In its Zero Form, Palafin is a light blue cetacean Pokémon, having the exact same physiology as its pre-evolution Finizen, except for a pink heart-shaped marking on its chest, surrounded by a larger white heart-shaped marking.
In its Hero Form, Palafin's physiology drastically changes, gaining considerable muscle mass and becoming able to stand on its tail fins. Its body is primarily dark blue with white colorations on its lower jaw, belly, sides, dorsal fin, and the bottom of its tail fins. The heart-shaped marking on its chest grows larger to resemble a shield. Parts of its body are covered with water, forming gloves, a cape or cowl, and three tail rings. Its eyes are also covered with water, evoking a mask.
Palafin is known as the Pelagic Protector. When it hears its allies calling for help, Palafin will change its appearance from its Zero Form to its Hero Form, awakening its ancient genes — this transformation is done in secret. Hero Form Palafin is strong enough to lift a cruise ship with just one fin, and is capable of swimming at speeds of 50 knots. It is known to save drowning people and Pokémon.
Palafin is the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Jet Punch. It is also the only known Pokémon with the Ability of Zero to Hero.
- Palafin is the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 457.
- Its Hero Form is the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 650.
- Hero Form Palafin has the highest base Attack stat of all Water-type Pokémon.
Origin
Palafin seems to be based on a dolphin and a comic book superhero. Its Zero Form's relative lack of visual changes from its pre-evolution seems to be inspired by the trope of superheroes assuming civilian identities to keep their true identity a secret, while its Hero Form seems to represent the hero suiting up whilst unseen and emerging as a superhero. Its ability refers to the term "going from zero to hero". The connection between dolphins and superheroes may be inspired by numerous real-life accounts of wild dolphins saving people in open seas.
Name origin
Palafin may be a combination of paladin or pal (since another player is needed to evolve it) and fin or dolphin.
Irukaman may be a combination of 海豚 iruka (dolphin) and man, which is often used as a suffix for superhero codenames.