Pikachu: The Perfect Mascot -- Peak Design

[@BearofLightness]

A little detail I've always loved about Pikachu as a character comes from Gen 1 promotional material, which characterizes the species as "vain but loyal". Pikachu always want to be the center of attention and get put out if they're ever sidelined, or if their trainers aren't lavishing them with their affection. One imagines the little guy is over the moon about accidentally becoming the series mascot. At the same time, they aren't idly the center of attention, and they do their best to carry their weight or shower their trainers with love back. Pikachu rarely does purely selfless transactions (even-tempered Bulbasaur's the one you want for that), but that feels very true-to-form for pet ownership and bonds of friendship alike.

[@LeafRazorStorm]

You know you have an immortal mascot when they can give hundreds of children seizures one time and be quickly forgiven.

[@andymcclurg9916]

Porygon did nothing wrong 😭

[@WingedFish66]

Easy to be forgiven when you have a different Pokemon take the fall and be banished from the show forever

[@fleshdadbot6852]

Porygon is a misunderstood soul

[@Videospiel-Man5730]

THAT JERK HE THREW PORYGON UNDER THE BUS!

[@jameslawrenson1208]

Porygon was a scapegoat for Pikachu's crimes.

[@pyrover4148]

I still maintain Eevee was the best choice for a mascot, showing off stone evolutions and necessitating trading while being designed to help you fill a hole in your team regardless of what you'd been making. Gamefreak seems to agree, given the treatment the little fox has gotten in recent years. But I also can't deny that Pikachu has done fantastic job at it up to this point. Just think it came down to whatever they used in the anime to be honest.

[@ricardoludwig4787]

I think Eevee isn't as great because of its greatest strength: it's undefined, he can be anything, but isn't as solidly anything yet, so Pikachu might be better in that regard.

[@andymcclurg9916]

A great runner up

[@Pimp.My.Forklift]

Eevee is too bland in design. It's a normal type brown dog, not a single strand of mascot to be found in it's DNA beyond small and cute. You could spot a pikachu from a mile away, but you might not even realize an eevee is an eevee without looking closely.

[@Varatho]

​@@Pimp.My.Forklift Consider the Teddy Bear. Typically just a small brown animal, yet it also became a generic icon representing all toys.

[@LITTLE1994]

Yes, Eevee is the one.

[@snackknight]

The interesting thing is that Pikachu wasn't originally intended on the series mascot. Gamefreak expected Clefairy and Clefable to actually carry that flag. Their priorities shifted after the games released and there was a clear favorite: Pikachu.

[@LITTLE1994]

Yes, it was Clefairy that was originally planned.

[@motxmod]

Another reason for the switch was color. Pink was more associated with girl and yellow is neutral. There were also fewer yellow mascot characters for children's properties with Winnie the Pooh being the only contender color wise

[@matthewkuscienko4616]

@@motxmod The color point is very true, but from what I can recall, it was more so because Clefairy was viewed as being more so "cute and girly" in design. This was a problem for a series that wanted a more gender-neutral mascot, as they didn't want the series to appear as being aimed more at just boys or just girls, thus Pikachu was chosen because it had an excellent balance of being both cute and simultaneously cool

[@motxmod]

@@matthewkuscienko4616 Or they could have done what Nintendo of America wanted and made Pikachu into a busty tiger lady.

[@romanvalentine1629]

Pikachu with a Light Ball and max base speed stat can pretty much torpedo set-up strategies all on his own.

[@Pika250]

Another detail Pikachu ends up being the mascot for is a concept first introduced in generation 4. Gender differences in Pokémon. Some are more subtle (looking at you Torchic), while some are far more pronounced (aforementioned Nidorans even get separate Pokédex entries). Pikachu is the perfect mix between the two. The end of a male Pikachu's tail is a straightedge (hence Ash's being a male) but is replaced by what looks like a heart shape on a female (and the cosplay Pikachu from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire makes that heart even more pronounced by coloring it black against the yellow tail). Also, you have a perhaps more adorable baby form in pichu

[@yogscrashnsmash]

i wish this episode was called "designing for design" it would've sounded rly dumb yet accurate

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

It should have been called Peak-a Design

[@motxmod]

A tip on making shaped pancakes: use a squeeze bottle like for mustard or ketchup. You'll have easier control on the shape and you could even dye the batter beforehand to make it more artistic.

