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Bulbasaur
Pokémon character
Bulbasaur artwork by Ken Sugimori
First appearancePokémon Red and Blue (February 27, 1996)
Created byAtsuko Nishida[1]
Designed byAtsuko Nishida[1]
Ken Sugimori (finalized)[2]
Voiced by
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 and the 1996 anime. In media related to the franchise, Bulbasaur has been voiced by various voice actors, including Megumi Hayashibara in Japanese, and Tara Sands and Michele Knotz in English.

Classified as a Grass- and Poison-type Pokémon, Bulbasaur is one of three starter Pokémon 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 obtained by supporting character May. It is featured in various manga and is owned by protagonist Red in Pokémon Adventures.

Bulbasaur is generally considered one of the most popular and widely liked Pokémon, having ranked highly in official popularity polls.[5] Series producer Junichi Masuda has also specifically mentioned Bulbasaur as one of his favorite Pokémon. Its role in the anime has been suggested to have played a factor into its popularity.

Conception and design

[edit]

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.[6] 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.[7] Each Pokémon has one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.[8] 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.[7]

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.[9] Its Japanese name, Fushigidane, is a combination of the Japanese words for mystery or miracle (fushigi) and seed (tane).[10] 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.[11] Both the etymology and appearance of Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur show it getting increasingly more dangerous as it evolves.[12] Bulbasaur can evolve into Ivysaur, which can then evolve into Venusaur.[13] 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.[1] 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.[2]

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.[14][15]

Despite their English names, Sugimori confirmed that the design of Bulbasaur and its evolutions are based on frogs.[16] 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.[17] The bulb absorbs sunlight which allows it to grow.[18] They can survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.[19] In the video games, Bulbasaur has two "types", elemental attributes that determine strengths and weaknesses: Grass and Poison.[20] 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.[21] Bulbasaur has been voiced by Tara Sands and Michele Knotz in English in the Pokémon anime series.[3][4]

Appearances

[edit]

Bulbasaur is the first Pokémon entry in the Pokédex.[22] 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.[23] 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.[24] Similarly, Bulbasaur was not made available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet until the release of The Indigo Disk.[25]

Bulbasaur appears in various Pokémon spin-offs, including Pokémon Stadium[26] and the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, where players may be assigned Bulbasaur in a personality quiz.[27] Bulbasaur appears in both Pokémon Snap[28] and New Pokémon Snap[29] as Pokémon the player can take pictures of. Bulbasaur also features in Pokémon Go[30] and as a playable character in Pokémon Unite.[31][32] Outside of the Pokémon video games, Bulbasaur was also featured as a collectible in the Super Smash Bros. series.[33] A costume for Mario based on it was added to Super Mario Maker.[34]

In the Pokémon anime, multiple Bulbasaur are owned by various main characters, including series protagonist Ash Ketchum.[35] The character May also captures one in Pokémon: Advanced.[36] She later makes a guest appearance, where it is revealed that her Bulbasaur has fully evolved into a Venusaur.[37] 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 several of them appear.[38] 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.[39]

Promotion and reception

[edit]
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.[40] 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,[41] and terry cloth bean bags.[42] It has been marketed via toys at fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King.[43][44][45] Bulbasaur has also been included in various versions of the Pokémon painting on ANA Boeing 767s.[46] In 2021, Seiko made limited edition luxury watches based on Bulbasaur and its evolutionary family.[47] 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.[48] Bulbasaur was also among the eleven Pokémon chosen as Japan's mascots in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[49][50][51] 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.[52]

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.[53] IGN editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" also praised Ash's "attitude-packing Bulbasaur" in the anime,[54] and Official Nintendo Magazine's John Vekinis attributed his "love of Grass-type Pokémon" to Bulbasaur in spite of the Grass type's weaknesses.[55] 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.[21] 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.[56] 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.[57] 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.[35]

Bulbasaur has been noted to be less popular than Charmander and Squirtle.[58] 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.[59] This led to one Twitter user creating an account named BulbaGanda to spread support for the Pokémon, which was met with considerable popularity.[60]

