Bulbasaur: Difference between revisions
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==Conception and creation== |
==Conception and creation== |
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The character was created by [[Ken Sugimori]] for the {{nihongo|''Pocket Monsters Aka''|ポケットモンスター 赤|Poketto Monsutā Aka|"Pocket Monsters Red"}} and {{nihongo|''Pocket Monsters Midori''|ポケットモンスター 緑|Poketto Monsutā Midori|"Pocket Monsters Green"}} [[Game Boy]] games in Japan. |
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The character was created by [[Ken Sugimori]] for the {{nihongo|''Pocket Monsters Aka''|ポケットモンスター 赤|Poketto Monsutā Aka|"Pocket Monsters Red"}} and {{nihongo|''Pocket Monsters Midori''|ポケットモンスター 緑|Poketto Monsutā Midori|"Pocket Monsters Green"}} [[Game Boy]] games in Japan. A TIMEasia.com article detailing the success of Pokémon described the process by which Nintendo of America hoped to repeat the success outside Japan; names such as [[Al Kahn]], who developed the [[Cabbage Patch Kids|Cabbage Patch doll]], were brought in and the company removed any violence and sexual discrimination or religious scenes in the U.S. versions, hiding the game's "Japan-ness", the Pokémon were given "cleverly descriptive names". As one of the three examples of the "more popular Pokémon", it noted "Fushigidane, a dinosaur with a green garlic bulb on its back, became Bulbasaur".<ref name="Time">“[http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html PokéMania],” ''Time.com''. URL accessed on [[July 20]] [[2005]].</ref> A review of ''[[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen|Pokemon LeafGreen]]'' video game for the [[Game Boy Advance]] comparing the graphics of the game on the "old 4 battery Game Boys" to those of ''LeafGreen'' stated "The back picture of Bulbasaur no longer looks like a snail, each Pokemon has color and has every little bit of detail on it."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/review/R68513.html |title=Pokemon LeafGrean Version Reviews |accessdate=2007-08-01 |format= |work=GameFAQs}}</ref> |
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In the Japanese version of the anime, Ash's Bulbasaur is voiced by [[Megumi Hayashibara]], while May's Bulbasaur is voiced by [[Miyako Itō]]. In the English version, they are both voiced by [[Tara Jayne]] until season seven, then in season nine they are both voiced by [[Michelle Knotz]]. In the Spanish version, Bulbasaur is voiced by Eduardo Garza.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=270 |title=Pokémon (TV) |accessdate=2007-07-31 |format= |work=Anime News Network}}</ref> |
In the Japanese version of the anime, Ash's Bulbasaur is voiced by [[Megumi Hayashibara]], while May's Bulbasaur is voiced by [[Miyako Itō]]. In the English version, they are both voiced by [[Tara Jayne]] until season seven, then in season nine they are both voiced by [[Michelle Knotz]]. In the Spanish version, Bulbasaur is voiced by Eduardo Garza.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=270 |title=Pokémon (TV) |accessdate=2007-07-31 |format= |work=Anime News Network}}</ref> |
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In the Pokémon franchise, Bulbasaur are small, squat, vaguely [[reptile|reptilian]] Pokémon that move on all four legs, and have light blue-green bodies with darker blue-green spots. As a Bulbasaur undergoes [[Pokémon evolution|evolution]] into [[List of Pokémon (1-20)#Ivysaur|Ivysaur]] and then later into [[List of Pokémon (1-20)#Venusaur|Venusaur]], the bulb on its back blossoms into a flower. A [[CNN]] article remarked on the flowering of the character's bulb and suggested that it was "perhaps the [[Carmen Miranda]] of Pokémon figures".<ref>"[http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/TV/9910/05/pokemon/ Pokémon banished from another playground]," ''Cnn.com'', [[October 8]] [[1999]]. URL Accessed on [[July 31]] [[2007]].</ref> |
In the Pokémon franchise, Bulbasaur are small, squat, vaguely [[reptile|reptilian]] Pokémon that move on all four legs, and have light blue-green bodies with darker blue-green spots. As a Bulbasaur undergoes [[Pokémon evolution|evolution]] into [[List of Pokémon (1-20)#Ivysaur|Ivysaur]] and then later into [[List of Pokémon (1-20)#Venusaur|Venusaur]], the bulb on its back blossoms into a flower. A [[CNN]] article remarked on the flowering of the character's bulb and suggested that it was "perhaps the [[Carmen Miranda]] of Pokémon figures".<ref>"[http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/TV/9910/05/pokemon/ Pokémon banished from another playground]," ''Cnn.com'', [[October 8]] [[1999]]. URL Accessed on [[July 31]] [[2007]].</ref> |