[@jameslawrenson1208]

The pancake was still salvageable as a Pumpkaboo.

[@DyxoXinoro]

I find it funny how, mechanically, Pikachu had something of a mixed identity. Some games make the rat a fragile DPS unit, this video makes a good argument for it being a speedy support unit in Gen 1, and the anime usually depicts it as this weirdly tanky burst damage pokemon. Makes me wonder if Ash grabbed the little guy a Light Ball off screen during the Johto arc. At the same time though, I actually think that helps it's mascot status, as it shows that any one pokemon can take up any number of builds, depending on the player and what role they want it to fill on their team. Just ask anyone who's had to deal with YoloSkarm tactics. Pokemon, even on a competitive level, let's you get away with some truly insane shit if you have a little bit of creativity and a decent understanding of it's core mechanics.

[@elijahpadilla5083]

Ash's Pikachu has always had this reputation for insane power by Pika standards, this indication that it's special; that's why Team Rocket keeps chasing Ash, after all. Little guy might've eaten a Light Ball like Rowlet did an Everstone in Alola.

[@matthewkuscienko4616]

@@elijahpadilla5083 The way I see it, they had to make Pikachu more powerful in the anime than it would normally be in the games, since as the main character's primary Pokemon, it's going to be used a lot more than anything else Ash winds up catching. Therefore, Pikachu being as powerful as he is depicted in the anime justifies just why Ash is always so reliant on his first partner when the going gets tough. Basically, it's a case of being strong because of necessity created by virtue of being a main character in the series

[@MattDustyParker]

Absolutely adore your videos man. This one was another excellent episode. I adore your editing style, particularly when you edit in sound effects to punctuate parts of the script. You're awesome dude, keep it up.

[@treehousegames7903]

0:55 has the same energy as "I Am Inside Your Walls."

[@kylespevak6781]

4:53 Pretty interesting you're examining his re-design

[@matthewkuscienko4616]

Kind of have to, really, as it's the design that more people are going to be more familiar with

[@BabusGameRoom]

My partner and I did a Let's Play of her playing through Gen 1 as her first Pokemon game aside from Pokemon Go. I also did a playthrough where I wanted to catch everything. And while it took a ridiculous amount of time to find caterpie of all things, I found 2 or 3 Pikachus. I offered her a Pikachu after we had a battle before Mt. Moon, IIRC. That Pikachu, Twinkle, became a star of her team for almost all of the reasons you described. He could do a lot of things well, but he couldn't do anything perfectly. And he kept dying, and even ended up getting benched from time to time. But it was a big moment when she finally decided to give Twinkle a Thunderstone. He became a real MVP, probably when it was needed most. ...Also, Pikachu is great for Mt. Moon! Thundershock those Zubats for revenge and cheap experience!

[@wut939]

I love pikachu. I can't get enough of the little dude, I just wish he didn't get unnecessary hate sometimes

[@StoryTeller796]

I do not care what he talks about, I just want to hear Designing For gush.

[@ameryaser3987]

Pikachu really is a mans best friend. My favourite is snorelax tho.

[@Vulpas]

12:47 No, players are not required to use different Pokemon against Brock, they are just encouraged to do so. Otherwise the player can and must either: 1. Teach Pikachu Surf 2. Level up to get attacks to effect Ground-Types and spam potions 3. Trade it & teach it Seismic Toss. Evolve it into Raichu (stats up) It's easiest to just use different Pokemon, but it's not required.

[@Magic_Ice]

If you like heavy’s in smash bros you hate him, but you can’t hate Pikachu for long.

