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{{Short description|Pokémon species}}
{{Infobox VG character
{{good article}}
| name = Bulbasaur
{{For|the dicynodont|Bulbasaurus}}
| image =
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2016}}
| caption = ''']'''<br>''' Bulbasaur (#001)''' - ]
{{Infobox character
| series = ]
| name = Bulbasaur
| firstgame = ]
| image = Pokémon Bulbasaur art.png
| artist = ]
| image_upright = 0.66
| voiceactor = ] (1st season-8th season, movies and video games), ] (9th season-11th season)
| caption = Bulbasaur artwork by ]
| japanactor = ] (]'s), ] (]'s)
| series = ]
| firstgame = ] (1996)
| creator = ]<ref name="Origin"/>
| designer = Atsuko Nishida<ref name="Origin"/><br>Ken Sugimori (finalized)<ref name="sugimori">{{cite book |pages=342–343 |language=Japanese |title=Ken Sugimori Works |publisher=Tankobon Softcover |date=January 2014 |isbn= 9784198638061}}</ref>
| voice = ]<ref name="va1"/><br/>]<ref name="va2"/>
| species = Pokémon
| lbl21 = Type
| data21 = Grass and Poison
}} }}
'''Bulbasaur''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Bulbasaur Voice Line.ogg|ˈ|b|ʊ|l|b|ə|s|ɔː|r}}), known as {{nihongo|'''Fushigidane'''|フシギダネ|lead=yes}} in Japan, is a fictional ] in ] and ]'s '']'' franchise. First introduced in the video games ], it was created by ] with the design finalized by ]. Since Bulbasaur's debut, it has appeared in multiple games including '']'' and the '']'', as well as various merchandise. In media related to the franchise, Bulbasaur has been voiced by various voice actors, including ] and ].


Classified as a Grass- and Poison-type Pokémon, it was introduced in the games as a ], one players are able to select at the game's beginning. It is a quadrupedal green creature resembling a dinosaur, with a large plant bulb on its back. Bulbasaur is a central character in ], being one of ]'s main Pokémon for the first season, with a different one later being obtained by supporting character ]. It is featured in various manga and is owned by protagonist ] in '']''.
{{nihongo|'''Bulbasaur'''|フシギダネ|Fushigidane|}}<ref name=fushi>{{cite book|title=Communication Yearbook 27|first=Pamela|last=Kalbfleisch|isbn=0805848193|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IGrbK6_3KeEC|pages=173|publisher=International Communication Association|accessdate=2009-04-20}}</ref> is one of the ] of ] creatures from the multi-billion-dollar<ref name=sev>{{cite web|url=http://sev.prnewswire.com/entertainment/20051004/LATU06404102005-1.html|title=Pokémon Franchise Approaches 150 Million Games Sold|publisher=]|accessdate=2006-02-28}}</ref> '']'' ]—a collection of ]s, ], ], ]s, ]s, and other media created by ]. As all Pokémon, Bulbasaur fight other Pokémon in battles central to the anime, manga, and games of the series.<ref name="ign">{{citeweb|url=http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/389/389660p1.html|title=''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Pokémon Sapphire'' Review (page 1)|publisher=] |accessdate=2006-06-01}}</ref> They are numbered one in the 493 fictional species of creatures, and are a ].<ref>{{cite book|title=Dictionary of Toys and Games in American Popular Culture|first=Frederick|last=Augustyn|isbn=0789015048|year=2004|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=syVQ9wjPnYIC|publisher=Haworth Press|accessdate=2009-04-20}}</ref><ref name="pokemon.com pokédex">{{cite web|title=Pokémon.com Pokédex|accessdate=2008-09-15|url=http://www.pokemon.com/Pokedex/flash.asp|publisher=Nintendo/Gamefreak}}</ref>


Bulbasaur has generally been received positively and has overall been considered one of the best Pokémon and best starter Pokémon, including by series producer ]. Its role in the anime has been suggested to have played a factor into its popularity.
Bulbasaur first appeared in 1996 among the first ], as one of three ] the player can choose from at the beginning of the games.<ref name="MacDonald">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)</ref> In the ''Pokémon'' franchise, Bulbasaur can often be seen napping in bright sunlight. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed on their backs grow progressively larger. As they undergo ], the seed starts to flower.


== Conception and creation == == Conception and design ==
Bulbasaur is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the '']'' media franchise. Developed by ] and published by ], the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Green'' for the ], which were later released in North America as ] in 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |title=''Pokémon Red'' & ''Blue'' – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |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 |url-status=dead |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 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |magazine=]}}</ref> 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 ] via various means, such as exposure to specific items.<ref name="millenial2">{{cite book |last=Allison |first=Anne |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |date=May 2006 |publisher=] |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}}</ref> Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.<ref>{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=] |isbn=9780545795661 |page=5}}</ref> A major goal in each game is to complete the ], a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.<ref name="millenial2" />


