Pokemon, as a franchise, has sparked numerous debates and discussions, one of which revolves around determining the first Pokemon. Different perspectives lead to different rankings. Three contenders stand out in the discussion: Pikachu, Bulbasaur and Clefairy.
Pikachu, though now the globe's most recognisable Pokemon, wasn't initially positioned as the franchise's primary face. This was a status achieved through continuous exposure via the television show, merchandise, and notably, the choice of making Pikachu the series' game mascot over other Pokemon.
The design and appeal of Pikachu, a small, yellow rodent-like creature, was adorable and easy to market, further establishing its prominence. Later on, Pokemon Yellow changed the game; players received a Pikachu as their first Pokemon, exactly like ash’s journey in the animated series, ensuring its long-standing popularity.
However, there are factions who believe Bulbasaur, registered at number 001 in the National Pokedex, should bear the crown of being first Pokemon. There is merit in this argument, considering that Pokemon Red and Blue offered Bulbasaur as one of the initial three pokemon to choose from.
Bulbasaur, a quadruped dinosaur/palm tree hybrid, has a dual Grass/Poison typing offering strategic gameplay benefits. This innovative design and concept attracted a large fanbase. It may not have gained the widespread popularity of Pikachu, but it remains a strong contender in the discussion of the first Pokemon.
Nestled between Pikachu, the face of the franchise, and Bulbasaur, the number one entry in the Pokedex, lies Clefairy. While Clefairy doesn't have the renown of the previous two, it was initially slated to be the mascot of the series.
Clefairy, a star-shaped Pokemon with angelic wings, was set to feature in the leading role for the Pokemon anime. However, as the series directors believed Pikachu would resonate better with audiences, Clefairy was replaced, contributing less prominently into the franchise's material after the change of plans.
Interestingly, Clefairy was also the Pokemon Red and Blue guidebook mascot and the protagonist of the original Pocket Monsters manga. This led to the transformation of Clefairy’s image and subsequent holding of the title of the' hidden' first.
Furthermore, if we consider the anime series, Pikachu emerges victorious as the first Pokemon. It was Ash's first Pokemon, making its debut in the initial episode of the series and assisting in forming the anime's worldwide success.
Bulbasaur was introduced later in the anime's development, while Clefairy made periodic appearances, including an episode where it almost replaced Pikachu as Ash's primary Pokemon. The latter's recurrence did not match the ubiquity of Pikachu or the memorable role of Bulbasaur in the series.
Considering the Pokemon video games, the issue becomes nuanced. Bulbasaur could be selected as one of the first three Pokemon in Pokemon Red and Blue. However, Pikachu was the sole starting Pokemon in Pokemon Yellow, the third instalment of the game series, hinting at Pikachu's privileged role.
Clefairy, though present in the game series, wasn't given the same recognition. It could be caught relatively early in the Mountain Moon area but didn’t stand out in gameplay like Bulbasaur or Pikachu.
In the Trading Card Game, Pikachu was also one of the original 102 cards released, along with Bulbasaur and Clefairy. All three were part of the first set of Pokemon trading cards, each being as dominant as the other.
To move beyond the confines of the franchise and look at cultural impact, Pikachu, undoubtedly, leads the trio. The popularity of Pikachu has transcended the boundaries of the franchise, becoming a phenomenon recognised globally with merchandise, theme park attractions and even a movie.
Bulbasaur and Clefairy, while prominent and cherished, do not have an equal cultural impact. Their presence is vital to the core Pokemon franchise but confined within it, not resonating to the same magnitude as Pikachu in cultural mediums.
The debate brings insight into how the franchise positions its characters, impacting their popularity. Pikachu's appeal and accessibility have been leveraged to boost the franchise's appeal. On the other hand, Bulbasaur and Clefairy provided the series with depth, offering unique concepts and narrative elements.
In conclusion, the contestation to declare the first Pokemon depends on one's perspective. Is the first Pokemon the one which made the maximum cultural impact (Pikachu), was the first in the Pokedex (Bulbasaur), or the potential original mascot (Clefairy)? The title of ‘first’ remains subjective and open for interpretation.