[@CheeseBlaster]

not even just heavies, if you simply play smash you have something against that filthy rodent

[@_.SnowyNights._]

i play dedede and pikachu so i dont hate em

[@cradiculous]

Your avatar and name suggests that you not only play heavies, but play the very best heavy.

[@TarvouldsQuest]

Pikachu taught me how to be a father. Send tweet.

[@BearofLightness]

Aw man, I want Big the Cat in my cereal

[@BearofLightness]

(Magic Spoon looks and sounds really good, don't get me wrong. But it would look even better with Big the Cat in it. Maybe not everything else from Brand X tho)

[@apairofglasses775]

@@BearofLightness 🐢

[@straightupanarg6226]

Pikachu is _super_ rare in Viridian Forest. I remember catching one while drinking coffee at Jack in the Box and being totally surprised. I've played through Red/Fire Red a few times and only ever found that one.

[@sptflcrw8583]

Not really?

[@megamudkip5913]

Funny enough, when playing through a new save on an emulator in pokemon blue, the first encounter I had was a pikachu

[@KnightsDisillusion]

I love that one of your Pokémon is called MELTYBLOOD. Great video as always man.

[@cradiculous]

And don't forget his Wigglytuff is PINKMENACE

[@gameplanetanimations]

I could argue all day why Mew should be the Mascot... But this is nice.

[@TheTheisson]

i can see a few reasons but i feel like mew is too "girlish" cute while pikachu provide a good middle between cute and cool.

[@gameplanetanimations]

@@TheTheisson Hmm... That sounds fair. :,)

[@sptflcrw8583]

Too rare

[@castform7]

As much as I started to hate seeing this rosey cheeked yellow rodent literally anywhere I go.....I'd be lying if I said I didn't love him to bits. I truly think Pokemon struck gold with Pikachu and that the franchise wouldn't be at the peak it is today without it. It's a colour that isn't "assigned" to a specific gender. It's cute, it's cool. He looks like he could take on anything but isn't overpowered. I couldn't see any other Pokemon in Pikachu's position. Not Clefairy or Poliwhirl or any of the gen 1 starters or even Eevee. The title of mascot will always be Pikachu's and Pikachu's alone for me.

[@waffleman8053]

Episode one Pikachu is still peek Pikachu.

[@thatguymatt5816]

I could listen to you talk about literally anything man

[@jaredhebert942]

"Perhaps the pan is too smol..." - PyrrhicKong's lady-friend, 2022

[@TheMadVentriloquist]

The BGM really sells the video: capitalizing on BGM variations of the 2 B A Master album.

[@FanFrag56]

Hey man, I always love your videos. Good production value, very informative and a fresh perspective. I hope you get a boost in subscribers cause this shit is gold! 💯

[@BlueLoveYT]

Pikachu is without a doubt one of the most iconic figures in all of history. Except he won't be going away anytime soon since he's fictional thus he'll live on forever. Wouldn't be surprised if Pokemon one day takes over the world.

[@PickleInspector]

You just expect that Mr. Jawsum to pass us by? Love your work, and would love to see a designing for focusing on omori one day.

[@mogaku776]

Time stamp?

[@PickleInspector]

@@mogaku776 in the background @5:26

[@mogaku776]

@@PickleInspectorOMORI

[@Garde_Mystik]

Normal people - Only ever use Pikachu ingame in the original Red/Blue/Green/Yellow games. Me - Only uses Pikachu in the Alola games, especially in games with Ultra Necrozma...

[@kylespevak6781]

What makes him the best? The fans chose him, not the company

[@Poyostar]

While I'm more of a Pichu person, I still think Pikachu is pretty cute. They absolutely deserve the title of Pokémon's definitive mascot, even after all these years!

