I'd say it's a coincidence
Why?
Well first off Reshiram and Zekrom are actually based on Yin and Yang from Chinese Philosophy.
You aren't the first one to try make a connection between Pokemon and Yu Gi Oh - heaps of people have, during 2010 and stuff.
However, it seems to me, the likelihood is this is a simple coincidence, which is a view echoed by alot of people through forums like here, here and here
>I don't think they resemble each other too much. There are some features like their tails, and Reshirams arms/wings. And the minor detail that Zekrom glows blue.
>Probably a coincidence.
They already had the whole yin yang motif goin on, and we all know Game Freak loves them some dragons.
A Black Dragon and a White Dragon acting as counterparts isn't exactly the most uncommon idea in the world.
>it is somewhat there, but I dont think they were the inspiration, in my opinion.
>Not really, no.
>Yeah, old, and quite farfetched imo. There are a lot of white dragons and black bipedal creatures in fiction.
>While their eyes and skin color match, their other features aren't very similar. Like their body structure and such. Plus, Reshiram has crotch fur while BEWD has none
Yeah, they're a bit similar, but that doesn't mean they're actually rip offs. Probably just a coincidence.
>To be honest, I see very few similarities between the two besides color. The differences in general appearance should be easily distinguished between both Reshiram and Zekrom to the Yu-gi-oh dragons shown. Notice how Reshiram and Zekrom have softer coloring, rounder lines, less intricate features, and a much less intimidating demeanor? In fact, they look rather cute in comparison to their Yu-gi-oh cousins. Hell, Blue Eyes White Dragon looks like it could tear the world in two and call it a day, while Reshiram gives a baby a cigar burn and wonders why the hell it's a deity.
Anyway so like I said, it's more likely it's a coincidence rather than a ripoff.
As some of those above comments have said there are actually quite alot of cases of a Black and White dragon counterpart, as those two colours often correspond to notions of 'evil' and 'good', making them a staple in many fantasy games, novels and myths.
