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{{short description|Pokémon species}}
{{Short description|Pokémon species}}
{{For|the dicynodont|Bulbasaurus}}
{{For|the dicynodont|Bulbasaurus}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2016}}
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Bulbasaur has generally been received positively and has been considered one of the best Pokémon and best starter Pokémon, including by series producer [[Junichi Masuda]]. Its role in the anime has been suggested to have played a factor into its popularity.
Bulbasaur has generally been received positively and has been considered one of the best Pokémon and best starter Pokémon, including by series producer [[Junichi Masuda]]. Its role in the anime has been suggested to have played a factor into its popularity.


==Conception and design==
== Conception and design ==
Bulbasaur is a fictional species of Pokémon created for the [[Pokémon|''Pokémon'' franchise]]. Developed by [[Game Freak]] and published by [[Nintendo]], the series began in Japan in 1996 with the release of the video games [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] for the [[Game Boy]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |title=Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |accessdate=January 22, 2024 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> 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, and some can transform into stronger species through a process called [[Gameplay of Pokémon#Pokémon evolution|evolution]].<ref name="millenial">{{cite book |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |first=Anne |last=Allison |date=May 2006 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}}</ref>
Bulbasaur is a fictional species of Pokémon created for the [[Pokémon|''Pokémon'' franchise]]. Developed by [[Game Freak]] and published by [[Nintendo]], the series began in Japan in 1996 with the release of the video games [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] for the [[Game Boy]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |title=Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |accessdate=January 22, 2024 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> 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, and some can transform into stronger species through a process called [[Gameplay of Pokémon#Pokémon evolution|evolution]].<ref name="millenial">{{cite book |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |first=Anne |last=Allison |date=May 2006 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}}</ref>


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Despite their English names, [[Ken Sugimori]] confirmed that the design of Bulbasaur and its evolutions based on frogs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/sp/index4.html |script-title=ja:女子大生が訊く ポケットモンスターブラック・ホワイト |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230153442/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/sp/index4.html|archive-date=December 30, 2010|language=ja}}</ref> 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 [[Pokémon evolution|evolution]] into [[Ivysaur]] and then later into [[Venusaur]], the bulb on its back blossoms into a large flower.<ref name="pokemon.com pokédex">{{cite web|title=pokemon.com Pokédex|access-date=September 15, 2008|url=http://www.pokemon.com/Pokedex/flash.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730180144/http://www.pokemon.com/Pokedex/flash.asp|archive-date=July 30, 2008|publisher=Nintendo/Game Freak}}</ref> The seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth and then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.<ref>{{pokédex|red|A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon.}}</ref> The bulb absorbs sunlight which allows it to grow, and for this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays.<ref>{{pokédex|ruby|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> They can also survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.<ref>{{pokédex|yellow|It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.}}</ref> In the video games, Bulbasaur has two "types," elemental attributes that determine strengths and weaknesses: Grass and Poison.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oxman |first=Demaris |date=2022-01-24 |title=Pokemon: The Best Secondary Typings For Grass-Types |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-best-secondary-typings-grass-types/ |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> Series producer and director [[Junichi Masuda]] considered Bulbasaur the best starter Pokémon, finding it really cute and feeling that it exemplifies what ''Pokémon'' is for him, citing the monster and plant combination.<ref name="Polygon">{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2018/9/28/17855078/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon-gen-one|title=Bulbasaur has been the best Pokémon all along|first=Chris|last=Plante|date=September 28, 2018|website=Polygon|access-date=June 10, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928130412/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2018/9/28/17855078/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon-gen-one|url-status=live}}</ref> Bulbasaur has been voiced by [[Tara Sands]] in English in the [[Pokémon anime|''Pokémon'' anime series]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2019/2/22/crunchyroll-expo-welcomes-voice-actress-tara-sands|title=Crunchyroll Expo Welcomes Voice Actress Tara Sands!|date=2019-02-22 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=[[Crunchyroll]]}}</ref>
Despite their English names, [[Ken Sugimori]] confirmed that the design of Bulbasaur and its evolutions based on frogs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/sp/index4.html |script-title=ja:女子大生が訊く ポケットモンスターブラック・ホワイト |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230153442/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/sp/index4.html|archive-date=December 30, 2010|language=ja}}</ref> 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 [[Pokémon evolution|evolution]] into [[Ivysaur]] and then later into [[Venusaur]], the bulb on its back blossoms into a large flower.<ref name="pokemon.com pokédex">{{cite web|title=pokemon.com Pokédex|access-date=September 15, 2008|url=http://www.pokemon.com/Pokedex/flash.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730180144/http://www.pokemon.com/Pokedex/flash.asp|archive-date=July 30, 2008|publisher=Nintendo/Game Freak}}</ref> The seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth and then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.<ref>{{pokédex|red|A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon.}}</ref> The bulb absorbs sunlight which allows it to grow, and for this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays.<ref>{{pokédex|ruby|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> They can also survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.<ref>{{pokédex|yellow|It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.}}</ref> In the video games, Bulbasaur has two "types," elemental attributes that determine strengths and weaknesses: Grass and Poison.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oxman |first=Demaris |date=2022-01-24 |title=Pokemon: The Best Secondary Typings For Grass-Types |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-best-secondary-typings-grass-types/ |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> Series producer and director [[Junichi Masuda]] considered Bulbasaur the best starter Pokémon, finding it really cute and feeling that it exemplifies what ''Pokémon'' is for him, citing the monster and plant combination.<ref name="Polygon">{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2018/9/28/17855078/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon-gen-one|title=Bulbasaur has been the best Pokémon all along|first=Chris|last=Plante|date=September 28, 2018|website=Polygon|access-date=June 10, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928130412/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2018/9/28/17855078/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon-gen-one|url-status=live}}</ref> Bulbasaur has been voiced by [[Tara Sands]] in English in the [[Pokémon anime|''Pokémon'' anime series]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2019/2/22/crunchyroll-expo-welcomes-voice-actress-tara-sands|title=Crunchyroll Expo Welcomes Voice Actress Tara Sands!|date=2019-02-22 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=[[Crunchyroll]]}}</ref>


