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The world of Pokémon creatures has fascinated millions of fans worldwide since the 1990s. However, many people wonder which of these fantastic creatures truly came first. The answer to this question is ambiguous and depends on the criteria used. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the first Pokémon, their design, and their significance in the franchise as a whole. So, let’s examine the first Pokémon.
Rhydon: The First Pokémon Designed
While it may come as a surprise to many fans, the first Pokémon ever designed was Rhydon. Ken Sugimori, the artist responsible for many of the creatures’ original designs, was one of the first to create a sketch of Rhydon. This rock-like creature holds a special place in history, even though it’s not the first in the Pokédex. Why was Rhydon designed first? Its appearance is based on dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures that were very popular at the time. This creature’s robust construction facilitated the creation of more complex designs later on. Interestingly, Game Freak, the studio behind the series, frequently used Rhydon’s sprite as a placeholder during the early stages of development. This makes it an iconic concept model in the franchise’s history.
Bulbasaur: Number 001 in the Pokédex
Although Rhydon was the first creature designed, Bulbasaur holds the honor of being the first Pokémon in the Pokédex, designated number #001. The Pokédex is an electronic device used by Trainers to store information about various creatures they encounter and catch.
Bulbasaur is a small, primarily turquoise creature resembling an amphibian, with red eyes and a green bulb on its back. It’s worth noting that, despite its English names, Sugimori confirmed that Bulbasaur’s design and evolution are based on frogs. A seed on its back is planted at birth, then germinates and grows with it. The bulb absorbs sunlight, allowing it to grow. These creatures can survive for days without food because the bulb stores energy.
It is one of the three basic starter Pokémon players can choose at the beginning of the original Pokémon Red and Blue games (Red and Green in Japan), alongside Charmander and Squirtle. It is a Grass- and Poison-type Pokémon, giving it a unique type combination among the starters.
Arceus: The First Creature in the Universe
As the first creature in the Pokémon universe, Arceus holds a crucial role in Pokémon history. Although it appeared in later generations, it is the god of the universe and the first Pokémon to exist. It is frequently featured in the Trading Card Game and is also a protagonist in the Arceus Legends story for Nintendo Switch.
Importance in Anime and Other Media: Pocket Monsters
Bulbasaur plays a key role in the Pokémon anime, serving as one of Ash’s main creatures in the first season. Ash Ketchum, traveling with Misty and Brock, encounters his Bulbasaur in episode 10 of the first season, titled „Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village.” This particular Bulbasaur lived in the Hidden Village, which was a haven for creatures abandoned by their trainers. Because of this, Bulbasaur initially distrusted trainers, but its attitude changed after meeting Ash.
Besides Ash, another main character, May, also catches a Bulbasaur in the Pokémon: Advanced series. Later, during a guest appearance, it is revealed that her creature has fully evolved into Venusaur.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga, based on the story of Pokémon Red and Blue, the character Red receives a Bulbasaur from Professor Oak and gives it the nickname Saur. Bulbasaur also appears in the film „Detective Pikachu,” where several of its members have cameos. The film utilized a bulldog to simulate Bulbasaur’s heavy-backed movements, and then employed puppeteers in London to create 3D puppets. Facial expressions and texture details were added using CGI.
Pokémon in Popular Culture – Pokémon the First Movie
The Pokémon franchise, which began in the 1990s, is the brainchild of Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. The concept was inspired by Tajiri’s childhood, during which he collected insects. The concept of catching fantastical creatures and battling others quickly became a global phenomenon.
It’s worth mentioning the first theatrical film in the series, „Pokémon: The First Movie” (also known as „Pokémon the First Movie”), which premiered in Japan in 1998. The film follows the story of Mewtwo, a clone created in a laboratory, who grapples with existential questions about the value of his life and his purpose. The film culminates in a scene where Ash sacrifices himself by running between battling Mewtwo and Mew, leading to his petrification. However, he is brought back to life by the tears of all the creatures, a testament to the power of friendship.
Beyond the surface message that fighting and bitterness lead only to destruction, the film contains a deeper layer of meaning—a meditation on what identity is and how much, if anything, is owed to the „circumstances of birth.”
The First Pokémon: Significance to the Franchise
Both Rhydon and Bulbasaur have left an indelible mark on the Pokémon universe. As the first creation, Rhydon embodies the foundation upon which countless other creatures were built. Conversely, it represents the starting point for many Trainers, symbolizing the journey and evolution that are central to the game. Bulba is widely considered one of the most popular and beloved Pokémon, ranking highly in official popularity polls. Series producer Junichi Masuda has also mentioned Bulbasaur as one of his favorites. Its role in the anime may have been a factor in its popularity.
The idea for Bulbasaur and the other Red and Blue starters to play a significant role in Pokémon X and Y emerged about a year and a half after development began on these games. Mega Evolutions were created for the final forms of these three creatures, and the designers decided to give players the option of receiving one from Professor Sycamore so they could see and use these forms.
Bulbasaur appears in various Pokémon spin-offs, including Pokémon Stadium and the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, where players can be matched with Bulbasaur in a personality quiz. It also appears in Pokémon Snap and New Pokémon Snap as a creature that players can take photos of. It also appears in Pokémon Go and as a playable character in Pokémon Unite.
Beyond the Pokémon video games, Bulbasaur was also a collectible in the Super Smash Bros. series. A costume for Mario based on the creature was added to Super Mario Maker.
Whether we consider Rhydon (the first designed Pokémon) or Bulbasaur (the first in the Pokédex) to be the first Pokémon, there’s no doubt that both creatures played a key role in shaping the franchise, which remains incredibly popular worldwide to this day.
