Object Pokémon got a bad rap, and have had a tough time shaking it. When Pokémon Black and White ushered in Pokémon’s fifth generation, there was a bit of consternation around the new monster designs. Players argued that some of Unova’s new Pokémon were uninspired, with designers slapping a set of eyes on an ice cream cone or two and calling it a day. While, sure, not every ‘mon can be a 10/10 like Sprigatito or Pikachu, object Pokémon deserve more love. Some of them are really great! And object Pokémon have really been around since the earliest days of the franchise.

Whenever I think of Pokémon designed around everyday objects, I start with Chandelure. It’s the freakin’ best. It's the final evolution from Litwick, a candle (adorable), and is a dual fire- and ghost-type. Chandelure isn’t just eyes slapped on an object; instead, it plays with the form of a chandelier, turning a stained-glass base into a face with the branching spokes serving as Chandelure’s arms.…