Pokie facts: Choose Your Starter

Konichiwa,
     With the upcoming 7th generation of Pokemon game release, I wanted to have some fun sharing some Pokemon facts. Let's start things of with the greatest choice of your Pokemon life, the Starter Pokemon:

 Each Generation has one grass type, one fire type, and one water type. The only exception is first generation game, Yellow where you start off with a Pikachu, only. Whichever type you choose your "rival" character will choose the opposite type, example if you choose fire your rival will take water, choose water rival takes grass, choose grass rival takes fire. Again Yellow version is the exception with your rival having a Eevee to counter your Pikachu. And now here's the break down of what we've got in the starters:
Generation I (Blue/Red/Green (Japan only)/Yellow/FireRed/LeafGreen): Bulbasuar, Charmander, Squirtle, & Pikachu
Generation II (Gold/Silver/Crystal/HeartGold/SoulSilver): Chikorita, Cyndaquil, & Totodile
Generation III (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald/OmegaRuby/AlphaSapphire): Treecko, Torchic, & Mudkip
Generation IV (Pearl/Diamond/Platinum): Turtwig, Chimchar, & Piplup
Generation V (Black/White/Black 2/White 2): Snivy, Tepig, & Oshawott
Generation VI (X & Y): Chespin, Fennekin, & Froakie
Generation VII (Sun & Moon): Rowlet, Litten, & Popplio

Now each starter type has a Pokemon based on a bird: Torchic-Fire, Piplup-Water, Rowlet-Grass. Also all starters have a common color too: Fire starters-red, Water starters-blue, and Grass starters-green. Only Generations I and III starters have Mega forms for their final evolutions, while Generation II starters are the only ones to stay true types (they don't gain a secondary type). Bulbasaur and Rowlet are the only two starters to be dual-type: Bulbasaur is a Grass/Poison type & Rowlett is a Grass/Flying type. The final evolutions of Gen IV starters Turtwig and Piplup have a super effective dual typing: Grass/Ground and Water/Steel. In Gen VI the starters gain a greater advantage over its rival type with it's secondary type: Grass gains Fighting, Fire gains Psychic, and Water gains Dark. Gen V's starters are the only starters to evolve at an odd numbered level, 17.

All grass type starters are based on prehistoric creatures: Venusaur has legs that lift it off the ground which is a characteristic of dinosaurs hence the -saur at the end of the first gen names. Chikorita's evolution line is based off of Apatosaurus. Treecko's evolution line is based off of Dilophaosaurus. Turtwig's evolution line is based off of the ankylosaur. Snivy's evolution line represents backwards evolution losing it's legs as it evolves. Chespin's evolution line is based off of the first mammal Megazostrodon. And Rowlet is speculated to be based off of Ornimegalonyx an extinct type of owl.

The fire type starters represent the animals of the Chinese Zodiac:
Dragon-Charmander
Rat-Cyndaquil
Rooster-Torchic
Monkey-Chimchar
Pig/Boar-Tepig
Dog-Fennekin
Tiger-Litten

Lastly, the water type starters are based off of semi-aquatic creatures: Turtle, Crocodile, Axolotl (Salamander), Penguin, Otter, Frog, & Seal.

Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Mudkip, Turtwig, Tepig, Fennekin, and Litten are the only starters that stand on four legs, and only Bulbasaur's, Chikorita's, Mudkip's and Turtwig's evolution lines are the only ones that continue to be on all fours. Of course we don't know about Litten's evoluton line yet. Also Yellow version's starter Pikachu cannot evolve in the game. Squirtle's color has changed noticeably over the years in the games: Gen I it's light blue, Gen II is was a darker shade of blue, Gen III to Gen Gen V it's teal/turquoise, & in Gen VI its a bright blue.

