Squirtle's "Spitting in Public" Mugshot: This design humorously depicts Squirtle, a Water-type Pokémon known for its water-based attacks, being booked for "Spitting in Public." This is a witty play on its abilities, framing its natural actions (like Water Gun or Bubble Beam) as minor public nuisances.
"Squirtle Squad" Reference: The sunglasses on Squirtle are a direct and iconic reference to the "Squirtle Squad" from the early Pokémon anime. This was a group of mischievous, sunglasses-wearing Squirtle that initially caused trouble but later became firefighters. This design taps into that popular and nostalgic aspect of the character.
Subversion of Cuteness: Squirtle is typically portrayed as a cute and playful Pokémon. Placing it in a mugshot with a somewhat "bad boy" demeanor (thanks to the shades and the "charge") creates a funny juxtaposition and appeals to a more edgy, ironic sense of humor among fans.
The Power of Water Attacks: While "spitting" sounds trivial, in the Pokémon world, Squirtle's water attacks can be quite powerful, capable of knocking out opponents or even putting out fires. The design subtly hints at this power being "misused" in a public setting.
Iconic Starter Pokémon: Like Charmander, Squirtle is one of the original three Kanto region starter Pokémon. Its inclusion in a "mugshot" series alongside its fellow starters (Charmander and Pikachu, as seen in previous designs) creates a coherent and appealing collection for fans of the first generation.
Shell as Defense: Squirtle's shell is a key part of its design, used for defense. While not directly related to "spitting," it adds to the overall "tough guy" vibe when combined with the sunglasses and the mugshot context, suggesting it's ready for anything.