:Mimikyu

File:Pokemon-Mimikyu-ActualBody.png

Mimikyu 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.{{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.

Mimikyu first appears in the sequel titles Pokémon Sun and Moon. When developing the games, director Shigeru Ohmori wanted to put the spotlight on the Pokémon themselves, re-examining the concept of them as living creatures and how humans interact with them. In an interview, he described "nature" and "abundant life" as two of the central themes of the game, while also wanting to explore concepts of "Pokémon that have a more playful element or a gimmick".{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/interview-first-time-pokemon-director-shigeru-ohmori-opens-up-about-sun-and-moon |first=Kat |last=Bailey |website=USgamer |via=VG247 |title=Interview: First-time Pokémon Director Shigeru Ohmori Opens Up About Sun and Moon |accessdate=2024-10-30 |date=2016-10-19}} As the games also represented the 20th anniversary of the franchise, the development team were encouraged to explore a "funny element" to Pokémon design, as it was seen as a special occasion. Consideration however was also given to "find a balance of cool [and] serious" Pokémon designs that would fit the game's Alolan region,{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/the-creators-of-pokemon-explain-why-sun-and-moon-has-ri-1788191518 |title=The Creators of Pokémon Explain Why Sun and Moon Has Ridiculous Monster Designs |first=Patricia |last=Hernandez |accessdate=2024-10-30 |website=Kotaku |date=2016-10-25}} which was based on Hawaii.{{cite magazine |magazine=Time |title=Why the New Pokémon Are Called {{'}}Sun and Moon{{'}} |accessdate=2024-10-30 |url=https://time.com/4536438/pokemon-sun-moon-interview/ |first=Matt |last=Peckham |date=2016-10-19}}

Mimikyu is a small Pokémon, standing 8 inches (0.2 m) tall.{{Cite web |date=19 July 2016 |title=Pokemon Sun and Moon reveals next wave of characters |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/pokemon/a801836/pokemon-sun-and-moon-reveals-next-wave-of-characters/ |access-date=30 March 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}} The Pokémon itself hides underneath a tattered cloak with a crudely drawn face on its head. The overall disguise is shaped like a Pokémon called Pikachu and is a meta-referential element of the Pokémon franchise; its imitation of Pikachu references the latter's role as the series mascot.{{Cite journal |last=Cassone |first=Vincenzo Idone |date=2021-12-31 |title=Gotta face 'em all: Pokémon, Japanese animated characters, and the emergence of playful visual animism |url=https://ojs.utlib.ee/index.php/sss/article/view/SSS.2021.49.3-4.15 |url-status=live |journal=Sign Systems Studies |language=en |volume=49 |issue=3–4 |pages=552, 554 |doi=10.12697/SSS.2021.49.3-4.15 |issn=1736-7409 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725170822/https://ojs.utlib.ee/index.php/sss/article/view/SSS.2021.49.3-4.15 |archive-date=25 July 2023 |access-date=16 March 2024|doi-access=free }} Mimikyu wears the costume in hopes of being loved and accepted, as its true form is said to be horrifying in nature. Mimikyu has two "types", elemental attributes that dictate in battle strengths and weaknesses: Ghost and Fairy. Mimikyu was designed by Megumi Mizutani.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/?s=special/my151cam|title=My151キャンペーン|website=Pokémon Center ONLINE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423234524/https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/?s=special%2Fmy151cam|archive-date=23 April 2022}} In the anime, Mimikyu is voiced by Billy Bob Thompson in English.{{Cite web |title=voice acting |url=https://www.billybobthompson.com/voice-acting |access-date=28 March 2024 |website=home |language=en |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328221220/https://www.billybobthompson.com/voice-acting |url-status=live }}