Generation I Starters: Bulbasaur-Ivysaur-Venusaur

Bulbasaur is the first Pokemon in the National Pokedex with its dex number being 001. If a player chooses Charmander as a starter in Red/Blue/Green/FireRed/LeafGreen it's impossible to get Venusaur registered in the Pokedex without trading since no NPC in the games uses a Venusaur. Bulbasuar, and his evolution line, is said to be based primarily on some form of mammal like reptile know as Dicyonodot from the Permian period, which is the last period of the Paleozoic era. The bulb on its back resembles that of a lily or onion, Ivysaur's resembles the bud of a parasitic flowering plant know as Rafflesia, and Venusaur's back resember the fully blossomed Rafflesia arnoldii. Oddly enough, Venusaur is the same size as an other fellow grass type Pokemon, Tropius, both are 6'7'' tall and weight 220.5 lbs! When Venusaur mega evolves it doesn't change types.

Generation I Starters: Charmander-Charmeleon-Charizard

The Chinese Zodiac Dragon Pokemon, Charmander seems to have been based more off of salamanders such as the Chinese Fire Falamander and the Spotted Salamander, which as the first known photosynthetic vertebrate animal capable of converting energy from sunlight (2010). This might have led to Charmander's later hidden ability, Solar Power. Charmeleon resembles more of a small dinosaur keeping a similar body style of its previous form. Some say that Charmeleon gained its English name due to the fact that when Charmander evolves into Charmeleon it becomes red instead of a reddish orange color. Finally in it's final form, Charizard this starter becomes a dragon, in looks rather than type, it gains a secondary type of flying rather than dragon like it's design and name suggests. Its design is based off of the European Dragon, certainly one of many forms told and rendered in legends, this leads into it Mega evolutions. That's right, Charizard is one of two Pokemon who have two mega evolutions, Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y (Mewtwo is the other). Finally through Mega Evolution with the Charizardnite X, Charizard has finally gained its rightful secondary type of dragon.

Generation I Starters: Squirtle-Wartortle-Blastiose

These three are based off of a turtle. Wartortle's feathery tail is a reference to the Japanese legend of the Minogame, a turtle which lived for 10,000 years and grew a tail of seaweed. The use of its tail is to store oxygen seems to be a reference to turtles who breathe through their cloaca, which is near the tail. Blastoise on the other hand seems to have been fused with a tank, however many suggest that Blastoise's cannons are based off of functioning tubes found in mussels and other shellfish.

Generation I Starter: Pikachu

Who doesn't like Pikachu? No really it's okay not to love this official mascot of the game, I personally don't, set aside the fact that he's in every single episode of the anime, Pikachu doesn't have very good stats. That note aside, Pikachu is the only starter in Pokemon: Yellow Version, which was created solely on the popularity and success of the Pokemon anime. Everyone wanted to be Ash Ketchum and have their very own Pikachu, which would never evolve into a Raichu. Likewise to the anime, your rival in the game has an Eevee just like Gary Oak ends up with in the anime, which beats Pikachu in a battle. In Pokemon: Yellow, X, Y, OmegaRuby, & AlphaSapphire, along with Pokemon Stadium I & II, Pikachu's cry is the same from the anime voiced by the anime's voice actor, Ikue Ohtani, this marks Pikachu as the only Pokemon that uses its anime voice over it's original. Pikachu is based off of a rodent, suggestively a mouse hence the Pika of its name, however it's long ears resemble those of other members of the Lagomorpha family.

Generation II Starter: Chikorita-Bayleef-Meganium

 The Chikorita family is the only evolution line of starters that don't change names in the English games, and they're based off of a group of dinosaurs called sauropods, specifically the Apatosaurus. Chikorita's shape and appearance suggests a pear or a Belgian endive, a type of chicory. Bayleef's "vegetable" part is based on the leaves of the bay laurel, which the oil is used for healing and as a stimulant in aromatherapy. It's necklace of leaves is consistently described as having a spicy arome while real bay leaves have a bitter, herbal taste. Meganium's flower might be designed off of a geranium, hibiscus, titan arum, or the hippeastrum. Chikorita is the tallest of the unevolved starter Pokemon at 2'11''.

Generation II Starter: Cyndaquil-Quilava-Typhlosion

These three happen to be my favorite starters out of all of them. Cyndaquil's evolution line happens to be the first starter Pokemon  based on a mammal. Since the fire starters have been said to be based off of the Chinese Zodiac animals, Cydaquil's line represents the Rat. Their appearance is based on the echinda. Cyndaquil's closed eyes are a reference to baby echindas, while Quilava takes on more of a weasel like body, and Typhlosion seems to be a combination of both an echinda and a weasel.