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In the video games, the [[Pokédex]], a fictional Pokémon encyclopedia, says that the seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth, it then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.<ref>Pokédex entry on the Red, Blue and Leaf Green video games; "A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this POKéMON."</ref> The bulb growth continues during [[Pokémon evolution|evolution]] into Ivysaur and then Venusaur, and as Bulbasaur evolve, they become stronger and more powerful. The Pokédex also states that the bulb absorbs [[sunlight]] which makes it grow, for this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays,<ref>Pokédex entry on the Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald video games; "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."</ref> and can survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.<ref>Pokédex entry on the Yellow video game; "It can go for days without a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy."</ref> |
In the video games, the [[Pokédex]], a fictional Pokémon encyclopedia, says that the seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth, it then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.<ref>Pokédex entry on the Red, Blue and Leaf Green video games; "A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this POKéMON."</ref> The bulb growth continues during [[Pokémon evolution|evolution]] into Ivysaur and then Venusaur, and as Bulbasaur evolve, they become stronger and more powerful. The Pokédex also states that the bulb absorbs [[sunlight]] which makes it grow, for this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays,<ref>Pokédex entry on the Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald video games; "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."</ref> and can survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.<ref>Pokédex entry on the Yellow video game; "It can go for days without a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy."</ref> Because of its unusual physiology, scientists can't tell whether Bulbasaurs are plant or animal. |
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In the anime most Pokémon cannot speak and are only able to communicate with [[body language]] and by repeating syllables of their species name, using different [[pitch accent|pitches]] and [[tonal language|tones]]; Bulbasaur make sounds like “bulb”, “bulba”, and “saur”. |
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==Appearances== |
==Appearances== |
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===Video games=== |
===Video games=== |
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[[Image:Bulbasaur pokemon red.png|frame|right|215px|A Bulbasaur (left) in a battle with a [[Charmander]] in [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'']]<ref> MacDonald, Mark; Brokaw, Brian; Arnold; J. Douglas; Elies, Mark. Pokémon Trainer's Guide. Sandwich Islands Publishing, 1994. ISBN 0-439-15404-9. (pg73)</ref>]] |
[[Image:Bulbasaur pokemon red.png|frame|right|215px|A Bulbasaur (left) in a battle with a [[Charmander]] in [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'']]<ref> MacDonald, Mark; Brokaw, Brian; Arnold; J. Douglas; Elies, Mark. Pokémon Trainer's Guide. Sandwich Islands Publishing, 1994. ISBN 0-439-15404-9. (pg73)</ref>]] |
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Bulbasaur made their first video game debut |
Bulbasaur made their first video game debut in the [[Pokémon Red and Blue|first generation games]]. Along with a [[Charmander]] and [[Squirtle]], it is one of three [[Pokémon game mechanics#Starter Pokémon|starter Pokémon]] available at the beginning of the games with the exception of ''[[Pokémon Yellow]]''. Bulbasaur's grass type is in contrast to Charmander's fire type and Squirtle's water type. Games after the first generation require trading to obtain it. Bulbasuar also appear in [[spin-off]] games, such as the ''[[Pokémon Stadium]]'' series and ''[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon]]''. |