==Appearances==
== Appearances ==
Bulbasaur is the first Pokémon entry in the Pokedex.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-01-23 |title=Bulbasaur Isn't Neccesarily The First Pokémon |url=https://kotaku.com/bulbasaur-isnt-neccesarily-the-first-pokemon-1681406035 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325163718/https://kotaku.com/bulbasaur-isnt-neccesarily-the-first-pokemon-1681406035 |url-status=live }}</ref> It made its video game debut on February 27, 1996, in the Japanese-language games [[Pokémon Red and Green|''Pocket Monsters Red'' ''and'' ''Green'']]. Along with [[Charmander]] and [[Squirtle]], Bulbasaur is one of the initial three Pokémon the player can choose from at the beginning of the games. Bulbasaur and the other starters from ''Red'' and ''Blue'' are replaced by [[Pikachu]] in ''[[Pokémon Yellow]]'', the only starter available in it, and is instead obtainable elsewhere in the game.<ref name="allison">{{cite book |last=Allison |first=Anne |url=https://archive.org/details/millennialmonste00alli |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |year=2006 |isbn=0-520-22148-6 |url-access=limited}}</ref> Bulbasaur appears in all other entries in the series, though in [[Pokémon Sword and Shield|''Pokémon Sword'' and ''Shield'']], Bulbasaur is not available until the release of ''[[Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor]].''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flores |first=Sky |date=2020-06-26 |title=How To Get Bulbasaur & Squirtle in Pokémon: Isle of Armor DLC |url=https://screenrant.com/bulbasaur-squirtle-guide-pokemon-isle-armor-dlc/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730233722/https://screenrant.com/bulbasaur-squirtle-guide-pokemon-isle-armor-dlc/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Similarly, Bulbasaur is not available in [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|''Pokémon Scarlet'' and ''Violet'']] until the release of ''[[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero|The Indigo Disk]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-14 |title=All The Starters Are Coming To Pokémon Scarlet And Violet |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-squirtle-bulbasaur-starters-dlc-1850734724 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=December 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225093318/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-squirtle-bulbasaur-starters-dlc-1850734724 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Bulbasaur is the first Pokémon entry in the Pokedex.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-01-23 |title=Bulbasaur Isn't Neccesarily The First Pokémon |url=https://kotaku.com/bulbasaur-isnt-neccesarily-the-first-pokemon-1681406035 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325163718/https://kotaku.com/bulbasaur-isnt-neccesarily-the-first-pokemon-1681406035 |url-status=live }}</ref> It made its video game debut on February 27, 1996, in the Japanese-language games [[Pokémon Red and Green|''Pocket Monsters Red'' ''and'' ''Green'']]. Along with [[Charmander]] and [[Squirtle]], Bulbasaur is one of the initial three Pokémon the player can choose from at the beginning of the games. Bulbasaur and the other starters from ''Red'' and ''Blue'' are replaced by [[Pikachu]] in ''[[Pokémon Yellow]]'', the only starter available in it, and is instead obtainable elsewhere in the game.<ref name="allison">{{cite book |last=Allison |first=Anne |url=https://archive.org/details/millennialmonste00alli |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |year=2006 |isbn=0-520-22148-6 |url-access=limited}}</ref> Bulbasaur appears in all other entries in the series, though in [[Pokémon Sword and Shield|''Pokémon Sword'' and ''Shield'']], Bulbasaur is not available until the release of ''[[Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor]].''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flores |first=Sky |date=2020-06-26 |title=How To Get Bulbasaur & Squirtle in Pokémon: Isle of Armor DLC |url=https://screenrant.com/bulbasaur-squirtle-guide-pokemon-isle-armor-dlc/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730233722/https://screenrant.com/bulbasaur-squirtle-guide-pokemon-isle-armor-dlc/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Similarly, Bulbasaur is not available in [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|''Pokémon Scarlet'' and ''Violet'']] until the release of ''[[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero|The Indigo Disk]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-14 |title=All The Starters Are Coming To Pokémon Scarlet And Violet |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-squirtle-bulbasaur-starters-dlc-1850734724 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=December 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225093318/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-squirtle-bulbasaur-starters-dlc-1850734724 |url-status=live }}</ref>


