Bulbasaur
Pokémon character
National Pokédex
Bulbasaur (#0001) - Ivysaur
First gamePokémon Red and Blue (1996)
Designed byAtsuko Nishida[1]
Voiced by
In-universe information
SpeciesPokémon
TypeGrass/Poison

Bulbasaur[lower-alpha 1] is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Designed by Atsuko Nishida,[1] Bulbasaur debuted in Pocket Monsters: Red and Green (Pokémon Red and Blue outside Japan) as a starter Pokémon. Since then, it has reappeared in subsequent sequels, spin-off games, related merchandise, and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. It is the first Pokémon in the franchise's monster index, called a Pokédex, with an index number of 0001.

Known as the Seed Pokémon, Bulbasaur can survive for days solely on sunlight. It likes to take a nap in the sunshine. While it sleeps, the seed on its back catches the rays and uses the energy to grow. It is a central character in the Pokémon anime, being one of Ash Ketchum's main Pokémon for the first season, and a different one later being obtained by May. It is featured in various manga, and is owned by protagonist Red in the Pokémon Adventures manga. Bulbasaur has been featured in myriad pieces of merchandise, including toys, key chains, and plush dolls.

Bulbasaur can evolve into Ivysaur at level 16, and can further evolve into Venusaur at level 32. Venusaur can also evolve into Mega Venusaur if the player equips it with a Venusaurite, but this feature was only first added to the Pokémon games in Pokémon X and Y.

Conception and design

Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Pokémon series began in Japan in 1996 with the release of the Pokémon Red and Blue video games for the Game Boy. In these games, the player assumes the role of a Pokémon Trainer whose goal is to capture and train creatures called Pokémon. Players use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon,[2][3] and some can transform into stronger species, or evolve, once they gain enough experience.[4] The ultimate goal of the games is to complete the entries in the Pokémon index (Pokédex), a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading to obtain creatures from all Pokémon species.[2]

Bulbasaur was designed by Atsuko Nishida, one of the character designers for Pocket Monsters Red and Blue, who based its design on Ivysaur, the mid-evolved form of Bulbasaur.[1] The species first appeared as one of three starter Pokémon the player could choose from at the beginning of the initial Game Boy games, Pokémon Red and Blue, released in Japan in 1996.[5] Its Japanese name, Fushigidane (fu-SHI-gi-DAHN-eh), is a combination of the Japanese words for mystery or miracle (fushigi) and seed (tane).[6] In translating the game for English speaking audiences, Nintendo gave the Pokémon "cleverly descriptive names" related to their appearance or features as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children; thus Bulbasaur, a portmanteau relating to both its dinosaurian appearance and the large garlic-shaped bulb on its back.[7][lower-alpha 2] Both the etymology and appearance of Bulbasaur, Ivysaur and Venusaur convey a transition of this Pokémon from the harmless to the dangerous as it evolves.[10] The idea to feature Bulbasaur and the other Red and Blue starters in a significant role in Pokémon X and Y came about a year and a half into the development of the games. The Mega Evolutions for the three Pokémon's final forms were created, and the designers decided that they should give players an opportunity to receive one of these Pokémon from Professor Sycamore, the games professor, to see their Mega Evolved form.[11]

Characteristics

Despite their English names, Ken Sugimori confirmed that the design of Bulbasaur and its evolutions are based on onions and bullfrogs.,[12] albeit identified more with a smaller Dicynodont. In the Pokémon franchise, Bulbasaur are small, squat amphibian and plant Pokémon that move on all four legs, and have blue-green bodies with darker blue-green spots. As a Bulbasaur undergoes evolution into Ivysaur and then later into Venusaur, the bulb on its back blossoms into a large flower.[13] The seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth and then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.[14] The bulb absorbs sunlight which allows it to grow, and for this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays.[15] They can also survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.[16] The distinctive differences of Bulbasaur from other Pokémon such as Diglett are well understood by children and so motivate their play and trading of the creature.[17]

