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Raichu (Pokémon): Difference between revisions
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Raichu is a bipedal, {{wp|rodent}}-like {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Raichu is covered in dark orange fur with a white belly. Its bifurcated ears are brown on the outside, yellow on the insides, and end in a distinctive curl. There is a circular yellow marking on each cheek where its electric sacs are, and it has a triangular, dark brown nose. Its arms and feet have patches of brown fur at the end, and the soles of its long feet are tan with a circular orange pad in the center. On its back are two horizontal brown stripes. Its long, thin tail has a lightning bolt-shaped end. This lightning bolt is chipped on females. Raichu exudes a weak electrical charge from its body and glows slightly in the dark. | Raichu is a bipedal, {{wp|rodent}}-like {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Raichu is covered in dark orange fur with a white belly. Its bifurcated ears are brown on the outside, yellow on the insides, and end in a distinctive curl. There is a circular yellow marking on each cheek where its electric sacs are, and it has a triangular, dark brown nose. Its arms and feet have patches of brown fur at the end, and the soles of its long feet are tan with a circular orange pad in the center. On its back are two horizontal brown stripes. Its long, thin tail has a lightning bolt-shaped end. This lightning bolt is chipped on females. Raichu exudes a weak electrical charge from its body and glows slightly in the dark. | ||
Raichu's tail is used to gather electricity from the atmosphere, or it can be planted in the ground to search for electricity. It also protects Raichu from its high-voltage power. Raichu can store over 100,000 volts of electricity, enough to knock out a {{p|Copperajah}}. If Raichu's sacs are fully charged, its ears will stand straight up and its muscles become stimulated. However, it will become aggressive if it has stored too much electricity and stress. To keep from reaching this state, it discharges electricity through its tail into the ground. This leads to scorched patches near its nest. Being the result of evolution via [[Evolution stone]], Raichu is rarely found in the wild, though they can be found in {{DL|List of Pokémon by habitat|Forest Pokémon|forests and woodlands}}. The main reason Raichu is rarely seen with Pokémon trainers is because people prefer the look it had as {{p|Pikachu}}. As revealed in the | Raichu's tail is used to gather electricity from the atmosphere, or it can be planted in the ground to search for electricity. It also protects Raichu from its high-voltage power. Raichu can store over 100,000 volts of electricity, enough to knock out a {{p|Copperajah}}. If Raichu's sacs are fully charged, its ears will stand straight up and its muscles become stimulated. However, it will become aggressive if it has stored too much electricity and stress. To keep from reaching this state, it discharges electricity through its tail into the ground. This leads to scorched patches near its nest. Being the result of evolution via [[Evolution stone]], Raichu is rarely found in the wild, though they can be found in {{DL|List of Pokémon by habitat|Forest Pokémon|forests and woodlands}}. The main reason Raichu is rarely seen with Pokémon trainers is because people prefer the look it had as {{p|Pikachu}}. As revealed in the ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'' episode ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]'', Raichu is not capable of learning speed attacks upon evolving and can only learn them when they're still Pikachu. As shown in [[Pokémon Sleep]], Raichu is known to sleep while discharging electricity, and a long tail is planted into the ground like a rod. It can electrocute anyone who comes near it while sleeping.<ref>''[[Pokémon Sleep|Sleep Style Dex]]''</ref> | ||
Raichu and its pre-evolved forms are the [[signature move|only known Pokémon]] capable of learning the move {{m|Volt Tackle}}. | Raichu and its pre-evolved forms are the [[signature move|only known Pokémon]] capable of learning the move {{m|Volt Tackle}}. | ||
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===Forms=== | ===Forms=== | ||
[[File:Alolan Raichu SM concept art.jpg|thumb|250px|Alolan Raichu are rarely seen on the ground, preferring to float on their tails, classic hodad behavior]] | [[File:Alolan Raichu SM concept art.jpg|thumb|250px|Alolan Raichu are rarely seen on the ground, preferring to float on their tails, classic hodad behavior]] | ||
[[File:Alolan Raichu standing anime.png|thumb|250px|left|Alolan Raichu standing off its tail in the | [[File:Alolan Raichu standing anime.png|thumb|250px|left|Alolan Raichu standing off its tail in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'']] | ||
Raichu has a [[regional form]]: {{rf|Alolan}} Raichu. | Raichu has a [[regional form]]: {{rf|Alolan}} Raichu. | ||
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{{Spritebox/HOME/2FormsGender|ndex=0026|form1=A}} | {{Spritebox/HOME/2FormsGender|ndex=0026|form1=A}} | ||
{{Spritebox/Footer|026|Raichu}} | {{Spritebox/Footer|026|Raichu}} | ||
==In the anime== | ==In the anime== | ||
===Main series=== | ===Main series=== | ||
[[File:Visquez Raichu.png|thumb|left|250px|Raichu in the | [[File:Visquez Raichu.png|thumb|left|250px|Raichu in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'']] | ||
[[File:Alolan Raichu surfing anime.png|thumb|250px|Alolan Raichu in the | [[File:Alolan Raichu surfing anime.png|thumb|250px|Alolan Raichu in ''Pokémon the Series'']] | ||
[[File:Goh Raichu.png|thumb|250px|A female Raichu in the | [[File:Goh Raichu.png|thumb|250px|A female Raichu in ''Pokémon the Series'']] | ||
====Major appearances==== | ====Major appearances==== | ||
=====[[Lt. Surge's Raichu]]===== | =====[[Lt. Surge's Raichu]]===== | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
