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Bulbasaur evolutionary line

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Bulbasaur evolutionary line
Pokémon series character
1bulbasaur.png [[]File:Ivysaur line.jpg]] File:003Venusaur.png
Bulbasaur (top), Ivysaur (center), and Venusaur (bottom)
National Pokédex
Bulbasaur (#001) - Ivysaur (#002) - Venusaur (#003) - Charmander
First gamePokémon Red and Blue

Bulbasaur (フシギダネ, Fushigidane),[1] Ivysaur (フシギソウ, Fushigisō), and Venusaur (フシギバナ, Fushigibana) are three of the fictional species of Pokémon creatures from the Pokémon media franchise—a collection of video games, anime, manga, toys, trading cards, and other media created by Satoshi Tajiri.[2] They are numbers one, two, and three in the 493 fictional species of creatures, and are all first generation Pokémon.[3][4] As with all Pokémon names, "Bulbasaur", "Ivysaur", and "Venusaur" are both singular and plural nouns.These three Pokémon are among the most recognizable Pokémon, largely due to the fact that they are central characters in the Pokémon anime series. In the Pokémon franchise, Bulbasaur can often be seen napping in bright sunlight. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed on their backs grow progressively larger, until it evolves into Ivysaur, which then evolves into Venusaur.

The Pokémon

Conception

The design and art direction for Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur was provided by Ken Sugimori, a good friend of Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri.[5][6] Bulbasaur first appeared in Japan in 1996 in Pokémon Red and Blue as one of three starter Pokémon from which the player must choose at the beginning of the games.[7] In the early Pokémon video games, Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur were portrayed by two-dimensional sprites, and in many later releases their appearances have been conveyed by 3D computer graphics. Throughout the series, they have been portrayed with no spoken dialogue. In the Pokémon anime, they use facial expressions, body language, and repeat the syllables of their own names, using different pitches and tones.

Bulbasaur's Japanese name, Fushigidane, is a combination of the Japanese words for "mystery" or "miracle" (不思議, fushigi) and "seed" (種, tane).[8] Ivysaur's Japanese name, Fushigisō, can be taken to mean "mysterious grass", pairing fushigi with "grass" (草, sō). Venusaur's Japanese name, Fushigibana, can be construed as a combination of fushigi and "flower" (花, hana).[citation needed]

For the North American localization of Pokémon Red and Blue, Nintendo gave the Pokémon "cleverly descriptive names" related to their appearance or features as a means to make the characters more relatable to English-speaking children; "Bulbasaur" relates to the large garlic-like bulb on its back.[9] The first part of Ivysaur's name is taken from the plant ivy, and Venusaur's from the Venus flytrap. All three take the latter part of their names from the Greek word sauros, meaning "lizard".[10][11]

Characteristics

Like all Pokémon, Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur fight other Pokémon in battles central to the anime, manga, and games of the series.[12] Bulbasaur evolve into the stronger Ivysaur when they gain enough experience from battling other Pokémon. With continued training, Ivysaur can evolve further into Venusaur. All three Pokémon share an ability known as "Overgrow", a natural technique that makes grass-type attacks more powerful when their health is low.

Bulbasaur are small quadrupeds with a reptilian appearance. Their coloration is typically light blue-green, with darker blue-green spots spread across their bodies. Bulbasaur often nap in bright sunlight, causing the seeds on their backs to grow progressively larger from absorption of the sun's energy.[13] The stored energy reduces its need to eat.[14] When they evolve into Ivysaur and then Venusaur, the bulb on its back progressively blossoms into a flower.[4] The Pokédex, a fictional Pokémon encyclopedia, says that the seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth, sprouting and growing in sync with the Pokémon.[15]

Ivysaur grow small fangs after evolving, their legs become thicker and stronger, and their coloration grows darker than that of Bulbasaur. The average Ivysaur is 1 m (3 ft 3 in) high and weighs 13 kg (28.7 lbs). Their plants are an indicator of overall health, and they grow as Ivysaur absorb nutrients. When the plant is ready to bloom, it gives off a distinct aroma. Like Bulbasaur, Ivysaur can absorb energy from the sun as food.[16] After evolving, Ivysaur lose the ability to stand on two legs as a result of the plant getting larger and heavier.After an Ivysaur evolves into Venusaur, the plant blooms into an enormous flower. Venusaur use this to absorb energy from sunlight, following the path of the sun to maximize energy input. They are at their most powerful in the summer when the sunlight is strongest. Venusaur exhibit a form of sexual dimorphism, as only the female's flower contains a seed.