Mimikyu first appears in Pokémon Sun and Moon.{{Cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/best-pokmon-in-pokmon-sun-and-moon-5 |title=Best Pokémon in Pokémon Sun and Moon |last=Nadia Oxford |date=9 December 2016 |website=USgamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212152354/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/best-pokmon-in-pokmon-sun-and-moon-5 |archive-date=12 December 2016 |access-date=10 December 2016}} It changes its appearance when hit by an attack. It has a special in-combat ability known as "Disguise", which allows it to avoid damage from an enemy attack once during a battle. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Mimikyu can use an exclusive Z-Move—a special, one-time use powerful attack—known as "Let's Snuggle Forever", that requires Mimikyu to know the attack "Play Rough" and hold an item called Mimikium Z.{{Cite web |last=Nunneley-Jackson |first=Stephany |date=10 November 2017 |title=Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon video shows off Mimikyu's Z-Move Let's Snuggle Forever |url=https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-ultra-sun-and-moon-video-shows-off-mimikyus-z-move-lets-snuggle-forever |access-date=30 March 2024 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=16 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116191154/https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-ultra-sun-and-moon-video-shows-off-mimikyus-z-move-lets-snuggle-forever |url-status=live }} It appears as a Totem Pokémon—a special boss opponent in game{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Max |date=19 May 2019 |title=Every Single Totem Pokémon, Ranked |url=https://www.thegamer.com/every-single-totem-pokemon-ranked/ |access-date=30 March 2024 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223223026/https://www.thegamer.com/every-single-totem-pokemon-ranked/ |url-status=live }}—in both Sun and Moon and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.{{Cite news |date=15 December 2017 |title=Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon - Abandoned Thrifty Megamart, Captain Acerola's Trial against Totem Mimikyu for Ghostium Z |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-ultra-sun-ultra-moon-walkthrough-guide-tips-strategies-4930?page=25 |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=30 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330130833/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-ultra-sun-ultra-moon-walkthrough-guide-tips-strategies-4930?page=25 |url-status=live }} Mimikyu later reappears in Pokémon Sword and Shield{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Daniel |date=27 November 2019 |title=Pokemon Sword and Shield: Where to Find Mimikyu |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-sword-and-shield-where-to-find-mimikyu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108191243/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-sword-and-shield-where-to-find-mimikyu/ |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=6 January 2021 |website=Game Rant}} and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.{{Cite web |last=Galloway |first=Ryan |date=22 November 2022 |title=Where to catch Mimikyu {{!}} Mimikyu locations in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet |url=https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/where-to-find-mimikyu-in-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111124802/https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/where-to-find-mimikyu-in-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet |archive-date=11 January 2023 |access-date=11 January 2023 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}} Mimikyu also appears in Pokémon Unite,{{Cite web |last=Lada |first=Jenni |date=17 October 2023 |title=Mimikyu Pokemon Unite Moveset Shared Ahead of Its Debut |url=https://www.siliconera.com/mimikyu-pokemon-unite-moveset-shared-ahead-of-its-debut/ |access-date=28 March 2024 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328221220/https://www.siliconera.com/mimikyu-pokemon-unite-moveset-shared-ahead-of-its-debut/ |url-status=live }} Pokémon Shuffle,{{Cite web |last=Seong |first=Renri |date=9 November 2021 |title=Pokemon: Where to Catch Mimikyu in Every Game |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-where-catch-mimikyu-sword-shield-sun-moon/ |access-date=28 March 2024 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=30 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530190809/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-where-catch-mimikyu-sword-shield-sun-moon/ |url-status=live }} Pokémon Masters EX,{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Phillip Martinez |date=15 October 2020 |title='Pokémon Masters EX' Halloween Update Adds New Event & 2 Sync Pairs |url=https://www.newsweek.com/pokemon-masters-ex-halloween-update-sync-pair-event-hilbert-acerola-mimikyu-1539292 |access-date=28 March 2024 |website=Newsweek |language=en |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328221220/https://www.newsweek.com/pokemon-masters-ex-halloween-update-sync-pair-event-hilbert-acerola-mimikyu-1539292 |url-status=live }} and Pokkén Tournament DX.{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=11 January 2018 |title=Pokkén Tournament DX DLC adds a fan-favorite sad guy and familiar legendaries |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/11/16878218/pokken-tournament-battle-pack-dlc-characters-trailer-release-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127084309/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/11/16878218/pokken-tournament-battle-pack-dlc-characters-trailer-release-date |archive-date=27 November 2022 |access-date=9 July 2021 |website=Polygon}}