Appearances

In the video games

Bulbasaur is the first Pokémon entry on the Pokedex.[18] Bulbasaur made its video game debut on February 27, 1996, in the Japanese-language games Pocket Monsters Red and Green.[19] Along with Charmander and Squirtle, Bulbasaur is a starter Pokémon the player can choose from at the beginning of the games.[20] Bulbasaur's dual typing of Grass and Poison type is in contrast to Charmander's Fire type and Squirtle's Water type.[20] Bulbasaur is the only starter in Red, Blue, and Green that has a dual typing. Bulbasaur and the other starters from Red and Blue are replaced by Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow, the only starter available in it. Instead, they are obtained throughout the game from several NPCs.[20] In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, remakes of Red and Blue, Bulbasaur is selectable as a starter Pokémon once again, along with Charmander and Squirtle. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, after obtaining all sixteen badges and defeating Red, the player can choose to obtain either Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle.[21] Bulbasaur can also be transferred from Generation III games via Pal Park in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokemon Platinum and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. In Pokémon X and Y, players can also choose between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle near the start of the game shortly after having chosen the games' new starter Pokémon. In Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Isle Of Armor, one can be obtained in the Master Dojo.

The Nintendo 64 spin-off Pokémon Stadium, and other spin-offs such as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, give the player a choice of a Bulbasaur (among fifteen other Pokémon), and in Pokémon Snap, Bulbasaur are one of the Pokémon that the player can photograph.[5] It also appears in Pokémon Puzzle League as one of Ash's Pokémon. Bulbasaur also appears in Hey You, Pikachu! as a supporting character who lives in the Ochre Woods and makes the five recipes with Pikachu's help.[22] In Super Smash Bros. Melee and Brawl, Bulbasaur appears as one of the obtainable trophies.[23][24] Bulbasaur appears in PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure as the host of a mini-game called "Daring Dash". In 2016, Bulbasaur was one of the four starter Pokémon in Pokémon Go,[25] and appearing also in Pokémon Unite[26] and New Pokémon Snap.[27]

In the anime

Scenes from the Pokémon anime have depicted both the characters Ash and May training a Bulbasaur at different times, with Ash's Bulbasaur garnering more prominence within the storylines.[28][29] Ash's Bulbasaur has remained with Ash longer than all of his other Pokémon, with the exception of his Pikachu. Before joining Ash's team, it lives with a girl named Melanie, who takes care of abandoned Pokémon.[28] Bulbasaur is given to Ash, but it is pessimistic about him. However, its loyalties begin to improve and it eventually becomes one of Ash's most faithful Pokémon.[28][29] May catches a Bulbasaur while traveling in a grass-type Pokémon nature reserve during her journey in Hoenn. Bulbasaur defends her from the other grass Pokémon in the forest, who see her as a threat, and when May leaves, Bulbasaur decides to go with her.[30] She later makes a guest appearance on the series and it is revealed that her Bulbasaur has fully evolved into a Venusaur.[31]

In the original Japanese version the two Bulbasaur are each played by separate voice actresses, Ash's Bulbasaur by Megumi Hayashibara and May's by Miyako Itō. In the English dub, they are both voiced by Tara Jayne until Michele Knotz took over the job for the ninth season.

In other media

Bulbasaur is featured in an eclectic range of different Pokémon manga series. In Pokémon: Pikachu Shocks Back, Electric Pikachu Boogaloo, and Surf's Up, Pikachu!, which loosely parallel the storyline of the anime, Pikachu is separated from Ash temporarily, and travels with a Bulbasaur to a secret Pokémon village in the mountains. Later, Ash finds Pikachu and catches the Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur accompanies Ash throughout his journeys in the Orange Islands, and eventually fights in the final showdown with Drake, the Orange Crew Supreme Gym Leader. In Magical Pokémon Journey, a character named Pistachio has a female Bulbasaur (nicknamed Danerina in the Japanese version), who is infatuated by him.[32]