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Bulbasaur and the other starters from ''Red'', ''Blue'', ''Green'', and the Game Boy Advance remakes [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen|''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen'']] are replaced by [[Pikachu]] in ''[[Pokémon Yellow]]'', the only starter available in it. Instead, they are obtained throughout the game from various trainers. In Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal, Bulbasaur cannot be obtained without trading. In Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Bulbasaur is nonexistent. In Pokémon Emerald, Bulbasaur can be seen in the Battle Frontier always having the move set Razor Leaf, Light Screen, Sweet Scent and Sleep Powder. In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Bulbasaur can also be seen in the Battle Tower, always having the move set Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder, Take Down and Sweet Scent. 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 15 others), and in ''[[Pokémon Snap]]'', Bulbasaur is one of the Pokémon that the player can take a photograph of.<ref> 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)</ref> Bulbasaur also make appearances in ''[[Hey You, Pikachu!]]'' and ''[[Pokémon Channel]]''. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', a Bulbasaur appears as a trophy in a lottery, which the player may participate in by using a currency known as "Smash Coins".<ref>“[http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_54.html Guides:Super Smash Bros. Melee],” ''IGN.com''. URL accessed on [[December 29]], [[2005]].</ref> |
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===Anime=== |
===Anime=== |
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The [[Pokémon (anime)|''Pokémon'' anime]] [[television program|series]] and [[film]]s are a set of adventures separate from most other versions of ''Pokémon'', featuring [[Ash Ketchum]] as the main character, and following his quest to become a Pokémon Master. To this end, Ash and his friend [[May (Pokémon)|May]] have each trained a Bulbasaur. Ash first captures his after it challenges him after rescuing it and the girl temporarily taking care of it. He continues to use it frequently until the end of the Indigo League tournament. Afterwards, he mainly uses it in other tournaments. May captures hers in a forest, and mainly uses it in various Pokémon contests featured in the series. Since May's Bulbasaur fell in love with Ash's Bulbasaur, both Bulbasaur are now with [[Professor Oak]]. |
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[[Image:Bulbasaur in the anime.jpg|right|thumb|195px|Ash Ketchum’s Bulbasaur in episode 51 of the [[Pokémon (anime)|''Pokémon'' anime]]]] |
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The [[Pokémon (anime)|''Pokémon'' anime]] [[television program|series]] and [[film]]s are a set of adventures separate from most other versions of ''Pokémon'', featuring [[Ash Ketchum]] as the main character, and following his quest to become a Pokémon Master. He and his companions travel around the Pokémon world battling other [[Pokémon Trainer]]s. To this end, Ash and his friend [[May (Pokémon)|May]] have each trained a Bulbasaur (at different times), although Ash’s was featured for a much longer period. |
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Ash’s Bulbasaur has remained with him longer than any of his other Pokémon with the exception of [[Pikachu]], the first Pokémon on his team, and was portrayed as brave but very stubborn. Before joining his team, it lived with a girl named Melanie, who took care of abandoned Pokémon. It is unclear whether or not this Bulbasaur had been abandoned, but Melanie was not its Trainer; she was merely a friend.<ref>“[http://www.serebii.net/anime/epiguide/indigo/010.shtml Episode 10 - Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village]”, ''Serebii.net''. URL accessed on [[February 26]], [[2006]].</ref> Originally, this Bulbasaur was pessimistic about Ash, and when it and his other Pokémon were separated from him, it insisted to the other Pokémon that he had abandoned them.<ref> ''Pokémon - Seaside Pikachu!'' Viz Video., [[July 20]], [[1999]]. ISBN 6305466858 .</ref> However, following this episode, its loyalties began to improve and it eventually became one of Ash’s most faithful Pokémon.<ref> ''Pokémon - Pikachu Party (Vol. 12)'' Viz Video., [[November 23]], [[1999]]. ASIN B000021Y6R.</ref> |