Bulbasaur first appeared as one of three Pokémon the player could choose as their first at the beginning of the initial ] games, ], released in ] in 1996.<ref name="MacDonald">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)</ref> Its Japanese name, ''Fushigidane,'' is a combination of the ] words for {{nihongo|''mystery'' or ''miracle''||fushigi|}} and {{nihongo|''seed''||tane}}.<ref>{{cite book |title=Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation |last=Drazen |first=Patrick |year=2003 |publisher=Stone Bridge Press, LLC |location= St. Paul, MN |isbn=1-880656-72-8 |page=321 |title-link=Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation }}</ref> While translating the game for ] audiences, ] gave the Pokémon "cleverly descriptive names" related to their appearance or features as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children, with Bulbasaur being named as a ] relating to its dinosaurian appearance and the large garlic-shaped bulb on its back.<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010220055311/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 20, 2001|title=PokéMania|last=Chua-Euan|first=Howard|date=November 22, 1999|magazine=]|access-date=September 15, 2008}}</ref> Both the etymology and appearance of Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur show it getting increasingly more dangerous as it evolves.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=M. |first1=Pratama Cipta Agi |last2=Himmawati |first2=Dian Rivia |year=2016 |title=The Relevance Between Word Formation of Pokémon Name and Its Appearance |journal=Language Horizon |department=Faculty of Languages and Arts, State University of Surabaya |volume=4 |issue=4 |pages=45–47}}</ref> Bulbasaur can evolve into ], which can then evolve into ].<ref name="pokemon.com pokédex">{{cite web |title=pokemon.com Pokédex |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 |access-date=September 15, 2008 |publisher=Nintendo/Game Freak}}</ref> Bulbasaur was created by ], a character designer for ], which she described as "working backwards" by basing it off the established Venusaur design.<ref name="Origin">{{cite web |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/ |language=Japanese |website=Yomiuri |date=2 May 2018 |accessdate=22 January 2024 |script-title=ja:ピカチュウは大福？ 初めて明かされる誕生秘話 |trans-title=Is Pikachu ]? The Secret Story Behind its Creation Revealed for the First Time |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006195536/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/ |url-status=live }} English transcript of interview available at {{cite web |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu |website=Pokemon.com |date=26 July 2018 |accessdate=9 February 2024 |title=Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830165102/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu/ |archivedate=30 August 2020 }}</ref> Afterwards, the design was finalized by lead artist ] who, towards the end of development, drew the promotional art of all the species to give them a unified look and make any last-minute changes.<ref name="sugimori"/>
The design and art direction for Bulbasaur was provided by ], a friend of the creator of the ], ].<ref>{{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=2008-02-07|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5VSJaR6xT|archivedate=2008-02-08}}</ref> The species first appeared as one of three ] the player could choose from at the beginning of the initial ] games, '']'', released in ] in 1996.<ref name="MacDonald"/> The species in the early ''Pokémon'' video games was portrayed by a ], although in later releases the Bulbasaur appearance has been conveyed by ]. Throughout, the species has been portrayed with no spoken dialogue. In the ], they use facial expressions, body language and makes noises that repeat ] of their name, using different pitches and tones.


The idea to feature Bulbasaur and the other ''Red'' and ''Blue'' starters in a significant role in ] came around a year and a half into the development of the games. The ] 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 ], the games' professor, so that players would be able to see and use these forms.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pokemon X/Y: WHY?! Director Masuda himself answers! |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-xy-why-director-masuda-himself-answers/ |work=] |last=Betka |first=Zach |date=September 19, 2013 |access-date=March 16, 2014 |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207091428/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-xy-why-director-masuda-himself-answers/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sahdev |first=Ishaan |date=2013-09-04 |title=You'll Get Bulbasaur, Charmander And Squirtle In Pokémon X And Pokémon Y |url=https://www.siliconera.com/youll-get-bulbasaur-charmander-and-squirtle-in-pokemon-x-and-pokemon-y/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=December 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227010203/https://www.siliconera.com/youll-get-bulbasaur-charmander-and-squirtle-in-pokemon-x-and-pokemon-y/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Its Japanese name, ''Fushigidane'', is a combination of the ] words for {{nihongo|''mystery'' or ''miracle'' || fushigi|}} and {{nihongo|''seed'' || tane}}.<ref>{{cite book |title=Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation |last=Drazen |first=Patrick |year=2003 |publisher=Stone Bridge Press, LLC |location= St. Paul, MN |isbn=1880656728 |pages=321 }}</ref> In translating the game for ] audiences, ] 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.<ref name="Time">{{cite web|url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html|title=PokéMania|last=Chua-Euan|first=Howard|date=November 22, 1999|publisher=TIME|accessdate=2008-09-15}}</ref> ], ], ] and ] counterparts used names relating closer to the original name: ''Bulbizarre'',<ref>, ''Nintendo'', ]-].</ref> ''Isanghaessi'' (이상해씨 "Strange Seed"), ''Mìao Wa Chóng Zí'' (妙蛙種子 "Strange Frog Seed") and ''Qí Yì Chóng Zí'' (奇異種子 "Very Strange Seed"), respectively. ] versions used a name closer to the American counterpart, ''Bisasam''; a combination of ''bisamratte'' (]) and ''samen'' (seed).<ref>, ''Nintendo'', ]-].</ref>


