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| {{Infobox VG character | |||
| | name = Bulbasaur | |||
| | image = | |||
| | caption = ''']'''<br>''' Bulbasaur (#001)''' - ] | |||
| | series = ] | |||
| | firstgame = ] | |||
| | artist = ] | |||
| | voiceactor = ] (1st season-8th season, movies and video games), ] (9th season-11th season) | |||
| | japanactor = ] (]'s), ] (]'s) | |||
| }} | |||
| {{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 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 == | |||
| 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. | |||
| 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> | |||
| == 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. | |||
| == Appearances == | |||
| === In the video games === | |||
| 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. 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 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 anime === | |||
| 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> | |||
| 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> | |||
| === 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> | |||
| 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 == | |||
| {{Expand|section|date=December 2008}} | |||
| === Promotion and merchandising === | |||
| Bulbasaur has been depicted in ]-softened{{Fact|date=February 2009}} ] ]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> | |||
| === 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." 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> ] editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" stated that while Charizard "slightly surpassed" Venusaur in popularity, she called Bulbasuar a "VERY popular choice as far as the starting Pokemon of Red and Blue go". She also praised the anime incarnation, citing its attitude.<ref>http://faqs.ign.com/articles/380/380258p1.html</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> | |||
| == Footnotes == | |||
| {{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 == | |||
| {{Portal|Pokémon|wikiball.svg}} | |||
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| * | |||
| {{Pokémon directory}} | |||
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