References

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Bulbasaur

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bulbasaur is a dual-type Grass and Poison Pokémon species from the first generation of the Pokémon video game series, introduced in the Japanese versions of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in 1996. It serves as one of three starter Pokémon available to players at the outset of their adventure in the Kanto region, alongside Charmander and Squirtle, allowing new trainers to select it as their initial companion. Bulbasaur is depicted as a small, quadrupedal, amphibian-like creature with blue-green skin, red eyes, and a large green bulb planted on its back at birth; this bulb absorbs sunlight to provide nutrients, enabling Bulbasaur to survive for extended periods without food while it grows. The Pokémon evolves into Ivysaur at level 16 and subsequently into Venusaur at level 32, with the bulb developing into a budding flower and then a full blooming plant capable of photosynthesis-powered attacks. In the games, Bulbasaur stands at 0.7 meters (2'04") tall and weighs 6.9 kilograms (15.2 lbs), possessing base stats that emphasize endurance and special attack, making it effective against Water- and Ground-type opponents early in gameplay. Its Pokédex entries across titles highlight its symbiotic relationship with the seed, such as in Pokémon Red and Blue where it is noted that "a strange seed was planted on its back at birth" that sprouts and grows alongside the Pokémon. Bulbasaur has appeared in various Pokémon media beyond the core , including the where it is notably owned by the protagonist , and in spin-offs, trading cards, and merchandise as an iconic mascot representing growth and nature themes. Its design draws inspiration from frogs and like the , contributing to its popularity among fans for its cute yet versatile nature in battles and storytelling.

Development and design

Conception

Bulbasaur's conception originated from Tajiri's childhood passion for collecting and exploring in rural Machida, , which profoundly influenced the core concept of the Pokémon franchise as a game centered on capturing, training, and battling . Tajiri, the founder of , first envisioned the idea in 1990 after observing the link cable functionality of the Game Boy, which sparked the notion of players exchanging virtual to foster companionship and collection akin to his bug-hunting experiences. This inspiration extended to the starter Pokémon, including Bulbasaur, designed to embody natural elements and encourage players to appreciate ecological diversity through gameplay. During the development of Pokémon Red and Green, which spanned six years from 1990 to 1996 and nearly bankrupted , Bulbasaur was established as one of three starter Pokémon to maintain elemental balance alongside Charmander (fire) and (water), ensuring strategic depth in early gameplay encounters. , 's lead designer and art director, oversaw the visual development, contributing initial sketches and refining concepts to align with Tajiri's vision of hybrid creatures that blend animal and environmental traits. , a graphic designer at , played a key role in crafting Bulbasaur's foundational design, starting from sketches of its final evolution and iterating backward to create a cohesive evolutionary line that emphasized symbiotic relationships between the creature and its plant-like bulb. This approach was tested for gameplay balance, positioning Bulbasaur as an accessible grass-type option that introduced players to themes of nature's interdependence without overwhelming complexity. The name Bulbasaur derives from "bulb," referencing the seed pod on its back, and "saurus," a suffix evoking reptilian forms, while its Japanese name Fushigidane combines "fushigi" (mysterious or strange) and "tane" (seed) to highlight its enigmatic plant-animal fusion. Designs were finalized between 1995 and 1996 amid intensive prototyping to ensure thematic consistency with ecology-focused narratives, such as the mutual growth between the Pokémon and its bulb, aimed at subtly educating players on environmental harmony. Bulbasaur and the other starters were first publicly previewed in magazine issues in early 1996, generating anticipation ahead of the games' Japanese release on , 1996.