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Ash and his early companions were the first humans to witness a Bulbasaur evolution ceremony, in which all the Bulbasaur in the world gather in one place in order to evolve into Ivysaur. In this episode Ash's Bulbasaur decided not to evolve. Although this decision was not accepted by other Bulbasaur at first, they eventually came to respect its decision.<ref>“[http://www.serebii.net/anime/epiguide/indigo/051.shtml Episode 51 - Bulbasaur’s Mysterious Garden]”, ''Serebii.net''. URL accessed on [[February 26]], [[2006]].</ref> |
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During the grass field battle of the Indigo League tournament, a battle competition that takes place on the [[List of Kanto locations#Indigo Plateau|Indigo Plateau]], Ash’s Bulbasaur defeated two of the opponent’s three Pokémon (a [[Beedrill]] and a [[Scyther]]), despite the fact that both of those Pokémon have a significant type advantage over a Grass-type like Bulbasaur. It also took part in the [[Orange Islands|Orange League]] Tournament; however, it was quickly defeated by a more experienced [[Electabuzz]], making it the only Pokémon of Ash’s team not to defeat any of the opponent’s Pokémon. Later, in the Johto League Silver Conference, Bulbasaur was able to defeat a [[shiny Pokémon|shiny]] [[Magneton]], and then in the same match, duel a [[Meganium]] to a draw.<ref>“[http://www.serebii.net/anime/epiguide/johto/270.shtml Episode 270 - Tie One On!]”, ''Serebii.net''. URL accessed on [[February 26]], [[2006]].</ref> |
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As in the games, [[Pokémon Trainer]]s can only carry a maximum of six Pokémon in their active roster at any one time. Ash’s Bulbasaur remained on his active roster for much of the series, but was later left with [[Professor Oak]], after other Pokémon in Oak’s care started fighting amongst themselves. Bulbasaur was the only Pokémon able to break up these fights, and the fights would resume if it were to leave. During Bulbasaur's stay with Professor Oak, it saved an Oddish and avoided a boulder by using Dig (a move which Bulbasaur can not learn in the games.)<ref>“[http://www.serebii.net/anime/epiguide/indigo/051.shtml Episode 227 - Bulbasaur ... The Ambassador!]”, ''Serebii.net''. URL accessed on [[February 28]] [[2006]].</ref> |
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Another featured Bulbasaur is the fourth Pokémon caught by May during her [[Hoenn]] adventures. While traveling in the Forbidden Forest (a [[Pokémon types#Grass-type|Grass Pokémon]] reserve), she finds it trying to pick flowers. |
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Since May's Bulbasaur fell in love with Ash's Bulbasaur, both Bulbasaur are now with [[Professor Oak]]. |
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Other Bulbasaur include one that used to belong to the mayor of Trovitopolis City in Episode 102 (The Mystery Menace). In the [[Pokémon Chronicles]] episode "Journey to the Starting Line", Gilbert, the son of Pallet Town's mayor, selected a Bulbasaur to be his Starter Pokémon. |
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===Trading Card Game=== |
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[[Image:Bulbasaur TCG.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Bulbasaur in the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]'' (Base set)]] |
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The ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]'' is a [[collectible card game]] similar in goal to a Pokémon battle in the video game series; players must use cards (with individual strengths and weaknesses) in an attempt to defeat their opponent by "knocking out" all of his cards.<ref> [http://www.pokemon-tcg.com/p_strategy/rulebooks/book_68.jsp#433 ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' "How to play" guide] ''Pokémon-tcg.com''. URL Accessed [[July 3]], [[2006]].</ref> |