A Mimikyu appears in the anime Pokémon: Sun & Moon, encountered by Jessie, James, and Meowth of Team Rocket,{{Cite web |last=Christian Hoffer |date=25 November 2016 |title=Mimikyu Is Super Messed Up in the New Pokemon Anime |url=http://comicbook.com/2016/11/25/mimikyu-is-super-messed-up-in-the-new-pokemon-anime/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220093347/http://comicbook.com/2016/11/25/mimikyu-is-super-messed-up-in-the-new-pokemon-anime/ |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=10 December 2016 |website=Comicbook.com}} a group of recurring antagonists in the series.{{Cite web |last=York |first=Marc |date=13 August 2023 |title=Pokémon Horizons' New Approach to Recurring Villains is a Step in the Right Direction |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-horizons-new-way-to-recurring-villains/ |access-date=30 March 2024 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920225306/https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-horizons-new-way-to-recurring-villains/ |url-status=live }} Meowth, a Pokémon who can also speak human language,{{Cite web |last=Switzer |first=Eric |date=29 August 2021 |title=When You Meet A Meowth, Do You Pat Its Head, Or Shake Its Hand? |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-meowth-pet-anthropomorphized-brain/ |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829222853/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-meowth-pet-anthropomorphized-brain/ |url-status=live }} is able to understand Mimikyu and is terrified by the unheard horrifying things it says. When the two of them begin to battle, Meowth lifts Mimikyu's disguise, and is nearly killed by the sight of its true appearance. It later allies with Team Rocket when it sees them fighting Ash Ketchum's Pikachu, expressing its hate for Pikachu as the reason it emulates the Pokémon's appearance.{{Cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/mimikyu-is-terrifying-in-the-pokemon-sun-and-moon-anime-1789360318 |title=Mimikyu Is Terrifying In The Pokémon Sun and Moon Anime |last=Patricia Hernandez |date=25 November 2016 |website=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129042200/http://kotaku.com/mimikyu-is-terrifying-in-the-pokemon-sun-and-moon-anime-1789360318 |archive-date=29 November 2016 |access-date=3 December 2016}}

Mimikyu appears in a music video rapping about itself that was uploaded by The Pokémon Company to their YouTube channel.{{Cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/21/13358500/mimikyu-song-rap-pikachu-pokemon-sun-and-moon |title=This Pokémon would like to remind you it's not Pikachu, thanks very much |last=Allegra Frank |date=21 October 2016 |website=Polygon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220114727/http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/21/13358500/mimikyu-song-rap-pikachu-pokemon-sun-and-moon |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=10 December 2016}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.inquisitr.com/3634314/mimikyus-song/ |title=Pokemon's New Pikachu Ghost Is Twisted But Adorable, Its New J-Pop Theme Song Sums It Up |last=Dustin Kemp |date=24 October 2016 |work=Inquisitr |access-date=10 December 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220122606/http://www.inquisitr.com/3634314/mimikyus-song/ |archive-date=20 December 2016}} Mimikyu also starred alongside another Pokémon, Scraggy, in a Looney Tunes-styled animation short uploaded to the Japanese Pokémon Kids TV YouTube channel.{{Cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2020/6/5/21281633/poketoon-animation-scraggy-mimikyu-pokemon-looney-tunes |title=New Pokémon animation is like a Looney Tunes short with Scraggy and Mimikyu |last=Lee Julia |date=5 June 2020 |website=Polygon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702142058/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2020/6/5/21281633/poketoon-animation-scraggy-mimikyu-pokemon-looney-tunes |archive-date=2 July 2020 |access-date=9 October 2020}} In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, it can be summoned with the Poké Ball item. It will assist the player character who released it and will attempt to grab and attack enemy player characters when summoned.{{Cite magazine |last=Shea |first=Brian |date=7 December 2018 |title=Nintendo Details New Pokémon Appearing In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2018/08/08/nintendo-details-new-pokemon-appearing-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate |access-date=28 March 2024 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328221220/https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2018/08/08/nintendo-details-new-pokemon-appearing-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate |url-status=live }} Mimikyu also appears as a Spirit—a collectable item that can give buffs to a playable character—in game.{{Cite web |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=22 June 2018 |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Everything we know |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/22/17488470/super-smash-bros-ultimate-release-date-nintendo-switch-characters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207030346/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/22/17488470/super-smash-bros-ultimate-release-date-nintendo-switch-characters |archive-date=7 December 2019 |access-date=11 June 2021 |website=Polygon}}