In Pokémon Adventures, a manga based on the plot of the Pokémon Red and Blue games, the character Red receives a Bulbasaur from Professor Oak, which he nicknames Saur.[33] In Chapter 15, "Wartortle Wars", it evolves into an Ivysaur after battling a wild Mankey.[34] A Bulbasaur owned by Red appeared in the first episode of Pokemon Generations. Bulbasaur is the main character of two Pokémon children's books, Pokémon Tales Volume 3: Bulbasaur's Trouble and Bulbasaur's Bad Day, published in 1999 and 2000 respectively by Sagebrush.[35][36] In Pokémon Tales Volume 3: Bulbasaur's Trouble, Bulbasaur resolves an argument between two other Pokémon.[36] In Bulbasaur's Bad Day, Meowth traps Bulbasaur in a pit and it has to outwit Team Rocket (the antagonists of the Pokémon anime) to escape.[35] Bulbasaur also appears in the movie Pokemon: Detective Pikachu, where a herd of them lead Pikachu for Mewtwo to heal.[37] In making the film, a bulldog was used to understand the top-heavy movement of Bulbasaur. Then puppeteers in London were hired to create 3D puppets of it. Facial expressions and texture details were added using CGI.[38]

Bulbasaur is set to be featured alongside other iconic Generation I Pokémon in a version of the Labyrinth board game in 2021.[39]

Promotion and merchandising

Bulbasaur has been featured in varying pieces of merchandise, including toys and plush dolls.[40] Bulbasaur has been depicted in action figures sold by Hasbro in the United States, while Tomy in Japan sold extensive merchandise of the character, including vinyl dolls, wind-up model kits, Singaporean popcorn,[41] and terry cloth bean bags.[42] It has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King.[43][44] Bulbasaur has also been included in various versions of the Pokémon painting on ANA Boeing 767s.[45] In 2021, Seiko made limited edition luxury watches based on Bulbasaur and its evolutionary family. The watches also depict its famous Solar Beam attack.[46] The island nation of Niue issued a commemorative coin with a legal tender value of one crown which has a Bulbasaur on the reverse side.[47]

Bulbasaur was also among the eleven Pokémon chosen as Japan's mascots in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[48]

Reception and legacy

Bulbasaur has been largely praised by critics for its appearance, especially in the Pokémon anime. Nintendo World Report's Pedro Hernandez called it his favorite Pokémon, noting that it represented a number of firsts for him: his first episode of the anime, his first Pokémon, and the first one he saw in 3D. Calling Bulbasaur the reason he became interested in the Pokémon series, he stated that he was "deeply touched" by how it refused to evolve in the anime in order to "prove his self-worth as his un-evolved form".[49] IGN editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" also praised Ash's "attitude-packing Bulbasaur" in the anime,[50] and Official Nintendo Magazine's John Vekinis attributed his "love of Grass-type Pokémon" to Bulbasaur in spite of the Grass type's weaknesses.[51]

Chris Plante of Polygon called Bulbasaur "the best Pokémon all along", citing that series producer and director Junichi Masuda defended Bulbasaur as the best starter Pokémon, calling it "really cute, as a character," and "a very Pokémon-like Pokémon" that "kind of exemplifies what Pokémon is for me" due to its monster and plant combination. Plante called Bulbasaur and its evolutions "comparably dull", but, nevertheless, stated that they were "the most true to life", as it looked more "leathery and aged" as it got older in comparison to the other starters.[52] Cass Marshall and Julia Lee of the same publication described Bulbasaur on Detective Pikachu as "unassuming and sweet," a creature who makes a "lovable friend."[37]

The fan wiki Bulbapedia, a wiki dedicated solely to the Pokémon franchise, is named after Bulbasaur.

A Bulbasaur statue was installed on March 25, 2018 in the municipality of Suzano, located in São Paulo in Brazil, and was the first of several other Pokémon-related statues installed there.[53][54] The statue was vandalized the following month with graffiti, but it was voluntarily cleaned by local residents.[55] Since its installation, the statue, along with others, has undergone maintenance.[56]