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In this capacity, Bulbasaur was among the first Pokémon cards with which players became acquainted when the game was released in October of [[1996]]. Bulbasaur cards have appeared in the Base Set (and Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection), Gym Challenge (as [[Erika (Pokémon)|Erika]]’s Bulbasaur), Expedition (two cards), EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, and EX FireRed & LeafGreen (two cards). Bulbasaur had relatively few appearances in the early card series. In particular, the Rocket set contained [[Charmander]] and [[Squirtle]] cards, but no Bulbasaur.<ref> [http://serebii.net/TCG/Rocket/ ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' set; Team Rocket set cards] ''Serebii.net''. URL Accessed [[July 21]], [[2006]].</ref> Bulbasaur made more frequent appearances in the later expansions, starting with the Expedition set. Most Bulbasaur cards are of the “common” frequency (see image) and can generally be found with relative ease.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Pokémon TCG site|url=http://www.pokemon-tcg.com/p_cards/cards.jsp|accessdate=2007-05-24}}</ref> |
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There exists one known misprint of Bulbasaur. In the original set, instead of saying "length 2'4, ''weight'' 15 lb" it says "length 2'4, ''length'' 15 lb".<ref> "[http://www.psypokes.com/dex/deckdex.php?id=001 Appearances of Bulbasaur in the ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'']" ''Psypokes.com''. URL Accessed on [[May 4]], [[2006]].</ref> |
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===Manga=== |
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Bulbasaur is also featured in several Pokémon [[manga]]. In ''[[Pokémon: Pikachu Shocks Back]]'', ''[[Pokémon: Electric Pikachu Boogaloo|Electric Pikachu Boogaloo]]'', and ''[[Pokémon: Surf’s Up, Pikachu!|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 has caught a Bulbasaur of his own, which he uses in its first appearance to battle [[Team Rocket]]. While Ash and his companions take time off to work odd jobs, his Bulbasaur challenges an Ivysaur’s belief in a guardian Venusaur spirit, and the two scale an enormous, ancient tree to settle the matter. Bulbasaur accompanies Ash throughout his journeys in the [[Orange Islands]], and eventually fights in the final showdown with [[List of Orange Islands Gym Leaders#Drake|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.<ref> {{jp icon}} [http://maco.cha.to/pokemon/pipipi/chara03.html ''Pokémon: Magical Journey'' character bios] ''Maco.cha.to''. URL Accessed [[July 26]], [[2006]].</ref> |
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In ''[[Pokémon Adventures]]'', a manga based on the [[Pokémon Red and Blue|original games]], [[Red (Pokémon)|Red]] receives a Bulbasaur from [[Professor Oak]], which he nicknames "Saur" (Chapter 1, "VS. Mew")<!-- anyone got the US title?-->.<ref> Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. ''Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1: Desperado Pikachu'', VIZ Media LLC, [[July 6]], [[2000]]. ISBN 1-56931-507-8.</ref> In Chapter 15, "Wartortle Wars", it evolves into an Ivysaur after battling a wild [[Mankey]].<ref> 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. </ref> In Chapter 30, "Zap, Zap, Zapdos!", Red uses Saur to defeat [[List of Kanto Gym Leaders#Lt. Surge|Lt. Surge's]] [[Zapdos]], using its Razor Leaf attack to cut the cables that join the Team Rocket Executive and the legendary bird.<ref> 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</ref> In Chapter 33, "The Winged Legends", Red's Ivysaur evolves into a Venusaur to team up with [[Green (Pokémon)|Blue's]] [[Charizard]] and Green's [[Blastoise]], Turtley, to defeat [[List of Kanto Gym Leaders#Sabrina|Sabrina's]] Zapmolcuno (a merged form of [[Zapdos]], [[Moltres]] and [[Articuno]]) and destroy Team Rocket's control on Saffron City, splitting the three birds in the process.<ref> Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. ''Pokémon Adventures, Volume 3: Saffron City Siege''; Chapter 33, "The Winged Legends" (pg 77–95) VIZ Media LLC, [[August 5]], [[2001]]. ISBN 1-56931-560-4</ref> |
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===Other media=== |
===Other media=== |