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In the [[Pokémon (anime)|''Pokémon'' anime]], multiple Bulbasaur are owned by various main characters, including series protagonist Ash Ketchum.<ref name="ITmedia"/> The character May also captures one in ''[[Pokémon: Advanced]].''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steel |first=Tom |date=2021-12-15 |title=Pokémon: Every Pokémon May Owned In The Anime, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/every-may-anime-pokemon-ranked/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611144813/https://www.cbr.com/every-may-anime-pokemon-ranked/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She later makes a guest appearance, where it is revealed that her Bulbasaur has fully evolved into a Venusaur.<ref name="Pruning a Passel of Pals!">{{cite episode| title = Pruning a Passel of Pals! | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Shinzō Fujita (writer) | network = Various | airdate = September 27, 2008 | season = [[List of Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension episodes|Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension]]|number = 78}}</ref> In ''[[Pokémon Adventures]]'', a manga based on the plot of the ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'' games, the character [[Red (Pokémon Adventures)|Red]] receives a Bulbasaur from [[List of Pokémon characters#Professors|Professor Oak]], which he nicknames Saur. Bulbasaur also appears in the movie ''[[Detective Pikachu (film)|Detective Pikachu]]'', where a herd of them lead Pikachu for [[Mewtwo]] to heal.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon|title=Detective Pikachu helped me love a Pokémon I used to hate|first=Patricia|last=Hernandez|date=May 16, 2019|website=Polygon|access-date=July 15, 2021|archive-date=November 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113111348/https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simelane |first=Smangaliso |date=July 27, 2021 |title=Pokemon Live-Action Netflix Series in the Works |url=https://attackofthefanboy.com/news/pokemon-live-action-netflix-series-in-the-works/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727112140/https://attackofthefanboy.com/news/pokemon-live-action-netflix-series-in-the-works/ |archive-date=2021-07-27 |website=Attack of the Fanboy}}</ref>
In the [[Pokémon (anime)|''Pokémon'' anime]], multiple Bulbasaur are owned by various main characters, including series protagonist Ash Ketchum.<ref name="ITmedia"/> The character May also captures one in ''[[Pokémon: Advanced]].''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steel |first=Tom |date=2021-12-15 |title=Pokémon: Every Pokémon May Owned In The Anime, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/every-may-anime-pokemon-ranked/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611144813/https://www.cbr.com/every-may-anime-pokemon-ranked/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She later makes a guest appearance, where it is revealed that her Bulbasaur has fully evolved into a Venusaur.<ref name="Pruning a Passel of Pals!">{{cite episode| title = Pruning a Passel of Pals! | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Shinzō Fujita (writer) | network = Various | airdate = September 27, 2008 | season = [[List of Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension episodes|Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension]]|number = 78}}</ref> In ''[[Pokémon Adventures]]'', a manga based on the plot of the ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'' games, the character [[Red (Pokémon Adventures)|Red]] receives a Bulbasaur from [[List of Pokémon characters#Professors|Professor Oak]], which he nicknames Saur. Bulbasaur also appears in the movie ''[[Detective Pikachu (film)|Detective Pikachu]]'', where a herd of them lead Pikachu for [[Mewtwo]] to heal.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon|title=Detective Pikachu helped me love a Pokémon I used to hate|first=Patricia|last=Hernandez|date=May 16, 2019|website=Polygon|access-date=July 15, 2021|archive-date=November 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113111348/https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simelane |first=Smangaliso |date=July 27, 2021 |title=Pokemon Live-Action Netflix Series in the Works |url=https://attackofthefanboy.com/news/pokemon-live-action-netflix-series-in-the-works/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727112140/https://attackofthefanboy.com/news/pokemon-live-action-netflix-series-in-the-works/ |archive-date=2021-07-27 |website=Attack of the Fanboy}}</ref>


