bulbasaur

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.{{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.

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.MacDonald, Mark; Brokaw, Brian; Arnold; J. Douglas; Elies, Mark. Pokémon Trainer's Guide. Sandwich Islands Publishing, 1999. {{ISBN|0-439-15404-9}}. (pg 192–195) Its Japanese name, Fushigidane, is a combination of the Japanese words for {{nihongo|mystery or miracle||fushigi|}} and {{nihongo|seed||tane}}.{{cite book |title=Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation |last=Drazen |first=Patrick |year=2003 |publisher=Stone Bridge Press, LLC |location= St. Paul, MN |isbn=1-880656-72-8 |page=321 |title-link=Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation }} 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.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010220055311/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 20, 2001|title=PokéMania|last=Chua-Euan|first=Howard|date=November 22, 1999|magazine=Time|access-date=September 15, 2008}} Both the etymology and appearance of Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur show it getting increasingly more dangerous as it evolves.{{cite journal |last1=M. |first1=Pratama Cipta Agi |last2=Himmawati |first2=Dian Rivia |year=2016 |title=The Relevance Between Word Formation of Pokémon Name and Its Appearance |journal=Language Horizon |department=Faculty of Languages and Arts, State University of Surabaya |volume=4 |issue=4 |pages=45–47}} Bulbasaur can evolve into Ivysaur, which can then evolve into Venusaur.{{cite web |title=pokemon.com Pokédex |url=http://www.pokemon.com/Pokedex/flash.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730180144/http://www.pokemon.com/Pokedex/flash.asp |archive-date=July 30, 2008 |access-date=September 15, 2008 |publisher=Nintendo/Game Freak}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/ |language=Japanese |website=Yomiuri |date=2 May 2018 |accessdate=22 January 2024 |script-title=ja:ピカチュウは大福？ 初めて明かされる誕生秘話 |trans-title=Is Pikachu Daifuku? The Secret Story Behind its Creation Revealed for the First Time |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006195536/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/ |url-status=live }} English transcript of interview available at {{cite web |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu |website=Pokemon.com |date=26 July 2018 |accessdate=9 February 2024 |title=Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830165102/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu/ |archivedate=30 August 2020 }} 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.

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.{{cite web |title=Pokemon X/Y: WHY?! Director Masuda himself answers! |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-xy-why-director-masuda-himself-answers/ |work=GamesRadar |last=Betka |first=Zach |date=September 19, 2013 |access-date=March 16, 2014 |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207091428/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-xy-why-director-masuda-himself-answers/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Sahdev |first=Ishaan |date=2013-09-04 |title=You'll Get Bulbasaur, Charmander And Squirtle In Pokémon X And Pokémon Y |url=https://www.siliconera.com/youll-get-bulbasaur-charmander-and-squirtle-in-pokemon-x-and-pokemon-y/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=December 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227010203/https://www.siliconera.com/youll-get-bulbasaur-charmander-and-squirtle-in-pokemon-x-and-pokemon-y/ |url-status=live }}

Despite their English names, Sugimori confirmed that the design of Bulbasaur and its evolutions are based on frogs.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/sp/index4.html |script-title=ja:女子大生が訊く ポケットモンスターブラック・ホワイト |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230153442/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/sp/index4.html|archive-date=December 30, 2010|language=ja}} 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.{{pokédex|red|A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon.}} The bulb absorbs sunlight which allows it to grow.{{pokédex|ruby|Bulbasaur can be seen napping in bright sunlight. There is a seed on its back. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed grows progressively larger.}} They can survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.{{pokédex|yellow|It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.}} In the video games, Bulbasaur has two "types", elemental attributes that determine strengths and weaknesses: Grass and Poison.{{Cite web |last=Oxman |first=Demaris |date=2022-01-24 |title=Pokemon: The Best Secondary Typings For Grass-Types |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-best-secondary-typings-grass-types/ |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528013003/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-best-secondary-typings-grass-types/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2018/9/28/17855078/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon-gen-one|title=Bulbasaur has been the best Pokémon all along|first=Chris|last=Plante|date=September 28, 2018|website=Polygon|access-date=June 10, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928130412/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2018/9/28/17855078/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon-gen-one|url-status=live}} Bulbasaur has been voiced by Tara Sands and Michele Knotz in English in the Pokémon anime series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2019/2/22/crunchyroll-expo-welcomes-voice-actress-tara-sands|title=Crunchyroll Expo Welcomes Voice Actress Tara Sands!|date=2019-02-22|access-date=2024-04-10|website=Crunchyroll|archive-date=May 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513112205/https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2019/2/22/crunchyroll-expo-welcomes-voice-actress-tara-sands|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Pokémon |website=micheleknotz.com |url=https://micheleknotz.com/pokemon/ |access-date=2024-05-07}}