Depictions

In the games

Main article: Pokémon (video game series)

Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur made their video game debut in 1996 with the Japanese release of Pokémon Red and Blue.[17][18] Along with Charmander and Squirtle, Bulbasaur is a starter Pokémon from which the player must choose at the beginning of these two games. The grass-type Bulbasaur is in contrast to Charmander's fire-type and Squirtle's water-type.[19] Ivysaur and Venusaur are available only through Pokémon evolution. Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur are not available in any other game in the series except Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, enhanced remakes of Red and Blue, and Pokémon Yellow, where a Bulbasaur is given as a gift to the player.[19]

Pokémon Stadium and other spin-offs such as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon offer the player the option to control a Bulbasaur, and in Pokémon Snap, some of the Pokémon the player can photograph are Bulbasaur.[7] A Bulbasaur also appears in Hey You, Pikachu! as a supporting character who lives in the Ochre Woods and makes recipes with Pikachu's help.[20][21] In Super Smash Bros. Melee, a Bulbasaur appears as one of the many trophies.[22] A Bulbasaur trophy is also obtainable in the sequel, Super Smash Bros. Brawl.[citation needed]Along with a Squirtle and a Charizard, an Ivysaur is playable in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as part of the Pokémon Trainer's team. The player must switch between the three Pokémon periodically to prevent them from becoming fatigued.[23] The Ivysaur in Brawl has three special moves: Bullet Seed, Razor Leaf, and Vine Whip.[23] For his "Final Smash", the Pokémon Trainer uses a move dubbed the "Triple Finish". For this move, he sends all three of his Pokémon into battle simultaneously to attack, and Ivysaur uses the move SolarBeam as its part in this technique.[23] Ivysaur is the only quadrupedal fighter in the game.[23]

Venusaur have minor cameos in the Super Smash Bros. series. They randomly appear in the Saffron City stage in the original Super Smash Bros., and as one of several Pokémon which randomly emerge from a thrown Poké Ball in Super Smash Bros. Melee.[24][25]

In the anime

Main article: Pokémon (anime)

Series protagonist Ash Ketchum and May have each had a Bulbasaur in the Pokémon anime, with Ash's Bulbasaur garnering more prominence within the storylines than May's.[26][27] Ash’s Bulbasaur has remained with him longer than all of his other Pokémon, with the exception of his Pikachu.[citation needed] Before joining his team it lived with a girl named Melanie, who took care of abandoned Pokémon.[26] Bulbasaur was captured by Ash, though its attitude towards him was pessimistic. However, its loyalties began to improve and it eventually became one of Ash's most faithful Pokémon.[26][27] May catches a Bulbasaur while traveling in a nature reserve for grass-type Pokémon during her journey in Hoenn in the episode "Grass Hysteria". 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. After leaving the main cast, May briefly returns in Sinnoh, and reveals that her Bulbasaur has fully evolved into a Venusaur.In the Japanese version the two Bulbasaur are voiced by separate seiyū; Ash's Bulbasaur by Megumi Hayashibara and May's by Miyako Itō. They are both voiced by Tara Jayne in the English dub up until the 9th season when Michelle Knotz took over the roles.[28]Ivysaur and Venusaur have had much less prominence in the anime than Bulbasaur. They first appeared together in the episode "Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden", where numerous Bulbasaur are seen evolving into Ivysaur. An Ivysaur was owned by Crystal in "Putting the Air Back in Aerodactyl", and another appeared in the episode "Judgement Day". In "Enter the Dragonite", Drake, the Orange League champion, uses a Venusaur in his battle against Ash. In "Grass Hysteria" a Venusaur guards a forest of grass Pokémon. It helps protect Ash and May, and encourages her Bulbasaur to join them. In Pokémon: The First Movie, Venusaur is amongst the Pokémon Mewtwo clones.

In the manga

Main article: Pokémon (manga)

Bulbasaur are featured in many of the manga series. In Pokémon: Pikachu Shocks Back, Pokémon: Electric Pikachu Boogaloo, and Pokémon: Surf’s Up, Pikachu, Pikachu is separated from Ash and travels with a Bulbasaur to a secret Pokémon village in the mountains. Ash later finds Pikachu and catches the Bulbasaur. The Bulbasaur accompanies him 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 Drake.[29]

In Pokémon Adventures, a manga based on the plot of Pokémon Red and Blue, the character Red receives a Bulbasaur from Professor Oak, which he nicknames "Saur".[30] In Chapter 15, "Wartortle Wars", it evolves into an Ivysaur after battling a wild Mankey.[31] In Chapter 30, "Zap, Zap, Zapdos!", Red uses Saur to defeat Lt. Surge's Zapdos.[32] In Chapter 33, "The Winged Legends", Red's Ivysaur evolves into a Venusaur to team up with Blue's Charizard and Green's Blastoise in an attempt to defeat Sabrina's "Zapmolcuno", a merged form of the legendary Zapdos, Moltres and Articuno. It helps to destroy Team Rocket's control on Saffron City, Zapmolcuno back into Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno.[33] Saur re-appeared next in Chapter 40, "A Charizard... and a Champion", during the final match of the Ninth Pokémon League, when Red faced off against Blue. The battle began with Red's Venusaur and Blue's Charizard facing each other, and culminated in a victory for Red and Saur.[34] In the "FireRed and LeafGreen" volume, Red temporarily traded his Venusaur for Blue's Charizard.[citation needed]