Mimikyu has been the subject of promotion for the series. Items featuring the character were sold in retail shops in Japan beginning on September 22, 2018,{{Cite web |date=27 October 2023 |title=Latest Pokémon Prize Lottery Features Mimikyu Circus Items |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-09-02/latest-pokemon-prize-lottery-features-mimikyu-circus-items/.136188 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611130946/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-09-02/latest-pokemon-prize-lottery-features-mimikyu-circus-items/.136188 |archive-date=11 June 2021 |access-date=11 June 2021 |website=Anime News Network}} and merchandise such as plushies were released.{{Cite web |date=8 October 2019 |title=The New Ditto-Mimikyu Pokémon Plush Is Breaking My Brain |url=https://kotaku.com/the-new-ditto-mimikyu-pokemon-plush-is-breaking-my-brai-1838883865 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611124950/https://kotaku.com/the-new-ditto-mimikyu-pokemon-plush-is-breaking-my-brai-1838883865 |archive-date=11 June 2021 |access-date=11 June 2021 |website=Kotaku}}{{Cite news |last=Barder |first=Ollie |title=The Unnervingly Creepy Pokémon Mimikyu Gets A Plush Early Next Year |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2018/10/08/the-unnervingly-creepy-pokemon-mimikyu-gets-a-plush-early-next-year/#116f989f57e9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009121322/https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2018/10/08/the-unnervingly-creepy-pokemon-mimikyu-gets-a-plush-early-next-year/#116f989f57e9 |archive-date=9 October 2018 |access-date=9 October 2018 |work=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=30 September 2018 |title=Mimikyu Cushion Adds Spooky Cuteness to Trainers' Workspace! {{!}} Product News {{!}} Tokyo Otaku Mode (TOM) Shop: Figures & Merch From Japan |url=https://otakumode.com/news/5badd68c9ae50f2564322539/Mimikyu-PC-Cushion-Adds-Spooky-Cuteness-to-Trainers%E2%80%99-Workspaces! |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006040859/https://otakumode.com/news/5badd68c9ae50f2564322539/Mimikyu-PC-Cushion-Adds-Spooky-Cuteness-to-Trainers%E2%80%99-Workspaces! |archive-date=6 October 2022 |access-date=6 October 2022 |website=otakumode.com}} In 2019, the Pokémon Company dedicated the month of October to Mimikyu.{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=1 October 2019 |title=Pokémon's saddest creature, Mimikyu, finally gets its due |url=https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2019/10/1/20893750/pokemon-mimkyu-october-month-pikachu-nintendo-halloween-ghost-sun-moon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611122449/https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2019/10/1/20893750/pokemon-mimkyu-october-month-pikachu-nintendo-halloween-ghost-sun-moon |archive-date=11 June 2021 |access-date=11 June 2021 |website=The Verge}} In 2020, a gold, silver, and platinum necklace of Mimikyu was created by U-treasure.{{Cite web |date=12 October 2020 |title=Pokemon Mimikyu Necklace by U-Treasure Now Available to Pre-Order |url=https://www.siliconera.com/pokemon-mimikyu-necklace-u-treasure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526220520/https://www.siliconera.com/pokemon-mimikyu-necklace-u-treasure/ |archive-date=26 May 2021 |access-date=11 June 2021}} A Halloween Mimikyu themed meal was also released in the Japanese Pokémon Cafe during the same year,{{Cite web |date=4 September 2020 |title=Pokémon Café summons Mimikyu for its 2020 Halloween-themed meal |url=https://nintendowire.com/news/2020/09/04/pokemon-cafe-summons-mimikyu-for-its-2020-halloween-themed-meal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611123627/https://nintendowire.com/news/2020/09/04/pokemon-cafe-summons-mimikyu-for-its-2020-halloween-themed-meal/ |archive-date=11 June 2021 |access-date=11 June 2021 |website=Nintendo Wire}} while in 2021 an Ichiban Kuji for Mimikyu featured a tea and sweets theme.{{Cite web |date=21 August 2021 |title=「ポケモン」ミミッキュがメインの一番くじ登場！ テーマはポケモンたちとの"お菓子パーティ"♪ |url=https://animeanime.jp/article/2021/08/21/63347.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213201334/https://animeanime.jp/article/2021/08/21/63347.html |archive-date=13 February 2023 |access-date=13 February 2023 |website=アニメ！アニメ！ |language=ja}} In 2022, an Ichiban Kuji for Mimikyu featured a café theme.{{Cite web |date=October 2022 |title=「ミミッキュ」の一番くじは本日10月1日から！高さ30cmの「ミミッキュ ぬいぐるみ」や、普段使いしやすい「コーヒーサーバー」など |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/10/01/140828.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213201328/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/10/01/140828.html |archive-date=13 February 2023 |access-date=13 February 2023 |website=インサイド |language=ja}} On December 7, 2022, Peach John, a clothing retailer, released a collaboration with Pokémon that included a Mimikyu themed 3-piece lounge suite.{{Cite web |date=30 November 2022 |title=本日メインビジュアルと全ラインナップを大公開！PEACH JOHNより「ポケモンコレクション」が12月7日(水)に発売決定！ |url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000515.000009170.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210011058/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000515.000009170.html |archive-date=10 February 2023 |access-date=10 February 2023 |website=プレスリリース・ニュースリリース配信シェアNo.1｜PR TIMES |language=Japanese}}