Design elements

Bulbasaur is characterized by its small, quadrupedal form resembling a frog-like , featuring blue-green skin with darker blue spots arranged in a triangular around its neck, red eyes with white pupils, and short legs ending in three sharp claws each. A prominent protrudes from its back, containing a symbiotic that integrates with the Pokémon's from birth. This serves as both a of nutrients for the young Pokémon and a of growth, drawing energy from Bulbasaur's body to develop over time. The design's green and blue evokes themes of and vitality, with the 's earthy tones reinforcing the motif of organic and the duality between flourishing plant life and underlying toxicity. The itself draws visual cues from lily pads or bulbous plants like onions, emphasizing expansion and mutual dependence. Overall, these elements create a balanced aesthetic that blends reptilian solidity with botanical fluidity. Bulbasaur's design was created by , who drew from observations of real-world small animals such as frogs and toads, including Bullock's false toad (Telmatobufo bullocki) for its stout body and vibrant coloration, , and to infuse realism and emotional appeal, working backward from the evolved forms to ensure evolutionary surprise. The symbiotic relationship between the Pokémon and its seed mirrors mutualistic interactions in nature, where the sustains Bulbasaur in its early stages using stored energy. Nishida's initial designs were adapted into sprites for the Game Boy's monochrome display, emphasizing simple shapes and bold contrasts to convey cuteness and recognizability within technical constraints. In adaptations across media, Bulbasaur's proportions are often stylized for cuteness in the , with larger heads, softer contours, and more expressive eyes compared to the angular sprites in early games like Pokémon Red and Blue (1996). Later 3D models, such as those in (2019), introduce detailed textures like subtle skin sheen and dynamic bulb veining for enhanced realism. As the inaugural Pokémon with Pokédex number 001, its trademark cry—a high-pitched "Bulba!" that deepens in evolutions—has become iconic, originating from synthesized vocalizations in the core series games.

Characteristics

Biology

Bulbasaur is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon characterized as a small, quadrupedal creature with blue-green skin, red eyes, and a prominent bulb on its back that is present from birth. This bulb functions as a symbiotic plant structure, absorbing sunlight via photosynthesis to produce energy and nutrients, which the Pokémon relies on for growth and sustenance, enabling it to forgo food for several days. In terms of behaviors, Bulbasaur naps in sunlit areas to aid the bulb's growth. Bulbasaur's native habitat consists of the dense forests of the Kanto region, where it thrives in humid, sun-dappled undergrowth that supports its photosynthetic needs. Its life cycle begins with the providing essential post-birth , gradually maturing in tandem with the Pokémon's physical development; this progression enhances the creature's vitality and capabilities, with the bulb's health directly influencing overall vigor. As the bulb enlarges over time, it grows with the Pokémon. Bulbasaur has the Ability Overgrow, which increases the power of its Grass-type moves by 50% when its HP is below one-third, and the Hidden Ability , which doubles its Speed in harsh sunlight. Key Pokédex entries illustrate these biological aspects across generations. In the original Pokémon Red and Blue (1996), it is described: "A strange was planted on its back at birth. The sprouts and grows with this Pokémon." Later, in Pokémon Yellow (1998): "It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy taken from the sun." More recent updates in Pokémon Scarlet (2022): "For some time after its birth, it uses the nutrients that are packed into the on its back in order to grow," highlighting its early reliance on the .

Evolution and forms

Bulbasaur is the first stage in a three-stage chain within the Pokémon series. It evolves into Ivysaur upon reaching , and Ivysaur subsequently evolves into Venusaur at level 32. Unlike some Pokémon lines that require evolutionary stones, Bulbasaur's evolutions occur solely through leveling up, reflecting its natural growth tied to the symbiotic plant bulb on its back. Venusaur, the final evolution, can undergo , a temporary transformation introduced in in 2013. Mega Venusaur develops a thicker, more armored hide and an enlarged flower on its back adorned with additional red-tipped petals and dangling vines, enhancing its defensive posture and floral capabilities. This form boosts its base stats significantly, including +18 to Attack and +40 to Defense, while gaining the Thick Fat ability, which halves damage from - and Ice-type moves. In released in 2019, Venusaur gains access to its Gigantamax form during Max Raid Battles. Gigantamax Venusaur towers to an immense size, with its flower blooming massively to envelop much of its body in thick, sturdy petals and a taller central bud that emits a sweet scent to lure prey. This form enables the exclusive move G-Max Vine Lash, a powerful Grass-type attack that not only deals damage but also creates damaging vines on the battlefield for up to four turns, restricting opponent movement. Bulbasaur and its evolutions have no regional variants across the Pokémon world. Additionally, the Terastal phenomenon, introduced in in 2022, allows Bulbasaur's line to crystallize and change its type via a Tera Orb, often to bolster its Grass or Poison typing and amplify moves like Vine Whip or Poison Powder for strategic advantages in battle.