[@madnessarcade7447]

Pikachu is for sure one of ash’s aces Ash’s pikachu is one of the most powerful non legendary pokemon in that world

[@Tannershide]

Oi oi oi! I saw that Cheeky Pinser nickname! I don't know if that's your gameplay or not but I appreciate the clever reference. Got a deep, throaty "Oh that's bad" chuckle out of me. Well done.

[@Rex10111]

Peak of design? I think you mean PIKA design! :D

[@Theduk9890]

Great video bud. Love ya and hope you keep making more :)

[@ACE44-404]

I feel like pikachu and eevee are like Mickey mouse or mario they get annoying after a while but after a bit of a back seat they are just a popular as if not a bit less popular the. Before the burn out

[@MrDrBoi]

I've always really loved the feeling of getting to Misty with Pikachu and wrecking her mainly because the first gym is not easy without squirtle, and I'm really glad you brought that up. Great video!

[@SpaceJawa]

Pikachu such a successful design they were able to make Mimikyu a success by simply designing it as a literal knockoff wannabe Pikachu.

[@amparolopez6236]

Thoughts on the Pokemon series as a whole?

[@codycarney2311]

Why use Dragon Ball Evolution as the example for Dragon Ball? Edit: I'm taking Nobunyaga for myself and there is nothing you can do about it

[@AuthorMx]

Hi, I chose Dragonball Evolutions because during that part of the video Pyrr is talking about different interpretations of popular characters in the cultural zeitgeist, with the implication being that DB: E is an example of taking the character and doing something odd with it. I had already used the Garfield movie to represent an interpretation that was similar to the og deal and DB: E was meant to be the opposite of that where the character is uh, not.

[@codycarney2311]

@@AuthorMx OK had me worried there for a hot second.

[@FelisImpurrator]

Nobunyaga really is a brilliant name.

[@Homedepotorange]

Oh Designing for out Prometheus pray tell what wisdom do you bring to us mortals this day? Why is Pikachu the perfect mascot?

[@nowionlywantatriumph]

Shouldn’t Ash’s Pikachu be, like, level 1000 by now?

[@madnessarcade7447]

The games wasn’t even what turned pikachu into a mascot it was the anime

[@pokemon1659]

Still waiting for castle crashers designing for voilence

[@Foamypeon]

Great video!

[@jameslawrenson1208]

Why would you name a Spearow Berdly!?

[@StarkMaximum]

I CAUGHT THAT MAGMAR WAS NAMED MELTY BLOOD YOOOOOO

[@MrKrazyoshi]

Great video! I got close to crying a few times.

[@JohnnyGuiltyMan]

OK I'm about to go raise hell at KZbin HQ, I had no clue thst there has been videos since the Spamton video even though I have the notifications on

[@gregzotter6189]

Of course Ash can rely on Pikachu! He's Ash's best friend!

[@PipeFoxDream]

God I love pikachu. Very good video!

[@beatziegraham6928]

I actually DONT own a pikachu thing at home. I DO have a Torchik plush though.

[@madnessarcade7447]

12:16 I agree with this tho

[@ACE44-404]

A spearow named berdly is perfect

[@madnessarcade7447]

You guys think too cold and cynically about Pokémon in terms of stats There are no bad Pokémon only bad trainers who don’t know how to use the potential properly Every Pokémon has potential Pokémon is about Oh your my best friend in a world we must defend I will travel across the land searching far and wide each pokemon to understand the power that’s inside Our hearts so true our courage will pull us through you teach me and I teach you” I raise pokemon the ash way Every Pokémon has potential and any Pokémon can be good with enough compassion kindness trust and determination Y’all have been brainwashed by smogon rules and tiers so much Y’all forgot pokemon are friends first Did you guys learn nothing about his rivalry with Paul and chimchar’s arc Don’t be a Paul. Being a Paul is wrong The anime may have different rules and logic but those life lessons can be applied anywhere and to any aspect of the franchise and life in general

[@robtheillusion5529]

