A thread for theories sounds like a wonderful idea. =D
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According to the PokéDex entry for Caterpie in Pokémon Stadium:
“It has large, eye-like patterns on its head as protection. They are used to frighten off enemies.”
From Bulbapedia: “Its most notable characteristic is the bright red antennae (osmeterium) on its head. These and the large eye-shaped markings help to startle predators.”
If I'm interpreting that part correctly (“…large, eye-like patterns on its head…”), then I'm to assume that Caterpie either doesn't have eyes OR is hiding it's “true eyes” for whatever reason.
Generation 1 artwork depicting “soulless eye-patterns” with no “white pupils”
OR that his “true eyes” are the white pupils sometimes added to various forms of its artwork/sprites/models. Which makes sense, when in the anime the patterns on its head are depicted as “true eyes,” as they have been shown blinking and performing other various anime-esque shenanigans. I'm guessing this idea makes it easier for younger viewers to grasp.
Screenshot #1 from the anime depicting the “white pupils”
Screenshot #2 from the anime depicting the “white pupils” blinking
Screenshot #3 of the anime depicting “anime angry eyes” with its eye patterns while using its String Shot attack
I may or may not pursue this information further as it's most likely just a flaw in the artwork itself, but it's definitely something that caught my attention/blew my mind. =O
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According to the PokéDex entry for Caterpie in Pokémon Stadium:
“It has large, eye-like patterns on its head as protection. They are used to frighten off enemies.”
From Bulbapedia: “Its most notable characteristic is the bright red antennae (osmeterium) on its head. These and the large eye-shaped markings help to startle predators.”
If I'm interpreting that part correctly (“…large, eye-like patterns on its head…”), then I'm to assume that Caterpie either doesn't have eyes OR is hiding it's “true eyes” for whatever reason.
Generation 1 artwork depicting “soulless eye-patterns” with no “white pupils”
OR that his “true eyes” are the white pupils sometimes added to various forms of its artwork/sprites/models. Which makes sense, when in the anime the patterns on its head are depicted as “true eyes,” as they have been shown blinking and performing other various anime-esque shenanigans. I'm guessing this idea makes it easier for younger viewers to grasp.
Screenshot #1 from the anime depicting the “white pupils”
Screenshot #2 from the anime depicting the “white pupils” blinking
Screenshot #3 of the anime depicting “anime angry eyes” with its eye patterns while using its String Shot attack
I may or may not pursue this information further as it's most likely just a flaw in the artwork itself, but it's definitely something that caught my attention/blew my mind. =O