Generation II Starter: Totodile-Croconaw-Feraligatr

Totadile and its evolution line are based off of Crocodilia family, which of course includes Crocodiles and Alligator. Totodile, like Cyndaquil, is a baby crocodilian. It's also the tallest and heaviest unevolved water type starter pokemon. Visually this line resembles an alligator, despite Totodile and Croconaw's names have references to crocodiles while Feraligatr's name is a combination of feral, or ferocious, and alligator. The shortening of "gator" to gatr is a result of the ten-character limit on English Pokemon names in Gen II games. Croconaw's head spikes and chest pattern seems to be based on the wild hair and animal-skin cloth worn by cavemen. Feraligatr is the tallest final form of a water type starter Pokemon at 7'7''.

Generation III Starter: Treecko-Grovyle-Sceptile

 Like, Bulbasaur's and Chikorita's evolution lines, Treecko's evolution line is based off of the dinosaur know as Dilophpsaurus. Grovyle's design also suggests it to be based on a Protarchaeopteryx. The leaves along with the orbs on Sceptile's back create a strong resemblance to both the yew tree and various members of the podocarpus family. Treecko's line appearance and mannerisms also show strong influences of a leaf-tailed gecko. Lastly, no other Pokemon has the same type combination as Mega Sceptile: Grass/Dragon.

Generation III Starter: Torchic-Combusken-Blaziken

Like Charmander's and Cyndaquil's evolution lines, Torchic and its evolutions are based off of the Chinese Zodiac animal, the Rooster. Combusken's and Blaziken's secondary type of Fighting is based off of the Japanese Shamo breed of cockfighting chicken, which is known for its mane and upright posture. Torichic's evolution line also has references to the Basan, a fire breathing chicken. Combusken and Blaziken have references to Karura, a divine creature with a human torso and a bird like head from Japanese Hindu-Buddhist mythology. There's also inspiration references from the Taimatsumaru, a Japanese Yokai monster, which looks like a flaming bird. Torchic is the lightest fire type Pokemon weighing only 5.5 lbs. Combusken begins a tradition of Fire/Fighting starter evolutions that would continue through Generation IV and V. Lastly Mega Blaziken is the Mega Evolution that was officially introduced in Pokemon X and Y that isn't native to the Kalos region.

Generation III Starter: Mudkip-Marshtomp-Swampert

  

Despite it's name Mudkip is not based off of a mudskipper, it's based off of an Axolotl a type of salamander, which is strange considering that Mudkip is the mud fish Pokemon and it's later evolutios gain a secondary type of Ground. Mudkip is also the subject of a popular internet meme know as "So i herd u liek mudkipz?". Marshtomp is the only middle evolution water starter with a dual type. And the single fin on its head is reminiscet of the Murmillo helmet worn by murmillo-class Roman Gladiators or the Corinthian helmet worn by Greek Hoplites. "Murmillo" is also a Greek word for a type of saltwater fish. Lastly, Swampert has the fewest weaknesses of any starter Pokemon.

Generation IV Starter: Turtwig-Grotle-Torterra

Like the previous grass starters, Turtwig and it's evolutions are yet again based off of a creature of old, the Ankylosaur with aspects of a snapping turtle. Turtwig is the heaviest of all the basic form starters at 22.5 lbs, which causes it to have the lowest base speed out of all of them too. Grotle and Torterra seem to have design influences from the World Turtle or the Black Tortoise of legends. No other Pokemon as of now has the same type combination as Torterra, grass/ground. 

Generation IV Starter: Chimchar-Monferno-Infernape

The Chinese Zodiac Monkey Pokemon, Chimchar, who seems to be based off of a young chimpanzee. Following suit with Combusken and Blaziken, Monferno and Infernape gain a secondary type of fighting, this is a direct reference to Monkey Kung Fu, a type of martial arts. Monferno's appearance seems to be a mix of a golden snub-nosed monkey with a mandrill. Infernape is the shortest fully evolved starter at only 3'11''. Infernape has references to Dragonball character, Son Goku, who is the Japanese interpretation of the character Sun Wukong, who is the main character of the Chinese epic journey to the West and is a monkey with powerful abilities.

