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{{Short description|Pokémon species}}
{| align=right
{{good article}}
|{{pokeinfobox |
{{For|the dicynodont|Bulbasaurus}}
image= ] |
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2016}}
name=Bulbasaur|
{{Infobox character
number=001|
| name = Bulbasaur
preceding= ''None''|
| image = Pokémon Bulbasaur art.png
following= ]|
| image_upright = 0.66
johtonumber=226|
| caption = Bulbasaur artwork by ]
johtopreceding=]|
| series = ]
johtofollowing=]|
| firstgame = ] (1996)
japanname=Fushigidane|
| creator = ]<ref name="Origin"/>
evolvesto=] |
| 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>
generation=First |
| voice = ]<ref name="va1"/><br/>]<ref name="va2"/>
species= Seed Pokémon|
| species = Pokémon
stage= Basic|
| lbl21 = Type
type= Grass|
type2= Poison| | data21 = Grass and Poison
height= 2 ] 4 ]|
metricheight= 0.71|
weight=15.0|
metricweight=6.75|
color= Green|
shinycolor=The part of Bulbasaur's body that is usually bluish turns green, and the bulb on its back darkens|
ability= Overgrow<br /> <small>From ] onwards</small>|
sigattack= Vine Whip
}} }}
'''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 ].
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|}
'''Bulbasaur''' (&#12501;&#12471;&#12462;&#12480;&#12493; '''Fushigidane''' in ]) is one of the 386 ] of Pokémon from the ]. Bulbasaur, a {{PokemonType|Grass}}/{{PokemonType|Poison}}-type Pokémon, is one of the first Pokémon a player can have in the first Pokémon games, ] and ]; Bulbasaur is also a commonly appearing Pokémon in the ]. According to '']'' magazine, Bulbasaur is considered one of the "lead critters" in the series and ] refers to Bulbasaur and his later evolutions as "the ] of Pokémon figures".{{ref|CNNTime}}


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 '']''.
The name ''Bulbasaur'' is a ] of "]" (from the large bulb on its back) and "sauros" (] for "lizard"), creating a name similar to ]. '''Fushigidane''' (&#12501;&#12471;&#12462;&#12480;&#12493;), the ] name for Bulbasaur, is a portmanteau of &#12405;&#12375;&#12366; (''fushigi'', "mystery") and &#12383;&#12397; (''tane'', "seed").


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.
== Appearance/Biology ==
In the ], ], and ], Bulbasaur is a small, squat ] that moves on all fours. Its body coloration is light green with darker green spots. A Bulbasaur is born without a ] on its back; instead, it bears a ] which soon grows into a large, floral bulb as the Bulbasaur matures. The bulb can absorb ] in order to supply Bulbasaur with nutrients and will grow bigger if it is exposed to sunlight; for this reason, Bulbasaur enjoys taking naps in the sunlit daytime. When in battle, the ] that has been stored in the bulb can be used to launch a powerful ]. The bulb also holds seeds that can be launched at an enemy in order to sap health from them in an attack called Leech Seed. Bulbasaur is also able to release two ]s from the bulb, which are powerful enough to support a large amount of weight. The artwork design of Bulbasaur was created by ] in 1996. Like all Pokémon (except ]), Bulbasaur cannot speak and is only able to communicate by repeating the syllables of its name ("Bulbasaur") over and over again. From this, however, Bulbasaur's ] can tell what Bulbasaur is saying.


== Conception and design ==
== In the Pokémon video games ==
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" />
] (])]]
In the ] Pokémon games (], ], and ]) and their remakes, (] and ]), Bulbasaur is one of the three Pokémon, along with ] and ], that the player may choose as his or her first (or "starter") Pokémon. If the player chooses Bulbasaur, the player's rival will invariably choose Charmander, since Charmander has a ] over Bulbasaur.


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"/>
In the next game, '']'', Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle are not available from the start as the three of them had already been taken by other trainers; instead, the player starts with a ]. Bulbasaur becomes available later in the game as a gift from a Pokémon breeder. This progression is much closer to the storyline of the anime. The three original starters, Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur, are not available in any of the other games in the series. However, Bulbasaur is one of the random Pokémon available in '']'' as a prize after defeating all the Gym Leaders and ] members. Bulbasaur also appears as a trophy in '']''. The player can acquire it through the internal lottery by putting in the Smash Coins earned whilst playing the game.{{ref|IGN}}


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>
As Bulbasaur is a grass/poison ] (though Bulbasaur does not have the ability to learn any damage-dealing ''poison'' attacks naturally), his attacks are particularly effective against ''ground'', ''rock'' and ''water'' Pokémon, but ''psychic'', ''fire'' and ''flying'' attacks are particularly effective against it. ''Poison'', ''fighting'', and ''grass'' attacks do little damage to Bulbasaur and Bulbasaur does little damage to other ''grass'' and ''poison'' types, as well as ''dragon'' types. All other types have no particular advantage over Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur is therefore considered a good first for beginners, as the first two ] Leaders (] and ]) use ''rock'' and ''water'' Pokémon respectively. Also, the third and fourth Gym Leaders (] and ]) use ''electric'' and ''grass'' Pokémon, and so have no advantage in battle against Bulbasaur.