Notes

  1. ↑ Pronounced /ˈbʌlbəˌsɔːr/. Known as Fushigidane (フシギダネ) in Japan
  2. ↑ French, Korean, Taiwan and Chinese language counterparts used names relating closer to the original name: Bulbizarre,[8] Isanghaessi (이상해씨 "Strange Seed"), Mìao Wa Chóng Zí (妙蛙種子 "Strange Frog Seed") and Qí Yì Chóng Zí (奇異種子 "Very Strange Seed"), respectively. German versions used a name closer to the American counterpart, Bisasam; a combination of bisamratte (musk rat) and samen (seed).[9]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu". NA website of Pokémon. The Pokémon Company International. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2018. Sugimori: "Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle were all designed by Ms. Nishida."; Nishida: "I created the designs for Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle by working backward from their final forms. I wanted people to be surprised when it evolved into Charizard, so I designed the original Charmander in such a way that Charizard would be unimaginable."
  2. 1 2 Game Freak (September 30, 1998). Pokémon Red and Blue, Instruction manual. Nintendo. pp. 6–7.
  3. ↑ Game Freak (September 30, 1998). Pokémon Red and Blue, Instruction manual. Nintendo. p. 11.
  4. ↑ Game Freak (September 30, 1998). Pokémon Red and Blue, Instruction manual. Nintendo. pp. 31, 35.
  5. 1 2 MacDonald, Mark; Brokaw, Brian; Arnold; J. Douglas; Elies, Mark. Pokémon Trainer's Guide. Sandwich Islands Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0-439-15404-9. (pg 192–195)
  6. ↑ Drazen, Patrick (2003). Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation. St. Paul, MN: Stone Bridge Press, LLC. p. 321. ISBN 1-880656-72-8.
  7. ↑ Chua-Euan, Howard (November 22, 1999). "PokéMania". Time. Archived from the original on February 20, 2001. Retrieved September 15, 2008.
  8. ↑ "Liste des trophées". Smash Bros. DOJO. Nintendo. May 13, 2008. Archived from the original on October 14, 2008.
  9. ↑ "Liste aller Trophäen". Smash Bros. DOJO. Nintendo. May 13, 2008. Archived from the original on November 10, 2008.
  10. ↑ M., Pratama Cipta Agi; Himmawati, Dian Rivia (2016). "THE RELEVANCE BETWEEN WORD FORMATION OF POKEMON NAME AND ITS APPEARANCE". Faculty of Languages and Arts, State University of Surabaya. Language Horizon. 4 (4): 45–47.
  11. ↑ Betka, Zach (September 19, 2013). "Pokemon X/Y: WHY?! Director Masuda himself answers!". GamesRadar. Retrieved March 16, 2014.
  12. ↑ 女子大生が訊く ポケットモンスターブラック・ホワイト (in Japanese). Nintendo. Archived from the original on December 30, 2010. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  13. ↑ "pokemon.com Pokédex". Nintendo/Game Freak. Archived from the original on July 30, 2008. Retrieved September 15, 2008.
  14. ↑ Game Freak (September 30, 1998). Pokémon Red (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex: A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon.
  15. ↑ Game Freak (March 17, 2003). Pokémon Ruby (Game Boy Advance). Nintendo. Pokédex: Bulbasaur can be seen napping in bright sunlight. There is a seed on its back. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed grows progressively larger.
  16. ↑ Game Freak (October 19, 1999). Pokémon Yellow (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex: It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.
  17. ↑ Helen Bromley (2004). "ch 10. Localizing Pokémon Through Narrative Play". Pikachu's global adventure. ISBN 978-0-8223-3287-9.
  18. ↑ "The Official Pokémon Website". www.pokemon.com. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Official Japanese Pokémon website". Retrieved May 24, 2007.
  20. 1 2 3 Allison, Anne (2006). Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination. University of California Press. pp. 294–295. ISBN 0-520-22148-6. A player must first find Professor Oak—the world's foremost expert on Pokémonology—who offers three choices for starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur (grass type), Charmander (fire type), or Squirtle (water type).
  21. ↑ Game Freak (March 14, 2010). Pokémon HeartGold (Nintendo DS). Nintendo. Pokédex:
  22. ↑ "Parents Video Game Reviews for Families- Hey You, Pikachu!". March 16, 2008. Archived from the original on March 16, 2008.
