Despite not having it as one of my favorite Types, so many of my favorites are Dark Types. In fact, both my current and former favorite Pokémon are Dark Types.
Honorable mentions: Urshifu Single Strike, Spiritomb, Hoopa Unbound, Drapion
10) Cacturne: I love the scarecrow and cactus motifs. The yellow eyes fit the idea of it stalking you late at night in the desert. Wish it was better (give it Sand Rush!)
9) Greninja: I know people hate this thing for how much focus its gotten since its inception but I still like it. The tongue being the bridge to connect the frog and ninja parts of its design is pretty creative. I like how it was showcased in both the anime and Smash. Plus it’s a competitive menace. Also I think Ash Greninja is a cool concept.
8) Pangoro: I love pandas and the Japanese delinquent inspirations is a cool touch. The idea of a mischievous yet innocent Pancham being influenced by its Dark environment as it evolves is interesting. Even though it looks malicious, it still stands up to bullies which is always a cool thing.
7) Yveltal: It’s simple yet so interesting. It being based on several bird of prey due to its connotation with death and destruction is cool. The name is also really cool and gives a sense of an ominous godly figure. I like how most media makes sure to acknowledge that it’s only destructive out of habit and not for any malicious intent.
6) Obstagoon: I never really cared for the Hoennian/“original” Zigzagoon line but I liked the modern take on them being based on punks albeit it’s a bit disappointing we got another Dark type regional rodent. But Obstagoon was worth the repetition. Having it based on obstruction from its stance to its signature move was a nice twist to its pre egos being about rushing towards their opponents. I also love how menacing it looks even if the tongue can be a little goofy. It was definitely the best regional evolution and one of my favorites from SwSh. Guts is so fun to run through teams with.
5) Malamar: This is arguably the best case of a Pokémon showing off its gimmick well. Everything about Inkay flips when it evolves: the game, its personality, its body. It having hypnotic powers fits its inspiration to a T. Contrary Superpower is fun.
4) Alolan Muk: When Alola forms were first revealed, I wasn’t feeling them. Alola Raichu was cool but I had already settled on Vikavolt for my team. Same with Marowak and Litten. A. Muk changed that though. Oil spills being the basis for its design is a neat concept. I also like the subtle differences between it and Kantoian Muk. Unfortunately, a certain cat evolved into a Dark type but I ended up using it in my US run.
3) Grimmsnarl: I always had my eyes on Impidimp ever since it’s unofficial reveal at E3. A lot of people criticized its bobble head or how uneven its proportions in general were but I knew it’d have potential. Grimmsnarl was definitely worth the wait. I love witches and their connection to their hair. It having the strength to KO Machamp with ease is impressive. Prankster is a fun ability. It got two signature moves, a sick GMax form, the title of ace for Marnie, and a equally as cool counterpart in Hatterene. Also really dig the shiny. Easily my favorite Gen 8 Pokémon.
2) Krookodile: Already detailed this in the Ground thread but I’ll give a brief summary of it. It used to be my favorite Pokémon because of the color scheme, its role in the anime, how strong it is with Moxie, and it being my first Shiny.
1) Incineroar: To the surprise of literally no one, my favorite Dark Type is my favorite overall. I like how much it fits the heel wrestler personality in all of its appearances from the anime to the games to Smash to even irl with leaks.
