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Bulbasaur
Pokémon series character
First gamePokémon Red and Blue

Bulbasaur, known as Fushigidane (フシギダネ) in Japan,[1] is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Designed by Ken Sugimori, their name is a combination of the words "bulb" and "dinosaur." First appearing in Pokémon Red and Blue as a Starter Pokémon, they later appeared in subsequent sequels, spin-off games, related merchandise, and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise.

Known as the Seed Pokémon, Bulbasaur can survive for days solely on sunlight. It is a central character in the anime, being one of Ash'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.

Biology[2]

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Physiology

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Bulbasaur resembles a small, squatting dinosaur that walks on four legs and has a large bulb on its back that is able to shoot seeds out of. It also has large, red eyes and very sharp teeth. Its skin is a light, turquoise color with dark, green spots. It has three claws on all four of his legs. Its most notable feature, however, is the aforementioned bulb on its back, which as the Pokédex states, was planted on it at birth.

Natural Abilities

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Bulbasaurs have "bulbs" on their backs that grow steadily larger as the Bulbasaur matures. This bulb contains a seed which uses photosynthesis to supply Bulbasaur with energy. Its bulb is also used to store the energy which the seed absorbs, which can be used when it is necessary. It is assumed that when a Bulbasaur collects enough energy in its bulb, it will evolve into an Ivysaur.


Behavior

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Bulbasaur's are very polite Pokémon. They are very loyal to their trainer and always try their best to win the battle for them.

Habitat

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As Bulbasaur is a starter Pokémon, it is hard to locate, however, it could be found near streams.

Evolution

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Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur starting at level 16, and from Ivysaur, evolves into Venusaur starting at level 32.

Conception and design

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The design and art direction for Bulbasaur was provided by Ken Sugimori, a friend of the creator of the Pokémon games, Satoshi Tajiri.[3] The species first appeared as one of three starter Pokémon the player could choose from at the beginning of the initial Game Boy games, Pokémon Red and Blue, released in Japan in 1996.[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, relating to both its dinosaur appearance and the large garlic-shaped bulb on its back.[6] 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 find one of these Pokémon in order to see their Mega Evolved form.[7]

Characteristics

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In the Pokémon franchise, Bulbasaur are small, squat reptilian and frog 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 large flower.[8] The seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth and then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.[9] The bulb absorbs sunlight which makes it grow. For this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays,[10] and can survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.[11] The distinctive differences of Bulbasaur from other Pokémon such as Diglett are well understood by children and so motivate their play and trading of the creature.[12]

Appearances

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In the video games

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Bulbasaur made its video game debut on February 27, 1996, in the Japanese-language games Pocket Monsters Red and Green.[13] Along with Charmander and Squirtle, Bulbasaur is a starter Pokémon the player can choose from at the beginning of the games.[14] Bulbasaur's grass type is in contrast to Charmander's fire type and Squirtle's water type.[14] Bulbasaur and the other starters from Red and Blue are replaced by Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow, the only starter available in it. Instead, they are obtained throughout the game from several trainers.[14] In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, remakes of Red and Blue, Bulbasaur is selectable as a starter Pokémon once again, along with Charmander and Squirtle. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, after obtaining all sixteen badges and defeating Red, the player can choose to obtain either Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle.[15] In Pokémon X and Y, players can also choose between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle near the start of the game shortly after having chosen the games' new starter Pokémon.

The Nintendo 64 spin-off Pokémon Stadium, and other spin-offs such as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, give the player a choice of a Bulbasaur (among fifteen other Pokémon), and in Pokémon Snap, Bulbasaur are one of the Pokémon that the player can photograph.[4] It also appears in Pokémon Puzzle League as one of Ash's Pokémon. Bulbasaur also appears in Hey You, Pikachu! as a supporting character who lives in the Ochre Woods and makes the five recipes with Pikachu's help.[16] In Super Smash Bros. Melee and Brawl, Bulbasaur appears as one of the obtainable trophies.[17][18] Bulbasaur appears in PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure as the host of a mini-game called "Daring Dash".