  23. ↑ "Guides:Super Smash Bros. Melee," IGN.com. Retrieved December 29, 2005.
  24. ↑ "Super Smash Bros. Trophy List". smashbros.com. Archived from the original on August 22, 2009. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  25. ↑ "Pokemon Go: How To Prepare For Bulbasaur Spotlight Hour". ScreenRant. July 6, 2021.
  26. ↑ Kohn, Aaron (July 15, 2021). "List of All playable Pokemon in Pokemon Unite".
  27. ↑ Molina, Brett. "Pokémon Snap for Nintendo Switch is almost here: The game designed to 'catch them all' is charming and laid back". USA TODAY.
  28. 1 2 3 Pokémon — Seaside Pikachu! Viz Video., July 20, 1999. UPC 013023018198.
  29. 1 2 Pokémon — Pikachu Party (Vol. 12) Viz Video., November 23, 1999. UPC 013023018792.
  30. ↑ Atsuhiro Tomioka (writer) (April 9, 2005). "Grass Hysteria!". Pokémon. Season Advanced Challenge. Episode 73. Various.
  31. ↑ Shinzō Fujita (writer) (September 27, 2008). "Pruning a Passel of Pals!". Pokémon. Season Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension. Episode 78. Various.
  32. ↑ (in Japanese) Pokémon: Magical Journey character bios Archived October 19, 2020, at the Wayback Machine Maco.cha.to. July 26, 2006.
  33. ↑ Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1: Desperado Pikachu, VIZ Media LLC, July 6, 2000. ISBN 1-56931-507-8.
  34. ↑ Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures: Legendary Pokémon, Vol. 2; Chapter 33, Chapter 15, "Wartortle Wars", (pg 7–20) VIZ Media LLC, December 6, 2001. ISBN 1-56931-508-6.
  35. 1 2 "Bulbasaur's Bad Day". Amazon. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  36. 1 2 "Pokemon Tales Volume 3: Bulbasaur's Trouble". Amazon. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  37. 1 2 Hernandez, Patricia (May 16, 2019). "Detective Pikachu helped me love a Pokémon I used to hate". Polygon.
  38. ↑ "Pokemon Live-Action Netflix Series in the Works | Attack of the Fanboy". July 27, 2021. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021.
  39. ↑ "Pokémon Version Of Classic Labyrinth Board Game Coming This Year". Screen Rant. July 30, 2021. Archived from the original on July 30, 2021.
  40. ↑ "The complete Pokemon RBY pokedex, part 1". August 24, 2007.
  41. ↑ "Singapore brand The Kettle Gourmet launches local flavoured popcorn featuring your favourite starter Pokémon, Lifestyle News - AsiaOne". July 2, 2021. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021.
  42. ↑ White, Jason. "allgame ((( Bulbasaur > Overview )))". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2008.
  43. ↑ "The Pojo — TCG Set Lists McDonald's Campaign Expansion Set". Retrieved January 28, 2008.
  44. ↑ "Fastfoodtoys.Net Pokémon 2000 Toys". Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2008.
  45. ↑ "Design". All Nippon Airways. Retrieved November 15, 2009.
  46. ↑ "Seiko adds limited edition starter Pokemon to their luxury watch collection - Japan Today". japantoday.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  47. ↑ Chester L. Krause, Clifford Mishler (2003). 2004 standard catalog of world coins. p. 1532. ISBN 9780873495936.
  48. ↑ Farokhmanesh, Megan (March 15, 2014). "Pikachu is Japan's official mascot for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil". Polygon.
  49. ↑ Hernandez, Pedro (March 1, 2011). "Top 5 Pokémon: Pedro's Picks". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  50. ↑ "Pokemon Crystal Version - Pokemon of the Day: Bulbasaur (#1)". IGN. Archived from the original on March 24, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2010.
  51. ↑ Vekinis, John (August 10, 2013). "Top five Pokemon Types". Official Nintendo Magazine. Archived from the original on October 8, 2014. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  52. ↑ Plante, Chris (September 28, 2018). "Bulbasaur has been the best Pokémon all along". Polygon.
  53. ↑ "Estátua de Pokémon instalada em praça de Suzano provoca a curiosidade de fãs do jogo". G1. March 29, 2018.
  54. ↑ "Veja todas as misteriosas estátuas Pokémon de Suzano". The Enemy. September 24, 2018.
  55. ↑ "Estátua de "Pokémon" em cidade da Grande São Paulo é vandalizada". UOL. April 10, 2018.
  56. ↑ "Praça dos Expedicionários e esculturas de Pokémon são revitalizadas". Diário de Suzano. May 20, 2023.
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