:Charizard

Charizard 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.{{cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |title=Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |magazine=Game Informer}} 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.{{cite book |last=Allison |first=Anne |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |date=May 2006 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}} Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=Scholastic Inc. |isbn=9780545795661 |page=5}} 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.

Charizard was designed by Atsuko Nishida for the first generation of Pocket Monsters games Red and Green, which were localized outside Japan as Pokémon Red and Blue.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/POKEMON/INTER/ATSUKO/INTER_AT.HTM |title=Interview Ms.Nishida about 『Pocket Monsters』!? |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980613171213/http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/pokemon/INTER/ATSUKO/INTER_AT.HTM |archive-date=June 13, 1998 |url-status=dead |language=ja }} Charizard was designed before Charmander, with Charmander being based on Charizard's design.{{cite web |url=https://www.pokemon.co.jp/corporate/en/pikachu/ |title=special talk - The Origin story of Pikachu |publisher=The Pokémon Company |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015917/https://www.pokemon.co.jp/corporate/en/pikachu/ |url-status=live }} Originally called "Lizardon" in Japanese, Nintendo decided to give the various Pokémon species "clever and descriptive names" related to their appearance or features when translating the game for western audiences as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children.{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html|title=PokéMania|last=Chua-Euan|first=Howard|date=November 22, 1999|magazine=Time |access-date=September 15, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913182631/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html |archive-date=September 13, 2008}} As a result, the species was renamed "Charizard", a portmanteau of the words "charcoal" or "char" and "lizard".{{cite web |url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/16708/page_22.html |title=#006: Charizard |magazine=IGN |access-date=July 14, 2009 |archive-date=May 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519205959/http://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-blue-version/Charizard |url-status=live }} During an interview, Pokémon Company

President Tsunekazu Ishihara stated that Charizard was expected to be popular with North American audiences because of their preference for strong, powerful characters.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0610/12/i05.html |title=Interview with Tsunekazu Ishihara |language=ja |author=Nintendo |access-date=June 7, 2009 |author-link=Nintendo |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215085548/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0610/12/i05.html |url-status=dead }} When Pokémon X and Y were being developed, it was decided that the final forms of the starter Pokémon- Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle- would receive Mega Evolutions about one and a half years into the development of the games. Charmander, alongside Bulbasaur and Squirtle, were added to the game in a significant role in order to allow players to experience Charizard's Mega Evolution as the player played through the games.{{cite web |last=Betka |first=Zach |date=September 19, 2013 |title=Pokemon X/Y: WHY?! Director Masuda himself answers! |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-xy-why-director-masuda-himself-answers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207091428/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-xy-why-director-masuda-himself-answers/ |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=March 16, 2014 |work=GamesRadar}}

File:Mega Charizard.jpg. Charizard has numerous alternate forms.]]

Whereas its pre-evolutions Charmander and Charmeleon are ground-bound lizard like creatures, Charizard's design is inspired by dragons,{{cite web|url=https://drm.pokemontcg.com/en-us/|title=Description of the "Dragon Majesty" expansion of the Trading Card Game|website=NA website of Dragon Majesty|publisher=Nintendo|quote=The Dragon Majesty expansion is loaded with Dragon-type Pokémon, plus many other Pokémon inspired by different kinds of dragons, such as Gyarados and Charizard.|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=December 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203123556/https://drm.pokemontcg.com/en-us/|url-status=dead}} more specifically European dragons.{{cite book |page=125 |title=Dragonlore:From the Archives of the Grey School of Wizardry |isbn=1-56414-868-8 |publisher=Career Press |year=2006 |last=DeKirk |first=Ash |author2=Oberon Zell-Ravenheart}} Charizard has two elemental "types" in-game, Fire and Flying, which determine its in battle strengths and weaknesses. Despite its draconic origins, Charizard does not gain the Dragon typing outside of its form change into Mega Charizard X.{{Cite web |title=The 11 best Dragon-type Pokémon: Dragonite and beyond! |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/technology/gaming/11-best-dragon-type-pokemon/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508185052/https://www.radiotimes.com/technology/gaming/11-best-dragon-type-pokemon/ |url-status=live }}