Bulbasaur is the first Pokémon entry in the Pokédex.{{Cite web |date=2015-01-23 |title=Bulbasaur Isn't Neccesarily The First Pokémon |url=https://kotaku.com/bulbasaur-isnt-neccesarily-the-first-pokemon-1681406035 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325163718/https://kotaku.com/bulbasaur-isnt-neccesarily-the-first-pokemon-1681406035 |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite book |last=Allison |first=Anne |url=https://archive.org/details/millennialmonste00alli |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |publisher=University of California Press |year=2006 |isbn=0-520-22148-6 |url-access=limited}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Flores |first=Sky |date=2020-06-26 |title=How To Get Bulbasaur & Squirtle in Pokémon: Isle of Armor DLC |url=https://screenrant.com/bulbasaur-squirtle-guide-pokemon-isle-armor-dlc/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730233722/https://screenrant.com/bulbasaur-squirtle-guide-pokemon-isle-armor-dlc/ |url-status=live }} Similarly, Bulbasaur was not made available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet until the release of The Indigo Disk.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-14 |title=All The Starters Are Coming To Pokémon Scarlet And Violet |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-squirtle-bulbasaur-starters-dlc-1850734724 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=December 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225093318/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-squirtle-bulbasaur-starters-dlc-1850734724 |url-status=live }}

Bulbasaur appears in various Pokémon spin-offs, including Pokémon Stadium{{Cite web |last=Cardaro |first=Brett |date=2023-04-06 |title=Pokémon Stadium's Switch Online Port Is Missing the Game's Most Important Feature |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-stadium-feature-missing-transfer-nintendo-switch-online/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825180918/https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-stadium-feature-missing-transfer-nintendo-switch-online/ |url-status=live }} and the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, where players may be assigned Bulbasaur in a personality quiz.{{Cite web |last=Contreras |first=Ricardo |date=2020-01-27 |title=I Took Pokémon's Personality Quiz 50 Times |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/i-took-pokemons-personality-quiz-50-times/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Vice |language=en |archive-date=March 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306050654/https://www.vice.com/en/article/884qpa/i-took-pokemons-personality-quiz-50-times |url-status=live }} Bulbasaur appears in both Pokémon Snap{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Austin |date=2023-11-20 |title=24 years ago, Pokemon Snap gave Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur unique trading cards – and they just sold for more than the price of my house |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/rare-variants-of-the-original-starter-pokemon-cards-just-set-an-auction-record-at-over-dollar70000-each/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127234033/https://www.gamesradar.com/rare-variants-of-the-original-starter-pokemon-cards-just-set-an-auction-record-at-over-dollar70000-each/ |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}} and New Pokémon Snap{{Cite web |last=Maher |first=Cian |date=2021-04-30 |title=New Pokemon Snap: All Starter Locations |url=https://www.thegamer.com/new-pokemon-snap-all-starter-locations/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114162304/https://www.thegamer.com/new-pokemon-snap-all-starter-locations/ |url-status=live }} as Pokémon the player can take pictures of. Bulbasaur also features in Pokémon Go{{Cite news |date=2021-09-21 |title=Pokémon Go event Pokémon list: All costume Pokémon, including party hat Pokémon, flower crown Pokémon and every Pikachu costume explained |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-event-costume-pokemon-party-hat-flower-crown-7002 |access-date=2024-04-10 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104165419/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-event-costume-pokemon-party-hat-flower-crown-7002 |url-status=live }} and as a playable character in Pokémon Unite.{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-prepare-bulbasaur-spotlight-hour/|title=Pokemon Go: How To Prepare For Bulbasaur Spotlight Hour|date=July 6, 2021|website=ScreenRant|access-date=July 15, 2021|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715114459/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-prepare-bulbasaur-spotlight-hour/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://thewestnews.com/list-of-all-playable-pokemon-in-pokemon-unite/41226|title=List of All playable Pokemon in Pokemon Unite|first=Aaron|last=Kohn|date=July 15, 2021|access-date=July 15, 2021|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020161350/https://thewestnews.com/list-of-all-playable-pokemon-in-pokemon-unite/41226|url-status=live}} Outside of the Pokémon video games, Bulbasaur was also featured as a collectible in the Super Smash Bros. series."[http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_54.html Guides:Super Smash Bros. Melee] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209075003/http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_54.html |date=December 9, 2007 }}," IGN.com. Retrieved December 29, 2005. A costume for Mario based on it was added to Super Mario Maker.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=G. R. |date=2016-02-12 |title=Super Mario Maker Getting Charmander, Squirtle & Bulbasaur Costumes |url=https://gamerant.com/super-mario-maker-charmander-squirtle-bulbasaur-costume-trailer/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201102/https://gamerant.com/super-mario-maker-charmander-squirtle-bulbasaur-costume-trailer/ |url-status=live }}