Thank you. I'm so glad that there are other people who share this perspective. This is part of the reason why I tend to disagree with videos that claim to "fix bad pokemon" of specific generations especially the older ones. These people seem to ignore, or forget, that when a lot of us were growing up with pokemon, especially during (I would say) the first 4 generations, I can't speak for anyone else, but I did not give a flying f*!k about how viable a pokemon was in a competitive sense. I only cared about if it looked appealing to me generally speaking. And hey, I still had a blast with the games because I wasn't looking to create the strongest meta team known to man, no, I enjoyed the journeys and experimenting with the same, or new, pokemon, and training them to my taste. By the way, I absolutely love the comparison you made with Ash and Paul because it is so true. You see that mentality more than ever before, and It is making a decent amount of fans miss one of the central points of the franchise as you've already mentioned. We've seen how Ash was able to eventually overcome Paul's more harsh and rigid style of battling with his own more free and compassionate style. It culminated to one of most beautiful and tear-jerking payoffs in the Pokemon anime when Ash is finally able to beat Paul in one of the best fights in the entire series after succumbing to many losses beforehand, albeit reasonable ones. Your rival Silver, from the GSC games, also demonstrates how going down this path of cynical judging isn't a good long-term path to success. Silver, being the son of Giovanni, is spiteful towards Team Rocket, perhaps, out of feeling neglected by his father, but in an ironic fashion, he displays traits that would fit right into Team Rocket such as burglary, having a nasty attitude for the most part, and treating his pokemon like tools instead of companions. After several battles and story beats involving him, he starts to come around in discovering the truth as to why he falls short of victory, and it is because while he may have the drive to be the best, he lacked the clarity of what really mattered to achieve said goal, patience and understanding. When you fight him with a fully evolved Crobat at Mt. Moon (I believe), that's when his character arc becomes complete because he finally learns one of the most valuable lessons in Pokemon.

[@zenone9698]

You should do a video on the Monado from xenoblade.

[@chrismulvey5441]

NobuNYAga got me ngl.

[@EduSolsa]

Neat!

[@wilddancecho152]

Now do the Mimikyu episode 😐

[@7sonicmario]

To this day I still believe Clefairy should have been the mascot. Imagine the shenanigans with metrodome.

[@playkawaii2104]

517!

[@krealyesitisbeta5642]

RAICHU IS BETTER.

[@r1tzy5551]

But not as a mascot

[@krealyesitisbeta5642]

@@r1tzy5551 They didn't give him a chance and instead slandered him.

[@r1tzy5551]

@@krealyesitisbeta5642 Remember Goh's Raichu?

[@TheStickCollector]

​@@r1tzy5551I wasn't there but we were probably "eating" then. I assume that is the closest to what ash owning one would be like. Too bad they also let goh fall off a cliff like the rest of them for the obligatory new cast that replaced them. (Unless he is in it, i haven't watched)

[@TheStickCollector]

To understand perfection, you must understand where perfection came from.

[@LITTLE1994]

Pikachu, the perfect mascot? No. It is EEVEE...

[@Elshaddoll]

Eevee is too generic. Pikachu is unique and is recognized by non-Pokemon fans. While I like Eevee and it's evolutions, it does not have that wide appeal Pika has.

[@kylespevak6781]

@@Elshaddoll Tell that to Japan

[@sptflcrw8583]

@@kylespevak6781 Japan also has Pikachu as the mascot lol

[@kylespevak6781]

@@sptflcrw8583 I didn't say Eevee was the mascot. I was replying to the guy saying nobody likes Eevee, when Eevee has been pretty much a secondary mascot, at least in Japan

[@schaffs2]

Sorry but I like Raichu more than Pikachu

[@barofsoap8098]

I really dislike pikachu, mostly for how pervasive he is in media. But good video!

[@James-lw9ih]

I hate pikechu >:(

[@chiebukachibee-zoraedu]

Says you!

[@James-lw9ih]

@@chiebukachibee-zoraedu i hate him, i hate him so much, i hate picklechu

[@chiebukachibee-zoraedu]

@@James-lw9ih who?