Generation IV Starter: Piplup-Prinplup-Empoleon

 The penguin Pokemon, these three are based off of various types of penguins. Piplup is based on a young penguin or possibly a miniature type of penguin. The light blue crown shaped marking above it's beak might be foreshadowing on it's final evolution and a nod to the Emperor Penguins. Prinplup's crest suggest it has influences of a species of crested penguin. Empoleon is based on an Emperor Penguin. It's crown has the appearance of a trident, the favored weapon of the Greek god, Poseidon. Empoleon is also roughly the same height as its namesake Napoleon Bonaparte.

Generation V Starter: Snivy-Servine-Serperior

 Snivy is the only grass type starter Pokemon not listed as the first Pokemon in its regional Pokedex, this is due to the fact that this generation of Pokemon actually has a #000 Pokemon, Victini, this also makes this the only generation in the National Pokedex that doesn't start with a grass type. Unlike the previous grass starters, Snivy's evolution line is not based off of a dinosaur, but the idea of evoluton, well backwards evolution. As Snivy evolves it looses it's legs and arms. Snivy's evolution line are based on French royalty, specifically the French royalty in the anime The Rose of Versailles as stated by Ken Sugimori. They're also based on a variety of green vine snake species with a pointed snout, including Oxybelis Fulgidus, Ahaetulla nasuta, and Ahaetulla Prasina. Snivy's snake and lizard like features are also similar to that of the Florida Sand Skink. The shape of these Pokemon's head, body, and the protrusions on it's shoulders might be based off the bird of paradise or false bird of paradise flowers. Serperior is the tallest grass type Pokemon at 10'10''. Serperior has aspects of the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, and it also shows off the French royalty with it's chest symbol looking like a fleur-de-lis, the French insignia used on the noble family's coat of arms. Serperior's size seems to be also be a reference to the basilisk, the king of serpents in European legend.

Generation V Starter: Tepig-Pignite-Emboar

 While Tepig, Pignte, and Emboar are based off of the British Saddleback Pig, since the fire type starters are based off of the Chinese Zodiac they were designed in a Chinese style. Because of this they may have been based slightly on Zhu Bajie, a pig demon from the Chinese tale Journey to the West, which is the same tale that Infernape has taken influence from as well. Like many of its fellow starters, Tepig is based off of the Saddleback Piglet. And despite the horrible criticism that Tepig got when the Unova starters were released, it was preferred over its fellow water starter, Oshawott with things like "at least my bacon that can cook itself doesn't look like a panda in a wet suit." etc. Emboar is the only fully evolved Unova starter that gains a secondary type, Fighting. It's also the heaviest fully evolved fire starter at 330.7 lbs. 

Generation V Starter: Oshawott-Dewott-Samurott

Originally Oshawott design was not well received until his evolutions were revealed. Oshawott is based off of a sea otter pup and a samurai. The way Oshawott's scalchop rest on its belly resembles the way otters hold shellfish in order to crack them open to eat, and the way it uses it as a weapon is similar to Japanese war fans, which were often used by samurai for defensive purposes. Dewott is just like it's previous form Oshawott, based on a sea otter and a samurai. Its trait of fighting with its two shell might be a reference to Tessenjutsu, a type of martial arts involving the Japanese war fan. Samurott sea lion appearance was chosen after a trip to an aquarium, and it's "armor" is characteristic of the armor a samurai or shogun wears. It's tail maybe based on the Japanese war fan that the shells of its previous evolutions have. And the helmet over its head appears to be referencing the rare spined murex shell, while the markings on its chest make it reminiscent of a giant otter. Ken Sugimori said that Oshawott and its evolutions were the hardest for the team to design during production of Pokemon Black and White, as conceptualizing its evolutions were difficult.