In the Pokémon anime, multiple Bulbasaur are owned by various main characters, including series protagonist Ash Ketchum. The character May also captures one in Pokémon: Advanced.{{Cite web |last=Steel |first=Tom |date=2021-12-15 |title=Pokémon: Every Pokémon May Owned In The Anime, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/every-may-anime-pokemon-ranked/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611144813/https://www.cbr.com/every-may-anime-pokemon-ranked/ |url-status=live }} She later makes a guest appearance, where it is revealed that her Bulbasaur has fully evolved into a Venusaur.{{cite episode| title = Pruning a Passel of Pals! | series = Pokémon | credits = Shinzō Fujita (writer) | network = Various | airdate = September 27, 2008 | season = Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension|number = 78}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon|title=Detective Pikachu helped me love a Pokémon I used to hate|first=Patricia|last=Hernandez|date=May 16, 2019|website=Polygon|access-date=July 15, 2021|archive-date=November 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113111348/https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-27 |title=How "Detective Pikachu" Brought Pokémon Into the Real World |url=https://time.com/5582906/detective-pikachu-pokemon-visual-effects/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Time Magazine |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727112159/https://time.com/5582906/detective-pikachu-pokemon-visual-effects/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}

File:ANA B767-381 JA8578 Pokemon-Jet98.jpg

Bulbasaur has been featured in merchandise, including toys and plush dolls.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-1/a-200708209459101025/g-2006100415372930075|title=The complete Pokemon RBY pokedex, part 1|date=August 24, 2007|access-date=July 30, 2010|archive-date=April 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414195127/http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-1/a-200708209459101025/g-2006100415372930075/|url-status=live}} 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,{{Cite web|url=https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/singapore-brand-kettle-gourmet-launches-local-flavoured-popcorn-featuring-your-favourite|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702123033/https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/singapore-brand-kettle-gourmet-launches-local-flavoured-popcorn-featuring-your-favourite|url-status=dead|archive-date=2021-07-02|title=Singapore brand The Kettle Gourmet launches local flavoured popcorn featuring your favourite starter Pokémon, Lifestyle News - AsiaOne|date=July 2, 2021}} and terry cloth bean bags.{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/character.php?id=3141|title=allgame ((( Bulbasaur > Overview )))|publisher=Allgame|first=Jason|last=White|access-date=October 5, 2008|archive-date=November 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114211329/http://www.allgame.com/character.php?id=3141|url-status=dead}} It has been marketed via toys at fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King.{{Cite magazine |last=Stewart |first=Marcus |title=McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal Cards Are Selling Out Thanks To Adult Fans And Scalpers |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/10/mcdonalds-pokemon-happy-meal-cards-are-selling-out-thanks-to-adult-fans-and-scalpers |access-date=2024-05-05 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505053745/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/02/10/mcdonalds-pokemon-happy-meal-cards-are-selling-out-thanks-to-adult-fans-and-scalpers |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hoffer |first=Christian |title='Detective Pikachu' Comes to Burger King |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/detective-pikachu-burger-king-toys/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Comicbook.com |date=April 2, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407073148/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/detective-pikachu-burger-king-toys/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=Fastfoodtoys.Net Pokémon 2000 Toys|url=http://www.fastfoodtoys.net/burger%20king%20pokemon%20power%20cards.htm|access-date=January 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222120855/http://www.fastfoodtoys.net/burger%20king%20pokemon%20power%20cards.htm|archive-date=February 22, 2012|url-status=dead}} Bulbasaur has also been included in various versions of the Pokémon painting on ANA Boeing 767s.{{cite web|url=http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html|title=Design|publisher=All Nippon Airways|access-date=November 15, 2009|archive-date=January 6, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040106044234/http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html|url-status=live}} In 2021, Seiko made limited edition luxury watches based on Bulbasaur and its evolutionary family.{{cite web |url=https://japantoday.com/category/features/new-products/seiko-adds-limited-edition-starter-pokemon-to-their-luxury-watch-collection |title=Seiko adds limited edition starter Pokemon to their luxury watch collection - Japan Today |website=japantoday.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714175814/https://japantoday.com/category/features/new-products/seiko-adds-limited-edition-starter-pokemon-to-their-luxury-watch-collection |archive-date=14 July 2021 |url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite book |title=2004 standard catalog of world coins |url=https://archive.org/details/cliffordmishlers00krau |url-access=limited |page=[https://archive.org/details/cliffordmishlers00krau/page/n1578 1532] |author=Chester L. Krause, Clifford Mishler |year=2003 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=9780873495936 }} Bulbasaur was also among the eleven Pokémon chosen as Japan's mascots in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Miranda |date=2014-03-15 |title=Pikachu Named Mascot of the 2014 World Cup |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/15/pikachu-named-mascot-of-the-2014-world-cup |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320102522/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/15/pikachu-named-mascot-of-the-2014-world-cup |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Pikachu is Japan's awesome mascot for FIFA World Cup 2014 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pikachu-is-japan-s-awesome-mascot-for-fifa-world-cup-2014/1100-6418347/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513112242/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pikachu-is-japan-s-awesome-mascot-for-fifa-world-cup-2014/1100-6418347/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|last=Farokhmanesh|first=Megan|date=March 15, 2014|title=Pikachu is Japan's official mascot for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/15/5512550/pikachu-is-japans-official-mascot-for-the-fifa-2014-world-cup-brazil|website=Polygon|access-date=July 12, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112151818/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/15/5512550/pikachu-is-japans-official-mascot-for-the-fifa-2014-world-cup-brazil|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web |url=https://g1.globo.com/sp/mogi-das-cruzes-suzano/noticia/estatua-de-pokemon-instalada-em-praca-de-suzano-provoca-a-curiosidade-de-fas-do-jogo.ghtml |title=Estátua de Pokémon instalada em praça de Suzano provoca a curiosidade de fãs do jogo |website=G1 |date=March 29, 2018 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229152105/https://g1.globo.com/sp/mogi-das-cruzes-suzano/noticia/estatua-de-pokemon-instalada-em-praca-de-suzano-provoca-a-curiosidade-de-fas-do-jogo.ghtml |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite web |title=Top 5 Pokémon: Pedro's Picks |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25502/top-5-pokemon-pedros-picks |work=Nintendo World Report |last=Hernandez |first=Pedro |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=March 2, 2014 |archive-date=November 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113101851/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25502/top-5-pokemon-pedros-picks |url-status=live }} IGN editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" also praised Ash's "attitude-packing Bulbasaur" in the anime,{{cite web|url=http://faqs.ign.com/articles/380/380258p1.html|title=Pokemon Crystal Version - Pokemon of the Day: Bulbasaur (#1)|website=IGN|access-date=March 27, 2010|archive-date=March 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324090242/http://www.ign.com/faqs/2002/pokemon-crystal-version-pokemon-of-the-day-bulbasaur-1-380258|url-status=dead}} and Official Nintendo Magazine{{'}}s John Vekinis attributed his "love of Grass-type Pokémon" to Bulbasaur in spite of the Grass type's weaknesses.{{cite web |title=Top five Pokemon Types |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/53177/blog/top-five-pokemon-types/?page=5 |work=Official Nintendo Magazine |last=Vekinis |first=John |date=August 10, 2013 |access-date=March 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008074614/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/53177/blog/top-five-pokemon-types/?page=5 |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} 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. 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.{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=2016-07-22 |title=Which of the original starter Pokémon is the best? |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/22/12257582/best-original-pokemon-starter |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405224107/https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/22/12257582/best-original-pokemon-starter |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=2019-05-16 |title=Detective Pikachu helped me love a Pokémon I used to hate |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=November 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113111348/https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/16/18628186/detective-pikachu-bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/177261/ |title=「御三家ポケモン」人気No.1が決定！ 「フシギダネ」「ポッチャマ」を上回る1位は？【2021年最新】 |work=ITmedia |date=April 24, 2021 |accessdate=January 21, 2024 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128154257/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/177261/ |url-status=live }}