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Bulbasuar are featured in the various manga adaptations of the series. [[Ash Ketchum]] uses one in the series such as ''[[Pokémon: Pikachu Shocks Back]]'' that loosely parallel the storyline of the anime; and [[Red (Pokémon)|Red]] of ''[[Pokémon Adventures]]'' recieves his from professor Oak, and names it "Saur".<ref> Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. ''Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1: Desperado Pikachu'', VIZ Media LLC, [[July 6]], [[2000]]. ISBN 1-56931-507-8.</ref> In the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]'', most Bulbasaur cards are of the “common” frequency and can generally be found with relative ease.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Pokémon TCG site|url=http://www.pokemon-tcg.com/p_cards/cards.jsp|accessdate=2007-05-24}}</ref> Bulbasaur is also the main character of two children’s books, ''Pokémon Tales, Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble'' and ''Bulbasaur’s Bad Day'', that were published in 1999 and 2000 respectively by [[Sagebrush]]. |
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Bulbasaur is also the main character of two children’s books, ''Pokémon Tales, Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble'' and ''Bulbasaur’s Bad Day'', that were published in 1999 and 2000 respectively by [[Sagebrush]]. In ''Pokémon Tales, Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble'', Bulbasaur resolves an argument between the other Pokémon.<ref>“[http://www.amazon.com/dp/1569313857 Pokémon Tales, Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble],” ''Amazon''. URL accessed on [[February 2]] [[2006]].</ref> In ''Bulbasaur’s Bad Day'', [[Meowth]] traps Bulbasaur in a pit and it has to outwit [[Team Rocket]] (the [[antagonist]]s of the anime) to escape.<ref>“[http://www.amazon.com/dp/0613244370 Bulbasaur’s Bad Day],” ''Amazon''. URL accessed on [[February 1]], [[2006]].</ref> |
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In [[Japan]], [[McDonald's|McDonald’s]] included Bulbasaur as one of a series of promotional Pokémon cards given away with their [[Happy Meal]]s.<ref>“[http://www.hostultra.com/~spp/Layout.php?spp=TCG/Donald McDonalds’s Pokémon Booster packs],” ''Scyther’s Pokémon place''. URL accessed on [[February 26]], [[2006]].</ref> McDonald’s did not, however, extend this idea outside Japan. Instead, a rival company, [[Burger King]], took up the cause: their “Power Cards” included a Bulbasaur, alongside [[Elekid]], [[Charmander]], [[Meowth]], [[Nidoking]], [[Kingler]], [[Snorlax]], [[Lapras]], [[Scyther]], [[Articuno]] and [[Pikachu]] in “Assortment 3”.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fastfoodtoys.Net "Pokemon 2000 Toys"|url=http://www.fastfoodtoys.net/burger%20king%20pokemon%20power%20cards.htm|accessdate=2007-05-24}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 14:17, 18 October 2007
| Bulbasaur | |
|---|---|
| 1bulbasaur.png National Pokédex None - Bulbasaur (#001) - Ivysaur | |
| Japanese name | Fushigidane |
| Evolves from | None |
| Evolves into | Ivysaur |
| Generation | First |
| Species | Seed Pokémon |
| Type | Grass / Poison |
| Height | 2 ft 4 in (0.7 m) |
| Weight | 15.2 pounds (6.9 kg) |
| Ability | Overgrow |
Bulbasaur (フシギダネ, Fushigidane in original Japanese language versions) is the first of the Template:Pokenum species of the children's product line known as Pokémon. The creatures from the multi-billion-dollar[1] Pokémon media franchise were created by Satoshi Tajiri. Pokémon is one of Nintendo's flagship game franchises, which has sold over 143 million copies worldwide as of 2007.[2] Their enduring popularity has led to many incarnations of the Pokémon story and of its Bulbasaur character. Designed by Ken Sugimori, the character's first appearance took place in 1995 in the first ever Pokémon video game, Pocket Monsters, as one of three starter Pokémon the player receives at the beginning of the game. The character was portrayed by a two-dimensional sprite; in later releases Bulbasaur's appearance has been conveyed by a computer-generated image. Like all Pokémon, Bulbasaur fight other Pokémon in battles central to the anime, manga, and games of the series.[3]
Bulbasaur are one of the first Pokémon that can be obtained in a number of Pokémon video games and they appear often in the Pokémon anime. Additionally they have been featured in both noncanon Pokémon games and non-Pokémon video games. Bulbasaur has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chains like McDonald's and Burger King.