Despite their English names, Sugimori confirmed that the design of Bulbasaur and its evolutions are 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=] |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, ] and ] Pokémon that move ]. They have blue-green bodies with darker blue-green spots. The seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth and then sprouts and grows along with it.<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.<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 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 |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528013003/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-best-secondary-typings-grass-types/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Series producer and director ] considered Bulbasaur the best starter Pokémon, finding it really cute and 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 ] and ] in English in the ].<ref name="va1">{{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=]|archive-date=May 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513112205/https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2019/2/22/crunchyroll-expo-welcomes-voice-actress-tara-sands|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="va2">{{Cite web |title=Pokémon |website=micheleknotz.com |url=https://micheleknotz.com/pokemon/ |access-date=2024-05-07}}</ref>
== Characteristics ==

In the ''Pokémon'' franchise, Bulbasaur are small, squat, vaguely ] Pokémon that move on all four legs, and have light blue-green bodies with darker blue-green spots. As a Bulbasaur undergoes ] into ] and then later into ], the bulb on its back blossoms into a flower.<ref name="pokemon.com pokédex"/> In the ''Pokémon'' video game series, the ], a fictional Pokémon encyclopedia, says that the seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth , and then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.<ref>'''Pokédex:''' A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon. {{cite video game|title=Pokémon Red and Blue|developer=] |publisher=] |date=1996 |platform=] |language=English}}</ref> The Pokédex also states that the bulb absorbs ] which makes it grow. For this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays,<ref>'''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. {{cite video game|title=Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire|developer=] |publisher=] |date=2002 |platform=] |language=English}}</ref> and can survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.<ref>'''Pokédex:''' It can go for days without a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy. {{cite video game|title=Pokémon Yellow|developer=] |publisher=] |date=1998 |platform=] |language=English}}</ref> As the Bulbasaur evolve, they become stronger and more powerful. In the ''Pokémon'' anime, the character ] has a Bulbasaur who is portrayed as being brave but also stubborn. The distinctive differences of Bulbasaur from other Pokemon such as ] are well understood by children and so motivate their play and trading of the creature.<ref>{{citation |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=U7hthImoc5AC&oi=fnd&pg=PA211 |title=Pikachu's global adventure |chapter=ch 10. Localizing Pokémon Through Narrative Play |author=Helen Bromley |isbn=9780822332879 |year=2004}}</ref>


== Appearances == == Appearances ==
Bulbasaur is the first Pokémon entry in the Pokédex.<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 in the Japanese-language games ]. Along with ] and ], 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 ] in '']'', 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=] |year=2006 |isbn=0-520-22148-6 |url-access=limited}}</ref> Bulbasaur appears in all other entries in the main series, though in ], Bulbasaur was not made available until the release of ''].''<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 was not made available in ] until the release of '']''.<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>
=== In the video games ===
] against a ] in '']''.]]
Bulbasaur made its video game debut on February 27, 1996, in the Japanese-language games {{nihongo|''Pocket Monsters Aka''|ポケットモンスター 赤|Poketto Monsutā Aka|"Pocket Monsters Red"}} and {{nihongo|''Pocket Monsters Midori''|ポケットモンスター 緑|Poketto Monsutā Midori|"Pocket Monsters Green"}} (which was replaced in other countries by ''Pokémon Blue'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pokemon.co.jp&sl=ja&tl=en&history_state0=|title=Official Japanese Pokémon website|accessdate=2007-05-24}}</ref> Along with a ] and a ], Bulbasaur is a starter Pokémon the player can choose from at the beginning of the two games.<ref name="allison"/> Bulbasaur's ] is in contrast to Charmander's ] and Squirtle's ].<ref name="allison">
{{cite book| last = Allison| first = Anne| title = Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination|year = 2006| publisher = ]| isbn = 0520221486| pages = 294–295| quote = A player must first find Professor Oak—the world's foremost expert on ''Pokémon''ology—who offers three choices for starter ''Pokémon'': Bulbasaur (grass type), Charmander (fire type), or Squirtle (water type).}}</ref>


