Pikachu

Pokémon species


name = Pikachu
number = 025
preceding = Arbok
following = Raichu
japanname = Pikachu
evolvesfrom = Pichu (from "Pokémon Gold" and "Silver" onwards)
evolvesto = Raichu
generation = First
species = mouse Pokémon
stage = Basic
type = Electric
height = 1 ft 4 in
metricheight = 0.4
weight = 13.2
metricweight = 6.0
nihongo|Pikachu|ピカチュウ|Pikachū| is one of the fictional species of Pokémon creatures from the multi-billion-dollarcite web|url=http://sev.prnewswire.com/entertainment/20051004/LATU06404102005-1.html|title=Pokémon Franchise Approaches 150 Million Games Sold|publisher=PR Newswire|accessdate=2006-02-28] "Pokémon" media franchise—a collection of video games, anime, manga, books, trading cards, and other media created by Satoshi Tajiri. As do all Pokémon, Pikachu fight other Pokémon in battles central to the anime, manga, and games of the series.citeweb|url=http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/389/389660p1.html|title="Pokémon Ruby" and "Pokémon Sapphire" Review (page 1)|publisher=IGN |accessdate=2006-06-01] Pikachu is among the most recognizable Pokémon, largely due to the fact that a Pikachu is a central character in the "Pokémon" anime series. Pikachu is widely considered the most popular Pokémon, and is regarded as the official mascot of the Pokémon franchise.

In the Pokémon franchise, Pikachu are often found in forests,Pokédex: It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the pouches on its cheeks. cite video game|title=Pokémon Diamond|developer=Game Freak |publisher=Nintendo |date=2007-04-22 |platform=Nintendo DS ] plains, and, occasionally, near mountains, islands, and electrical sources (such as power plants), on most continents throughout the fictional world. As an Electric-type Pokémon, Pikachu can store electricity in its cheeks and release it in lightning-based attacks. [cite video game | title = Pikachu Trophy Information | developer = Sora Ltd. | publisher = Nintendo| date = 2008-01-31| platform = Wii| version = | level = | isolang = | quote = When danger draws near, it uses tiny electric pouches within its cheeks to discharge electricity.]

Concept and creation

The design and art direction for Pikachu were provided by Ken Sugimori, [cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=91965 |title=Game Freak on Pokémon!|author=Stuart Bishop|publisher=CVG |date=2003-05-30|accessdate=2008-06-04|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5VSJaR6xT|archivedate=2008-02-08] a friend of the creator of the "Pocket Monsters" game, Satoshi Tajiri, and the species appeared as a the starting character for players in "" for the Game Boy. The character in the early "Pokémon" video games was portrayed by a two-dimensional sprite, but in later releases Pikachu's appearance has been conveyed by 3D computer graphics. Throughout, the character has been portrayed with no spoken dialogue. In the series' anime, the character has facial expressions, body language, and repeats syllables of its name, using different pitches and tones.

The name "Pikachu" is a portmanteau of the Japanese words "pikapika", an onomatopoeia for electric sparkling, and "chū", which is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a mouse's squeak.cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/347021/the-true-meaning-of-pikachu|title=Japan: The True Meaning of Pikachu|accessdate=2008-06-02] It refers to both the overall species, and to individual Pikachu within the games, anime, and manga series.

Characteristics

Pikachu are designed as short, Mouse The in-game Pokédex of the "Game Boy" series ( [http://www.pokemondungeon.com/pokedex/pikachu.shtml A copy of them from "pokémondungeon.com] ") URL accessed on March 27, 2006.] Pokémon that have short, yellow fur with brown markings covering their backs and parts of their tails. They have black-tipped, pointy ears and red circles on their cheeks, which are said to contain "electrical sacs". Their tails are shaped in the form of a lightning bolt. [cite video game| title = Pikachu Trophy Information| developer = Sora Ltd.| publisher = Nintendo| date = 2008-01-31| platform = Wii| version = | level = | isolang = | quote = Its lightning-bolt tail and round cheeks are its trademarks.] In "Pokémon Diamond" and "Pearl", gender differences were introduced for some Pokémon; a female Pikachu now has an indent at the end of its tail, giving it a heart-shaped appearance.

