Misplaced Pages

Magikarp and Gyarados
Pokémon characters
Magikarp (bottom) and Gyarados (top) as they appear in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
First appearance	Pokémon Red and Blue
Designed by	Ken Sugimori (Gyarados, finalized Magikarp)
Voiced by	Unshō Ishizuka (Japanese)
In-universe information
Species	Pokémon
Type	Water (Magikarp) Water and Flying (Gyarados) Water and Dark (Mega Gyarados)

Magikarp, known in Japan as Koiking (コイキング, Koikingu), and Gyarados (/ˈɡærədoʊs, ˈɡɪərə-, -dɒs/ GARR-ə-do(h)ss, GHEER-; ギャラドス, Gyaradosu) are a pair of Pokémon species in the Pokémon franchise. Both Pokémon first appeared in Pokémon Red and Blue, going on to appear in almost every subsequent installments in the series. Magikarp is a weak, fish-like Pokémon, who is inept and almost useless in battle, while Gyarados is the evolved form of Magikarp, boasting significant strength and power.

Since their debut, Magikarp and Gyarados have received mostly positive responses. While Gyarados and its evolution from Magikarp were met with positive commentary, many were more mixed over Magikarp's inability in battle and overall pointlessness. However, Magikarp's weakness has been met with praise. Both have been cited as among the most well-known Pokémon of all time.

Design and characteristics

Magikarp and Gyarados are a pair of species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998. In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items. Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon. A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.

Magikarp are small, fish-like Pokémon, and appear to be inspired by usual types of carp, such as the common carp and asian carp. Gyarados, on the other hand, is a Pokémon whose design is inspired by dragons, specifically dragons seen in Chinese mythology. The concept of Magikarp evolving into Gyarados is based on the Chinese mythological tale of the carps leaping over the Dragon Gate. According to the legend, carps that leap over a legendary waterfall called the Dragon Gate are rewarded for their perseverance and transformed into dragons.

Magikarp and Gyarados were two of one hundred and fifty one different designs conceived by Game Freak's character development team and finalized by Ken Sugimori for the first generation of Pocket Monsters games Red and Green, which were localized outside Japan as Pokémon Red and Blue. In the beta for the game, Gyarados had a vastly different design, which resembled an eyeless, worm-like creature with sharp teeth. Nintendo decided to give the various Pokémon species "clever and descriptive names" related to their appearance or features when translating the game for western audiences as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children. As a result, Gyarados's beta name was "Skulkraken", a combination of "skull" or "skulk" and "kraken", but in the final release the original Japanese name was used. Scrapped names in the game files of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, named "OKAKINGU" and "OKAGYARADOSU," indicated that alternate forms of Magikarp and Gyarados were considered for inclusion in the games, and were scrapped in favor of Toedscool and Toedscruel.

Magikarp are incredibly common and plentiful, but notoriously weak, and are only capable of learning a select few moves by level up. They are notable for their ability to flop around on land and can leap up to seven feet in the air. By contrast, Gyarados are large, blue, snake-like Pokémon. They are well-known for their power, and they frequently go on violent rampages. Magikarp and Gyarados were both voiced by Unshō Ishizuka in Japanese.

Appearances

In the video games

Magikarp and Gyarados first appear in Pokémon Red and Blue. They can be commonly obtained by fishing, though one notable NPC will sell a Magikarp to the player before fishing is available for the player character. In their sequels, Pokémon Gold and Silver, a specially colored "shiny" Gyarados that is red appears in the game's Lake of Rage area as a boss opponent. It must be captured or defeated in order for the story to progress. The pair have appeared in many subsequent games in the series, including Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, Sun, Moon, Sword, Shield, Scarlet, and Violet. In Pokémon X and Y, Gyarados received a Mega Evolution, which changes its Flying type into the Dark type.

The pair make many appearances in spin-offs, including the Pokémon Snap games, the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, Pokémon Café ReMix, Pokémon Unite, Pokémon Go, and Pokkén Tournament. In Pokémon Stadium, Magikarp featured in its own mini-game called "Magikarp Splash", in which players must Splash high enough to hit the button at the top of the screen as many times as it can. Magikarp later received its own mobile game, Pokémon: Magikarp Jump, in which players must compete against opponents to see whose Magikarp can jump the highest. Magikarp can evolve into Gyarados in game, though this is only an easter egg.