In the Trading Card Game

Main article: Pokémon Trading Card Game
File:Bulbasaur TCG.jpg
A depiction of Bulbasaur in the Pokémon Trading Card Game

Collectible trading cards featuring Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur have appeared since the Pokémon Trading Card Game was first released to the Japanese market in October 1996.[citation needed] They've appeared in the Base set (re-released for Base 2 and Legendary Collection), Gym Challenge (with the "Erika's" prefix), Expedition, and EX FireRed & LeafGreen.[35] Bulbasaur are classified as Basic Pokémon, while Ivysaur are Stage-1 Pokémon and are used to play stronger Stage-2 cards like Venusaur or some variant like "Venusaur ex".

Cultural impact

Merchandising

Bulbasaur is featured in 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.[36][37] In Bulbasaur’s Trouble, Bulbasaur resolves an argument between two other Pokémon.[37] 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.[36] It has been depicted in PVC 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, and terry cloth bean bags.[38] It has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King.[39][40] Bulbasaur has also been featured in various versions of the Pokémon painting on ANA Boeing 747s.[41]

Ivysaur is often featured on products where a scene of several Pokémon are shown. Ivysaur's likeness has been featured in Pokémon stickers, books, toys, and other media.[41]

Critical reception

CNN reporter Dennis Michael described Bulbasaur as one of the "lead critters" of the games and "perhaps the Carmen Miranda of Pokémon figures."[42] Joyce Millman's impression of a Bulbasaur was that it looked like "a dinosaur thingy with what looks like a large garlic bulb growing out of its back."[43] She did not know how it defeated its opponents but speculated that "perhaps [it] overpowers them with a strong batch of pesto."[43]

Bulbasaur and Ivysaur are both amongst of the top ten Pokémon by fans who voted at Pokémon.com.[44] According to a panel of 5 - 8 year-olds assembled by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin in 1999, Bulbasaur was one of the children's three favorite Pokémon.[45] A writer for the University of Notre Dame's The Observer noted that Bulbasaur was the the least popular starter Pokémon to pick after Charmander, who evolves into the "sleek, powerful, and utterly destructive" Charizard, and Squirtle, who "would evolve into Blastoise, a tank of a turtle with huge water cannons on its back." He speculated that Bulbasaur, "which would become Venusaur, a clumsy-looking lout with a giant flower growing on its back", would be chosen by kids who "knew how it felt to be picked last in gym class."[46] In a point-counterpoint for The Ohio State Sentinel, staff writer Matthew Thomas Gross felt that Charmander is superior to Bulbasaur, saying Bulbasaur has "shown evidence of sloth and laziness," and has lower speed rating than Charmander. In contrast, the writer providing the counter-point feels that Bulbasaur is superior, noting that it is higher in four of the six main Pokémon statistics (HP, Defense, Special Attack, and Special Defense), and also feels that Bulbasaur's loyalty is more important than Charmander's ability to evolve into the powerful Charizard.[47]