The Pokédex, in several games in the series, states that Pikachu forage for berries. In lieu of climbing trees, [cite web|url=http://pokezam.com/anime/episodes/challenge/366.php|title=PokeZam.com - Episode 366 - Pokeblock, Stock and Berry|work=PokeZam.com] they use small electrical bolts to release the berries from the tree, roasting them at the same time. For already fallen berries they use their electricity to roast and tenderize them. They are said to store electricity in their cheeks, and by simply squeezing them they can discharge sparks, bolts, or other forms of electricity. Discharging sparks and thunderbolts may be a sign of wariness from the Pokémon. An inability to discharge electricity, as occurs in the presence of a strong magnetic field, causes an illness with flu-like symptoms. Pikachu tend to gather in areas with high amounts of thunderstorm activity. When threatened, a group of Pikachu can generate an intense electrical output, and the electro-magnetic forces exerted by the resulting field can even produce short-lived, localized thunder and lightning storms.

Pikachu evolve into Raichu via the use of a Thunder Stone; however, it is somewhat common for trainers to choose not to evolve their Pikachu. For example, in "Pokémon Yellow", using a Thunder Stone on a Pikachu makes it cry and refuse to evolve. From the second generation of the "Pokémon" games onward, Pikachu has an evolutionary predecessor, Pichu, which evolves into Pikachu after establishing a close friendship with its trainer.

Appearances

In the video games

In the video games, Pikachu is a typical, low-level Pokémon usually found in Viridian Forest, and the Power Plant in the earlier games, or in the Safari Zone in the "Ruby", "Sapphire", and "Emerald" versions. Pikachu also appears in "Diamond" and "Pearl" at the Trophy Garden.

The game "Pokémon Yellow" features a Pikachu as the representative Pokémon, featured on the box art and as the only available starter Pokémon. Based on the Pikachu featured in the Pokémon anime, it refuses to stay in its Poké Ball, and instead follows the main character around on screen. The trainer can speak to it; where it displays many different reactions depending on how it is treated. Another game centered around Pikachu is "Hey You, Pikachu!" for the Nintendo 64. [ [http://www.pokemon.com Hey You, Pikachu!] "Nintendo.com" URL Accessed July 17, 2006] The player interacts with Pikachu through a microphone, and can issue commands to play various mini-games and act out situations. The game "Pokémon Channel" follows a similar premise of interacting with the Pikachu, though without the microphone. [ [http://uk.cube.ign.com/objects/566/566823.html Pokémon Channel] "IGN.com" URL Accessed July 17, 2006] Pikachu is also one of the sixteen starters and ten partners in the "Pokémon Mystery Dungeon" games.

Pikachu has also appeared in "Super Smash Bros.," [http://www.smashbros.com/ Smash Bros.com] URL Accessed July 17, 2006] "Super Smash Bros. Melee", [http://ssbm.detstar.com/ Super Smash Bros Melee.] "detstar.com" URL Accessed July 17, 2006] and "Super Smash Bros. Brawl" [Smash Bros. Dojo! [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/pikachu.html Pikachu] URL Accessed September 17, 2008] as a very agile and mobile playable character. Its attacks include Quick Attack, Skull Bash, Thunder Jolt (an ability that had previously only appeared in the trading cards), and Thunder. In "Super Smash Bros. Brawl", Volt Tackle is its Final Smash. [Smash Bros. Dojo! [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/pikachu.html#3rd Pikachu: Final Smash] ] In the game's Adventure Mode, the Subspace Emissary, Samus Aran frees Pikachu from a machine sapping its electric energy, which alerts an army of R.O.B.s. From that point on, the two team up, retrieve Samus' power suit, and help fight the subspace army.

In the anime

The "Pokémon" anime series and films feature the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu, traveling through the various regions of the Pokémon universe. They are accompanied by a group of alternating friends, including Misty, Brock, May, Tracey, and Dawn.

Many other wild and trained Pikachu appear throughout the series, often interacting with Ash and his Pikachu. The most notable among these is Richie's Pikachu, Sparky. Like most other Pokémon, Pikachu communicates only by saying syllables of its own name. It is voiced by Ikue Otani in all versions of the anime, except in a number of English language episodes in which Rachael Lillis played the role; this occurred only when another person overlapped Pikachu's voice.