In the anime

Magikarp has appeared several times, most notably as the subject of a running gag in which a salesman attempts to trick Team Rocket into buying Magikarp in various guises, the first one being in Battle Aboard the St. Anne. In Pokémon Shipwreck, the salesman succeeds in selling them one, but James kicked his Magikarp out of frustration, causing it to evolve into a Gyarados and attack him. Ash's travelling companion Misty owns a Gyarados, while Ash's companion Goh owns a Magikarp that is significantly stronger than the average of its species. The character Lance captured the Red Gyarados, and it is used as one of his primary Pokémon when the character returned in Pokémon Journeys: The Series. A special Pokétoon short was released that starred Magikarp. The Red Gyarados featured in an episode of Pokémon Generations.

In other media

In Pokémon Adventures, a Gyarados is owned by Misty, who eventually trades it to Red, who uses it as part of his team. It is later temporarily given to Blue, though it is eventually given back to Red. A Magikarp appears in the 2019 live action film Detective Pikachu, where Detective Pikachu threw a Magikarp to help battle a rogue Charizard. It evolved into Gyarados in order to win the fight.

Promotion and reception

A variety of merchandise depicting Magikarp and Gyarados have been produced. Pokefuta featuring the duo were released in Japan's Chūbu region. Toys, plushies, jewelry, and cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game have been produced. Magikarp was cosplayed by a baby on Honolulu Comic book convention being described by Game Informer as "the cutest cosplay ever." In 2022, Magikarp featured on the side of a jet.

Magikarp has been regarded as one of the weakest Pokémon in the series, as well as one of the worst Pokémon of all time. Its weakness has resulted in beating the game with it proving to be a popular challenge among fans, and its weakness has further been highlighted in official media, which often pokes fun at its own uselessness. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Magikarp was one of the most hated Pokémon due to in game NPCs and some players using Magikarp during the game's multiplayer raids. IGN regarded it as being "comic relief" until it evolves into Gyarados. Gyarados itself has been highlighted for its power, being cited as a top design in the series. Khee Hoon Chan of Paste said it "exemplifies power through perseverance," while TheGamer writer Cian Maher praised it as an iconic staple of the series. Magikarp's evolution into Gyarados has been analyzed for its symbolism and representation of Chinese mythology.

The book Gaming Cultures and Place in Asia-Pacific cited Magikarp as an "example of a common recurring and weak element" in the games, whose presence rather than function was to "emphasize the exclusivity and strength of other, rarer creatures for players to find". Khee Hoon Chan of Paste analyzed Magikarp's role in the games, stating that "Magikarp fits within this universe not as a fighting machine, but as a sarcastic nemesis to the tremendous power of Gyarados and other absurdly powerful Pokémon. This is precisely why it is so memorable." They highlighted its comedic relief, stating that because it was so bad, it inspired discussion about its true purpose and potential hidden secrets it might have. They further stated that while it was useless in battle, it was designed as such and was a well-thought out creation in conjunction with Gyarados. Its weakness has resulted in Magikarp being described as a lovable Pokémon. Its appearance in Magikarp Jump was praised for helping to highlight the series' core themes of bonding with Pokemon, with The Verge writer Megan Farokhmanesh stating that "despite centering on a pokémon that most view as a punchline, does a great job in fostering a sense of affection for the fish you’re raising. The more I watch my Magikarp bash its face into a punching bag, the more I love that little idiot. It’s doing the best it can. And when it jumps its way to victory, I feel proud. Genuinely." The game was also praised by Julie Muncey of Wired for making the joke of Magikarp's uselessness endearing to players.