In the anime

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Scenes from the Pokémon anime have depicted both the characters Ash and May training a Bulbasaur at different times, with Ash's Bulbasaur garnering more prominence within the storylines.[19][20] Ash’s Bulbasaur has remained with Ash longer than all of his other Pokémon, with the exception of his Pikachu. Before joining Ash's team, it lived with a girl named Melanie, who took care of abandoned Pokémon.[21] Bulbasaur was given to Ash, but it was pessimistic about him. However, its loyalties began to improve and it eventually became one of Ash's most faithful Pokémon.[21][22] May catches a Bulbasaur while traveling in a grass-type Pokémon nature reserve during her journey in Hoenn. Bulbasaur defends her from the other grass Pokémon in the forest, who see her as a threat, and when May leaves, Bulbasaur decides to go with her.[23] She later makes a guest appearance on the series and it is revealed that her Bulbasaur has fully evolved into a Venusaur.[24]

In the original Japanese version the two Bulbasaur are each played by separate voice actresses, Ash's Bulbasaur by Megumi Hayashibara and May's by Miyako Itō. In the English dub, they are both voiced by Tara Jayne until Michele Knotz took over the job for the 9th season.

In other media

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Bulbasaur is featured in an eclectic range of different Pokémon manga series. In Pokémon: Pikachu Shocks Back, Electric Pikachu Boogaloo, and Surf’s Up, Pikachu!, which loosely parallel the storyline of the anime, Pikachu is separated from Ash temporarily, and travels with a Bulbasaur to a secret Pokémon village in the mountains. Later, Ash finds Pikachu and catches the Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur accompanies Ash throughout his journeys in the Orange Islands, and eventually fights in the final showdown with Drake, the Orange Crew Supreme Gym Leader. In Magical Pokémon Journey, a character named Pistachio has a female Bulbasaur (nicknamed Danerina in the Japanese version), who is infatuated by him.[25]

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.[26] In Chapter 15, "Wartortle Wars", it evolves into an Ivysaur after battling a wild Mankey.[27]

Bulbasaur is the main character of two Pokémon children's books, Pokémon Tales Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble and Bulbasaur’s Bad Day, published in 1999 and 2000 respectively by Sagebrush.[28][29] In Pokémon Tales Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble, Bulbasaur resolves an argument between two other Pokémon.[29] In Bulbasaur’s Bad Day, Meowth traps Bulbasaur in a pit and it has to outwit Team Rocket (the antagonists of the Pokémon anime) to escape.[28]

Promotion and merchandising

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Bulbasaur has been featured in varying pieces of merchandise, including toys and plush dolls.[30] 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, and terry cloth bean bags.[31] It has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King.[32][33] Bulbasaur has also been included in various versions of the Pokémon painting on ANA Boeing 767s.[34] 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.[35]

Reception and legacy

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IGN named Bulbasaur the 52nd best Pokémon. IGN author Audrey Drake noted that she had a "very special attachment" to it due to it being her first Pokémon. She stated that it may be her favorite.[36] Game Informer also included it in its list of the best Pokémon at #03 (along with Charmander and Squirtle). Author O'Dell Harmon noted the choice between these three Pokémon as the most important one in the series' history.[37] Game Revolution called Bulbasaur the best Pokémon ever. Author Alex Osborn stated that it "embodies the charm that makes Pokémon what it is." He called it his personal favourite.[38] Fellow Game Revolution editor Daniel Bischoff noted it as his favourite Pokémon as well.[39] Nintendo World Report's Pedro Hernandez also called it his favourite Pokémon He noted that it represented a number of "firsts" for him - including his first episode of the Pokémon anime, his first Pokémon, and the first Pokémon he saw in 3D. He also attributes Bulbasaur to the reason he became interested in the Pokémon series.[40] Official Nintendo Magazine's John Vekinis attributed his love of Grass-type Pokémon to Bulbasaur in spite of the Grass type's weaknesses.[41] Official Nintendo Magazine readers voted Bulbasaur the second best Grass-type Pokémon. Author Thomas East noted that he looked better than his later forms.[42] Their readers also named it the best starting Pokémon.[43] GamesTM called it the best starting Pokémon for Red and Blue.[44] CNN reporter Dennis Michael described Bulbasaur as one of the "lead critters" of the games and "perhaps the Carmen Miranda of Pokémon figures."[45] Bulbasaur was selected as one of the top ten Pokémon by fans who voted at Pokemon.com.[46] In an IGN biography page, Bulbasaur is described as "the odd man out" in the Pokémon Red and Blue game because it represented neither color, thought added "it’s perhaps the best-known grass-type Pokémon, even though it’s a little bit more animal than vegetable", as well as noting its popularity with new players of the games.[47] IGN editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" agreed, despite the fact its later evolutions were "slightly" eclipsed by Charizard, and also praised the anime incarnation for its attitude.[48] GamesRadar editor Brett Elston described Bulbasaur as being popular for more than just being the first Pokémon numerically, citing its moveset and evolutions.[30] Fellow GamesRadar editor Carolyn Gudmundson, in an article on the "top 7 gut-wrenching choices", listed the choice between fire, grass, or water with Bulbasaur a frontrunner, due to being a dinosaur as well as being grass type, though found its later evolutions "ugly" and "charmless".[49]