In the first episode, Ash Ketchum receives his Pikachu from Professor Oak as a starting Pokémon given to all new trainers. At first, Pikachu largely ignores Ash's requests, shocking him frequently and refusing to be confined to the conventional method of Pokémon transportation, a Poké Ball. However, Ash puts himself in danger to defend Pikachu from a flock of wild Spearow, then rushes the electric mouse to a Pokémon Center. Through these demonstrations of respect and unconditional commitment to Pokémon, Pikachu warms up to Ash, and their friendship is formed. However, it still refuses to go into its Poké Ball. Soon after, Pikachu shows great power that sets it apart from Pokémon, which causes Team Rocket to constantly attempt to capture it in order to win favor from their boss, Giovanni.

In other Pokémon media

Pikachu is one of the main Pokémon used in most of the Pokémon manga series. In "Pokémon Adventures", Red and Yellow both train a strong Pikachu. It is originally captured by Red, but after Red goes missing two years later, Yellow, along with her own Pikachu, accompany it. It is also featured in series based on the anime, such as "Electric Tale of Pikachu", "Ash & Pikachu", and other series, such as "Magical Pokémon Journey" and "Getto Da Ze".

Collectible cards featuring Pikachu have appeared since the initial "Pokémon Trading Card Game" released in October 1996. The character has been seen in many incarnations in sets released in North America, and even more exist when limited edition promotional cards are included. [ [http://www.pokebeach.com/sets/exlegendmaker.html EX Legend Maker set card list] "Pokebeach.com". URL Accessed October 15, 2006.]

Pikachu has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King. [cite web|title=The Pojo - TCG Set Lists McDonald's Campaign Expansion Set|url=http://www.pojo.com/priceguide/jpMcD.html|accessdate=2008-06-04] [cite web|title=Fastfoodtoys.Net Pokémon 2000 Toys|url=http://www.fastfoodtoys.net/burger%20king%20pokemon%20power%20cards.htm|accessdate=2008-06-04]

Cultural impact

Background

Pikachu first appeared in 1996, among the 151 initial Pokémon mascots when Game Freak delivered the first-ever Pokemon game for the Japanese Game Boy. [cite video game | title = Pikachu Trophy Information | developer = Sora Ltd. | publisher = Nintendo| date = 2008-01-31| platform = Wii| version = | level = | isolang = | quote = Appearances: Pokémon Red/Green (1996)] The creators of the initial 151 Pokémon characters treated each one equally, and left it to the fans to decide which one would become the official mascot. The fans chose Pikachu, which alternatively led to its appearance in the anime alongside Ash. [citeweb|url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/920/920547.html|title=Pikachu (Character Profile)|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-07-29]

Today, Pikachu is regarded as the Japanese answer to Mickey mouse Tobin, Joseph. (2002) [http://www.nordicom.gu.se/common/publ_pdf/87_Yearbook%202002.pdf#page=55 Pikachu's Global Adventure] "Children, Young People, and Media Globalisation", The UNESCO Clearinghouse on Children, Youth and Media] and as being part of a movement of "cute capitalism".Allison, Anne (2002) [http://web.mit.edu/cms/Events/mit2/Abstracts/AnneAllison.pdf The Cultural Politics of Pokemon Capitalism] "Media in Transition 2: globalization and convergence"] Pikachu are obtainable in all of the Pokémon video games to date, with a prominent role in "Pokémon Yellow". The leading characters of many of the anime and manga series, including "Pokémon Adventures", and "Magical Pokémon Journey", have captured or befriended Pikachu.