Role in video games

Core series games

Bulbasaur serves as one of the three starter Pokémon in the core series Generation I titles Pokémon Red and Green, released in 1996, where players choose between it, Charmander, or at the beginning of their journey in the Kanto region, influencing rival dynamics as the rival selects the type advantage counterpart. This choice recurs in the Generation III remakes (2004), maintaining the same narrative impact on story progression and battles. In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! (2018), Bulbasaur is obtainable early in Viridian Forest rather than as an initial starter selection, allowing players to incorporate it into their team shortly after starting with or . As a dual-type Grass/Poison Pokémon, Bulbasaur possesses base stats of 45 HP, 49 Attack, 49 Defense, 65 Special Attack, 65 Special Defense, and 45 Speed, emphasizing balanced special offense and defense suitable for early-game utility. Its typing grants resistances to Water, Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Fairy moves (with Grass attacks resisted at 0.25× effectiveness), while it is weak to Fire, Flying, Ice, and Psychic (all 2× effectiveness), making it vulnerable to common early opponents but effective against Water- and Rock-type Gym leaders. In terms of moveset, Bulbasaur learns Tackle and Growl upon capture in Generation I, followed by Leech Seed at level 7, Vine Whip at level 13, and Razor Leaf at level 32, providing Grass-type STAB options for damage and status control. It is compatible with TMs such as Solar Beam, enabling powerful charged Grass attacks when paired with synthesis or sunlight mechanics in later evolutions. Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur at level 16 and then Venusaur at level 32, enhancing its strategic depth in battles. Beyond its starter role, Bulbasaur appears in subsequent core series games through trades or post-game events; for instance, in (1999), it can be traded from Professor Oak after defeating the Elite Four, serving as a nod to Kanto origins. In modern titles like (2022), Bulbasaur returns in the Indigo Disk DLC (2023) within the Terarium's Coastal Biome, where players can encounter and capture it after unlocking via Blueberry Points, facilitating transfers and team-building with classic Kanto Pokémon in the Paldea region.

Spin-off games and mobile

Bulbasaur features prominently in , the released in 2016 by Niantic and The Pokémon Company, where it serves as one of the three original starter Pokémon available for capture in the wild, through eggs, or via research tasks. The Pokémon has been central to several events, including the March 25, 2018, Community Day, which boosted its spawn rates globally and allowed players to evolve it into Venusaur to learn the exclusive Charged Attack Frenzy Plant before it became unavailable as a legacy move. During this event, shiny Bulbasaur was introduced with an increased encounter rate of approximately 1 in 25, significantly higher than the standard wild shiny odds of 1 in 450. Bulbasaur has also appeared as a raid boss in one-star raids, offering a base catch rate of 20% with standard Premier Balls, and in later events like the July 2025 Pokémon GO 9th Anniversary Celebration, where costumed variants debuted alongside increased spawns. In other spin-off titles, Bulbasaur is recruitable as a team member in : Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, released in 2005 for , where it can join the player's rescue team after appearing in specific dungeons like Sinister Woods and evolves into Ivysaur at level 16. The 2020 remake, : Rescue Team DX, retains this role, with Bulbasaur available early in the game for its Grass-type moves like Vine Whip that aid in exploration and combat. In the photography-focused spin-off , launched in 2021, Bulbasaur inhabits the Florio Nature Park's Forest course during summer daytime, where players capture photos of it basking or interacting with Illumina Orbs to achieve four-star ratings for its relaxed poses. Mobile games beyond Pokémon GO also incorporate Bulbasaur. In , a 2019 gacha-style RPG by , it forms sync pairs with trainers such as the customizable —unlocked via an early egg-hatching event—and Professor Sycamore, introduced in August 2022, emphasizing its Grass/Poison typing for team support in battles against other trainers. , released in 2023, features Bulbasaur as a Dozing sleep-type Pokémon that appears after sessions with moderate activity levels, contributing ingredients like Bean Starch for cooking and evolving into Ivysaur upon reaching level 12 to enhance team productivity in natural habitats. Bulbasaur's presence extends to event distributions across platforms. Regarding released titles, Pokémon Friends, a puzzle companion game released during the July 22, 2025, Pokémon Presents broadcast for and mobile, includes Bulbasaur among its featured Pokémon for brain-training mini-games focused on growth and interaction mechanics.