References

1. Hilliard, Kyle (December 25, 2016). "Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All". Game Informer. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
2. ^ Allison, Anne (May 2006). Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination. University of California Press. pp. 192–197. ISBN 9780520938991.
3. Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook. Scholastic Inc. July 28, 2015. p. 5. ISBN 9780545795661.
4. Journal of Geek Studies. The ichthyological diversity of Pokémon.
5. "Description of the "Dragon Majesty" expansion of the Trading Card Game". NA website of Dragon Majesty. Nintendo. Archived from the original on December 3, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2018. The Dragon Majesty expansion is loaded with Dragon-type Pokémon, plus many other Pokémon inspired by different kinds of dragons, such as Gyarados and Charizard.
6. ^ Pellitteri, Marco. Mutual Images: A Transcultural Research Journal.
7. Staff. "2. 一新されたポケモンの世界". Nintendo.com (in Japanese). Nintendo. p. 2. Archived from the original on September 13, 2010. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
8. Stuart Bishop (May 30, 2003). "Game Freak on Pokémon!". CVG. Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved February 7, 2008.
9. Writer, Nadia Oxford Staff; USgamer (December 19, 2018). "Pokemon Red and Green Beta Images Show Us a Nightmare Alternative Gyarados". VG247. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
10. Chua-Euan, Howard (November 22, 1999). "PokéMania". Time. Archived from the original on February 20, 2001. Retrieved September 15, 2008.
11. "Pokemon Strategy Guide - IGNguides". IGN. Archived from the original on September 25, 2012. Retrieved April 1, 2011.
12. Jewett, Katelyn Mitchell (January 12, 2023). "How Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Scrapped Convergent Magikarp and Gyarados Line Could Have Turned Out". Game Rant. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
13. "Magikarp | Pokédex | More at Pokemon.com". www.pokemon.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
14. "Gyarados | Pokédex | More at Pokemon.com". www.pokemon.com. Archived from the original on February 3, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
15. Norkey, Trevor (August 18, 2018). "Pokemon and Dragon Ball Voice Actor Unsho Ishizuka Dies at 67". MovieWeb. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
16. "Famous red Gyarados among the first Shinies added to Pokémon Go in latest update". Eurogamer.net. March 23, 2017. Archived from the original on December 6, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
17. Mastrogiacomo, Max (March 13, 2021). "Pokémon Let's Go Player Hilariously Manages To Outwit Scammer NPC". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on November 19, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
18. ^ Slackie, Kevin; Taveras, Moises. "The 150 Best Pokémon". Paste Magazine. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
19. "Pokemon Ruby Player Takes Six Years to Beat Game Using Magikarp". Game Rant. May 8, 2017. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
20. Dornieden, Nadine; McQ, Jim; DeFreitas, Casey; Moreupdated, +1 1k (March 29, 2012). "Route 222 - Pokemon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum Guide". IGN. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
21. Hillier, Brenna (November 28, 2016). "Someone beat Pokemon Sun & Moon using only a Magikarp, for some reason". VG247. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
22. Hernandez, Patricia (December 3, 2019). "I sent my worthless Magikarp to do jobs in Pokémon Sword and Shield". Polygon. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
23. Reyes, Jess (November 24, 2022). "6 must-have Pokémon to catch for 'Scarlet and Violet's late game". Inverse. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
24. Webb, Ethan (October 16, 2022). "How To Find (& Catch) Mega Gyarados in Pokémon GO". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on November 4, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
25. Boom, Daniel Van. "New Pokemon Snap Requests: 8 rare shots you shouldn't miss". CNET. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
26. Reynolds, Spencer (March 9, 2020). "Pokémon Mystery Dungeon DX: New Shiny Pokémon Guide". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on March 10, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
27. quence (December 30, 2023). "Pokémon Café ReMix January 2024 events announced". GoNintendo. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
28. Lada, Jenni (January 2, 2024). "Magikarp and Gyarados Join Pokemon Unite in January 2024". Siliconera. Archived from the original on January 15, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
29. Hernandez, Patricia (September 15, 2016). "Magikarp Is The Best Pokemon GO Buddy". Kotaku Australia. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
30. kotakuinternational (March 13, 2016). "Magikarp's Stage On The Pokémon Fighting Game Is Pure Fire". Kotaku Australia. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
31. Clouse, Ryan (October 6, 2022). "Every Pokémon Stadium Mini-Game, Ranked Worst To Best". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on May 15, 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
32. Carter, Chris (May 22, 2017). "Magikarp finally gets its due in its own game". Destructoid. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
33. Frank, Allegra (May 31, 2017). "In Magikarp Jump, evolving into one of the strongest Pokémon is worthless". Polygon. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
34. Thornton, Laura (April 4, 2021). "Team Rocket's James Briefly Owned One of the World's Strongest Pokémon". CBR. Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
