Pokemon

Definition

Pokemon refers to a media franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, centered around fictional creatures called 'Pokemon' that humans, known as Pokemon Trainers, catch and train to battle each other. The franchise began with video games in 1996 and expanded into animated television series, movies, trading card games, and various merchandise, becoming a significant cultural phenomenon especially in the realm of animation for children.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pokemon animated series first aired in 1997 and follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his friends as they aim to become Pokemon Masters.
2. The franchise's slogan, 'Gotta Catch 'Em All,' emphasizes the goal of collecting various Pokemon species through gameplay or trading.
3. Pokemon became a staple of Saturday morning cartoons in the late 1990s, attracting a wide audience of children and becoming an integral part of their childhood entertainment.
4. The franchise has produced numerous movies, with several theatrical releases that expanded on the storylines from the television series.
5. Pokemon has evolved over the years to include mobile games like Pokemon GO, which introduced augmented reality to the franchise and reignited interest among fans old and new.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of Pokemon impact children's entertainment during its peak popularity?
  • The introduction of Pokemon significantly transformed children's entertainment by providing a new form of interactive storytelling through games and an engaging animated series. It captivated a generation with its unique blend of adventure, strategy, and character development. The franchise also fostered community engagement through trading cards and video game battles, allowing children to connect over shared experiences and interests.
• In what ways did the design of Pokemon characters contribute to their appeal among young audiences?
  • The design of Pokemon characters plays a crucial role in their appeal, combining imaginative features with relatable traits that resonate with young audiences. Many Pokemon are designed to be cute or visually striking, making them memorable and easy to love. Their diverse abilities and personalities allow children to identify with their favorites while promoting themes like friendship and teamwork through their adventures.
• Evaluate the influence of Pokemon on the evolution of animated series targeting children, considering both narrative structure and commercial success.
  • Pokemon has had a profound influence on animated series targeting children by establishing a successful formula that blends adventure with character-driven narratives. Its episodic structure allows for ongoing storylines while introducing new characters and Pokemon, keeping viewers engaged. Commercially, the franchise's success paved the way for other franchises to capitalize on merchandise, video games, and multimedia approaches, setting a precedent for future animated series to expand beyond traditional storytelling methods.

Related terms

Pikachu: Pikachu is the franchise's iconic mascot, a yellow electric-type Pokemon known for its adorable appearance and signature move, Thunderbolt.

Anime: Anime is a style of animation that originated in Japan, characterized by colorful artwork and vibrant characters, often used to depict stories aimed at both children and adults.

Trading Card Game: The Pokemon Trading Card Game is a collectible card game where players use decks of Pokemon cards to battle against each other, incorporating strategy and gameplay elements.