Depictions in other media

Anime

Ash's Bulbasaur first appeared in the tenth episode of the Pokémon anime series, titled "Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village," which originally aired in Japan on June 3, 1997. In this episode, encounters a wild Bulbasaur leading a group of injured Pokémon in a hidden sanctuary protected from poachers, and after proving his trustworthiness, Bulbasaur chooses to join Ash's team as his third Pokémon. Bulbasaur plays a significant role throughout the early Kanto region adventures and becomes particularly prominent during the Orange Islands arc, where it participates in key battles and explorations, showcasing its tactical Vine Whip and Razor Leaf moves against opponents like . One of the defining character moments for Ash's Bulbasaur occurs in episode 51, "Bulbasaur's Mysterious ," where it refuses to evolve into Ivysaur during a traditional led by a Venusaur. This decision stems from Bulbasaur's desire to maintain its independence and loyalty to Ash without the changes would bring, a choice Ash respects despite pressure from the wild Bulbasaur population. Throughout the series, is teased for Bulbasaur on several occasions, such as during intense battles, but it never completes the transformation, emphasizing its steadfast personality. In the Japanese version of the , Ash's Bulbasaur is voiced by , while in the English dub, it is voiced by Tara Jayne Sands from its debut through the Advanced Generation series, with taking over in later appearances. The animation for Bulbasaur highlights its expressive and vine extensions, often used for comedic relief or heroic rescues, contributing to its portrayal as a reliable and nurturing companion. Beyond Ash's Bulbasaur, wild specimens appear frequently in early Kanto episodes, such as guarding forested areas or aiding in group efforts against threats. Trainer-owned Bulbasaur feature in various arcs, including May's capture of one during the Hoenn region's Advanced Generation series, where it competes in Pokémon contests and demonstrates agility in performances before evolving into Venusaur. In the , which began in 2023, Bulbasaur makes cameo appearances as wild Pokémon inhabiting the lush forests of the Paldea region, often depicted in background ecosystems during exploration scenes. Thematically, Bulbasaur symbolizes loyalty, independence, and nature's protective spirit across its arcs, frequently leading rescues or mediating conflicts among Pokémon. This is exemplified in episodes like "A Squad's Worth of Passion!" from 2023, where Ash's Bulbasaur assists the reformed Squad in saving Pokémon from a , using its vines to coordinate evacuations and underscoring its role as a natural guardian. In more recent installments, such as Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series (2022-2023), Ash's Bulbasaur has brief but impactful roles, including reuniting with old teammates during high-stakes missions and providing support at Professor Oak's lab.

