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Mewtwo

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Mewtwo

National Pokédex
Dragonite - Mewtwo (#150) - Mew
Japanese nameMyūtsū
Evolves fromNone
Evolves intoNone
GenerationFirst
SpeciesGenetic Pokémon
TypePsychic
Height6 ft 7 in (2.0 m)
Weight269.0 pounds (122.0 kg)

Mewtwo (ミュウツー, Myūtsū) is a fictional character in Nintendo's and Game Freak's Pokémon series of video games. Mewtwo was introduced in the first-generation games, as one of the series' species that can be captured and used in battles against other Pokémon in battles central to the series. The player first learns of Mewtwo towards the later part of the game through research documents left in a ruined laboratory on Cinnabar Island, where it is revealed to be a genetically modified descendant of Mew[1] created after years of work by a solitary scientist.[2] It eventually proved too powerful to contain.

Mewtwo was designed by Ken Sugimori,[3] a friend of the creator of the Pocket Monsters game, Satoshi Tajiri. It appears in later Pokémon-related games as an optional boss, and in Super Smash Bros. Melee as an unlockable fighter. It also has a central role in the related manga and anime series and in two of the anime films, once as an antagonist. Its voice actors are Masachika Ichimura in all Japanese incarnations and in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Philip Bartlett in the English version of Pokémon: The First Movie, and Dan Green in the English Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns.[4]

Design and characteristics

Mewtwo was conceived and developed by Ken Sugimori for the first generation of Pocket Monsters games Red and Green, known outside of Japan as Pokémon Red and Blue. Its name means the "second of Mew",[5] derived from its status as a genetically modified duplicate of the original Mew. Until the first movie's airing in the United States, Mewtwo was rarely referred to as a clone in Japanese material. Executive producer of Mewtwo Strikes Back Kubo Masakazu said "we intentionally avoid using the term 'kuron' [clone]… because the word has a frightening feel."[6] Despite being Mew's descendant, it precedes Mew in the Pokédex due to the latter's secret inclusion in the games by Satoshi Tajiri.[7]

Its build is very different compared to Mew's,[2] appearing as a large bipedal feline, with a white body, pronounced purple tail and stomach, feline head, and a mass of flesh connecting the center of its back to its head behind its neck. Its appearance has been likened to "an oversized cross of cat, squirrel and kangaroo".[8] Mewtwo's design in the series and original games is intended to be "the strongest Pokémon ever".[9] Mewtwo is psychic, and flies using telekinesis;[10] when fighting, it uses its abilities to shield itself or throw opponents to compensate for its lack of speed.[11] Otherwise, it conserves its energy until needed. It can regenerate as well, able to fully recover from near-fatal injuries quickly.[12]

As a character in the games, Mewtwo seldom has spoken dialogue, and when it does it is presented as vicious,[13] primarily interested in proving its own strength.[14][15] Further related material such as the anime expanded its character; given a male voice, Mewtwo is aware why it was created, but actively questioning its existence.[16]

In video games

In Pokémon Red and Blue, the player learns of Mewtwo's existence through research notes left in the ruined "Pokémon Mansion" on Cinnibar Island, which describe it as being born from Mew but too powerful to control, destroying the laboratory and escaping. The player is later given an opportunity to capture Mewtwo in the Cerulean Cave, which is accessible only after defeating the game's final bosses, the Elite Four and Blue;[17] in the remake titles Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen the prerequisite was expanded, requiring additional exploration and 60 Pokédex entries before access to the cave would be granted.[18] Mewtwo is also a character in the non-Pokémon-exclusive game Super Smash Bros. Melee. Leftover data from Melee's sequel, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, suggests that Mewtwo was considered for inclusion in Brawl. However, it was ultimately replaced with Lucario, whose attacks in Brawl are roughly equal to Mewtwo's in Melee.