Bulbasaur appears in various ''Pokémon'' spin-offs, including '']''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cardaro |first=Brett |date=2023-04-06 |title=Pokémon Stadium's Switch Online Port Is Missing the Game's Most Important Feature |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-stadium-feature-missing-transfer-nintendo-switch-online/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825180918/https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-stadium-feature-missing-transfer-nintendo-switch-online/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the '']'' series, where players may be assigned Bulbasaur in a personality quiz.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Contreras |first=Ricardo |date=2020-01-27 |title=I Took Pokémon's Personality Quiz 50 Times |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/884qpa/i-took-pokemons-personality-quiz-50-times |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Vice |language=en |archive-date=March 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306050654/https://www.vice.com/en/article/884qpa/i-took-pokemons-personality-quiz-50-times |url-status=live }}</ref> Bulbasaur appears in both '']''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Austin |date=2023-11-20 |title=24 years ago, Pokemon Snap gave Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur unique trading cards – and they just sold for more than the price of my house |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/rare-variants-of-the-original-starter-pokemon-cards-just-set-an-auction-record-at-over-dollar70000-each/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127234033/https://www.gamesradar.com/rare-variants-of-the-original-starter-pokemon-cards-just-set-an-auction-record-at-over-dollar70000-each/ |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}</ref> and '']''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maher |first=Cian |date=2021-04-30 |title=New Pokemon Snap: All Starter Locations |url=https://www.thegamer.com/new-pokemon-snap-all-starter-locations/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114162304/https://www.thegamer.com/new-pokemon-snap-all-starter-locations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as Pokémon the player can take pictures of. Bulbasaur also features in '']''<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-09-21 |title=Pokémon Go event Pokémon list: All costume Pokémon, including party hat Pokémon, flower crown Pokémon and every Pikachu costume explained |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-event-costume-pokemon-party-hat-flower-crown-7002 |access-date=2024-04-10 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104165419/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-event-costume-pokemon-party-hat-flower-crown-7002 |url-status=live }}</ref> and as a playable character in '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-prepare-bulbasaur-spotlight-hour/|title=Pokemon Go: How To Prepare For Bulbasaur Spotlight Hour|date=July 6, 2021|website=ScreenRant|access-date=July 15, 2021|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715114459/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-prepare-bulbasaur-spotlight-hour/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewestnews.com/list-of-all-playable-pokemon-in-pokemon-unite/41226|title=List of All playable Pokemon in Pokemon Unite|first=Aaron|last=Kohn|date=July 15, 2021|access-date=July 15, 2021|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020161350/https://thewestnews.com/list-of-all-playable-pokemon-in-pokemon-unite/41226|url-status=live}}</ref> Outside of the ''Pokémon'' video games, Bulbasaur was also featured as a collectible in the '']'' series.<ref>" {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209075003/http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_54.html |date=December 9, 2007 }}," ''IGN.com''. Retrieved December 29, 2005.</ref> A costume for ] based on it was added to '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=G. R. |date=2016-02-12 |title=Super Mario Maker Getting Charmander, Squirtle & Bulbasaur Costumes |url=https://gamerant.com/super-mario-maker-charmander-squirtle-bulbasaur-costume-trailer/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201102/https://gamerant.com/super-mario-maker-charmander-squirtle-bulbasaur-costume-trailer/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Bulbasaur and the other starters from ''Red'' and ''Blue'' are replaced by ] in '']'', the only starter available in it. Instead, they are obtained throughout the game from several trainers.<ref name="allison"/> In ] and '']'', Bulbasaur cannot be obtained without in-game trading. In ], Bulbasaur is nonexistent unless traded to the games. In ], remakes of ''Red'' and ''Blue'', Bulbasaur is selectable as a starter Pokémon once again, along with Charmander and Squirtle. In '']'' and ], Bulbasaur is unobtainable, but can be fought in the ] and the ] respectively. The ] spin-off '']'', and other spin-offs such as '']'', give the player a choice of a Bulbasaur (among fifteen other Pokémon), and in '']'', Bulbasaur are one of the Pokémon that the player can photograph.<ref name="MacDonald"/> Bulbasaur also appears in '']'' as a supporting character who lives in the Ochre Woods and makes the five recipes with Pikachu's help.<ref></ref> In '']'', a Bulbasaur appears as one of the trophies in a playable lottery.<ref>“,” ''IGN.com''. URL accessed on ]-].</ref> A Bulbasaur trophy is also obtainable in the sequel, '']''.<ref>"," ''smashbros.com'' URL accessed on ]-] </ref>


In the ], multiple Bulbasaur are owned by various main characters, including series protagonist ].<ref name="ITmedia"/> The character May also captures one in ''].''<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 = ] | credits = Shinzō Fujita (writer) | network = Various | airdate = September 27, 2008 | season = ]|number = 78}}</ref> In '']'', a manga based on the plot of the ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'' games, the character ] receives a Bulbasaur from ], which he nicknames Saur. Bulbasaur also appears in the movie '']'', where a several of them appear.<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 ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-27 |title=How "Detective Pikachu" Brought Pokémon Into the Real World |url=https://time.com/5582906/detective-pikachu-pokemon-visual-effects/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Time Magazine |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727112159/https://time.com/5582906/detective-pikachu-pokemon-visual-effects/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>
=== In the anime ===


== Promotion and reception ==
Scenes from the ''Pokémon'' anime have depicted both the characters Ash and ] training a Bulbasaur at different times, with Ash's Bulbasaur garnering more prominence within the storylines.<ref>''Pokémon - Seaside Pikachu!'' Viz Video., ]-]. ISBN 6305466858.</ref><ref>''Pokémon - Pikachu Party (Vol. 12)'' Viz Video., ]-]. ASIN B000021Y6R.</ref> Ash’s Bulbasaur has remained with Ash longer than all of his other Pokémon, with the exception of his ]. Before joining Ash's team, it lived with a girl named Melanie, who took care of abandoned Pokémon.<ref name="dvd"/> 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.<ref name="dvd">''Pokemon - Seaside Pikachu!'' Viz Video., ], ]. ASIN 6305466866.</ref><ref>''Pokemon - Pikachu Party (Vol. 12)'' Viz Video., ], ]. ASIN B000021Y6R.</ref> May catches a Bulbasaur while traveling in a grass-type Pokémon ] during her journey in ]. 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.<ref name="Grass Hysteria!">{{cite episode| title = Grass Hysteria! | series = ] | credits = Atsuhiro Tomioka (writer) | network = Various | airdate = April 9, 2005 | season = ]|number = 73}}</ref> She later makes a guest appearance on the series and 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 = ] | credits = Shinzō Fujita (writer) | network = Various | airdate = September 27, 2008 | season = ]|number = 78}}</ref>
]
Bulbasaur has been featured in 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 ]s sold by ] in the United States, while ] in Japan sold vinyl dolls, wind-up model kits, Singaporean popcorn with a flavor based on Bulbasaur,<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 been marketed via toys at fast-food chains such as ] and ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Stewart |first=Marcus |title=McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal Cards Are Selling Out Thanks To Adult Fans And Scalpers |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/10/mcdonalds-pokemon-happy-meal-cards-are-selling-out-thanks-to-adult-fans-and-scalpers |access-date=2024-05-05 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505053745/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/10/mcdonalds-pokemon-happy-meal-cards-are-selling-out-thanks-to-adult-fans-and-scalpers |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffer |first=Christian |title='Detective Pikachu' Comes to Burger King |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/detective-pikachu-burger-king-toys/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Comicbook.com |language=en |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407073148/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/detective-pikachu-burger-king-toys/ |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 ].<ref name="design">{{cite web|url=http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html|title=Design|publisher=]|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, ] made limited edition luxury watches based on Bulbasaur and its evolutionary family.<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 ] issued a commemorative coin with a legal tender value of one ], 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= |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 ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Miranda |date=2014-03-15 |title=Pikachu Named Mascot of the 2014 World Cup |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/15/pikachu-named-mascot-of-the-2014-world-cup |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320102522/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/15/pikachu-named-mascot-of-the-2014-world-cup |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pikachu is Japan's awesome mascot for FIFA World Cup 2014 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pikachu-is-japan-s-awesome-mascot-for-fifa-world-cup-2014/1100-6418347/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513112242/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pikachu-is-japan-s-awesome-mascot-for-fifa-world-cup-2014/1100-6418347/ |url-status=live }}</ref><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 ], ], 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>