Conception and creation
The character was created by Ken Sugimori for the Pocket Monsters Aka (ポケットモンスター 赤, Poketto Monsutā Aka, "Pocket Monsters Red") and Pocket Monsters Midori (ポケットモンスター 緑, Poketto Monsutā Midori, "Pocket Monsters Green") Game Boy games in Japan.
In the Japanese version of the anime, Ash's Bulbasaur is voiced by Megumi Hayashibara, while May's Bulbasaur is voiced by Miyako Itō. In the English version, they are both voiced by Tara Jayne until season seven, then in season nine they are both voiced by Michelle Knotz. In the Spanish version, Bulbasaur is voiced by Eduardo Garza.[4]
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
Characteristics
In the Pokémon franchise, Bulbasaur are small, squat, vaguely reptilian Pokémon that move on all four legs, and have light 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 flower. A CNN article remarked on the flowering of the character's bulb and suggested that it was "perhaps the Carmen Miranda of Pokémon figures".[5]
In the video games, the Pokédex, a fictional Pokémon encyclopedia, says that the seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth, it then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.[6] The bulb growth continues during evolution into Ivysaur and then Venusaur, and as Bulbasaur evolve, they become stronger and more powerful. The Pokédex also states that the bulb absorbs sunlight which makes it grow, for this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays,[7] and can survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.[8] Because of its unusual physiology, scientists can't tell whether Bulbasaurs are plant or animal.
In the anime most Pokémon cannot speak and are only able to communicate with body language and by repeating syllables of their species name, using different pitches and tones; Bulbasaur make sounds like “bulb”, “bulba”, and “saur”.
Appearances
Video games
Bulbasaur made their first video game debut in the first generation games. Along with a Charmander and Squirtle, it is one of three starter Pokémon available at the beginning of the games with the exception of Pokémon Yellow. Bulbasaur's grass type is in contrast to Charmander's fire type and Squirtle's water type. Games after the first generation require trading to obtain it. Bulbasuar also appear in spin-off games, such as the Pokémon Stadium series and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon.
Anime
The Pokémon anime series and films are a set of adventures separate from most other versions of Pokémon, featuring Ash Ketchum as the main character, and following his quest to become a Pokémon Master. To this end, Ash and his friend May have each trained a Bulbasaur. Ash first captures his after it challenges him after rescuing it and the girl temporarily taking care of it. He continues to use it frequently until the end of the Indigo League tournament. Afterwards, he mainly uses it in other tournaments. May captures hers in a forest, and mainly uses it in various Pokémon contests featured in the series. Since May's Bulbasaur fell in love with Ash's Bulbasaur, both Bulbasaur are now with Professor Oak.
Other media
Bulbasuar are featured in the various manga adaptations of the series. Ash Ketchum uses one in the series such as Pokémon: Pikachu Shocks Back that loosely parallel the storyline of the anime; and Red of Pokémon Adventures recieves his from professor Oak, and names it "Saur".[10] In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, most Bulbasaur cards are of the “common” frequency and can generally be found with relative ease.[11] Bulbasaur is also the main character of two children’s books, Pokémon Tales, Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble and Bulbasaur’s Bad Day, that were published in 1999 and 2000 respectively by Sagebrush.