35. Greenall, Jonathon (February 15, 2021). "Pokemon Journeys: Goh's Magikarp (Yes, MAGIKARP) Is a Terrifyingly Strong Pokemon". CBR. Archived from the original on May 2, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
36. Valdez, Nick. "Pokemon Journeys Hints at Red Gyarados' Return". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
37. Tolentino, Josh (July 3, 2021). "Pokétoon Anime Short Shows a Magikarp's Journey". Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
38. Staff, G. R. (September 30, 2016). "Pokemon Generations Episode Features Red Gyarados". Game Rant. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
39. Kurten, Guillermo (December 21, 2023). "Red's Best Pokémon From The Pokémon Adventures Manga". CBR. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
40. Casey, Connor. "Detective Pikachu Artist Teases Scrapped Charizard vs Gyarados Battle". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
41. Oona McGeeOona (December 24, 2016). "Magikarp now appearing in Japan as a traditional taiyaki sweet 【Taste Test】". Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
42. Marc Kaliroff (November 27, 2020). "Magikarp-themed Poké Lids land in the Chubu region of Japan". Nintendo Wire. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
43. Jacob Whritenour (August 9, 2020). "Venusaur and Gyarados Receive DX Pokémon Gallery Figures - Hardcore Gamer". Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
44. Russ Burlingame. "'Detective Pikachu' Toys Coming to Retailers Next Week". CBR. Archived from the original on March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
45. "This Magikarp Plush Flops And Splashes All Over The Place, Just Like The Real Thing". Nintendo Life. August 13, 2019. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
46. Jeff Yeung (March 19, 2020). "U-Treasure Immortalizes Magikarp in 18k Gold and Silver". HYPEBEAST. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
47. Dwyer, Theo (June 26, 2021). "Gyarados VMAX To Feature In Pokémon TCG: Sky Stream". Bleeding Cool News And Rumors. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
48. John Walker (July 11, 2023). "Useless Magikarp Is One Of The Most Valuable Pokémon Cards In New TCG Set". Kotaku. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
49. Devore, Jordan (July 6, 2015). "I hope this adorable Magikarp baby never evolves". Destructoid. Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
50. Reiner, Andrew. "Perhaps The Cutest Pokémon Cosplay You'll Ever See". Game Informer. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
51. Stephanie Liu (May 4, 2022). "New Pokemon Plane Will Feature Wailord and Magikarp". Siliconera. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
52. ^ Chan, Khee Hoon (November 5, 2016). "Behind The Enduring Appeal of Magikarp". Paste. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
53. ^ Webster, Andrew (July 29, 2016). "The official Magikarp music video is an anthem for lovable losers". The Verge. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
54. ^ Farokhmanesh, Megan (May 28, 2017). "Magikarp is Pokémon's most lovable punching bag". The Verge. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
55. Buckley, Sean (November 29, 2016). "The Pokémon constant: Someone will always beat it with Magikarp". Engadget. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
56. Carter, Chris (April 2, 2021). "Pokemon Sword and Shield put in an impossible to catch Magikarp for April Fools'". Destructoid. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
57. Coulson, Josh (July 7, 2022). "Pokemon Sword & Shield's Newest Competition Is All About Magikarp". TheGamer. Archived from the original on July 8, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
58. Hernandez, Patricia (November 20, 2019). "Pokémon fans are sick of trolls bringing Magikarp to raids". Polygon. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
59. pokemonofthedaychick (October 21, 2002). "Pokemon Crystal Version Pokemon of the Day: Magikarp (#129) - IGN FAQs". IGN. Archived from the original on February 5, 2009. Retrieved October 14, 2009.
60. Steven Bogos Legacy (February 27, 2016). "The Top 10 Pokemon of All Time". The Escapist. Archived from the original on March 7, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
61. Webster, Andrew (February 27, 2016). "The 10 best Pokemon of all time". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
62. ElijahCWatson. "The 50 Best Pokemon Up to "Pokemon Crystal"". Complex. Archived from the original on December 3, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
63. Maher, Cian (May 5, 2021). "It's Ridiculous That Gyarados Isn't In New Pokemon Snap". TheGamer. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
64. Hjorth, Larissa; David Surman (2009). "9" (PDF). Gaming Cultures and Place in Asia-Pacific. Taylor and Francis. ISBN 978-0-415-99627-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 20, 2010. Retrieved June 6, 2009.
65. Farokhmanesh, Megan (May 25, 2017). "The new Pokémon mobile game is about training the best Magikarp you can". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
66. Frank, Allegra (May 25, 2017). "What the new Pokémon mobile game gets so right about the series". Polygon. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
67. Muncy, Julie. "'Magikarp Jump' Is an Endearing Tribute to Pokemon's Least-Loved Fish". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Archived from the original on November 24, 2018. Retrieved March 11, 2024.

External links

• Magikarp on Bulbapedia
• Magikarp on Pokemon.com
• Gyarados on Bulbapedia
• Gyarados on Pokemon.com

• Pokémon introduced in generation I
• Fictional fish
• Video game characters introduced in 1996
• Video game characters with water abilities
• Characters created by Ken Sugimori
• Fictional duos