Bulbasaur has been largely praised by critics. ''Nintendo World Report''{{'s}} Pedro Hernandez highlighted its role in one episode of the anime, citing Bulbasaur's appealing storyline in the episode as endearing the species 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> ] editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" also praised Ash's "attitude-packing Bulbasaur" in the anime,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://faqs.ign.com/articles/380/380258p1.html|title=Pokemon Crystal Version - Pokemon of the Day: Bulbasaur (#1)|website=IGN|access-date=March 27, 2010|archive-date=March 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324090242/http://www.ign.com/faqs/2002/pokemon-crystal-version-pokemon-of-the-day-bulbasaur-1-380258|url-status=dead}}</ref> and '']''{{'}}s John Vekinis attributed his "love of Grass-type Pokémon" to Bulbasaur in spite of the Grass type's weaknesses.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top five Pokemon Types |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/53177/blog/top-five-pokemon-types/?page=5 |work=] |last=Vekinis |first=John |date=August 10, 2013 |access-date=March 2, 2014 |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 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Chris Plante of '']'' 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 ], spanning four-and-a-half years. They speculated this led to fans growing to feel 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>
In the original Japanese version the two Bulbasaur are each played by separate ], Ash's Bulbasaur by ] and May's by ]. In the English ], they are both ] by ] until ] took over the job for the 9th season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=270 |title=Pokémon (TV) |accessdate=2007-07-31 |format= |work=Anime News Network}}</ref>


Bulbasaur has been noted to be less popular than Charmander and Squirtle.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-15 |title="I choose you…!" Survey reveals most popular starter Pokémon among Japanese college students |url=https://soranews24.com/2016/03/15/i-choose-you-survey-reveals-most-popular-starter-pokemon-among-japanese-college-students/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=SoraNews24 -Japan News- |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405224106/https://soranews24.com/2016/03/15/i-choose-you-survey-reveals-most-popular-starter-pokemon-among-japanese-college-students/ |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' attributed it to a lack of attention to the line early in the series because of ]'s omission from game ] in non-Japanese releases of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=An Ode to Bulbasaur, the Unsung Hero of the Starter Pokémon |url=https://nerdist.com/article/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Nerdist |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405190900/https://nerdist.com/article/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This led to one ] user creating an account named BulbaGanda to spread support for the Pokémon, which was met with considerable popularity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Anastasio |first=Cecilia |date=2019-02-08 |title=If You Don't Love Bulbasaur, 'Bulbasaur Propaganda' Might Change Your Mind |url=https://kotaku.com/if-you-dont-love-bulbasaur-bulbasaur-propaganda-might-1832473836 |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=June 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610022318/https://kotaku.com/if-you-dont-love-bulbasaur-bulbasaur-propaganda-might-1832473836 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== In other ''Pokémon'' media ===
Bulbasaur is also featured in an eclectic range of different ] series. In '']'', '']'', and '']'', 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 ], and eventually fights in the final showdown with ], the Orange Crew Supreme Gym Leader. In '']'', a character named Pistachio has a female Bulbasaur (nicknamed Danerina in the Japanese version), who is infatuated by him.<ref>{{jp icon}} ''Maco.cha.to''. ]-].</ref>