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>
Bulbasaur's reasonably high Special Attack and Special Defense statistics mean that it has strong ''grass'' attacks (such as Vine Whip and Razor Leaf) and is strong when attacked with these sorts of attacks. However, its Attack stat is quite poor, so Bulbasaur's attacks that involve physical contact are weaker. Nevertheless, at level 16 Bulbasaur evolves into ], followed by ] at level 32, so the fact that Bulbasaur's statistics are relatively poor is less important. The player can choose to stop Bulbasaur's evolution (as with any Pokémon's), but as Iysaur and Venusaur have much better statistics, few players decide to do this.


== Appearances ==
As Bulbasaur is unavailable in most versions of Pokémon, including Red or Blue (unless it is chosen as the starting Pokémon), it is considered extremely rare and very valuable, despite its lack of battle prowess before evolving. As the eventual goal in any Pokémon version is to "]", any player of Red or Blue (for example) that does not select Bulbasaur at the beginning of the game must trade with someone else for it; a difficult task, as most players would ] their Bulbasaur to an Ivysaur and then a Venusaur as soon as they can. Ivysaur is rare for this same reason; most players evolve it to a Venusaur at their first chance.
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>


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>
== In the Pokémon anime ==
Several Bulbasaur have appeared throughout the ] ], although only two as major characters. Two of the series' main characters, ] and ] both own a Bulbasaur at some time. Ash and his companions were the first humans to witness a Bulbasaur evolution ceremony, in which all the Bulbasaur in the world gather at one place.


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>
Ash's Bulbasaur has been around longer than all of his other Pokémon with the exception of ]. Before joining Ash's team, Ash's Bulbasaur lived with a girl named Melanie, who took care of abandoned Pokémon. It is unclear whether or not this Bulbasaur has been abandoned, but it is shown that Melanie was not its trainer, since Ash is able to catch it after a battle, and characters cannot catch other trainers' Pokémon. Originally, this Bulbasaur is pessimistic about Ash, and when it and Ash's other Pokémon are separated from Ash and company, he insists to the other Pokémon that Ash has abandoned them. However, after that episode, its loyalties begin to improve and it later becomes one of Ash's most loyal Pokémon.


== Promotion and reception ==
]s can carry a maximum of 6 Pokémon in their active roster at any one time. Ash's Bulbasaur remains on Ash's active roster for much of the series, but was later left with ], after other Pokémon in his care start fighting amongst themselves. He is the only Pokémon able to break up these fights, and the fights would resume if Ash's Bulbasaur were to leave.
].]] ]
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>
As with many other Pokémon in the anime, Ash's Bulbasaur's gender is unknown. It typically has a relaxed attitude, rarely being provoked. This is in contrast to its teammate ], who tends to act rashly in similar situations. Like Pikachu, Ash's Bulbasaur has decided it will be best if it does not evolve. Although this decision is not accepted by other Bulbasaur (and evolved forms thereof), it has been a decision that the other Bulbasaur have come to accept.


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 the grass field battle of the Indigo League tournament, Ash's Bulbasaur defeats two of the opponent's three Pokémon (a ] and a ]) by itself, despite rarely fighting as part of Ash's team. Later it is used in the Johto Silver Conference, where it is able to defeat a particularly strong shiny ], and then in the same match duel a freshly wrested ] to a draw. It also takes part in the Orange League tournament on Ash's team, but in battle is quickly defeated by a more experienced ], being the only one on the team to not defeat at least one of the leader's Pokémon. It is one of only two of Ash's Pokémon team members (the other being ]) to appear in the ''Advanced Generation'' series, the third series of the show. {{inote|serebii.net}}

Of all of Ash's Pokemon, Bulbasaur is closest to Ash's ]. When Squirtle left to rejoin the Squirtle Squad, Bulbasaur was the most unwilling to see it leave, but when the two briefly reunited at Mt. Silver, they enjoyed a few minutes of recreation togther.