Manga and trading cards

In the Pokémon Adventures , serialized since 1997, Bulbasaur is the initial Pokémon chosen by Red from Professor Oak's laboratory, marking the beginning of his journey in the Kanto region. Red's Bulbasaur demonstrates loyalty and growth by evolving into Ivysaur during intense training and further into Venusaur amid critical confrontations, notably aiding in strategic assaults against operatives throughout the Red, Green & Blue arc. Bulbasaur also appears in cameo roles within the early humor-focused Pocket Monsters strips by Kosuke, where it features in lighthearted, exaggerated scenarios alongside other Generation I Pokémon, emphasizing comedic elements over epic battles. Bulbasaur's presence extends to manga adaptations inspired by the Pokémon Trading Card Game, such as the 1998 Pokémon Card Game series, which incorporates card-based duels and strategies into narrative arcs featuring trainers collecting and battling with cards like Bulbasaur. In the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), Bulbasaur debuted in the Base Set released in 1999 as card #44, a common Grass-type Basic Pokémon with 40 HP, requiring two Grass Energy for its Leech Seed attack that deals 20 damage and heals the user. Its evolutionary line includes Ivysaur as #30 in the same set, highlighting progression mechanics central to TCG deck-building. Recent expansions feature Bulbasaur prominently, such as the Illustration Rare #143 in Stellar Crown (2024), illustrated with intricate vine motifs wrapping around the Pokémon in a natural, overgrown environment. In the Mega Evolution set (2025), Bulbasaur appears as #133, a stamped variant Illustration Rare with enhanced attack options like Bind Down for 10 damage that prevents opponent retreat, reflecting boosted Grass/Poison synergies. TCG cards for Bulbasaur and its evolutions typically require Grass and Poison Energy, enabling attacks focused on status effects and recovery, though specific abilities like Thick Fat—which halves Fire- and Ice-type damage—are more commonly associated with Venusaur variants in supplementary promo sets rather than base Bulbasaur cards. Promotional cards include the 2021 McDonald's 25th Anniversary promo #1/25, a non-holo version distributed with Happy Meals to encourage young collectors. Bulbasaur appears as the #046 Cosmos Holo promotional card in the Scarlet & Violet Promo Cards series (2024), tying into an eco-themed narrative with Tera Pokémon ex emphasizing environmental harmony and energy surges.

Cultural impact

Reception

Bulbasaur has received widespread praise from critics for its role as a balanced starter Pokémon in the early games, often highlighted for its utility against the initial leaders and its representation of nature-themed creatures. In a 2012 IGN profile, it was described as "one of the very best starters of all time," emphasizing its strategic advantages in Generation I battles due to type matchups against Rock, Ground, and opponents. However, reception in the has been mixed, with some reviewers noting its underutilization after the Kanto arc, as Ash's Bulbasaur was primarily stationed at Professor Oak's lab and saw limited screen time in subsequent seasons. Among fans, Bulbasaur maintains strong popularity, ranking 6th overall in the official 2020 Pokémon of the Year poll conducted by The Pokémon Company, garnering 56,015 votes. It has also inspired culture, particularly in the , with the "disappointed Bulbasaur" format from Pokémon Snap imagery circulating widely to express mild disapproval or relatable frustration. As a starter, it is frequently chosen by players, with analyses of Generation I remakes like FireRed and LeafGreen indicating it as a preferred option for its early-game ease, though exact preferences vary by playstyle. Academically, Bulbasaur symbolizes in discussions of Pokémon's ecological themes, as its plant-based design draws from real-world between animals and , promoting awareness of . A 2024 study in the International Journal of Research highlights Bulbasaur's role in teaching about plant-animal interactions and conservation through the franchise's inspiration from . Critiques of Pokémon's occasionally point to Bulbasaur's Grass/Poison duality as limiting diversity in early generations, where its movepool emphasized status effects over varied offensive options, potentially constraining team-building creativity. Bulbasaur featured prominently in Nintendo's celebrations for the Pokémon franchise's 25th anniversary in , appearing in promotional trading cards distributed via partnerships to evoke for the original starters. In , it has been positively reviewed for accessibility, especially following 2024 event updates like the Re(re)-discovering Kanto event that boosted its spawn rates, with its legacy move Frenzy Plant available from prior Community Days. Minor controversies among fans include debates over Bulbasaur's refusal to evolve in the anime, with 2023-2025 fan theories suggesting it stems from fear of losing its close bonds or personality changes observed in other evolutions like Charizard, sparking discussions on themes of growth and autonomy.