Charizard can breathe flames so intense that they can melt boulders, but will never torch a weaker foe.{{pokédex|emerald|A Charizard flies about in search of strong opponents. It breathes intense flames that can melt any material. However, it will never torch a weaker foe.}} If Charizard becomes angry, the flame at the tip of their tail can flare up in a whitish-blue color.{{pokédex|gold|If Charizard becomes furious, the flame at the tip of its tail flare up in a whitish-blue color.}} Mega Charizard X has a black, toned body and hotter blue flames.{{cite web |url=https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pika_vee/pokemon/180809_06.html |title=Mega Charizard X from LGP&LGE |website=Japanese Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee site |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102094725/https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pika_vee/pokemon/180809_06.html |url-status=live }} Mega Charizard Y, by comparison, more closely resembles Charizard's original color design, and has significantly stronger flying abilities according to the games.{{cite web |url=https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/xy/pokemon/mega/10.html |title=Mega Charizard Y from X&Y |website=Japanese Pokemon X & Y site |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813043619/https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/xy/pokemon/mega/10.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pika_vee/pokemon/180809_07.html |title=Mega Charizard Y from LGP&LGE |website=Japanese Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee site |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044120/https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pika_vee/pokemon/180809_07.html |url-status=live }} Charizard has an additional "Shiny form," which changes the species' natural color schemes. Charizard's shiny form first appeared in Pokémon Gold and Silver, and could be encountered in many games afterwards, including in Pokémon Go, where it could be obtained in many events, such as during special Community Day events featuring Charmander.{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/shiny-blastoise-charizard-venusaur-in-pokemon-go-photobombs/|title=Shiny Blastoise, Charizard, & Venusaur In Pokémon GO Photobombs|first=Theo|last=Dwyer|date=September 26, 2020|website=Bleeding Cool News And Rumors|access-date=June 12, 2021|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612145957/https://bleedingcool.com/games/shiny-blastoise-charizard-venusaur-in-pokemon-go-photobombs/|url-status=live}} In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Charizard is capable of Gigantamaxing, which causes it to grow significantly in size and change its appearance. If Charizard knows any Fire-type damage dealing moves, they will be transformed into G-Max Wildfire, which deals damage after the attack for five turns. Gigantamax Charizard is most notably used by the games' Champion and final boss, Leon.{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-sword-shield-gigantamax-starter-design-origins-differences/|title=Pokémon Gigantamax Starter Form Design Origins Explained|date=March 24, 2021|website=ScreenRant|access-date=June 12, 2021|archive-date=March 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327013625/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-sword-shield-gigantamax-starter-design-origins-differences/|url-status=live}}

Charizard made its video game debut in 1996 with the Japanese release of Pokémon Red and Blue.{{cite video game |title=Pikachu Trophy Information |developer=Sora Ltd. |publisher=Nintendo |date=January 31, 2008 |platform=Wii |quote=Appearances: Pokémon Red/Green (1996)}}{{cite web |url=http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ |title=Official Japanese Pokémon website |access-date=May 24, 2007 |archive-date=June 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607103927/http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ |url-status=live }} It is available only through evolving Charmander, who is one of the first Pokémon the player can choose at the start of the game.{{cite book |last1=West |first1=Tracy |last2=Noll |first2=Katherine |title=Pokémon Top 10 Handbook |date=September 2006 |publisher=Scholastic Inc |isbn=0-439-89047-0 |pages=8, 65, 78}} Charizard has since subsequently appeared in numerous games in the series.{{Cite web |last=Lowthian |first=Declan |date=2022-04-02 |title=Where To Find Charmander In Every Main Series Pokémon Game |url=https://www.cbr.com/charmander-pokemon-game-locations/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=December 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213074741/https://www.cbr.com/charmander-pokemon-game-locations/ |url-status=live }} In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, and their remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Charizard is used by Red, who acts as the games' final boss.{{Cite web |last=Painter |first=Ben |date=2021-06-26 |title=Pokemon: Every Team Red Has Had In The Games, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-every-team-red-had-games-ranked/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=September 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920134528/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-every-team-red-had-games-ranked/ |url-status=live }} Charizard is one of several Pokémon in Pokémon X and Y that is able to use the new Mega Evolution mechanic. When equipped with a "Mega Stone" item, Charizard can change into either Mega Charizard X or Mega Charizard Y.{{cite web |url=http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon/mega_pokemon/ |title=Mega Pokémon |publisher=Pokemonxy.com |access-date=October 2, 2013 |archive-date=April 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405083910/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon/mega_pokemon/ |url-status=live }} It later re-appeared in Pokémon Sword and Shield, where it is notably used by the games' Champion and final boss, Leon. It has a special "Gigantamax" form, which was introduced in this game.