References
- 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 And Hey You Pikachu.
- DVDs
- Pokémon, Vol. 15: Charizard!!, Viz Video., February 2000. ASIN B00004DS9J.
- Pokémon, Vol. 18: Water Blast!, Viz Video., May 2000. ASIN 6305844674 .
- Pokémon - The First Movie, Warner Home Video., October 2000. ASIN B00004WIB2.
- Pokémon, Vol. 26: Friends and Rivals!, Viz Video., January 2001. ASIN B0000541UG.
- Pokémon The Movie 2000, Warner Home Video., May 2001. ASIN B00005A3O6.
- Pokémon 3: The Movie , Warner Home Video., October 2001. ASIN B00005NMW3.
- Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns, Warner Home Video., December 2001. ASIN B00005OW0I.
- Pokémon Master Quest 2: Quest 2, Viz Video., February 2005. ASIN B0002IQD2Y.
- Pokemon 10th Anniversary, Vol. 7 - Bulbasaur, Viz Video., October 2006. ASIN B000HDR8D2.
- Footnotes
- ^ "Pokémon Franchise Approaches 150 Million Games Sold". PR Newswire. Retrieved 2007-07-27.
- ^ David (2005). "Nintendo reveal sales figures". Australia's PAL Gaming Network.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire Review (page 1)". IGN.com. Retrieved 2007-07-27.
- ^ "Pokémon (TV)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
- ^ "Pokémon banished from another playground," Cnn.com, October 8 1999. URL Accessed on July 31 2007.
- ^ Pokédex entry on the Red, Blue and Leaf Green video games; "A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this POKéMON."
- ^ Pokédex entry on the Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald video games; "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."
- ^ Pokédex entry on the Yellow video game; "It can go for days without a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy."
- ^ MacDonald, Mark; Brokaw, Brian; Arnold; J. Douglas; Elies, Mark. Pokémon Trainer's Guide. Sandwich Islands Publishing, 1994. ISBN 0-439-15404-9. (pg73)
- ^ Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1: Desperado Pikachu, VIZ Media LLC, July 6, 2000. ISBN 1-56931-507-8.
- ^ "Official Pokémon TCG site". Retrieved 2007-05-24.
- Publications
- 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, et al. Official Nintendo Pokémon Snap Player’s Guide. Nintendo of America Inc., 1999. ASIN B000CDZP9G
- Nintendo Power. Official Nintendo Pokémon FireRed Version & Pokémon LeafGreen Version Player’s Guide. Nintendo of America Inc., August 2004. ISBN 1-930206-50-X
- Websites
- "Statistical analysis of Bulbasaur". PsyPoke.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - "Individual anime episode summaries". Serebii.net.
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- Manga volumes
- Ono, Toshihiro. Pokémon: Pikachu Shocks Back Graphic Novel. VIZ Media LLC, December 6 1999. ISBN 1-56931-411-X
- Ono, Toshihiro. Pokémon: Electric Pikachu Boogaloo Graphic Novel. VIZ Media LLC, April 5 2000. ISBN 1-56931-436-5
- Ono, Toshihiro. Pokémon: Surf’s Up, Pikachu Graphic Novel. VIZ Media LLC, June 2000. ISBN 1-56931-494-2
- Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1: Desperado Pikachu. VIZ Media LLC, July 6 2000. ISBN 1-56931-507-8
- Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures, Volume 2: Legendary Pokémon. VIZ Media LLC, December 6 2000. ISBN 1-56931-508-6
- Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures, Volume 3: Saffron City Siege. VIZ Media LLC, August 5 2001. ISBN 1-56931-560-4
External links
Template:Contains Japanese text Template:PokeLinks
- Pokémon Dungeon Pokédex entry, full of statistical analysis
- Bulbasaur in The Pokémon Encyclopedia
- Bulbasaur at Bulbapedia
- Template:WikiKnowledge