In the Pokémon of the Year poll held by The Pokémon Company, Mimikyu was voted the most popular Pokémon introduced in Sun and Moon; this also placed it 3rd overall in the competition.{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=27 February 2020 |title=Google's Pokémon of the Year contest is a humiliating defeat for Pikachu |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/27/21155890/google-pokemon-of-the-year-vote-pikachu-mimikyu-winners-greninja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421071716/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/27/21155890/google-pokemon-of-the-year-vote-pikachu-mimikyu-winners-greninja |archive-date=21 April 2020 |access-date=11 June 2021 |website=Polygon}}{{Cite web |last=Shepard |first=Kenneth |title=Mimikyu Has Achieved its Goal of Being More Popular Than Pikachu |url=https://www.fanbyte.com/legacy/mimikyu-has-achieved-its-goal-of-being-more-popular-than-pikachu |access-date=30 March 2024 |website=Fanbyte |language=en |archive-date=30 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330130834/https://www.fanbyte.com/legacy/mimikyu-has-achieved-its-goal-of-being-more-popular-than-pikachu |url-status=live }} Kotaku{{'}}s Patricia Hernandez called Mimikyu the "most brilliant and heartbreaking" Pokémon that Game Freak had created, feeling that instead of fighting Pikachu's popularity with newer designs the developers embraced it "to great effect" and represented the possible envy other Pokémon as intelligent creatures may have towards said popularity. She additionally noted Mimikyu's immense popularity with fans since it was revealed,{{Cite web |last=Patricia Hernandez |date=13 July 2016 |title=The Internet Has Fallen In Love With Pokémon Sun and Moon's Pikachu Imposter |url=http://kotaku.com/the-internet-has-fallen-in-love-with-pokemon-sun-and-mo-1783559863 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121194153/http://kotaku.com/the-internet-has-fallen-in-love-with-pokemon-sun-and-mo-1783559863 |archive-date=21 November 2016 |access-date=3 December 2016 |website=Kotaku}} a statement echoed by Catrina Dennis of Inverse.{{Cite web |last=Catrina Dennis |date=15 July 2016 |title=Pokemon Fans Are Going Nuts For Sad, Adorable Mimikyu |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/18330-pokemon-mimikyu-is-stealing-hearts |access-date=10 December 2016 |website=Inverse |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220073642/https://www.inverse.com/article/18330-pokemon-mimikyu-is-stealing-hearts |url-status=live }} In a followup article, Hernandez attributed Mimikyu's popularity to the fandom's own reaction to the "bombardment" of Pikachu in Pokémon media and merchandise, stating, "Grappling with that reality is one of the best things the Pokémon games have ever done."{{cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |website=Kotaku |accessdate=July 26, 2023 |date=November 29, 2017 |title=Fuck Pikachu |url=https://kotaku.com/fuck-pikachu-1688513390 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922070655/https://kotaku.com/fuck-pikachu-1688513390 |url-status=live }} Edge also praised it as a "moment of self-awareness" on the part of Game Freak regarding the franchise's success, while indicating a broader change with Sun and Moon in contrast to the previous titles, "with everything shifted a few degrees away from normal."{{cite magazine |magazine=Edge |title=Pokémon Sun and Moon |page=121 |date=January 2017 |issue=301}} Mimikyu was highlighted by Paste as being the "voice of a generation," highlighting its immense popularity compared to other Pokémon revealed for Pokémon Sun and Moon, such as Bewear and Popplio. They highlighted that its popularity came from the fact that Mimikyu "needs" players while the other Pokémon did not, stating that it seemed "expertly tuned to grip fans' hearts and never let go," due to the emotional vulnerability the Pokémon displayed.{{Cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Janine |title=The Power of Helplessness: Why Everybody Loves Mimikyu and Hates Popplio |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/article/the-power-of-helplessness-why-everybody-loves-mimi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725170817/https://www.pastemagazine.com/article/the-power-of-helplessness-why-everybody-loves-mimi |archive-date=25 July 2023 |access-date=16 March 2024 |website=Paste Magazine |language=en-US}}