Charizard has made appearances in many other Pokémon games. It appears in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team on a team with an Alakazam and Tyranitar, who play a significant role in the story.{{cite video game |title=Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team |developer=Chunsoft |publisher=Nintendo |date=November 17, 2005 |platform=Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS}} In Pokémon Ranger, Charizard is a boss Pokémon who becomes attached to the player's character and assists him or her throughout the game.{{cite video game |title=Pokémon Ranger |developer=HAL Laboratory |publisher=Nintendo |date=March 23, 2006|platform=Nintendo DS}} Charizard returns in Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs as another boss character, and later appears in the Pokémon Rumble series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/02/pokemon_rumble_developer_ambrella_has_been_acquired_and_dissolved_by_creatures_inc|title=pokemon rumble developer ambrella has been acquired and dissolved by creatures inc|date=February 8, 2021|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206034929/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/02/pokemon_rumble_developer_ambrella_has_been_acquired_and_dissolved_by_creatures_inc|url-status=live}} nintendolife.com It also appears in Pokémon Snap and its sequel, New Pokémon Snap.{{Cite web |last=Bowen |first=Tom |date=2021-05-04 |title=New Pokemon Snap: Every Pokemon In Fireflow Volcano & Where To Find Them |url=https://gamerant.com/new-pokemon-snap-every-pokemon-fireflow-volcano/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507010217/https://gamerant.com/new-pokemon-snap-every-pokemon-fireflow-volcano/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Switzer |first=Eric |date=2021-04-30 |title=FYI: There's No Way To Evolve Pokemon In New Pokemon Snap |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-snap-no-evolving-charizard-slowbro/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201180316/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-snap-no-evolving-charizard-slowbro/ |url-status=live }}

Charizard has appeared many times throughout the Super Smash Bros. series. It notably appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, where Charizard is playable while under the command of the Pokémon Trainer. The Trainer has a stamina mechanic with his Pokémon, requiring the Pokémon to be swapped out when they are tired.{{Cite web |date=2007-08-13 |title=Let Super Smash Bros. Brawl show you its pokemans |url=https://www.destructoid.com/let-super-smash-bros-brawl-show-you-its-pokemans/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505201321/https://www.destructoid.com/let-super-smash-bros-brawl-show-you-its-pokemans/ |url-status=live }} Charizard is playable as a standalone character in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. In-game, its moveset has received alterations, and it gains a new Final Smash where it transforms into Mega Charizard X.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/4/8/5595412/pokemon-charizard-and-greninja-join-super-smash-bros-roster|title=pokemon charizard and greninja join super smash bros roster|website=Polygon|date=April 8, 2014|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184552/https://www.polygon.com/2014/4/8/5595412/pokemon-charizard-and-greninja-join-super-smash-bros-roster|url-status=live}} polygon.com Charizard returns in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where it is once again under the command of the Pokémon Trainer.{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/super-smash-bros-every-pokemon-fighter-ranked/|title=super smash bros every pokemon fighter ranked|website=Screen Rant|date=June 25, 2021|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=November 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127084308/https://screenrant.com/super-smash-bros-every-pokemon-fighter-ranked/|url-status=live}} screenrant.com According to The Pokémon Company, the reason for Charizard's separation in 3DS and Wii U was due to it disobeying Pokémon Trainer to fight solo, before later rejoining him in Ultimate.{{Cite web |date=2019-01-14 |title=Official Pokémon Site Suggests Charizard Disobeyed Its Trainer For Smash 4, Just Like Ash's Did |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/01/official_pokemon_site_suggests_charizard_disobeyed_its_trainer_for_smash_4_just_like_ashs_did |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505201313/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/01/official_pokemon_site_suggests_charizard_disobeyed_its_trainer_for_smash_4_just_like_ashs_did |url-status=live }} Charizard also appears as a playable fighter in Pokkén Tournament{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/03/charizard-and-weavile-join-the-fight-in-pokken-tournament|title=Charizard and Weavile Join the Fight in Pokkén Tournament|date=July 3, 2015|magazine=IGN|access-date=June 13, 2021|archive-date=June 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613092852/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/03/charizard-and-weavile-join-the-fight-in-pokken-tournament|url-status=live}} and Pokémon Unite.{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-unite-charizard-snorlax-moveset/|title=Pokemon unite charizard snorlax moveset|date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183119/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-unite-charizard-snorlax-moveset/|url-status=live}} comicbook.com

