Pikachu has been an iconic part of the Pokemon universe from the start – and has just been voted greatest Gen 1 Pokemon of all time by Pubity fans.
Pokemon celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and has become one of the most successful animated exports from Japan. The comics, animated series, movies (animated and live action), video games and trading cards have delighted at least two generations – and shows no sign of stopping.
To mark this milestone, Pubity has conducted another of its ‘you decide’ knockout polls to determine the greatest Pokemon from its first generation of characters. The format was as usual – 32 characters start, and they are paired up and face off against each other, with Pubity fans on Instagram voting for their favourite and the winner progressing to the next round, and so on until there is just one standing.
But which was voted as the greatest gen 1 Pokemon? Read on to find out.
Winner – Pikachu
It had to be, really, didn’t it? Pikachu – Ash Ketchum’s constant companion through decades of adventures in the Pokemon universe and the franchise’s mascot, took the title, winning 53% of the vote.
Pikachu is an electric-type Pokemon, and is basically a large yellow mouse with a tail shaped like a lightning bolt, through which he can generate electricity, which is his main weapon in battles.
Runner-up – Charizard
Another iconic Pokemon, Charizard, was the defeated finalist. The final evolution of Charmander, and a fire-type Pokemon, it is another character that has been often owned by Ash over the years.
His dragon-like appearance has helped its popularity with merchandising over the years
Semi-finalists – Mewtwo and Dragonite
Mewtwo, often regarded as the world’s strongest Pokemon, fell in the semi-final of the tournament. Mewtwo is a legendary Pokemon, which is very rare and powerful, and was created as a genetically modified clone of another Pokemon, Mew, and has psychic abilities.
The other semi-finalist was Dragonite, which was the first dragon-type Pokemon to be created in the series. It is the evolved form of Dragonair, which itself is evolved form Dratini.
Quarter-finalists
The losers in the last eight included Mew – as mentioned, it is a mythical Pokemon, a very rare and powerful type of Pokemon, which often only appear in special events. For years, Mew couldn’t be obtained in games through legitimate means. It also provides the base genetics for Mewtwo, and is also psychic.
Gyarados is a water/flying-type Pokemon and the evolved version of Magikarp, and has significant strength and power. Both Pokemon are two of the best known Pokemon.
Snorlax, as the name suggests, is a Pokemon that spends most of its existence asleep. Along with his large, cuddly form, he has become a fan favourite, especially for merchandising.
Blastoise was the other loser in the last eight. He is the final evolved form of Squirtle and looks like an armoured tortoise. In the original video game it was one of only three final evolutions players could choose from.
Round of 16
Some big Pokemon favourites fell in the round of 16, including Eevee, who has had her own video game, and Meowth – the sidekick of Team Rocket for many years and that rarest of things, a Pokemon that can speak. Other Pokemon to fall included Venusaur, Zapdos, Lapras, Articuno, Cubone and Rhydon.
First round
Of the 32 Pokemon chosen for the knockout tournament, 16 had to go in the first round, and that included some popular characters. Some of the more well-known names included Jigglypuff, Ditto, Gengar – which have a UK rock band named after him – and Psyduck. Others to fall included Arcanine, Kangaskhan, Onix, Aerodactyl, Moltres, Tendacruel, Scyther, Machamp, Chansey, Pidgeot and Hitmonlee.
