Let's discuss fan types. Part 7. Light-type

1. So, what is this type all about?
Light-type is one of the most commonly discussed fan-types. The reason is obvious. The presence of Dark-type without a proper counterpart, in spite of attempts by Psychic and now Fairy, has always been a cause of speculation due to dualistic nature of Western philosophy post-Plato.

Light-type is also fairly persistent due to excessive non-presence of Western thought, particularly Abrahamic religions and different philosophies inspired by them.

2.Where does this name come from?

The name comes from the TCG deck Light, and Light Pokémon section in TCG.

3. Does this type have an in-game source?

Yes and no. There has been some abilities and moves related to Light and religious philosophy, but they are completely sporadic.

Most, but not all, of the Light Pokémon from TCG are now part-Fairy.

4. What would be the ideas behind such a type?

The discussion can be found here. Generally speaking, Light is thought in two manners:

1. Light as photons, and other scientific phenomena.
2. Light as metaphor for good and divine.

My personal favourite is 1, since I believe the second can be its own type, as a Holy/Aether-type.

Best depiction of Light-type I have seen so far is from Koino Region.

5. What would be the type interactions of such a type?

It depends on the idea behind it. If it is metaphorical, then its interactions would be based off paranormal types.

If it is scientific, then Grass and Ice will get moves that they can resist or be immune to.

6. What would be the distribution of such a type?

If it is metaphorical, then it would be very rare, probably, unless petty altruism is allowed to be in Light-type, much like how petty villainy is part of Dark-type.

If it is scientific, then it will get several different Pokémon, particularly a lot of Pokémon would be converted to it.

7. Future comments:

Since Fairy currently attempts to be the Light-type, we will likely not see Light-type in near future. But since Fairy will almost certainly fail to deliver due to its association with Paganism and Mythology.

But if GF wants to go with scientific depiction of Light-type, then a Light-type can be created at any time, at least when we have enough Light-based Pokémon and moves.