File:2021 New York Comic Con (Batch Edits - 030) (51573143426).jpg

In the anime, a Charizard is one of protagonist Ash Ketchum's Pokémon. Ash rescued it from the verge of death as a Charmander after its previous trainer abandoned it. After it evolved, Charizard grew disobedient, believing itself to be stronger than Ash. After Charizard was frozen solid during a battle, Ash helped Charizard recover, at which point Charizard began to obey Ash's commands and respect him again. Eventually, Charizard left Ash to stay at the Charicific Valley, where he stayed behind to train. Charizard occasionally returned to aid Ash after this, re-appearing in the third movie, Spell of the Unown, in order to save Ash.{{Cite web |last=Finch |first=Lydia |date=2022-10-07 |title=Pokemon: Why Was Ash's Charizard So Disobedient? |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-why-was-ash-charizard-so-disobedient/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=October 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030174515/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-why-was-ash-charizard-so-disobedient/ |url-status=live }} Charizard later rejoined his team during the Best Wishes series, and stayed with Professor Oak following this. He later re-appeared in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.{{Cite web |last=VanHooker |first=Brian |date=2021-05-01 |title=Pokémon: What Happened To Ash's Charizard? |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-ash-ketchum-charizard-what-happened/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923131442/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-ash-ketchum-charizard-what-happened/ |url-status=live }}

In the Pokémon Adventures manga, one of the protagonists, Blue, receives a Charmander from his grandfather Professor Oak. It is later shown to have evolved into a Charizard, and Blue uses it as one of his main Pokémon throughout the series.{{Cite web |last=Kurten |first=Guillermo |date=2024-04-29 |title=Blue's Best Pokémon in the Pokémon Adventures Manga |url=https://www.cbr.com/blue-best-pokemon-in-adventure-manga/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502112859/https://www.cbr.com/blue-best-pokemon-in-adventure-manga/ |url-status=live }} A Charizard appears in the movie Detective Pikachu, where it attacks the protagonists of the film during a scene in the film. A Magikarp evolves into a Gyarados in order to fight it.{{Cite web |last=Casey |first=Connor |title=Detective Pikachu Artist Teases Scrapped Charizard vs Gyarados Battle |url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/detective-pikachu-artist-teases-charizard-vs-gyarados-battle-photos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185131/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/detective-pikachu-artist-teases-charizard-vs-gyarados-battle-photos/ |archive-date=2021-07-09 |access-date=2021-07-07 |website=Comicbook.com|date=June 13, 2019 }} Charizard appears often in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, most notably in the series' initial release. Cards featuring the character have been stated to be the most desired of the series, quickly rising to high prices amongst collectors and retailers.{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2020 |title=5 Most Valuable Charizard Pokemon Cards in The World |url=https://www.cardcollector.co.uk/charizard-pokemon-card/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127220958/https://www.cardcollector.co.uk/charizard-pokemon-card/ |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2020 |website=Card Collector |language=en-US}}{{cite book |author=Kaufield, John |url=https://archive.org/details/tradingcardgames00kauf/page/93 |title=Trading Card Games for Dummies |author2=Jeremy Smith |publisher=For Dummies |year=2006 |isbn=0-471-75416-1 |page=[https://archive.org/details/tradingcardgames00kauf/page/93 93] |url-access=registration}} Some cards have sold from tens of thousand to hundreds of thousands in USD.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=2021-03-29 |title=Holographic Charizard Pokémon card sells for more than $300K |url=https://www.polygon.com/22356401/holographic-charizard-ebay-300k-sold-pokemon-cards |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505205045/https://www.polygon.com/22356401/holographic-charizard-ebay-300k-sold-pokemon-cards |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Yehl |first=Joshua |date=2019-09-03 |title=Shiny Charizard Pokemon Card Sells for Over $10,000 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/09/03/shiny-charizard-pokemon-card-sells-for-over-10000 |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326045927/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/09/03/shiny-charizard-pokemon-card-sells-for-over-10000 |url-status=live }} A rare first edition 1999 Pokémon Charizard No. 4 card was sold by Heritage Auctions in 2022 for $336,000.{{Cite web |last=Abbassi |first=Emmy |date=2022-03-13 |title=Rare Pokémon Charizard card sells for $336,000 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/13/us/pokemon-charizard-auction-trnd/index.html |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=CNN |language=en}} Logan Paul has been stated to have strongly influenced the demand for Charizard cards, most notably after his fight with Floyd Mayweather, in which Paul wore a Charizard card around his neck.{{Cite web |last=Gault |first=Matthew |date=2021-06-07 |title=Logan Paul Wears First Edition Pokémon Card Necklace to Floyd Mayweather Fight |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/qj8v7m/logal-paul-wears-first-edition-pokemon-card-necklace-to-floyd-mayweather-fight |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Vice |language=en |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507030833/https://www.vice.com/en/article/qj8v7m/logal-paul-wears-first-edition-pokemon-card-necklace-to-floyd-mayweather-fight |url-status=live }}