==Promotion and reception==
== Promotion and reception ==
Bulbasaur has been featured in varying pieces of merchandise, including toys and plush dolls.<ref name="bulbasaurgr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-1/a-200708209459101025/g-2006100415372930075|title=The complete Pokemon RBY pokedex, part 1|date=August 24, 2007|access-date=July 30, 2010|archive-date=April 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414195127/http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-1/a-200708209459101025/g-2006100415372930075/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bulbasaur has been depicted in [[action figure]]s 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,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/singapore-brand-kettle-gourmet-launches-local-flavoured-popcorn-featuring-your-favourite|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702123033/https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/singapore-brand-kettle-gourmet-launches-local-flavoured-popcorn-featuring-your-favourite|url-status=dead|archive-date=2021-07-02|title=Singapore brand The Kettle Gourmet launches local flavoured popcorn featuring your favourite starter Pokémon, Lifestyle News - AsiaOne|date=July 2, 2021}}</ref> and terry cloth bean bags.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/character.php?id=3141|title=allgame ((( Bulbasaur > Overview )))|publisher=Allgame|first=Jason|last=White|access-date=October 5, 2008|archive-date=November 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114211329/http://www.allgame.com/character.php?id=3141|url-status=dead}}</ref> It has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chains such as [[McDonald's]] and [[Burger King]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Pojo&nbsp;— TCG Set Lists McDonald's Campaign Expansion Set|url=http://www.pojo.com/priceguide/jpMcD.html|access-date=January 28, 2008|archive-date=August 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802210624/http://www.pojo.com/priceguide/jpMcD.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Fastfoodtoys.Net Pokémon 2000 Toys|url=http://www.fastfoodtoys.net/burger%20king%20pokemon%20power%20cards.htm|access-date=January 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222120855/http://www.fastfoodtoys.net/burger%20king%20pokemon%20power%20cards.htm|archive-date=February 22, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Bulbasaur has also been included in various versions of the [[Pokémon Jet|Pokémon painting on ANA Boeing 767s]].<ref name="design">{{cite web|url=http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html|title=Design|publisher=[[All Nippon Airways]]|access-date=November 15, 2009|archive-date=January 6, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040106044234/http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, [[Seiko]] made limited edition luxury watches based on Bulbasaur and its evolutionary family. The watch also depicts it using Solar Beam.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://japantoday.com/category/features/new-products/seiko-adds-limited-edition-starter-pokemon-to-their-luxury-watch-collection |title=Seiko adds limited edition starter Pokemon to their luxury watch collection - Japan Today |website=japantoday.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714175814/https://japantoday.com/category/features/new-products/seiko-adds-limited-edition-starter-pokemon-to-their-luxury-watch-collection |archive-date=14 July 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The island nation of [[Niue]] issued a commemorative coin with a legal tender value of one [[Crown (British coin)|crown]], which has a Bulbasaur on the reverse side.<ref>{{Cite book |title=2004 standard catalog of world coins |url=https://archive.org/details/cliffordmishlers00krau |url-access=limited |page=[https://archive.org/details/cliffordmishlers00krau/page/n1578 1532] |author=Chester L. Krause, Clifford Mishler |year=2003 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=9780873495936 }}</ref> Bulbasaur was also among the eleven Pokémon chosen as Japan's mascots in the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Farokhmanesh|first=Megan|date=March 15, 2014|title=Pikachu is Japan's official mascot for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/15/5512550/pikachu-is-japans-official-mascot-for-the-fifa-2014-world-cup-brazil|website=Polygon|access-date=July 12, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112151818/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/15/5512550/pikachu-is-japans-official-mascot-for-the-fifa-2014-world-cup-brazil|url-status=live}}</ref> A Bulbasaur statue was installed on March 25, 2018, in the municipality of [[Suzano]], [[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo]], Brazil, and was the first of several other Pokémon-related statues installed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://g1.globo.com/sp/mogi-das-cruzes-suzano/noticia/estatua-de-pokemon-instalada-em-praca-de-suzano-provoca-a-curiosidade-de-fas-do-jogo.ghtml |title=Estátua de Pokémon instalada em praça de Suzano provoca a curiosidade de fãs do jogo |website=G1 |date=March 29, 2018 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229152105/https://g1.globo.com/sp/mogi-das-cruzes-suzano/noticia/estatua-de-pokemon-instalada-em-praca-de-suzano-provoca-a-curiosidade-de-fas-do-jogo.ghtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theenemy.com.br/mobile/veja-todas-as-misteriosas-estatuas-pokemon-de-suzano |title=Veja todas as misteriosas estátuas Pokémon de Suzano |website=The Enemy |date=September 24, 2018 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229152107/https://www.theenemy.com.br/mobile/veja-todas-as-misteriosas-estatuas-pokemon-de-suzano |url-status=live }}</ref>
