Pokémon: Red's First Pokémon Was [SPOILER], Not Pikachu In The First Manga - Screen Rant

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Pokémon fans are used to seeing Pikachu everywhere by now, as the electric mouse has been the face of the franchise for over 20 years at this point. Pikachu's design resonated with Japanese fans, and the creature was quickly elevated to a position of prominence, taking on the role of Ash's first Pokémon in the anime, and for players in games like Pokémon Yellow Version and Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! Before Pikachu and the anime, however, there was Pokémon Adventures, AKA Pokémon Special, a manga that featured a very different start to the classic adventure.

Pokémon Adventures launched back in 1997 and begins in much the same way as other Pokémon series do: a trainer, named Red, sets off with his first Pokémon on a quest to be the best. However, instead of Pikachu or one of the three traditional starters, Red begins his journey with a Poliwhirl at his side.

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Nicknamed simply "Poli," Red's Poliwhirl was in fact met as a Poliwag before the story begins. As Poliwag stumbles across Red struggling in a pond and seemingly at risk of drowning, it decides to try to save him, but since Poliwag's are small and don't have arms, there's little it can do. Out of a desire to save the boy, Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl, grows arms, and is able to help Red to safety, cementing their relationship ever since.

Red Throwing Poke Ball Containing Poliwhirl

While Red does end up with both traditional starter Bulbasaur and a Pikachu on his team, his bond with his first Pokémon Poliwhirl remains one of his strongest. Red's Poliwhirl later evolves into Poliwrath under similar circumstances, when Red is tossed overboard during an intense battle with Lieutenant Surge aboard the S.S. Anne. Somehow, his Poliwhirl is able to evolve once more to save him from drowning, even without using the Water Stone that's required in the games. Once Red is safe, Poli is able to quickly dispatch Surge's Electabuzz with its newfound strength, saving the day for more than just its trainer. Red and Poliwrath would continue to fight side-by-side through other gym battles and even in the Pokémon League tournament.

The Pokémon Adventures manga changes protagonists frequently, mirroring the changes in location and characters that take place in the main series games. Thus, Red and Poliwhirl's day in the sun came to an end around 2000, as the focus shifted towards Pokémon Gold and Silver. Still, as the first protagonist and a major figure in-universe, Red continues to make brief appearances and cameos in several later arcs, both to support remakes (like FireRed and LeafGreen) and as a nod towards dedicated readers who've been there since the beginning. Often times, he's accompanied by his partner Poliwrath and other members of his team in these appearances, demonstrating the lifelong connection they've formed. With the bonds between Pokémon and humans being a major concept throughout the franchise, Red and Poli serve as a shining example of how these ties can help both to grow and become better.

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Carlyle Edmundson (3 Articles Published)

Carlyle Edmundson is a news and features writer with an affinity for science fiction and fantasy. He graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a BS in Film Studies and is glad that it's relevant to his work. A lifelong fan of anime and manga, he has attended dozens of conventions over the years and may or may not have cosplayed at them. He is also the author of the Dystopian Detective series, available from most places ebooks are sold.