File:Chilicola charizard - Female.jpg

Charizard has received positive reception since its debut.{{cite web |author=pokemonofthedaychick |date=March 7, 2003 |title=Pokemon Crystal Version Pokemon of the Day: Charizard (#6) - IGN FAQs |url=http://faqs.ign.com/articles/388/388456p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725073615/http://faqs.ign.com/articles/388/388456p1.html |archive-date=July 25, 2012 |access-date=August 30, 2010 |magazine=IGN}}{{cite web |author=Elston, Brett |date=August 24, 2007 |title=The complete Pokémon RBY pokédex, part 1 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-1/a-200708209459101025/g-2006100415372930075/p-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004152634/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-1/ |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=October 4, 2009 |work=GamesRadar |publisher=Future Publishing |page=6}}{{cite web |author=Elston, Brett |date=August 24, 2007 |title=The complete Pokémon RBY pokédex, part 1 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-1/a-200708209459101025/g-2006100415372930075/p-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004152634/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-1/ |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=October 4, 2009 |work=GamesRadar |publisher=Future Publishing |page=4}}{{cite web |date=March 5, 2016 |title=Ranking All 151 Original Pokémon From Dumbest To Coolest |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/02/24/all-151-original-pokemon-ranked-from-dumbest-to-coolest.aspx?PostPageIndex=6 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309175014/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/02/24/all-151-original-pokemon-ranked-from-dumbest-to-coolest.aspx?PostPageIndex=6 |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=March 6, 2016 |magazine=Game Informer}} In 2005, search engine Yahoo! reported Charizard as "one of the top Pokémon-related web searches",{{cite news |url=http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzz_log/entry/2005/06/11/2100/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050614012829/http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzz_log/entry/2005/06/11/2100/ |archive-date=June 14, 2005 |title=Pokémon Far From Passe |date=June 11, 2005 |work=Yahoo! |access-date=October 15, 2009}} while in 2020, Charizard was voted as one of the top ten most popular Pokémon by fans.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Austin |date=2020-02-27 |title=The 2020 Pokemon of the Year winners are here |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-2020-pokemon-of-the-year-winners-are-here/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=gamesradar |language=en |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816063615/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-2020-pokemon-of-the-year-winners-are-here/ |url-status=live }} Kevin Slackie of Paste noted that despite Charizard's intimidating appearance, its appealing design made it popular with many.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/pok-mon/the-top-100-pokemon-of-all-time/|title=The 100 Best Pokémon|date=February 27, 2017|website=Paste|access-date=July 6, 2021|archive-date=December 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218143039/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/pok-mon/the-top-100-pokemon-of-all-time/|url-status=live}} Dale Bishir of IGN described Charizard as being an iconic fixture of the series due to its prevalence in various media related to the franchise.{{Cite web|url=https://sea.ign.com/pokemon/169418/news/the-25-most-important-pokemon-that-impacted-the-franchises-history|title=The 25 Most Important Pokemon That Impacted the Franchise's History|date=March 4, 2021|website=IGN|access-date=July 10, 2021|archive-date=September 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921200318/https://sea.ign.com/pokemon/169418/news/the-25-most-important-pokemon-that-impacted-the-franchises-history|url-status=live}} Steven Bogos of The Escapist listed Charizard as second of their favorite Pokémon, describing it as "awesome across {{em|all}} of the franchise's properties".{{cite web |last1=Bogos |first1=Steven |title=The Top 10 Pokemon of All Time |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/the-top-10-pokemon-of-all-time/ |website=The Escapist |access-date=July 12, 2021 |date=February 27, 2016 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715095753/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/the-top-10-pokemon-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }} A Charizard statue representing the Pokémon in its real size was installed in May, 2018 in the municipality of Suzano, located in São Paulo in Brazil.{{Cite web |date=May 20, 2018 |title=Estátua do "Pokémon" Charizard surge em cidade da Grande São Paulo |url=https://www.uol.com.br/start/ultimas-noticias/2018/05/20/estatua-do-pokemon-charizard-surge-em-cidade-da-grande-sao-paulo.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229194918/https://www.uol.com.br/start/ultimas-noticias/2018/05/20/estatua-do-pokemon-charizard-surge-em-cidade-da-grande-sao-paulo.htm |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=UOL}} Since its installation, the statue has undergone maintenance, even receiving a mask temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.{{Cite web |date=May 20, 2023 |title=Praça dos Expedicionários e esculturas de Pokémon são revitalizadas |url=https://www.diariodesuzano.com.br/cidades/praca-dos-expedicionarios-e-esculturas-de-pokemon-sao-revitalizadas/72554/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229153038/https://www.diariodesuzano.com.br/cidades/praca-dos-expedicionarios-e-esculturas-de-pokemon-sao-revitalizadas/72554/ |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Diário de Suzano}}{{Cite web |date=June 25, 2020 |title=Personagem do desenho japônes Pokémon, Charizard, aparece de máscara em Suzano |url=https://www.diariodesuzano.com.br/cidades/personagem-do-desenho-japones-pokemon-charizard-aparece-de-mascara/54181/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130185247/https://www.diariodesuzano.com.br/cidades/personagem-do-desenho-japones-pokemon-charizard-aparece-de-mascara/54181/ |archive-date=January 30, 2024 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Diário de Suzano}} A street in Las Vegas was named after Charizard,{{Cite news |date=2023-05-23 |title=Pokémon-inspired Las Vegas street names feature Jigglypuff Place, Snorlax Lane |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/meet-me-at-the-corner-of-jigglypuff-and-charmander-las-vegas-neighbourhood-takes-inspiration-from-pokemon |access-date=2024-05-05 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=August 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805010348/https://www.eurogamer.net/meet-me-at-the-corner-of-jigglypuff-and-charmander-las-vegas-neighbourhood-takes-inspiration-from-pokemon |url-status=live }} while a species of bee, Chillicola charizard, was named after the species.{{Cite journal |last=Monckton |first=Spencer K. |date=19 May 2016 |title=A revision of Chilicola (Heteroediscelis), a subgenus of xeromelissine bees (Hymenoptera, Colletidae) endemic to Chile: taxonomy, phylogeny, and biogeography, with descriptions of eight new species |url=https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7731/ |journal=ZooKeys |issue=591 |pages=1–144 |bibcode=2016ZooK..591....1M |doi=10.3897/zookeys.591.7731 |doi-access=free |issn=1313-2970 |pmc=4926649 |pmid=27408541 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525061005/https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7731/ |archive-date=25 May 2022 |access-date=10 May 2022}}{{Cite web |date=2023-03-08 |title=A New Cockroach Just Dropped and It's Named After a Pokémon {{!}} RPGFan |url=https://www.rpgfan.com/2023/03/08/new-cockroach-named-after-pokemon/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=www.rpgfan.com |language=en-US |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505210226/https://www.rpgfan.com/2023/03/08/new-cockroach-named-after-pokemon/ |url-status=live }}