According to a panel of 5 - 8 year olds assembled by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin in 1999, Bulbasaur was one of the children's three favorite Pokémon.[50] One boy in a study by Dafna Lemish and Linda Renee-Bloch identified with Bulbasaur's attributes of being "strong and also cute". Lemish and Renee-Bloch feel that the importance of cuteness is an example of the "appropriation of Japanese values" in an Israeli context, and note that boys' desire for strength has been correlated with "a desire for social interaction".[51]

Origin

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Bulbasaur resembles a small squatting dinosaur with a bud on its back, but also strongly resembles a toad.

Names in other languages

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  • Japanese: フシギダネ (Fushigidane in Romaji) from the Japanese words Fushigi (不思議), which means strange and Tane (種), which means seed.
  • Korean: 이상해씨 (Isanghessi in Romaja) from the Korean words Isanghada (이상하다), which means strange and ssi (씨), which means seed.
  • English: Bulbasaur is a portmanteau of the words "bulb", a plant term referring to the large bulb on its back, and "dinosaur".
  • French: Bulbizarre from the French words bulbe (bulb) and bizarre (bizarre).
  • German: Bisasam from the German words Bisamratte (muskrat) and Samen (seed).

References

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  1. ^ Kalbfleisch, Pamela (2003). Communication Yearbook 27. International Communication Association. p. 173. ISBN 0-8058-4819-3. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
  2. ^ "Bulbasaur". Pokémon Wiki. Retrieved 2016-06-08.
  3. ^ Stuart Bishop (2003-05-30). "Game Freak on Pokémon!". CVG. Archived from the original on 2008-02-08. Retrieved 2008-02-07.
  4. ^ a b MacDonald, Mark; Brokaw, Brian; Arnold; J. Douglas; Elies, Mark. Pokémon Trainer's Guide. Sandwich Islands Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0-439-15404-9. (pg 192–195)
  5. ^ Drazen, Patrick (2003). Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation. St. Paul, MN: Stone Bridge Press, LLC. p. 321. ISBN 1-880656-72-8.
  6. ^ Chua-Euan, Howard (November 22, 1999). "PokéMania". TIME. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
  7. ^ Betka, Zach (2013-09-19). "Pokemon X/Y: WHY?! Director Masuda himself answers!". GamesRadar. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  8. ^ "pokemon.com Pokédex". Nintendo/Gamefreak. Archived from the original on 2008-07-30. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
  9. ^ Game Freak (1998-09-30). Pokémon Red (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex: A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon.
  10. ^ Game Freak (2003-03-17). Pokémon Ruby (Game Boy Advance). Nintendo. Pokédex: Bulbasaur can be seen napping in bright sunlight. There is a seed on its back. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed grows progressively larger.
  11. ^ Game Freak (1999-10-19). Pokémon Yellow (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex: It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.
  12. ^ Helen Bromley (2004). "ch 10. Localizing Pokémon Through Narrative Play". Pikachu's global adventure. ISBN 978-0-8223-3287-9.
  13. ^ "Official Japanese Pokémon website". Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  14. ^ a b c Allison, Anne (2006). Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination. University of California Press. pp. 294–295. ISBN 0-520-22148-6. A player must first find Professor Oak—the world's foremost expert on Pokémonology—who offers three choices for starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur (grass type), Charmander (fire type), or Squirtle (water type).
  15. ^ Game Freak (2010-03-14). Pokémon HeartGold (Nintendo DS). Nintendo. Pokédex: {{{2}}}
  16. ^ Parents Video Game Reviews for Families- Hey You, Pikachu!
  17. ^ “Guides:Super Smash Bros. Melee,” IGN.com. Retrieved 2005-12-29.
  18. ^ "Super Smash Bros. Trophy List," smashbros.com'.' Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  19. ^ Pokémon — Seaside Pikachu! Viz Video., 1999-07-20. UPC 013023018198.