References

  1. ^ Kalbfleisch, Pamela. Communication Yearbook 27. International Communication Association. p. 173. ISBN 0805848193. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
  2. ^ "Pokémon Franchise Approaches 150 Million Games Sold". PR Newswire. Retrieved 2006-02-28.
  3. ^ Augustyn, Frederick (2004). Dictionary of Toys and Games in American Popular Culture. Haworth Press. ISBN 0789015048. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
  4. ^ a b "Pokémon.com Pokédex". Nintendo/Gamefreak. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
  5. ^ TIMEasia.com | Cover: Poké Mania - Page 2 | 11/22/99
  6. ^ Stuart Bishop (2003-05-30). "Game Freak on Pokémon!". CVG. Archived from the original on 2008-02-08. Retrieved 2008-02-07.
  7. ^ a b 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)
  8. ^ Drazen, Patrick (2003). Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation. St. Paul, MN: Stone Bridge Press, LLC. p. 321. ISBN 1880656728.
  9. ^ Chua-Euan, Howard (November 22, 1999). "PokéMania". TIME. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
  10. ^ Guides: Pokémon: Blue and Red
  11. ^ http://guides.ign.com/guides/16708/page_219.html
  12. ^ "Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire Review (page 1)". IGN. Retrieved 2006-06-01.
  13. ^ Game Freak (2002). Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (Game Boy). 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.
  14. ^ Game Freak (1998). Pokémon Yellow (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex: It can go for days without a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.
  15. ^ Game Freak (1996). Pokémon Red and Blue (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex: A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon.
  16. ^ Game Freak (1996). Pokémon Red and Blue (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex:Like Bulbasaur, Ivysaur can last a few days without eating because it can absorb the sun's energy through the flower on its back
  17. ^ Sora Ltd. (2008-01-31). Pikachu Trophy Information (Wii). Nintendo. Appearances: Pokémon Red/Green (1996)
  18. ^ "Official Japanese Pokémon website". Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  19. ^ a b Allison, Anne (2006). Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination. University of California Press. pp. 294–295. ISBN 0520221486. 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).
  20. ^ Parents Video Game Reviews for Families- Hey You, Pikachu!
  21. ^ [1][dead link]
  22. ^ “Guides:Super Smash Bros. Melee,” IGN.com. URL accessed on 2005-12-29.
  23. ^ a b c d "Pokémon Trainer". Smash Bros. DOJO!!. Smashbros.com. Retrieved 2008-02-03.
  24. ^ Super Smash Bros. stage guide Gamefaqs.com. URL Accessed July 11, 2006.
  25. ^ Super Smash Bros. Melee Poké ball guide Gamefaqs.com. URL Accessed July 11, 2006.
  26. ^ a b c Pokémon - Seaside Pikachu! Viz Video., July 20, 1999. ISBN 6305466858.
  27. ^ a b Pokémon - Pikachu Party (Vol. 12) Viz Video., November 23, 1999. ASIN B000021Y6R.
  28. ^ "Pokémon (TV)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
  29. ^ Template:Jp icon Pokémon: Magical Journey character bios Maco.cha.to. 2006-07-26.
  30. ^ Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1: Desperado Pikachu, VIZ Media LLC, July 6, 2000. ISBN 1-56931-507-8.
  31. ^ Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures: Legendary Pokémon, Vol. 2; Chapter 15, "Wartortle Wars", (pg 7–20) VIZ Media LLC, December 6, 2001. ISBN 1-56931-508-6.
  32. ^ Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures, Volume 3: Saffron City Siege; Chapter 31, "The Art of Articuno" (pg 33–46) VIZ Media LLC, August 5, 2001. ISBN 1-56931-560-4
  33. ^ Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures, Volume 3: Saffron City Siege; Chapter 33, "The Winged Legends" (pp 77–95) VIZ Media LLC, August 5 2001. ISBN 1-56931-560-4
  34. ^ Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures, Volume 3: Saffron City Siege; Chapter 40, "A Charizard... and a Champion" (pg 118-) VIZ Media LLC, August 5 2001. ISBN 1-56931-560-4
  35. ^ "Official Pokémon TCG site". Archived from the original on 2007-05-24. Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  36. ^ a b "Bulbasaur's Bad Day". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
  37. ^ a b "Pokémon Tales Volume 3: Bulbasaur's Trouble". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
  38. ^ White, Jason. "allgame ((( Bulbasaur > Overview )))". Allgame. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  39. ^ "The Pojo - TCG Set Lists McDonald's Campaign Expansion Set". Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  40. ^ "Fastfoodtoys.Net Pokémon 2000 Toys". Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  41. ^ a b Pokémon Jet: Design
  42. ^ Michael, Dennis (1999-10-05). "Pokémon banished from another playground". CNN. Archived from the original on 2007-11-23. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  43. ^ a b Millman, Joyce (1999-07-06). "The secret world of Pokémon". Salon. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  44. ^ "VIZ Media Announces New Pokémon Products for 2006 Holiday Season". PressZoom. 2006-10-12. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  45. ^ Shimabukuro, Betty (1999-04-26). "Pokémon An Adult's Guide from a Kid's Perspective". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Archived from the original on 1999-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  46. ^ "Pondering Pokémon". The Observer. February 24, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-28.
  47. ^ Gross, Matthew Thomas (April 18, 2007). "Pokémon War! Point-Counterpoint". The Ohio State Sentinel. Retrieved 2009-02-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
Books
  • Barbo, Maria. The Official Pokémon Handbook. Scholastic Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0-439-15404-9.
  • Loe, Casey, ed. Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition Official Perfect Guide. Sunnydale, CA: Empire 21 Publishing, 1999. ISBN 1-930206-15-1.
  • Nintendo Power. Official Nintendo Pokémon FireRed Version & Pokémon LeafGreen Version Player’s Guide. Nintendo of America Inc., August 2004. ISBN 1-930206-50-X
  • Nintendo Power. Official Nintendo Pokémon Emerald Player’s Guide. Nintendo of America Inc., April 2005. ISBN 1-930206-58-5
  • Ultimate Pokémon Network Retrieved May 31, 2006.
- *The following games and their instruction manuals: Pokémon Red and Blue; Pokémon Yellow; Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Stadium 2; Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal; Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald; Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen; Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

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