In a poll by Official Nintendo Magazine, Charizard was voted as the "best Fire-type Pokémon". They stated, "not only is Charizard your favourite fire Pokémon, but it is probably one of the most popular 'mon of all time".{{cite web |author=Thomas East |date=September 29, 2010 |title=Nintendo Feature: Best Fire Pokémon |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/20118/features/best-fire-pokmon/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110044022/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/20118/features/best-fire-pokmon/ |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=April 11, 2011 |work=Official Nintendo Magazine}} Kotaku editor Patricia Hernandez criticized Charizard's Y Mega Evolution for not differing enough from Charizard's original design, while praising Mega Charizard X's new design and attributes by comparison.{{cite web |author=Patricia Hernandez |date=October 16, 2013 |title=The Best and Worst of the New Mega Evolutions In Pokémon X & Y |url=http://kotaku.com/the-best-and-worst-of-the-new-mega-evolutions-in-pokem-1446514749/all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006224533/http://kotaku.com/the-best-and-worst-of-the-new-mega-evolutions-in-pokem-1446514749/all |archive-date=October 6, 2015 |access-date=March 29, 2014 |magazine=Kotaku}} Described by the media as "a lean, ferocious, fire-breathing dragon ... sleek, powerful, and utterly destructive", Charizard has been noted as one of the franchise's "most popular" characters.{{cite web|url=http://www.ndsmcobserver.com/2.2756/pondering-pokemon-1.255952|title=Pondering Pokémon|date=February 24, 2009|work=The Observer|access-date=February 28, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714161821/http://www.ndsmcobserver.com/2.2756/pondering-pokemon-1.255952|archive-date=July 14, 2011}} VG247 writer Nadia Oxford highlighted Charizard's design as helping to endear her to the series, further stating that its "iconic" design and draconic appearance helped make the series popular with children. She also praised the Mega Evolution mechanic for revitalizing Charizard, stating that it "helped refresh this ancient Pokemon mascot in our hearts and minds."{{Cite web |author=USGamer Team |date=2018-09-25 |title=The Top 25 Pokemon in Series History: The Best Monsters From Pokemon Red and Blue to Sun and Moon |url=https://www.vg247.com/the-top-25-pokemon-in-series-history-the-best-monsters-from-pokemon-red-and-blue-to-sun-and-moon |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108133444/https://www.vg247.com/the-top-25-pokemon-in-series-history-the-best-monsters-from-pokemon-red-and-blue-to-sun-and-moon |url-status=live }}