Popular culture

Pikachu, being the most famous of the Pokémon mascots, has made multiple appearances in popular culture. A "got milk?" advertisement featured Pikachu on April 25, 2000. [citeweb|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2000_April_26/ai_61858603|title=Pikachu Guzzles Milk to Become Most Powerful Pokemon|publisher=Business Wire|date=2000-05-25|accessdate=2008-07-29] In addition, a Pikachu balloon has been featured in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since 2001. [ [http://www.nyctourist.com/macys_menu.htm Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade] "Ncytourist.com" URL Accessed July 17, 2006] Its appearance on May 22, 2006 during the morning rush hour was as part of a test examining parade balloon handling procedures.cite web |first=Brian |last=Crecente |date=2006-05-22 |url=http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/pokemon/giant-pikachu-runs-flights-through-nyc-175515.php |title=Giant Pikachu Runs Flights Through NYC |publisher=Kotaku |accessdate=2006-06-26] The original balloon was retired following an appearance at the "Party of the Decade" on August 8th in Bryant Park in New York City,Fact|date=November 2007 and a new Pikachu Balloon that chases a Poké Ball and has light-up cheeks debuted at the 2006 Parade. [citenews|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/23/nyregion/23balloon.html?fta=y|title=Pikachu Soars as Trial Balloon for a Safer Macy's Parade|author=Whitt, Tom|date=2006-05-23|accessdate=2008-07-29] The balloon was chosen on an online survey at iVillage as the second-best balloon in the 2007 Parade. [ [http://poll.ivillage.com/index.php?id=2 Voting Results] ]

A picture of Pikachu has also been featured on the ANA Boeing 747-400 (JA8962), landing at London Heathrow Airport. In 2002, Ash's Pikachu received fifteenth place in "TV Guide's" 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time. [ " [http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/30/cartoon.characters.list/index.html TV Guide's 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time] " "Archives.cnn.com.". URL Accessed October 15, 2006.]

Ling-Ling, a character in the adult cartoon "Drawn Together", is a parody of Pikachu. [ [http://www.buddytv.com/articles/drawn-together/silverstein-and-jeser-talk-abo-12238.aspx Silverstein and Jeser Talk About 'Drawn Together'] ]

Others

A newly-discovered ligand believed to provide better dynamic Visual Acuity, discovered by nihongo|Osaka Bioscience Institute Foundation|大阪バイオサイエンス研究所, is named "Pikachurin", borrowed from the nimbleness of Pikachu. [cite news | url =http://www.nature.com/search/executeSearch?sp-q-9=NEURO&sp-q=Pikachulin&sp-c=10&sp-x-9=cat&sp-s=date&sp-a=sp1001702d&sp-sfvl-field=subject%7Cujournal&sp-x-1=ujournal&sp-p-1=phrase&sp-p=all|title=Pikachurin, a dystroglycan ligand, is essential for photoreceptor ribbon synapse formation|publisher=Nature (journal)|date=2008-07-20|accessdate= 2008-07-21] [cite news | url =http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/science/20080722TDY02306.htm|title=Researchers: 'Pikachurin' protein linked with kinetic vision|publisher=Yomiuri Shimbun|date=2008-07-22|accessdate= 2008-07-22] The name was inspired due to Pikachu's "lightning-fast moves and shocking electric effects". [citenews|url=http://inventorspot.com/articles/lightningfast_vision_protein_named_after_pikachu_16170|title=Lightning-Fast Vision Protein Named After Pikachu|publisher=Inventor Spot|author=Levenstein, Steve|date=2008-07-24|accessdate=2008-07-29]

Notes

References

* Barbo, Maria. "The Official Pokémon Handbook". Scholastic Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0-439-15404-9.
* Loe, Casey, ed. "Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition Official Perfect Guide". Sunnydale, CA: Empire 21 Publishing, 1999. ISBN 1-930206-15-1.
* Mylonas, Eric. "Pokémon Pokédex Collector’s Edition: Prima’s Official Pokémon Guide". Prima Games, September 21 2004. ISBN 0-7615-4761-4
* Nintendo Power. "Official Nintendo Pokémon FireRed Version & Pokémon LeafGreen Version Player’s Guide". Nintendo of America Inc., August 2004. ISBN 1-930206-50-X
* Nintendo Power. "Official Nintendo Pokémon Emerald Player’s Guide". Nintendo of America Inc., April 2005. ISBN 1-930206-58-5

External links

* [http://www.pokemon.com/ Official Pokémon website]
* [http://www.brinquedosdepapel.com.br/2008/08/pikachu.html Paper Model of Pikachu]