Bulbasaur

Bulbasaur (フシギダネ) is a dual-type Grass/Poison Pokémon first introduced in 1996 as one of the three starter Pokémon in the video games Pokémon Red and Green. Created by Atsuko Nishida and finalized by Ken Sugimori, it is characterized by a large plant bulb on its back that grows as it evolves into Ivysaur and eventually Venusaur. Its Japanese name, Fushigidane, is a clever pun combining fushigi (strange or mysterious) and tane (seed), which can also be read as fushigi da ne (strange, isn’t it?). In the anime, Bulbasaur is notably recognized as one of Ash Ketchum’s long-standing companions and is also owned by other major characters like May. Despite its small, reptilian appearance, it is a formidable combatant known for moves such as Vine Whip, Leech Seed, and Razor Leaf. As the first entry in the National Pokédex, Bulbasaur remains an iconic symbol of the franchise and has appeared in various media, including the live-action film Detective Pikachu.