Bulbasaur has been featured in varying pieces of merchandise, including toys and plush dolls.<ref name="bulbasaurgr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-1/a-200708209459101025/g-2006100415372930075|title=The complete Pokemon RBY pokedex, part 1|date=August 24, 2007|access-date=July 30, 2010|archive-date=April 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414195127/http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-1/a-200708209459101025/g-2006100415372930075/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bulbasaur has been depicted in [[action figure]]s 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,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/singapore-brand-kettle-gourmet-launches-local-flavoured-popcorn-featuring-your-favourite|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702123033/https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/singapore-brand-kettle-gourmet-launches-local-flavoured-popcorn-featuring-your-favourite|url-status=dead|archive-date=2021-07-02|title=Singapore brand The Kettle Gourmet launches local flavoured popcorn featuring your favourite starter Pokémon, Lifestyle News - AsiaOne|date=July 2, 2021}}</ref> and terry cloth bean bags.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/character.php?id=3141|title=allgame ((( Bulbasaur > Overview )))|publisher=Allgame|first=Jason|last=White|access-date=October 5, 2008|archive-date=November 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114211329/http://www.allgame.com/character.php?id=3141|url-status=dead}}</ref> It has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chains such as [[McDonald's]] and [[Burger King]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Pojo&nbsp;— TCG Set Lists McDonald's Campaign Expansion Set|url=http://www.pojo.com/priceguide/jpMcD.html|access-date=January 28, 2008|archive-date=August 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802210624/http://www.pojo.com/priceguide/jpMcD.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Fastfoodtoys.Net Pokémon 2000 Toys|url=http://www.fastfoodtoys.net/burger%20king%20pokemon%20power%20cards.htm|access-date=January 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222120855/http://www.fastfoodtoys.net/burger%20king%20pokemon%20power%20cards.htm|archive-date=February 22, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Bulbasaur has also been included in various versions of the [[Pokémon Jet|Pokémon painting on ANA Boeing 767s]].<ref name="design">{{cite web|url=http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html|title=Design|publisher=[[All Nippon Airways]]|access-date=November 15, 2009|archive-date=January 6, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040106044234/http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, [[Seiko]] made limited edition luxury watches based on Bulbasaur and its evolutionary family. The watch also depicts it using Solar Beam.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://japantoday.com/category/features/new-products/seiko-adds-limited-edition-starter-pokemon-to-their-luxury-watch-collection |title=Seiko adds limited edition starter Pokemon to their luxury watch collection - Japan Today |website=japantoday.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714175814/https://japantoday.com/category/features/new-products/seiko-adds-limited-edition-starter-pokemon-to-their-luxury-watch-collection |archive-date=14 July 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The island nation of [[Niue]] issued a commemorative coin with a legal tender value of one [[Crown (British coin)|crown]], which has a Bulbasaur on the reverse side.<ref>{{Cite book |title=2004 standard catalog of world coins |url=https://archive.org/details/cliffordmishlers00krau |url-access=limited |page=[https://archive.org/details/cliffordmishlers00krau/page/n1578 1532] |author=Chester L. Krause, Clifford Mishler |year=2003 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=9780873495936 }}</ref> Bulbasaur was also among the eleven Pokémon chosen as Japan's mascots in the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Farokhmanesh|first=Megan|date=March 15, 2014|title=Pikachu is Japan's official mascot for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/15/5512550/pikachu-is-japans-official-mascot-for-the-fifa-2014-world-cup-brazil|website=Polygon|access-date=July 12, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112151818/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/15/5512550/pikachu-is-japans-official-mascot-for-the-fifa-2014-world-cup-brazil|url-status=live}}</ref> A Bulbasaur statue was installed on March 25, 2018, in the municipality of [[Suzano]], [[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo]], Brazil, and was the first of several other Pokémon-related statues installed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://g1.globo.com/sp/mogi-das-cruzes-suzano/noticia/estatua-de-pokemon-instalada-em-praca-de-suzano-provoca-a-curiosidade-de-fas-do-jogo.ghtml |title=Estátua de Pokémon instalada em praça de Suzano provoca a curiosidade de fãs do jogo |website=G1 |date=March 29, 2018 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229152105/https://g1.globo.com/sp/mogi-das-cruzes-suzano/noticia/estatua-de-pokemon-instalada-em-praca-de-suzano-provoca-a-curiosidade-de-fas-do-jogo.ghtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theenemy.com.br/mobile/veja-todas-as-misteriosas-estatuas-pokemon-de-suzano |title=Veja todas as misteriosas estátuas Pokémon de Suzano |website=The Enemy |date=September 24, 2018 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229152107/https://www.theenemy.com.br/mobile/veja-todas-as-misteriosas-estatuas-pokemon-de-suzano |url-status=live }}</ref>