Generation VI Starter: Chespin-Quiladin-Chesnaught

Chespin's evolution line is based off of the first mammal Megazostrodon. The plant aspect of these three is a chestnut. They are also the only starter family with a signature ability, Bulletproof. Chespin's plant aspect is based off of a chestnut shoot. Quilladin is the only Pokemon whose name begins with Q that wasn't introduced in Generation II. Its bulky, round appearance is possibly a reference to the calybium and cupule that protect the nuts of chestnut trees. Quilladin also draws inspiration from armored mammals such as pangolins, armadillos, and glyptodonts, an extincted larger armored mamal similar to an armadillo. Chesnaught is the only secondary Fighting type starter that is not a fire type. Its also a matured chestnut referring to it being the final stage of Chepin. Chesnaught's bulky armor could be a reference to the split apart calybium and cupule, which split apart when the chestnut is sufficiently ripened. It's also based on knights and various types of body armor including brigandines and barbutes.

Generation VI Starter: Fennekin-Braixen-Delphox

Keeping with tradition, these fire starters are the dog from the Chinese Zodiac. Fennekin's evolution line is based off of the Fennec Fox, and they share the same Pokemon category with Vulpix and Ninetales, the Fox Pokemon. Fennekin is the only Pokemon with a base stat total of 307 making it the only unevolved starter with a unique base stat total, this is also the lowest base stat total of any starter Pokemon. Braixen starts to bring in influences of the Japanese Kitsune of legend, which has magical powers. It uses its twig as a magic medium, like a wand. Prior to Alpha Sapphire/Omega Ruby, Delphox was the only known Pokemon capable of learning Mystical Fire. It has the highest Special Attack out of all of the fully evolved starter Pokemon, not counting Mega Evolutions. Delphox is also the lightest fully evolved starter Pokemon at 86 lbs. Delph- of its name could be for Delphic oracle.

     

Generation VI Starter: Froakie-Frogadier-Greninja

Like its fellow previous water starters, Froakie and it's evolution line are based off of a semi aquatic animal this time a frog. Froakie is the smallest of the unevolved starters at a height on 1'00'' and it also has the highest base Speed of all of them as well. Froakie's bubbling white foam is a refernce to frog foam nests created by some species such as the Tungara frog and grey foam-nest tree frog to protect eggs. This foam resembles a backpack of sorts, and has been used in the anime as a makeshift hood, which references the ninja elements of it's final evolution. This could also be a reference to dorobo, burglars or thieves, in Japanese folklore and culture dorobo use furoshiki cloth bags to hold stolen goods and mask their identity. Frogadier shows more aspects of it's ninja influnces with its crouched pose, dark blue hooded face, and its foam, which is more scarf-like now. The spiked protrusions above Frogadier's eyes seemed to be inspired by horned frogs from the genera Megophrys and Ceratophrys. In the anime, Frogadier has been shown to be able to run on the surface of water much like the common basilisk. Greninja has the highest base speed of all of the water type Pokemon and all of the fully evolved starters. It also shares its category with Ninjask, both are know as the Ninja Pokemon. Greninja's coloration and body shape is similar to the splendid leaf frog. The bubble like protrusions on its body maybe based on a toad's parotoid glands, thought they're probably a left over remnants of Froakie's and Frogadier's frog foam. Greninja's "ninja" is a reference to the Japanese folk story "The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya", which is about a ninja who can shape shift into a large toad. Its name is a combination of grenouille, which is the French for frog, and ninja.

 Generation VII Starters: Rowlet, Litten, & Popplio

Since the Generation VII games, Sun and Moon, aren't out yet not much is known about these three starters. Rowlet is the second non evolved starter Pokemon to have a secondary type, Flying. Its also the same size as Froakie, and it has beat Torchic as the lightest starter Pokemon weighing only 3.3 lbs. Rowlet is speculated to be based off of Ornimegalonyx an extinct type of owl. Litten is following suit with the other fire starters with being based off of the Tiger animal of the Chinese Zodiac. And it's attacks look like "atomic fire hairballs"! Popplio is based off of a sea lion with its visible ears. Its appearance and playfulness with its water "balloons" seem to have a heavy influence of circus or performance sea lions. Popplio might be a combination of sea lion pup, pop, popo (Hawaiian for ball) and 'ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua (Hawaiian for the Hawaiian monk seal I want to see this in Popplio's evolutions since the Alola region is based off of Hawaii; meaning "dog that runs in rough water").

I can't wait for the rest of the Alola starters, and the many more new Pokemon that awaits us in Pokemon Sun and Moon coming out this November. Look for more Pokie facts coming soon.
-FoxCat ya later