A Bulbasaur is also the fourth Pokémon caught by May during her ] adventures. While travelling in the Forbidden Forest (a ''grass'' Pokémon reserve), she meets it trying to pick flowers. It warmed to her and defended her against the other grass Pokémon, who saw her as a threat. Before May left, this Bulbasaur decided to stay with her. In the Japanese version, it is voiced by ]. Althought not explicitly said, because of the heart-shaped marks on this Bulbasaur's forehead, it is assumed to be female. Like May's other Pokémon, it is a contest Pokémon and therefore it is taught the Petal Dance attack later on in the series. {{inote|Bulbagarden.net}}

== In other media ==
] (Base set).]]
Bulbasaur appears in two ]s: '']'' and '']''. In '']'', ], the ] of the series, receives a Bulbasaur from Professor Oak. In '']'', a character named Pistachio has a female Bulbasaur (nicknamed '''Danerina''' in the Japanese version), who has a crush on him.

In the ], Bulbasaur was among the first Pokémon cards with which players were acquainted. Bulbasaur cards have appeared in the Base Set (and Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection), Gym Challenge (as ]'s Bulbasaur), Expedition (two cards), EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, EX Firered & Leafgreen (two cards) and POP Series 2. Considering the notability and popularity of Bulbasaur, the Pokémon had relatively few appearances early in the cards' series. In particular, in the Rocket set, there were ] and ] cards, but no Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur began to make more frequent appearances in the recent expansions, starting with the Expedition set. The Bulbasaur card is considered "common" by collectors and general can be found with relative ease. {{ref|pojo}}

In ], ] included Bulbasaur as one of a series of promotional Pokémon cards given away with their ]s.{{ref|McD}} McDonald's did not, however, bring this idea outside Japan. Instead, a rival company, ], took up the idea: their "Power Cards" included a Bulbasaur, alongside ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] in "Assortment 3". During the ] period of 1999, Bulbasaur and other Pokémon toys beat out ] to become the most popular and bought toy in the ]{{ref|Furby}}.

Bulbasaur is also the main character of two children's books, ''Pokemon Tales, Volume 3: Bulbasaur's Trouble'' and ''Bulbasaur's Bad Day'', that were published in ] and ] respectively by ]. In ''Bulbasaur's Bad Day'', ] traps Bulbasaur in a pit and it has to outwit ] to escape{{ref|Amazon1}}. In ''Pokemon Tales, Volume 3 : Bulbasaur's Trouble'', Bulbasaur resolves an argument between the other Pokémon{{ref|Amazon2}}.


== References == == References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
<div style="font-size: 85%;">


== External links ==
#{{note|CNNTime}} "," '']'', October 5, 1999; "," ''Time Asia''. URL accessed on December 29, 2005.
{{Portal|Video games}}
#{{note|IGN}} "," ''IGN.com''. URL last accessed on December 29, 2005.
*
#{{note|pojo}} "," ''pojo.com''. URL last accessed on January 31, 2006.
*
#{{note|Amazon1}} "," ''Amazon''. URL last accessed on February 1, 2006.
#{{note|Amazon2}} "," ''Amazon''. URL last accessed on February 2, 2006.
#{{note|Furby}} "," ''Mimitchi''. URL last accessed on February 2, 2006.
#{{note|McD}} "," ''Rita's Pokemon Store''. URL last accessed on December 29, 2005.


{{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}}
; '''Books'''
{{Pokémon}}
*Barbo, Maria. <i>The Official Pokémon Handbook</i>. Scholastic Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0439154049.
*Loe, Casey, ed. <i>Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition Official Perfect Guide</i>. Sunnydale, CA: Empire 21 Publishing, 1999. ISBN 130206151.

; '''Websites'''
* {{Web reference | title= Statistical analysis of Bulbasaur | work=PsyPoke | URL=http://www.psypokes.com/dex/pokedex.php?id=001&view=general| date=December 29 | year=2005}}
* {{Web reference | title= Individual animé episode summaries | work=Serebii.net | URL=http://www.serebii.net/index2.shtml| date=December 29 | year=2005}}
* {{Web reference | title= May's Bulbasaur | work=Bulbagarden.net | URL=http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/May's_Bulbasaur| date=January 1 | year=2006}}</div>

== External links ==
{{Spoken Misplaced Pages|Bulbasaur.ogg|2005-12-25}}
* , a Pokémon-centric Wiki's article about Bulbasaur as a species.
** 's article about Ash's Bulbasaur.
** 's article about May's Bulbasaur.
* , full of statistics analysis.


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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.

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