== References ==
In '']'', a manga based on the plot of the ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'' games, the character ] receives a Bulbasaur from ], which he nicknames Saur.<ref>Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. ''Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1: Desperado Pikachu'', ], ]-]. ISBN 1-56931-507-8.</ref> In Chapter 15, "Wartortle Wars", it evolves into an Ivysaur after battling a wild ].<ref> Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. ''Pokémon Adventures: Legendary Pokémon, Vol. 2''; Chapter 33, Chapter 15, "Wartortle Wars", (pg 7–20) ], ]-]. ISBN 1-56931-508-6.</ref> In Chapter 30, "Zap, Zap, Zapdos!", Red uses Saur to defeat ]'s ].<ref>Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. ''Pokémon Adventures, Volume 3: Saffron City Siege''; Chapter 31, "The Art of Articuno" (pg 33–46) ], ]-]. ISBN 1-56931-560-4</ref> In Chapter 33, "The Winged Legends", Red's Ivysaur evolves into a Venusaur to team up with ]'s ] and ]'s ], to defeat ]'s Zapmolcuno (a merged form of Zapdos, ] and ]) and destroy Team Rocket's control on ], splitting the three birds in the process.<ref>Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. ''Pokémon Adventures, Volume 3: Saffron City Siege''; Chapter 33, "The Winged Legends" (pp 77–95) ], ]-]. ISBN 1-56931-560-4</ref>

Collectible cards featuring Bulbasaur have appeared since the initial '']'' was released in October 1996. Bulbasaur cards have appeared in many different sets, including the Base Set, Base Set 2, Legendary Collection, Gym Challenge (as ]'s Bulbasaur), Expedition (two cards), EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, and EX FireRed & LeafGreen (two cards). They are generally to be found with relative ease.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Pokémon TCG site|url=http://www.pokemon-tcg.com/p_cards/cards.jsp|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070524001659/http://www.pokemon-tcg.com/p_cards/cards.jsp|archivedate=2007-05-24|accessdate=2007-05-24}}</ref>

Bulbasaur is the main character of two ''Pokémon'' ], ''Pokémon Tales Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble'' and ''Bulbasaur’s Bad Day'', published in 1999 and 2000 respectively by ].<ref name="book1"/><ref name="book2"/> In ''Pokémon Tales Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble'', Bulbasaur resolves an argument between two other Pokémon.<ref name="book2">{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1569313857|title=Pokemon Tales Volume 3: Bulbasaur's Trouble |publisher=Amazon.com|accessdate=2008-09-19}}</ref> In ''Bulbasaur’s Bad Day'', ] traps Bulbasaur in a pit and it has to outwit Team Rocket (the ]s of the ''Pokémon'' anime) to escape.<ref name="book1">{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0613244370|title=Bulbasaur's Bad Day |publisher=Amazon.com|accessdate=2008-09-19}}</ref>

== Cultural impact ==
=== Promotion and merchandising ===

Bulbasaur has been depicted in ]s sold by ] in the United States, while ] in Japan sold extensive merchandise of the character, including vinyl dolls, wind-up model kits, 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|accessdate=2008-10-05}}</ref>

It has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chains such as ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Pojo - TCG Set Lists McDonald's Campaign Expansion Set|url=http://www.pojo.com/priceguide/jpMcD.html|accessdate=2008-01-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Fastfoodtoys.Net Pokémon 2000 Toys|url=http://www.fastfoodtoys.net/burger%20king%20pokemon%20power%20cards.htm|accessdate=2008-01-28}}</ref>

Bulbasaur has also been featured in various versions of the Pokémon painting on ] Boeing 747s.<ref></ref>

Jockey Craig Newitt rode a horse name Bulbasaur to a win at the ] in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.watoday.com.au/news/sport/horse-racing/newitt-chases-christmas-cheer-on-cocinero/2008/12/25/1229998661611.html|publisher=WAToday.com.au|accessdate=2009-09-12|title=Newitt chases Christmas cheer on Cocinero}}</ref>

The island nation of ] issued a commemorative coin with a legal tender value of one ] which has a Bulbasaur on the reverse side.<ref>{{citation |title=2004 standard catalog of world coins |page=1532 |author=Chester L. Krause, Clifford Mishler |year=2003}}</ref>

=== Critical reception ===

] reporter Dennis Michael described Bulbasaur as one of the "lead critters" of the games and "perhaps the ] of Pokémon figures."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/TV/9910/05/pokemon/ |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071123025805/http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/TV/9910/05/pokemon/ |archivedate=2007-11-23 |title=Pokémon banished from another playground |accessdate=2008-05-02 |last=Michael |first=Dennis |date=1999-10-05 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> ]'s impression of a Bulbasaur was that it looked like "a dinosaur thingy with what looks like a large garlic bulb growing out of its back."<ref name="millman"/> She did not know how it defeated its opponents but speculated that "perhaps overpowers them with a strong batch of pesto."<ref name="millman">{{cite web |url=http://www.salon.com/ent/col/mill/1999/07/06/pikachu/print.html |title=The secret world of Pokémon |accessdate=2008-05-02 |last=Millman |first=Joyce |date=1999-07-06 |publisher=Salon}}</ref>