Merchandise and promotions

Bulbasaur has been a staple in Pokémon merchandise since the franchise's early days, with official plush toys first released in 1998 as part of the initial wave of licensed products by Bandai and Tomy. These early plush items, including 6-inch Bulbasaur figures, contributed to the rapid commercialization of the Kanto starters and helped establish Bulbasaur's presence in toy aisles worldwide. Over the years, the line has expanded to include detailed figures and collectibles, such as the Pokémon Center exclusive Relaxing River Bulbasaur figurine, which depicts the Pokémon in a serene natural setting. In recent years, holiday-themed plush have become particularly popular, with the 2024 Holiday Mistletoe Bulbasaur 8-inch plush featuring the character adorned with festive holly and berries, released exclusively through retailers like Pokémon Center and . This item, made from soft and standing approximately 8 inches tall, sold out quickly during the holiday season, reflecting Bulbasaur's enduring appeal in seasonal merchandise. Additionally, has produced a range of Bulbasaur Pop! vinyl figures since 2019, including the pearlescent Pokémon Center exclusive variant (#453) with shimmering coloring and a 2025 convention-exclusive soft color edition measuring 2.7 inches tall. These figures, often limited-edition, have appreciated in value, with Pokémon Center variants showing strong demand. Collaborations have further boosted Bulbasaur's merchandise footprint, particularly through Pokémon Center exclusives like the 2025 holiday lineup, which includes Bulbasaur alongside other festive items such as Lionel train sets. Apparel tie-ins, such as the 2025 Bulbasaur anime basketball vest cosplay line inspired by NBA styles like Tatum tank tops, offer 3D-printed designs for fans engaging in sports-themed cosplay, available in sizes for men and kids. While no specific Time Magazine cover featuring Bulbasaur as a mascot occurred in 2024, the character's prominence in promotional art for events like the Pokémon World Championships has highlighted its role in high-profile collaborations. Promotional campaigns have integrated Bulbasaur into fast-food and event tie-ins, including the 2024 promotion in a Year of the Dragon theme. This collaboration, running through late 2024, prompted scalping issues in regions like , leading to new purchase limits. In , Bulbasaur appeared in 2024 GO Fest with increased shiny encounter rates during hunts, encouraging player participation in global celebrations. Environmental tie-ins, though not directly WWF-linked in 2023 records, align with broader Pokémon campaigns promoting nature themes through Bulbasaur's grass-type motif. Sales data underscores Bulbasaur's commercial success as a top-selling starter Pokémon, with the franchise's licensed products generating billions in revenue. The 2025 Mega Evolution TCG expansion has fueled hype around Bulbasaur-themed boosters, including enhanced reverse holo cards like Bulbasaur #133 as a box topper, contributing to a dynamic market with rare variants fetching high prices. Recent developments include Dynamax-inspired merchandise from Pokémon GO's 2024 , featuring oversized Bulbasaur figures, and promotional art for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, released in October 2025, which spotlights Bulbasaur in Lumiose City-themed collectibles amid the game's record-breaking 5.8 million first-week . Bulbasaur also featured in 2025 Pokémon Day celebrations, reinforcing its status as an enduring icon of the franchise.