Retailers have attributed the high sales of merchandise related to the character to the popularity of the character's dragon-like and appealing design with children.{{cite news |first=Agnes |last=Diggs |title=Valley Roundup; West Hills; Pokémon Tourney Draws Hundreds of Young Players |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 25, 1999}} Interviewed children have stated similar; they attributed its appeal to its "cool looking" appearance, associating the character with the "concepts of stubbornness and power".{{cite news |first=Chick |last=Jacobs |title=Pokémon Turns 10 |work=The Fayetteville Observer |publisher=Charles Broadwell |date=July 5, 2006}}{{cite news |first=Chick |last=Jacobs |title=A Friendly Ear and Some Pokémon Can Ease the Fear |work=The Fayetteville Observer |publisher=Charles Broadwell |date=November 24, 2000}}{{cite book|last=Tobin|first=Joseph Jay|year=2004|title=Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon|publisher=Duke University Press|page=180|isbn=0-8223-3287-6}} The book Rebuilding Attachments With Traumatized Children stated psychiatrists utilized the character as an empowered character, with traumatized children who were fans of the Pokémon series being able to relate to the Pokémon.{{cite book|title=Rebuilding Attachments With Traumatized Children|publisher=Haworth Maltreatment and Trauma Press |year=2004 |last=Kagan |first=Richard |isbn=0-7890-1544-7}} The book Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon cited Charizard as "popular" with older male children who tended to be drawn to "tough or scary" characters, and compared the character's evolution from Charmander into Charizard with the loss of "cuteness" as one leaves childhood.{{cite book|last=Tobin|first=Joseph Jay|year=2004|title=Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon|publisher=Duke University Press|page=178|isbn=0-8223-3287-6}} Despite Charizard's popularity, Laura Gray of Screen Rant responded negatively to Charizard's prevalence in the series, citing that its frequent re-appearances alongside series mascot Pikachu took focus away from other popular Pokémon in the series.{{Cite web |date=April 6, 2021 |title=Why Pokémon's Charizard Is Overrated |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-charizard-overrated-most-popular-anime-games-why/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612122324/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-charizard-overrated-most-popular-anime-games-why/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |access-date=June 12, 2021 |website=ScreenRant}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Portal|Video games}}

• {{Bulbapedia}}
• [https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/charizard Charizard on Pokemon.com]

{{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}}

{{Pokémon}}

{{Super Smash Bros.}}

{{Good article}}

Category:Dragon characters in video games

Category:Pokémon introduced in generation I

Category:Pokémon with Mega Evolutions

Category:Super Smash Bros. fighters

Category:Video game characters introduced in 1996

Category:Video game characters with air or wind abilities

Category:Video game characters with fire or heat abilities

Category:Fictional characters who can change size

Category:Video game mascots

Category:Dragon mascots

Category:Mascots introduced in 1996

Category:Starter Pokémon