Originally conceived by Satoshi Tajiri, the Pokémon franchise has grown to include over 800 fictional species of collectible monsters that inhabit Pokémon World. One of the most popular characters in the Pokémon World and beyond is Ash Ketchum’s sidekick, Pikachu.  

Designed by Atsuko Nishida and Ken Sugimori, Pikachu first appeared in the Pokémon Red and Green video games in Japan before appearing in the international release of the games. Pikachu are an “electric-type” Pokémon who has short, yellow fur with brown markings and a lightning bolt shaped tail. They attack primarily by projecting electricity at their targets, but they can also transform into a Raichu when exposed to a Thunderstone. Like other species of Pokémon, Pikachu are often captured and groomed by human trainers to battle other players’ Pokémon. 

Pikachu gained a large following after his introduction in the anime animated series, Pokémon. This series centered around 10-year old Ash, whose life mission was to become a Pokémon Master. After traveling to Professor Oak’s lab, Ash discovers that all the starter Pokémon except for Pikachu have been given away. Initially, Pikachu ignores Ash’s requests, shocks him repeatedly and flat out refuses to be cooped up in a Poké Ball. However, the pair eventually become best friends and enjoy a strong bond of love. Although the Pokémon still refuses to be confined in the Poké Ball. 

Throughout their adventures together, Pikachu demonstrates great power that sets him apart from other Pokémon. This makes him a target for frequent attacks by Team Rocket, who hope to win favor with their boss by capturing Pikachu. Pikachu has also appeared in the manga series Pokémon Adventures, Magical Pokémon Journey, Electric Tale of Pikachu,and Ash & Pikachu. As well as the video games Pokémon Yellow, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Hey You, Pikachu!, Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure, Pokkén Tournament, Pokémon Let’s Go and Detective Pikachu.

Did you know this latter video game is being developed into an live-action feature film from Warner Bros.? Centered around a talking Pikachu who becomes a detective and helps to solve mysteries, the film stars Ryan Reynolds as the titular Pokemon with Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, Ken Watanabe, Suki Waterhouse, Rita Ora and Bill Nighy.

This electric film is arriving in theaters Summer 2019.