Bulbasaur was selected as one of the top ten Pokémon by fans who voted at Pokemon.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://presszoom.com/story_119009.html |title=VIZ Media Announces New Pokémon Products for 2006 Holiday Season |accessdate=2008-05-02 |date=2006-10-12 |publisher=PressZoom}}</ref> According to a panel of 5 - 8 year olds assembled by the '']'' in 1999, Bulbasaur was one of the children's three favorite Pokémon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/1999/04/26/features/story1.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/19990508192305/http://starbulletin.com/1999/04/26/features/story1.html |archivedate=1999-05-08 |title=Pokémon An Adult's Guide from a Kid's Perspective |accessdate=2008-05-02 |last=Shimabukuro |first=Betty |date=1999-04-26 |publisher=Honolulu Star-Bulletin}}</ref> A writer for the ]'s ''The Observer'' noted that Bulbasaur was the the third most popular Pokemon to pick after Charizard, who was "was sleek, powerful, and utterly destructive", and Squirtle, who "would evolve into Blastoise, a tank of a turtle with huge water cannons on its back." Next was Bulbasaur, "which would become Venusaur, a clumsy-looking lout with a giant flower growing on its back." He speculated that the people who chose Bulbasaur were ones who "knew how it felt to be picked last in gym class."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2009/02/24/Viewpoint/Pondering.Pokemon-3645348.shtml|title=Pondering Pokemon|date=February 24, 2009|work=The Observer|accessdate=2009-02-28}}</ref> In a The Ohio State Sentinel ], Matthew Thomas Gross felt that Charmander is superior to Bulbasaur, saying Bulbasaur has "shown evidence of sloth and laziness," and has lower speed rating than Charmander. In contrast, Clark Helmsley feels that Bulbasaur is superior, noting that it is higher in four of the six main Pokemon statistics (HP, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense). Helmsley also feels that Bulbasaur's loyalty is more important than Charmander's ability to evolve into the powerful Charizard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.www.osusentinel.com/media/storage/paper1151/news/2007/04/18/Commentary/Pokemon.War.PointCounterpoint-2850392.shtml|title=Pokemon War! Point-Counterpoint|last=Gross|first=Matthew Thomas |coauthors=Clark Helmsley|date=April 18, 2007|work=The Ohio State Sentinel|accessdate=2009-02-28}}</ref>

In an ] biography page, Bulbasaur is described as "the odd man out" in the ] game, saying "it was the one that wasn’t red or blue. Instead, it’s perhaps the best-known grass-type Pokémon, even though it’s a little bit more animal than vegetable." It continues that "Bulbasaurs are very popular starter monsters for young Pokémon trainers", and details the meaning of its Japanese name Fushigidane.<ref name="bio">{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/143/14349860_biography.html|title=Bulbasaur Biography|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2009-09-25}}</ref>

== Footnotes ==
{{Reflist|2}} {{Reflist|2}}

== References ==

<div class="references-small">

* The following games and their instruction manuals: ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue''; ''Pokémon Yellow''; ''Pokémon Gold'', ''Silver'' and ''Crystal''; ''Pokémon Ruby'', ''Sapphire'', and ''Emerald''; ''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen''; '']'' and '']''; '']'' and '']'' and '']''.

</div>

; DVDs

<div class="references-small">

* ''Pokémon, Vol. 15: Charizard!!'', Viz Video., February 2000. ASIN B00004DS9J
* ''Pokémon, Vol. 18: Water Blast!'', Viz Video., May 2000. ASIN 6305844674
* ''Pokémon - The First Movie'', Warner Home Video., October 2000. ASIN B00004WIB2
* ''Pokémon, Vol. 26: Friends and Rivals!'', Viz Video., January 2001. ASIN B0000541UG
* ''Pokémon The Movie 2000'', Warner Home Video., May 2001. ASIN B00005A3O6
* ''Pokémon 3: The Movie '', Warner Home Video., October 2001. ASIN B00005NMW3
* ''Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns'', Warner Home Video., December 2001. ASIN B00005OW0I
* ''Pokémon Master Quest 2: Quest 2'', Viz Video., February 2005. ASIN B0002IQD2Y
* ''Pokémon 10th Anniversary, Vol. 7 - Bulbasaur'', Viz Video., October 2006. ASIN B000HDR8D2

</div>

; '''Publications'''

<div class="references-small">

* 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
* Nintendo, ''et al.'' ''Official Nintendo Pokémon Snap Player’s Guide''. Nintendo of America Inc., 1999. ] B000CDZP9G
* Nintendo Power. ''Official Nintendo Pokémon FireRed Version & Pokémon LeafGreen Version Player’s Guide''. Nintendo of America Inc., August 2004. ISBN 1-930206-50-X

</div>

; '''Manga volumes'''

<div class="references-small">

* Ono, Toshihiro. ''Pokémon: Pikachu Shocks Back Graphic Novel''. ], December 6, 1999. ISBN 1-56931-411-X
* Ono, Toshihiro. ''Pokémon: Electric Pikachu Boogaloo Graphic Novel''. ], April 5, 2000. ISBN 1-56931-436-5
* Ono, Toshihiro. ''Pokémon: Surf’s Up, Pikachu Graphic Novel''. ], June 2000. ISBN 1-56931-494-2
* Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. ''Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1: Desperado Pikachu''. ], July 6, 2000. ISBN 1-56931-507-8
* Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. ''Pokémon Adventures, Volume 2: Legendary Pokémon''. ], December 6, 2000. ISBN 1-56931-508-6
* Kusaka, Hidenori, & Mato. ''Pokémon Adventures, Volume 3: Saffron City Siege''. ], August 5, 2001. ISBN 1-56931-560-4

</div>


== External links == == External links ==
{{Portal|Pokémon|wikiball.svg}} {{Portal|Video games}}
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{{Pokémon directory}} {{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}}
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Latest revision as of 07:25, 11 December 2024

Pokémon species

For the dicynodont, see Bulbasaurus.