Cultural impact

In other media

Merchandising

Mewtwo's image has been utilized for Pokémon franchise merchandise, ranging from children's stickers[19][20] to toys. Several action figures have been made, such as a posable figure by Hasbro in 2006 that included accessories to recreate its "Hyper Beam" and "Light Screen" attacks,[21] and a six-inch-tall "talking" figurine by Jakks Pacific as part of a series to commemorate the anime's Battle Frontier story arc.[22]

Literary analysis

Mewtwo has been likened to Frankenstein's Monster, in regards to being born through an artificial means and discontent with the fact.[23] Theology Secretary for the Church of England Anne Richards described Mewtwo as representing a "parable about the pointlessness of force", and praised the character for displaying the Christian value of redemption.[24]

Other reactions to Mewtwo in various media have been mixed. While it has been cited as a "complex and compelling villain" by some critics,[25] its goal of world domination was received as a trait shared by "…every anime villain…"[23] and likened to a James Bond villain.[26] Conversely, Animerica praised Mewtwo as a character with "philisophical depth" as well as bringing "an adversary of almost infinite power and genuine malice" that the anime series thus far had been lacking.[27] Ken Hollings of Sight & Sound described Mewtwo as "Brooding, articulate and vengeful where the other Pokémon remain bright blobs of wordless energy", and "Like a troubled elder brother, Mewtwo represents an older order of experience."[28] The Los Angeles Times cited its behavior as a point of humor in relation to its appearance as a "decidedly feline character."[29]

Critical reception

The book Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon noted Mewtwo as popular with older male children who tend to be drawn to "tough or scary" characters; Mew in contrast was described as a polar opposite, a character popular with young girls who tend to be drawn to "cute" characters.[30] Third party material have utilized the character or name in parodies and puns, such as the anime Mew Mew Power.[31]

In the games, Mewtwo is consistently one of the strongest opponents, and has been described in Pokémon Red and Blue as being "the best Pokémon in the game."[32][33] Because of the character's strengths and few weaknesses, it had an effect on how players approached playing against each other; players developed strategies solely to defeat an opposing Mewtwo.[34][35] IGN's staff bemoaned his exclusion from Brawl, stating "…most of us here at IGN felt that he should have stayed… if Brawl can make room for three fraking Foxes, why not make way for this guy?"[36] A poll by IGN on their Super Smash Bros. subdomain on whether the character was missed by others in Brawl shared a similar sentiment, with the majority voting yes.[37]

