A lot of things can be and have been said about Pokemon Sword & Shield, but nobody can accuse the games of skimping out on rivals. Game Freak’s RPGs pair the main character, Victor or Gloria, with three recurring opponents, all of who are quite different. While perhaps the least crucial to the overall story, Marnie might reign supreme as the best rival in the games.
Part of the trainer’s appeal is undoubtedly her design, with Marnie coming across as stylish, modern, and also unique. The character’s gothic aesthetic matches her preference for Dark-type Pokemon, while her soft-spoken personality makes her easy to like. A character so beloved is destined to spawn endless memes, and Marnie is no exception.
10 Bad To The Bone
Meme by Ian Dimas Art.
Prior to Sword & Shield’s debut, Marnie was one of the characters who got quite a bit of attention. With a hairstyle resembling horns and a jacket fit for a biker, Marnie seemed set to be edgier than the average trainer. Ultimately, that did not really prove to be the case.
Marnie is just nice. She wants to become Pokemon Champion and hates the fact that Team Yell, her personal cheerleading squad, tends to cause trouble for other people. Frankly, Marnie definitely sorts her recyclable trash.
9 It Is Not Like She Is Happy To See Her Rival
Marnie’s arc in Sword & Shield is simple: She does not have one. She is a complete character from the start; at most, she might become slightly more sociable by the end of the game. Marnie is closed off and serious, traits mostly stemming from her desire to become Pokemon Champion for her hometown, Spikemuth, and her reluctance to replace her brother, Piers, as the area’s Gym Leader.
A tsundere is a distant and cold character who grows more welcoming as the story progresses, but they also tend to push people away (sometimes literally) to hide their feelings. Marnie does not really do this.
8 The Marnie Joke
Image by GBM.
Putting aside Marnie’s perfect design, the moment that endears the character to most people happens in Sword & Shield’s post-game. After winning the Pokemon League, you can find Marnie practicing how to smile at the Budew Drop Inn. It is a cute scene.
GBM’s meme takes this moment in Pokemon and throws a bit of Joker all over it, crafting a reference that should not work but somehow does. Joker’s story is a touch darker than Sword & Shield’s.
7 Marnie Vs Gloria
Meme by @lolisukizui.
Following the release of Sword & Shield, Marnie and Gloria gained a fair amount of traction as a ship. When it comes to the rivals, Hop is the closest to a typical opponent, Bede gets the most character development, and Marnie stands out due to the fact that she is generally cordial with the main character.
Their dynamic is not especially heated, as it is more like they have a friendly rivalry rather than a desire to really outdo each other. Marnie also does not seem to have too many friends, which makes Gloria a good match for her.
6 Dark Secrets
A meme clearly created prior to Sword & Shield’s release, Bede and Marnie ended up being relatively straightforward. This meme pokes fun at Bede’s Dio-esque appearance, but the rival proves to be a much gentler soul than JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s antagonist. Admittedly, that is not saying much.
The strangest thing about Marnie is that there is no secret to her. She might be associated with Team Yell but she has nothing to do with their annoying actions. Ultimately, Marnie just wants to support Spikemuth.
5 My Pokemon Academia
Apparently, My Hero Academia’s Kyoka Jiro and Sword & Shield’s Marnie shop at the same Hot Topic. Although they share similar tastes in fashion, Kyoka and Marnie have quite different personalities, with the former being more outgoing and sociable. One thing they share in common is that they are both willing to help others.
Ian Dimas Art’s meme blends two beloved franchises in a way that is hilarious but also sweet. Marnie’s chibi redesign fits the scene.
4 A Legendary Support System
Meme by Suraelis.
In an alternate timeline where Team Yell is competent, the group might just be able to give a real boost to Marnie’s chances to win the Champion Cup. Depending on which game is purchased, Zacian and Zamazenta can be caught once the main character is crowned Galar’s Champion in Sword & Shield.
Considering the story barely offers anything resembling a challenge, this meme’s event might have actually improved things. If nothing else, Marnie would not be such a pushover.
3 The Many Smiles Of Marnie
Marnie’s depth cannot be conveyed in a single image. Piers’ sister might play third fiddle to Hop and Bede, but her personality is the most appealing. She is a quiet character who is focused solely on her goal. Marnie struggles to form connections with people but she also believes in herself.
Marnie trying to smile at the end is the closest thing to a change seen in the character, although it is just a fleeting moment.
2 Marnie’s Bizarre Adventure
Meme by Thegreyzen.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Pokemon: Sword & Shield were evidently made for each other. Uploaded on November 15, 2019, this meme was created to celebrate the launch of Game Freak’s RPG. It also happened to be a Friday, which is historically the day that new episodes of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure are released. It is also a quote from the manga and, by extension, the anime.
Marnie receiving the JoJo treatment is exactly why the internet was created.
1 Cheerleader
Meme by MoshieDraws.
After being defeated in the Champion Cup’s semi-finals, Marnie stays around to help the protagonist out and also cheer them on in some crucial battles. Marnie and Gloria (or Victor) do not exactly become the closest of friends, but they maintain a healthy and competitive relationship until the very end.
Marnie is not someone defined solely by her status as a rival, which might explain why she is so popular. Well, that and the fact anime goths are usually pretty popular.
NEXT: Pokemon Sword & Shield: 10 Marnie Cosplays That Look Just Like The Games