Bulbasaur has been noted to be less popular than Charmander and Squirtle.{{Cite web |date=2016-03-15 |title="I choose you…!" Survey reveals most popular starter Pokémon among Japanese college students |url=https://soranews24.com/2016/03/15/i-choose-you-survey-reveals-most-popular-starter-pokemon-among-japanese-college-students/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=SoraNews24 -Japan News- |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405224106/https://soranews24.com/2016/03/15/i-choose-you-survey-reveals-most-popular-starter-pokemon-among-japanese-college-students/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |title=An Ode to Bulbasaur, the Unsung Hero of the Starter Pokémon |url=https://nerdist.com/article/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Nerdist |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405190900/https://nerdist.com/article/bulbasaur-best-starter-pokemon/ |url-status=live }} This led to one Twitter user creating an account named BulbaGanda to spread support for the Pokémon, which was met with considerable popularity.{{Cite web |last=D'Anastasio |first=Cecilia |date=2019-02-08 |title=If You Don't Love Bulbasaur, 'Bulbasaur Propaganda' Might Change Your Mind |url=https://kotaku.com/if-you-dont-love-bulbasaur-bulbasaur-propaganda-might-1832473836 |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=June 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610022318/https://kotaku.com/if-you-dont-love-bulbasaur-bulbasaur-propaganda-might-1832473836 |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist|2}}

{{Portal|Video games}}

• [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Bulbasaur_(Pokémon) Bulbasaur on Bulbapedia]
• [https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/bulbasaur Bulbasaur on Pokemon.com]

{{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}}

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