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Bulbasaur has received praise from publications such as ''[[IGN]]'' and ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pokemon Crystal Version - Pokemon of the Day: Bulbasaur (#1) |url=http://faqs.ign.com/articles/380/380258p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324090242/http://www.ign.com/faqs/2002/pokemon-crystal-version-pokemon-of-the-day-bulbasaur-1-380258 |archive-date=March 24, 2013 |access-date=March 27, 2010 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Vekinis |first=John |date=August 10, 2013 |title=Top five Pokemon Types |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/53177/blog/top-five-pokemon-types/?page=5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008074614/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/53177/blog/top-five-pokemon-types/?page=5 |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |access-date=March 2, 2014 |work=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]}}</ref> ''Nintendo World Report''{{'s}} Pedro Hernandez highlighted its role in one episode of the anime, citing its appealing storyline as endearing Bulbasaur to him. He stated that this role helped him become a fan of the Pokémon franchise as a whole.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 5 Pokémon: Pedro's Picks |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25502/top-5-pokemon-pedros-picks |work=Nintendo World Report |last=Hernandez |first=Pedro |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=March 2, 2014 |archive-date=November 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113101851/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25502/top-5-pokemon-pedros-picks |url-status=live }}</ref> Chris Plante of ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' called Bulbasaur the best Pokémon; while he felt it and its evolutions "comparably dull", they were "the most true to life" as it looked more "leathery and aged" after evolving, compared to the other starters.<ref name="Polygon" /> Other ''Polygon'' writers highlighted Bulbasaur for similar reasons, mostly notably for its design, which was highlighted for providing a good balance of design elements while remaining cute.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=2016-07-22 |title=Which of the original starter Pokémon is the best? |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/22/12257582/best-original-pokemon-starter |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405224107/https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/22/12257582/best-original-pokemon-starter |url-status=live }}</ref> Another writer highlighted Bulbasaur's appearance in ''Detective Pikachu'', stating that its cute appearance and affectionate design helped endear him to the Pokémon. He further noted that age seemed to affect people's perception of Bulbasaur; whereas younger audiences saw it as weaker, older audiences tended to perceive it as a more cute and appealing creature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=2019-05-16 |title=Detective Pikachu helped me love a Pokémon I used to hate |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=November 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113111348/https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon |url-status=live }}</ref> Bulbasaur was ranked the third best starter Pokémon in a poll of Japanese ''Pokémon'' fans by ''ITmedia''. The staff felt the popularity of Bulbasaur derived from the anime, particularly Ash's Bulbasaur, who at the time was the Pokémon that was with the series protagonist for the longest time besides [[Pikachu]], spanning four-and-a-half years. They speculated this led to fans feeling attached to Bulbasaur.<ref name="ITmedia">{{cite web |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/177261/ |title=「御三家ポケモン」人気No.1が決定！ 「フシギダネ」「ポッチャマ」を上回る1位は？【2021年最新】 |work=ITmedia |date=April 24, 2021 |accessdate=January 21, 2024 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128154257/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/177261/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Bulbasaur has received praise from publications such as ''[[IGN]]'' and ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pokemon Crystal Version - Pokemon of the Day: Bulbasaur (#1) |url=http://faqs.ign.com/articles/380/380258p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324090242/http://www.ign.com/faqs/2002/pokemon-crystal-version-pokemon-of-the-day-bulbasaur-1-380258 |archive-date=March 24, 2013 |access-date=March 27, 2010 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Vekinis |first=John |date=August 10, 2013 |title=Top five Pokemon Types |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/53177/blog/top-five-pokemon-types/?page=5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008074614/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/53177/blog/top-five-pokemon-types/?page=5 |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |access-date=March 2, 2014 |work=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]}}</ref> ''Nintendo World Report''{{'s}} Pedro Hernandez highlighted its role in one episode of the anime, citing its appealing storyline as endearing Bulbasaur to him. He stated that this role helped him become a fan of the Pokémon franchise as a whole.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 5 Pokémon: Pedro's Picks |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25502/top-5-pokemon-pedros-picks |work=Nintendo World Report |last=Hernandez |first=Pedro |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=March 2, 2014 |archive-date=November 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113101851/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25502/top-5-pokemon-pedros-picks |url-status=live }}</ref> Chris Plante of ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' called Bulbasaur the best Pokémon; while he felt it and its evolutions "comparably dull", they were "the most true to life" as it looked more "leathery and aged" after evolving, compared to the other starters.<ref name="Polygon" /> Other ''Polygon'' writers highlighted Bulbasaur for similar reasons, mostly notably for its design, which was highlighted for providing a good balance of design elements while remaining cute.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=2016-07-22 |title=Which of the original starter Pokémon is the best? |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/22/12257582/best-original-pokemon-starter |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405224107/https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/22/12257582/best-original-pokemon-starter |url-status=live }}</ref> Another writer highlighted Bulbasaur's appearance in ''Detective Pikachu'', stating that its cute appearance and affectionate design helped endear him to the Pokémon. He further noted that age seemed to affect people's perception of Bulbasaur; whereas younger audiences saw it as weaker, older audiences tended to perceive it as a more cute and appealing creature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=2019-05-16 |title=Detective Pikachu helped me love a Pokémon I used to hate |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=November 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113111348/https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon |url-status=live }}</ref> Bulbasaur was ranked the third best starter Pokémon in a poll of Japanese ''Pokémon'' fans by ''ITmedia''. The staff felt the popularity of Bulbasaur derived from the anime, particularly Ash's Bulbasaur, who at the time was the Pokémon that was with the series protagonist for the longest time besides [[Pikachu]], spanning four-and-a-half years. They speculated this led to fans feeling attached to Bulbasaur.<ref name="ITmedia">{{cite web |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/177261/ |title=「御三家ポケモン」人気No.1が決定！ 「フシギダネ」「ポッチャマ」を上回る1位は？【2021年最新】 |work=ITmedia |date=April 24, 2021 |accessdate=January 21, 2024 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128154257/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/177261/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Notes==
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}
{{Notelist}}


