There are many dark types who detest the stereotypes given to their type, hate their reputation for being sinister and devious, and do their best to prove that this isn't true. Professor Alister Graven is not one of these dark types. Himself a graduate of the Poke-Combat Academy and veteran of the battle arena (though it has admittedly been quite a few years since both), Dr. Graven actually relishes in the dark type reputation. He encourages his students to embrace it when needed, though he will be the first to counsel them on knowing when it is not.

Professor Graven teaches a number of dark type classes, from Darkmatter Physics to Applied Dark Philosophy, as well as the occasional standard class like Mathematics when the need arises (though he is loathe to do so). Although he is not the only teacher of such classes he is perhaps the most infamous. He is very tough, very demanding, and can be very harsh. Most of his students hate him to some degree or another, but years after they graduate, a very large percentage of them stop by to thank him for all that they are just realizing they learned. Professor Graven takes it all in stride, then typically tells them to get out of his office and stop wasting his time with such heartwarming drivel. The satisfied grin always waits until they're well out of sight.