Pokemon definitely needs no introduction. The Japanese media franchise Satoshi Tajiri created has conquered the world’s attention since its debut in 1996.
Pokemon is an abbreviation for Pocket Monsters and began as a role playing a video game called Pocket Monsters: Green and Red (Red and Blue outside Japan).
The games soon became the foundation for an anime series that became a global hit. The series followed the tale of Ash Ketchum and his trusty sidekick pokemon Pikachu. The series is a long standing anime and spans 1209 episodes to date.
Apart from Video Games and Anime Series, the franchise spawned a trading card game, anime film series, live action films, manga, and even theme parks.
Plot
Pokemon exist in a universe where humans coexist with creatures called Pokemon. Pokemon species are categorized into 913 species, each of which has special powers.
The humans tame these creatures and train them for a wide variety of purposes. Particular trainers capture pokemon and train them to fight on one in one duels called Pokemon Trainers.
The protagonist of the anime series is Ash Ketchum, a ten year old boy who dreams of becoming a Pokemon Master – A title for the best pokemon trainer.
He and his friends Misty, Brock, and others go on various adventures, capturing different pokemon and fighting Team Rocket’s Jesse and James, who wants to steal their pokemon.
Characters
Ash Ketchum
Ash Ketchum is a 10 year old pokemon trainer and is one of the most recognized anime characters and pop culture icons. Though he always emerges the victor of many battles, he has never won any major league battles.
He is very passionate and strategic but often lacks common sense, which gives him comic relief throughout the series.
Pikachu
Pikachu is Ash’s right hand, his favourite pokemon. Pikachu is a cute electric type pokemon who is known for his speed and agility. He is often the target of Team Rocket.
Misty
Misty is Ash’s friend and aims to be one of the best water pokemon trainers in the world. She tags along with Ash and Brock in their adventures.
Brock
Brock is one of the very first gym leaders Ash fights and befriends. He works with Rock type pokemon. He aims to travel the world and become a leading pokemon breeder.
Though he is one of the finest minds when it comes to pokemon battles and is an excellent analyst, he often makes a fool of himself around the ladies.
Jesse, James, and Meowth
Jesse and James are members of Team Rocket, a sinister organization that aims to control the world of pokemon.
They, along with Meowth, a cat pokemon with a human mind, try to capture Pikachu for their experiments.
Professor Oak
Ash’s well wisher and one of the best known scientific minds in the world of Pokemon. Professor Oak always helps Ash in his adventures and helps take care of his extra pokemon back at his lab.
Reception
Pokemon is one of the most watched shows in the world. The series and its characters have numerous spin-offs and fan fiction and are regarded as one of the Top 100 Animated-Series by IGN.