoise
- Snorlax
Of course, many of these characters can also combine with each other, and the pokeball, in killer tattoo variations.
How much do Pikachu tattoos cost?
A small yellow Pikachu tattoo with some black ink and little to no shading or extra design work can cost as little as $150-$200, even from an established professional tattooist.
For larger, more vibrant neo-traditional pieces your per hour rate could climb as high as $250 per hour for specialist artists, while arm or leg sleeves can cost north of $2000 plus tips.
Always make sure you have a good grasp of the pricing before committing to a booking or walk-in piece.