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

Bulbasaur (/ˈbʊlbəsɔːr/ ), known as Fushigidane (Japanese: フシギダネ) in Japan, is a fictional Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. First introduced in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue, it was created by Atsuko Nishida with the design finalized by Ken Sugimori. Since Bulbasaur's debut, it has appeared in multiple games including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as various merchandise. In media related to the franchise, Bulbasaur has been voiced by various voice actors, including Tara Sands and Michele Knotz.

Classified as a Grass- and Poison-type Pokémon, it was introduced in the games as a starter Pokémon, one players are able to select at the game's beginning. It is a quadrupedal green creature resembling a dinosaur, with a large plant bulb on its back. Bulbasaur is a central character in the Pokémon anime, being one of Ash Ketchum's main Pokémon for the first season, with a different one later being obtained by supporting character May. It is featured in various manga and is owned by protagonist Red in Pokémon Adventures.

Bulbasaur has generally been received positively and has overall 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 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.

Bulbasaur 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. Its Japanese name, Fushigidane, is a combination of the Japanese words for mystery or miracle (fushigi) and seed (tane). While 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, with Bulbasaur being named as a portmanteau relating to its dinosaurian appearance and the large garlic-shaped bulb on its back. Both the etymology and appearance of Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur show it getting increasingly more dangerous as it evolves. Bulbasaur can evolve into Ivysaur, which can then evolve into Venusaur. Bulbasaur was created by Atsuko Nishida, a character designer for Pocket Monsters Red and Blue, which she described as "working backwards" by basing it off the established Venusaur design. Afterwards, the design was finalized by lead artist Ken Sugimori who, towards the end of development, drew the promotional art of all the species to give them a unified look and make any last-minute changes.

The idea to feature Bulbasaur and the other Red and Blue starters in a significant role in Pokémon X and Y came around 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, so that players would be able to see and use these forms.

Despite their English names, Sugimori confirmed that the design of Bulbasaur and its evolutions are based on frogs. In the Pokémon franchise, Bulbasaur are small, amphibian and plant Pokémon that move on all four legs. They have blue-green bodies with darker blue-green spots. The seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth and then sprouts and grows along with it. The bulb absorbs sunlight which allows it to grow. They can survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy. In the video games, Bulbasaur has two "types", elemental attributes that determine strengths and weaknesses: Grass and Poison. Series producer and director Junichi Masuda considered Bulbasaur the best starter Pokémon, finding it really cute and that it exemplifies what Pokémon is for him, citing the monster and plant combination. Bulbasaur has been voiced by Tara Sands and Michele Knotz in English in the Pokémon anime series.

Appearances

Bulbasaur is the first Pokémon entry in the Pokédex. It made its video game debut 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, and is instead obtainable elsewhere in the game. Bulbasaur appears in all other entries in the main series, though in Pokémon Sword and Shield, Bulbasaur was not made available until the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor. Similarly, Bulbasaur was not made available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet until the release of The Indigo Disk.

Bulbasaur appears in various Pokémon spin-offs, including Pokémon Stadium and the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, where players may be assigned Bulbasaur in a personality quiz. Bulbasaur appears in both Pokémon Snap and New Pokémon Snap as Pokémon the player can take pictures of. Bulbasaur also features in Pokémon Go and as a playable character in Pokémon Unite. Outside of the Pokémon video games, Bulbasaur was also featured as a collectible in the Super Smash Bros. series. A costume for Mario based on it was added to Super Mario Maker.

In the Pokémon anime, multiple Bulbasaur are owned by various main characters, including series protagonist Ash Ketchum. The character May also captures one in Pokémon: Advanced. She later makes a guest appearance, where it is revealed that her Bulbasaur has fully evolved into a Venusaur. 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 several of them appear. 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.

Promotion and reception

Bulbasaur has been used heavily in promotion for the series, such as on the side of planes.

Bulbasaur has been featured in merchandise, including toys and plush dolls. Bulbasaur has been depicted in action figures sold by Hasbro in the United States, while Tomy in Japan sold vinyl dolls, wind-up model kits, Singaporean popcorn with a flavor based on Bulbasaur, and terry cloth bean bags. It has been marketed via toys at fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King. Bulbasaur has also been included in various versions of the Pokémon painting on ANA Boeing 767s. In 2021, Seiko made limited edition luxury watches based on Bulbasaur and its evolutionary family. 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. Bulbasaur was also among the eleven Pokémon chosen as Japan's mascots in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 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.

Bulbasaur has been largely praised by critics. Nintendo World Report's Pedro Hernandez highlighted its role in one episode of the anime, citing Bulbasaur's appealing storyline in the episode as endearing the species to him. He stated that this role helped him become a fan of the Pokémon franchise as a whole. IGN editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" also praised Ash's "attitude-packing Bulbasaur" in the anime, and Official Nintendo Magazine's John Vekinis attributed his "love of Grass-type Pokémon" to Bulbasaur in spite of the Grass type's weaknesses. 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. 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. 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. 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 growing to feel attached to Bulbasaur.

Bulbasaur has been noted to be less popular than Charmander and Squirtle. 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. This led to one Twitter user creating an account named BulbaGanda to spread support for the Pokémon, which was met with considerable popularity.

References

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