Other sources shared similar praise for Mimikyu's design. Madeline Virtue of Dualshockers called it one of the series' best designed characters, calling it "a star of the Pokémon world since its debut" and praising how well its design worked with the gameplay aspect of Mimikyu's Disguise ability.{{cite web |last=Virtue |first=Madeline |date=27 August 2022 |title=10 Best Designed Pokémon, Ranked |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/best-designed-pokemon/#2-10-mimikyu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729215544/https://www.dualshockers.com/best-designed-pokemon/#2-10-mimikyu |archive-date=29 July 2023 |accessdate=29 July 2023 |website=Dualshockers}} Dennis Carden of Destructoid described it as one of the most pleasant surprises to come out of Sun and Moon, further describing it as "perhaps the most adorably creepy Pokémon to ever be conjured up by the minds at Game Freak" and its backstory "so tragically sweet [...] To put it simply, Mimikyu is a Mimikyutie."{{cite web |last=Andriessen |first=CJ |date=12 November 2017 |title=Let's settle this once and for all: Which Pokemon is the best? |url=https://www.destructoid.com/lets-settle-this-once-and-for-all-which-pokemon-is-the-best/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107033527/https://www.destructoid.com/lets-settle-this-once-and-for-all-which-pokemon-is-the-best/ |archive-date=7 January 2023 |accessdate=29 July 2023 |website=Destructoid}} The sentiment was shared by other contributors to the site, who echoed similar praises.{{cite web |last=Hoang |first=Marciel |date=6 December 2016 |title=Here are Destructoid's favorite Alolan Pokemon |url=https://www.destructoid.com/here-are-destructoids-favorite-alolan-pokemon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201152933/https://www.destructoid.com/here-are-destructoids-favorite-alolan-pokemon/ |archive-date=1 February 2023 |accessdate=29 July 2023 |website=Destructoid}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Mimikyu_(Pokémon) Mimikyu on Bulbapedia]
• [https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/mimikyu Mimikyu on Pokemon.com]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi7g9LbBv8A&t=6s 【公式】『ポケットモンスター サン・ムーン』 ミミッキュのうた (Official "Pokémon Sun and Moon" Song of Mimikyu)]

{{Pokémon Generation 7|state=expanded}}

{{Pokémon directory}}

Category:Fictional characters who can manipulate darkness or shadows

Category:Fictional fairies

Category:Fictional impostors

Category:Ghost characters in video games

Category:Pokémon introduced in generation VII

Category:Video game bosses

Category:Video game characters who can teleport

Category:Video game characters introduced in 2016