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{Portal|Video games}}
{{Portal|Video games}}
* [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Bulbasaur_(Pokémon) Bulbasaur on Bulbapedia]
* [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Bulbasaur_(Pokémon) Bulbasaur on Bulbapedia]
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[[Category:Anthropomorphic dinosaurs]]
[[Category:Anthropomorphic dinosaurs]]
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[[Category:Characters created by Atsuko Nishida]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with plant abilities]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with plant abilities]]
[[Category:Fictional frogs]]
[[Category:Fictional frogs]]
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[[Category:Pokémon species introduced in Pokémon Red and Blue]]
[[Category:Pokémon species introduced in Pokémon Red and Blue]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1996]]
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[[Category:Characters created by Atsuko Nishida]]

Revision as of 04:31, 29 April 2024

For the dicynodont, see Bulbasaurus.

Bulbasaur
Pokémon character
Bulbasaur artwork by Ken Sugimori
First gamePokémon Red and Blue (1996)
Designed byAtsuko Nishida
Ken Sugimori (finalized)
Voiced byTara Sands (English)
In-universe information
SpeciesPokémon
TypeGrass and Poison

Bulbasaur[a] is a Grass and Poison-type Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Designed by Atsuko Nishida, 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 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 and eventually Venusaur.

Bulbasaur has generally been received positively and has been considered one of the best Pokémon and best starter Pokémon, including by series producer Junichi Masuda. Its role in the anime has been suggested to have played a factor into its popularity.

Conception and design

Bulbasaur is a fictional species of Pokémon created for the Pokémon franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the series began in Japan in 1996 with the release of the video games Pokémon Red and Blue for the Game Boy.[1] 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, and some can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution.[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 next evolved form of Bulbasaur, who was designed first.[3] The species first appeared as one of three Pokémon the player could choose as their first at the beginning of the initial Game Boy games, Pokémon Red and Blue, released in Japan in 1996.[4] Its Japanese name, Fushigidane, is a combination of the Japanese words for mystery or miracle (fushigi) and seed (tane).[5] 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 is a portmanteau relating to both its dinosaurian appearance and the large garlic-shaped bulb on its back.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8]

