Fan:Digimon vs. Pokémon

Digimon and Pokémon are Japanese franchises that both began around the same time. They are often confused as similar by those unfamiliar with both series, and there are sometimes accusations of copying, although these claims are baseless.

Digimon and Pokemon as creatures
Digimon and Pokemon differ in this sence that Digimon exist as virtual lifeforms in the Digital World parralel to our Earth while Pokemon exist as a substitute for animals in an as of yet unnamed world with no connection to our Earth. First the facts on Digimon. Digimon are virtual life forms that live on the Digital World, a physical embodiment of Earth's communication systems. Digimon are created from data, while Pokemon appear to be biologically correct creatures made of flesh and blood with the exception of Porygon. Though more animal-like than Digimon, with few able of use perfect speech and understanding language, Pokemon would use animal sounds or say syllables of their names. Some Digimon, such as Calumon and Biyomon in the japanese version, tend to end their sentences in a similar fashion. Pokemon and Digimon are similar in the sense of their societies. Digimon are seen building complex villages and cities. While Pokemon do create and inhabit villages, these are more primitive than those the Digimon build.

Digimon and Pokemon are both seen exhibiting free will. Pokemon and Digimon are seen choosing evil intentions and evil masters as well as carrying out whatever bidding they please. In Digimon, a prime example of this is Black WarGreymon. Like Mewtwo, he was artifically created and rebelled against his creator, going out on his own to find his place in the world while causing trouble in the process. Instances of free will are also seen when a digimon or Pokemon chooses to stay with a master or Tamer. They accompany him or her by their own choice. As such, if a pokemon or Digimon wills it, they may leave their master whenever they please.

Digivolution and Evolution
The appearance of a kind of evolution in both series has led to even more arguements. However Digimon is seen having a more confusing form of evolution: Digivolution in english media. In the case of the protagonists, digivolution occurs when a tamers' heart and a Digimon's become one, creating the power for digivolution that is focused via a Digivice. But on its own, a Digimon needs to evolve by becoming strong enough like a Pokemon. However in Pokemon, the change is permanent while a Digimon could regress if it loses enough power. To add, Digimon are seen having multiple evolutionary lines, though Eevee is one of few Pokemon to be the exception. Digimon also have DNA Digivolution and Xros that enables them to combine into stronger form while only a couple of Pokemon like SlowBro and SlowKing are the result of a symbiosis.