References

  1. https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/bulbasaur
  2. https://pokemondb.net/pokedex/bulbasaur
  3. https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-red-blue-yellow-version/Bulbasaur
  4. http://pokemondungeon.com/pokedex/bulbasaur.shtml
  5. https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/pokemon-design-25
  6. https://shmuplations.com/pokemon/
  7. https://lavacutcontent.com/satoshi-tajiri-1997-interview/
  8. https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/4/17425162/pikachu-design-interview-creation
  9. https://lavacutcontent.com/ken-sugimori-nintendo-dream-3/
  10. https://screenrant.com/pokemon-gen-one-japanese-names-snorlax-jjigglypuff-bulbasaur/
  11. https://dogasu.bulbagarden.net/features/pokemon_in_1996.html
  12. https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu
  13. https://www.zsl.org/news-and-events/feature/22-pokemon-inspired-animals
  14. https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-sv/bulbasaur
  15. https://marriland.com/pokedex/mega-venusaur/
  16. https://pokemondb.net/pokedex/venusaur
  17. https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-starter-pokemon-from-each-generation
  18. https://www.serebii.net/pokedex/001.shtml
  19. https://www.cbr.com/bulbasaur-locations-mainline-pokemon-games/
  20. https://gamerant.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-how-to-get-bulbasaur-location-indigo-disk-ivysaur-venusaur/
  21. https://pokemongohub.net/post/guide/march-community-day-3-guide-bulbasaur/
  22. https://www.serebii.net/dungeonrescueteamdx/pokemon/001.shtml
  23. https://www.serebii.net/newpokemonsnap/photodex/bulbasaur.shtml
  24. https://www.serebii.net/pokemonmasters/syncpairs/maincharacter/bulbasaur.shtml
  25. https://www.serebii.net/pokemonsleep/pokemon/bulbasaur.shtml
  26. https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/news-and-updates-from-the-july-2025-pokemon-presents
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfpsYGAGzF0
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfUUwgGL08c
  29. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Pokemon/Bulbasaur-Ashs/
  30. https://www.cbr.com/best-pokemon-anime-bulbasaur-episodes/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7xsTDbTEkg
  32. https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/galleries/stellar-crown/
  33. https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-tcg-mega-evolution-product-showcase
  34. https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/232316/pokemon-mcdonalds-25th-anniversary-promos-bulbasaur-1-25
  35. https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/517271/pokemon-sv-scarlet-and-violet-promo-cards-bulbasaur-046-cosmos-holo
  36. https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/10/pokemon-profiles-bulbasaur-1
  37. https://www.cbr.com/retro-pokemon-theories-cooler-than-actual-anime-plot/
  38. https://pokemon2020.pokemon.com/en-us/
  39. https://tenor.com/view/trying-not-to-be-disappointed-bulbasaur-looking-around-gif-15247262
  40. https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2018/9/28/17855078/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon-gen-one
  41. https://internationaljournalofresearch.com/2024/11/15/the-environmental-message-of-pokemon/
  42. https://www.rigelatin.net/staircase/pokemon-types-bulbasaur.php
  43. https://www.pricecharting.com/game/pokemon-mcdonalds-2021/bulbasaur-holo-1
  44. https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-worth-playing-2024-updates-changes/
  45. https://www.ebay.com/itm/176417276575
  46. https://toywiz.com/pokemon-2024-holiday-bulbasaur-8-inch-plush-mistletoe/
  47. https://www.hottopic.com/product/pokemon-holiday-bulbasaur-plush/32108182.html
  48. https://www.pokemoncenter.com/product/703-96789/bulbasaur-pearlescent-pop-vinyl-figure-by-funko
  49. https://www.amazon.com/Funko-Pop-Games-Pokemon-Bulbasaur/dp/B0D1SYV4G8
  50. https://www.toynk.com/blogs/news/pokemon-funko-pop-list
  51. https://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-news/pokemon-center-2025-holiday-exclusives-now-available
  52. https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005009760085970.html
  53. https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokemonPhilippines/posts/23924592010497291/
  54. https://www.reddit.com/r/PokemonTCG/comments/1gzmvts/pokemon_mcdonalds_2024_happy_meal_themed_after/
  55. https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/mcdonalds-pokemon-happy-meals-collaboration
  56. https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/en/aboutus/figures
  57. https://www.psacard.com/pop/tcg-cards/2025/pokemon-meg-en-mega-evolution/316651
  58. https://pokemongohub.net/post/guide/mega-evolutions-legends-z-a/
  59. https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/1oemp7t/pokemon_legends_za_has_sold_58_million_units/
  60. https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-day-2025-celebrations
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