Despite their English names, Ken Sugimori confirmed that the design of Bulbasaur and its evolutions based on frogs.[9] 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.[10] The seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth and then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.[11] The bulb absorbs sunlight which allows it to grow, and for this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays.[12] They can also survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.[13] In the video games, Bulbasaur has two "types," elemental attributes that determine strengths and weaknesses: Grass and Poison.[14] Series producer and director Junichi Masuda considered Bulbasaur the best starter Pokémon, finding it really cute and feeling that it exemplifies what Pokémon is for him, citing the monster and plant combination.[15] Bulbasaur has been voiced by Tara Sands in English in the Pokémon anime series.[16]

Appearances

Bulbasaur is the first Pokémon entry in the Pokedex.[17] It made its video game debut on February 27, 1996, in the Japanese-language games Pocket Monsters Red and Green. Along with Charmander and Squirtle, Bulbasaur is one of the initial three Pokémon the player can choose from at the beginning of the games. Bulbasaur and the other starters from Red and Blue are replaced by Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow, the only starter available in it, and is instead obtainable elsewhere in the game.[18] Bulbasaur appears in all other entries in the series, though in Pokémon Sword and Shield, Bulbasaur is not available until the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor.[19] Similarly, Bulbasaur is not available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet until the release of The Indigo Disk.[20]

Bulbasaur appears in various Pokémon spin-offs, including Pokémon Stadium[21] and the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, where players may be assigned Bulbasaur in a personality quiz.[22] Bulbasaur appears in both Pokémon Snap[23] and New Pokémon Snap[24] as Pokémon the player can take pictures of. Bulbasaur also features in Pokémon Go[25] and as a playable character in Pokémon Unite.[26][27] Outside of the Pokémon video games, Bulbasaur is featured as a collectible in multiple games in the Super Smash Bros. series, including Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.[28][29] A costume for Mario based on it was added to Super Mario Maker.[30]

In the Pokémon anime, multiple Bulbasaur are owned by various main characters, including series protagonist Ash Ketchum.[31] The character May also captures one in Pokémon: Advanced.[32] She later makes a guest appearance, where it is revealed that her Bulbasaur has fully evolved into a Venusaur.[33] 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. Bulbasaur also appears in the movie Detective Pikachu, where a herd of them lead Pikachu for Mewtwo to heal.[34] 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.[35]

Promotion and reception

Bulbasaur has been featured in varying pieces of merchandise, including toys and plush dolls.[36] 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,[37] 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 included in various versions of the Pokémon painting on ANA Boeing 767s.[41] In 2021, Seiko made limited edition luxury watches based on Bulbasaur and its evolutionary family. The watch also depicts it using Solar Beam.[42] 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.[43] Bulbasaur was also among the eleven Pokémon chosen as Japan's mascots in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[44] A Bulbasaur statue was installed on March 25, 2018, in the municipality of Suzano, São Paulo, Brazil, and was the first of several other Pokémon-related statues installed.[45][46]

Bulbasaur has been noted to be less popular than Charmander and Squirtle.[47] Nerdist attributed it to a lack of attention to the line early in the series because of Venusaur's omission from game box art in non-Japanese releases of the game.[48] This led to one Twitter user creating an account named BulbaGanda to spread support for the Pokémon, which was met with considerable popularity.[49]

Bulbasaur has received praise from publications such as IGN and Official Nintendo Magazine.[50][51] Nintendo World Report's Pedro Hernandez highlighted its role in one episode of the anime, citing its appealing storyline as endearing Bulbasaur to him. He stated that this role helped him become a fan of the Pokémon franchise as a whole.[52] Chris Plante of Polygon called Bulbasaur the best Pokémon; while he felt it and its evolutions "comparably dull", they were "the most true to life" as it looked more "leathery and aged" after evolving, compared to the other starters.[15] Other Polygon writers highlighted Bulbasaur for similar reasons, mostly notably for its design, which was highlighted for providing a good balance of design elements while remaining cute.[53] Another writer highlighted Bulbasaur's appearance in Detective Pikachu, stating that its cute appearance and affectionate design helped endear him to the Pokémon. He further noted that age seemed to affect people's perception of Bulbasaur; whereas younger audiences saw it as weaker, older audiences tended to perceive it as a more cute and appealing creature.[54] Bulbasaur was ranked the third best starter Pokémon in a poll of Japanese Pokémon fans by ITmedia. The staff felt the popularity of Bulbasaur derived from the anime, particularly Ash's Bulbasaur, who at the time was the Pokémon that was with the series protagonist for the longest time besides Pikachu, spanning four-and-a-half years. They speculated this led to fans feeling attached to Bulbasaur.[31]

Notes

  1. ^ Pronounced /ˈbʌlbəˌsɔːr/. Known as Fushigidane (フシギダネ) in Japan

References

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External links

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