References

  1. ^ Game Freak (1998-09-30). Pokémon Red. Nintendo. Level/area: Pokemon Mansion, Cinnibar Island. Feb. 6. MEW gave birth. We named the newborn MEWTWO. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b Nintendo (2001-12-03). Super Smash Bros. Melee. Nintendo. Level/area: Mewtwo Trophy #1 description. A genetically created Pokémon, Mewtwo is the result of many long years of research by a solitary scientist. Although Mewtwo was cloned from the genes of the legendary Pokémon Mew, its size and character are far different than its ancestor. Its battle abilities have been radically heightened, making it ruthless. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ Stuart Bishop (2003-05-30). "Game Freak on Pokémon!". CVG. Archived from the original on 2008-02-08. Retrieved 2008-02-07.
  4. ^ Mewtwo (Character). IMDB. Retrieved on 2008-06-12
  5. ^ Mewtwo: "Mewtwo...Mewtwo?" / Dr. Fuji: "That's you. We created you from what's said to be the rarest Pokémon on Earth." / Mewtwo: "Mew...Two. I am the 2nd of Mew?" Nintendo. Sound Picture Box MewTwo: The Birth of Mewtwo. Episode 4. (in Japanese) (1999)
  6. ^ Masakazu, Kubo (April 2000). "Pokemon' wa naze Beikoku de Seiko shita ka". Ronza
  7. ^ Chua-Eoan, Howard and Larimer, Tim. "Poké Mania" Time Magazine
  8. ^ Stack, Peter. 'Pokémon' Get Stronger, Longer San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved on 2008-06-11
  9. ^ Game Freak (2000-10-15). Pokémon Gold. Nintendo. Level/area: Pokédex entry. Because its battle abilities were raised to the ultimate level, it thinks only of defeating its foes. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ Nintendo (2001-12-03). Super Smash Bros. Melee. Nintendo. Level/area: Mewtwo Trophy #2 description. As Mewtwo relies mostly on its powerful brain, there are times when it scarcely uses its arms and legs. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Nintendo (2001-12-03). Super Smash Bros. Melee. Nintendo. Level/area: Mewtwo Trophy #3 description. Mewtwo is definitely not a speedy character, but its ESP-powered grab and throw moves are comparatively strong. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ Computer: "Mewtwo's life responses have diminished." / Dr. Fuji: "What have you done?!" / Researcher: "Please wait! Mewtwo is..." / Dr. Fuji: "What?" / Computer: "Mewtwo's life responses are back. Mewtwo is regenerating itself now." Nintendo. Sound Picture Box MewTwo: The Birth of Mewtwo. Episode 4. (in Japanese) (1999)
  13. ^ Game Freak (2004-09-09). Pokémon FireRed. Nintendo. Level/area: Pokedex entry. A Pokémon whose genetic code was repeatedly recombined for research. It turned vicious as a result. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ Chunsoft (2006-09-18). Pokémon Mystery Dungeon. Nintendo. Level/area: Mewtwo encounter. I long to demonstrate my power to the world! {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Nintendo (2000-09-25). Pokémon Puzzle League (Nintendo 64 ed.). Nintendo. Level/area: Mewtwo encounter. Welcome...I doubt you have what it takes to defeat me. It is my destiny to crush all who oppose me. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); line feed character in |quote= at position 19 (help)
  16. ^ Mewtwo: "Who am I and why am I here? I just appeared here. I haven't even been born to this world yet. Who am I?" Mewtwo Strikes Back (2000). (in Japanese)
  17. ^ Rich, Jason (1999), Pokémon: Pathways to Adventure. Sybex, p. 101. ISBN 0-782-12503-4.
  18. ^ Nintendo staff (2004). Pokémon Leafgreen Version, Firered Version the Official Nintendo Player's Guide. Nintendo of America. ISBN 193020650X.
  19. ^ POKEMON VINYL STICKER..MEWTWO!. Family Party Supplies. Retrieved on 2008-09-28
  20. ^ Pokemon Mewtwo purple stickers 1999 mint in package. eCrater. Retrieved on 2008-09-28
  21. ^ Pokemon Mewtwo Action Figure. ToyRocket. Retrieved on 2008-09-28
  22. ^ Pokemon Battle Frontier Action Figures Deluxe Electronic Series 2: Mewtwo. CmdStore. Retrieved on 2008-09-28
  23. ^ a b Klein, Andy. Hokeymon. Phoenix New Times. Retrieved on 2008-06-11
  24. ^ Tobin, Joseph Jay (2004), Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon. Duke University Press, p. 126. ISBN 0-822-33287-6.
  25. ^ Churnin, Nancy Pokemon Peters Out. Dallas Morning News. Retrieved on 2008-06-11
  26. ^ Poke in the Eye. Daily Record. Retrieved on 2008-06-11
  27. ^ (August 2000). "Mewtwo Strikes Back" Animerica Magazine
  28. ^ Hollings, Ken (2000). "Mewtwo Strikes Back". Sight & Sound
  29. ^ Razui, Robin. Movie Review; All's Not Right in Pokemon World; The phenomenon from Japan hits the big screen, but what is this film saying to kids?. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on 2008-06-11
  30. ^ Tobin, Joseph Jay (2004), Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon. Duke University Press, p. 283. ISBN 0-822-33287-6.
  31. ^ Mew Mew Power: Mew Two Summary. TV.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-14.
  32. ^ #150 Mewtwo. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-06-11
  33. ^ Loe, Casey (1999). Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition Includes Red-Yellow-Blue. Versus Books. ISBN 1930206151. p. 67
  34. ^ Loe, Casey (1999). Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition Includes Red-Yellow-Blue. Versus Books. ISBN 1930206151. pp. 136-137
  35. ^ #115 Parasect. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-06-11
  36. ^ Phil Pirrello and Richard George, Smash Bros. Wish-List: All Nintendo Edition. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-06-11
  37. ^ Do You Miss Mewtwo?. IGN.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-11

External links

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