  20. ^ Pokémon — Pikachu Party (Vol. 12) Viz Video., 1999-11-23. UPC 013023018792.
  21. ^ a b Pokémon — Seaside Pikachu! Viz Video., July 20, 1999. UPC 013023018198.
  22. ^ Pokémon — Pikachu Party (Vol. 12) Viz Video., November 23, 1999. UPC 013023018792.
  23. ^ Atsuhiro Tomioka (writer) (April 9, 2005). "Grass Hysteria!". Pokémon. Season Advanced Challenge. Episode 73. Various.
  24. ^ Shinzō Fujita (writer) (September 27, 2008). "Pruning a Passel of Pals!". Pokémon. Season Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension. Episode 78. Various.
  25. ^ (in Japanese) Pokémon: Magical Journey character bios Maco.cha.to. 2006-07-26.
  26. ^ Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1: Desperado Pikachu, VIZ Media LLC, 2000-07-06. ISBN 1-56931-507-8.
  27. ^ Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. Pokémon Adventures: Legendary Pokémon, Vol. 2; Chapter 33, Chapter 15, "Wartortle Wars", (pg 7–20) VIZ Media LLC, 2001-12-06. ISBN 1-56931-508-6.
  28. ^ a b "Bulbasaur's Bad Day". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
  29. ^ a b "Pokemon Tales Volume 3: Bulbasaur's Trouble". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
  30. ^ a b The complete Pokemon RBY pokedex, part 1, Pokemon Diamond/Pearl DS Features | GamesRadar
  31. ^ White, Jason. "allgame ((( Bulbasaur > Overview )))". Allgame. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  32. ^ "The Pojo — TCG Set Lists McDonald's Campaign Expansion Set". Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  33. ^ "Fastfoodtoys.Net Pokémon 2000 Toys". Archived from the original on 2008-02-14. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
  34. ^ "Design". All Nippon Airways. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  35. ^ Chester L. Krause, Clifford Mishler (2003). "2004 standard catalog of world coins": 1532. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  36. ^ Drake, Audrey. "Bulbasaur - #52 Top Pokémon". IGN. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  37. ^ Harmon, O'Dell (2012-11-21). "Top 50 Pokémon Of All Time". Game Informer. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  38. ^ Osborn, Alex (2013-02-22). "21 Greatest Pokémon of All Time". Game Revolution. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  39. ^ Bischoff, Daniel (2013-10-01). "Tell GR: Which Is Your Favorite Pokémon Of All Time?". Game Revolution. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  40. ^ Hernandez, Pedro (2011-03-01). "Top 5 Pokémon: Pedro's Picks". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  41. ^ Vekinis, John (2013-08-10). "Top five Pokemon Types". Official Nintendo Magazine. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  42. ^ East, Thomas (2012-03-02). "Best Grass Pokemon". Official Nintendo Magazine. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  43. ^ East, Thomas (2012-12-22). "Best Starter Pokemon". Official Nintendo Magazine. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  44. ^ "11 Lessons We'll Never Forget From Pokémon Red/Blue". GamesTM. 2013-10-10. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  45. ^ Michael, Dennis (1999-10-05). "Pokémon banished from another playground". CNN. Archived from the original on 2007-11-23. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  46. ^ "VIZ Media Announces New Pokémon Products for 2006 Holiday Season". PressZoom. 2006-10-12. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  47. ^ "Bulbasaur Biography". IGN. Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  48. ^ Pokémon Crystal Version Pokemon of the Day: Bulbasaur (#1) - IGN FAQs
  49. ^ The Top 7... gut-wrenching choices | GamesRadar
  50. ^ Shimabukuro, Betty (1999-04-26). "Pokémon An Adult's Guide from a Kid's Perspective". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Archived from the original on 1999-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  51. ^ Pikachu's global adventure: the rise ... - Google Books
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Look up Bulbasaur in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
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