<!--Do not add "hodad" as an alternate name for Alolan Raichu. It is merely a nickname, unlike "Keokeo" for Alolan Vulpix.--> | <!--Do not add "hodad" as an alternate name for Alolan Raichu. It is merely a nickname, unlike "Keokeo" for Alolan Vulpix.--> | ||
* No other {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} has the same [[type]] [[List of Pokémon with unique type combinations|combination]] as Alolan Raichu. | * No other {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} has the same [[type]] [[List of Pokémon with unique type combinations|combination]] as Alolan Raichu. | ||
* In {{game|Red and Blue|s}}, there is a {{tc|Scientist}} at the [[Cinnabar Lab|Pokémon Lab]] in [[Cinnabar Island]] who will [[trade]] a Raichu for an {{p|Electrode}}. If the player talks to him after the trade, he will mention that the Raichu evolved, which is not possible. This mistake was due to the original translation of the script of the {{jpn|Pokémon Blue Version|Japanese Blue}} (in which this person traded a Graveler for a Kadabra) rather than that of {{game|Red and Green|s}}. This error was corrected in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, as the script was re-translated. | * In {{game|Red and Blue|s}}, there is a {{tc|Scientist}} at the [[Cinnabar Lab|Pokémon Lab]] in [[Cinnabar Island]] who will [[trade]] a Raichu for an {{p|Electrode}}. If the player talks to him after the trade, he will mention that the Raichu evolved, which is not possible. This mistake was due to the original translation of the script of the {{jpn|Pokémon Blue Version|Japanese Blue}} (in which this person traded a Graveler for a Kadabra) rather than that of {{game|Red and Green|s}}. This error was corrected in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, as the script was re-translated. | ||
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* Several Pokédex entries claim Raichu can discharge up to {{m|Thunderbolt|100,000 volts}}. However, its Stadium entry claims it can only discharge up to 10,000 volts. This is likely a translation error due to the way numbers are read in Japanese, where 100,000 literally reads "ten ten-thousands". | * Several Pokédex entries claim Raichu can discharge up to {{m|Thunderbolt|100,000 volts}}. However, its Stadium entry claims it can only discharge up to 10,000 volts. This is likely a translation error due to the way numbers are read in Japanese, where 100,000 literally reads "ten ten-thousands". | ||
* Raichu [[List of Pokémon that appear in every regional Pokédex|appears in every regional Pokédex]] except the [[List of Pokémon by Unova Pokédex number|Unova Pokédex]]. | * Raichu [[List of Pokémon that appear in every regional Pokédex|appears in every regional Pokédex]] except the [[List of Pokémon by Unova Pokédex number|Unova Pokédex]]. | ||
* Although {{p|Pikachu}} is the [[first partner Pokémon]] of {{game|Yellow}}, it is not possible to directly evolve it into Raichu in the game, and must be traded in from {{2v2|Red|Blue}}. This inability to evolve Pikachu is a reference to [[Ash's Pikachu]] in the | * Although {{p|Pikachu}} is the [[first partner Pokémon]] of {{game|Yellow}}, it is not possible to directly evolve it into Raichu in the game, and must be traded in from {{2v2|Red|Blue}}. This inability to evolve Pikachu is a reference to [[Ash's Pikachu]] in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''. | ||
* Raichu and its pre-evolved form both share their {{pkmn|category}} with {{p|Rattata}}, {{p|Raticate}}, {{p|Sandshrew}}, {{p|Sandslash}}, {{p|Pawmi}}, and {{p|Pawmo}}. They are all known as the Mouse Pokémon, though Rattata and Raticate were originally called the Rat Pokémon prior to [[Generation III]]. | * Raichu and its pre-evolved form both share their {{pkmn|category}} with {{p|Rattata}}, {{p|Raticate}}, {{p|Sandshrew}}, {{p|Sandslash}}, {{p|Pawmi}}, and {{p|Pawmo}}. They are all known as the Mouse Pokémon, though Rattata and Raticate were originally called the Rat Pokémon prior to [[Generation III]]. | ||
* Raichu is the 26th Pokémon in both the [[National Pokédex]] and {{OBP|List of Pokémon by Alola Pokédex number|Sun and Moon|Alola Pokédex}} in {{g|Sun and Moon}}. | * Raichu is the 26th Pokémon in both the [[National Pokédex]] and {{OBP|List of Pokémon by Alola Pokédex number|Sun and Moon|Alola Pokédex}} in {{g|Sun and Moon}}. | ||
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* Raichu is the most common Pokémon found amongst [[rival]]s, being used by five of them. | * Raichu is the most common Pokémon found amongst [[rival]]s, being used by five of them. | ||
* Alolan Raichu is the only [[Alolan form]] available in [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]] that can only be obtained by transferring from other games. | * Alolan Raichu is the only [[Alolan form]] available in [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]] that can only be obtained by transferring from other games. | ||
===Concept and development=== | |||
Raichu and {{rf|Alolan}} Raichu were designed by [[Atsuko Nishida]].<ref name=USUM>"What It Takes to Create a Pokémon." Interview with Ken Sugimori in ''[[Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon Edition: The Official National Pokédex]]'', p. xxi</ref> | |||
The concept of {{rf|Alolan}} Raichu came from [[Masafumi Nukita]], which also involved writing its [[Pokédex]] entries.<ref>https://archive.is/tS5lL</ref> | |||
Raichu originally had an evolved form named "Gorochu" (Japanese: '''ゴロチュウ''' ''Gorochū''), which would have had two horns and fangs.<ref>[https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/3/ Page 3 of Yomiuri interview] with [[Ken Sugimori]], [[Kōji Nishino]], and [[Atsuko Nishida]] (Japanese)</ref><ref>''[https://www.siliconera.com/pikachu-originally-second-evolution-called-gorochu-large-fangs-two-horns/ Pikachu Originally Had A Second Evolution Called ‘Gorochu’ With Large Fangs And Two Horns]'' — SiliconEra</ref> [[Ken Sugimori]] stated that while there was nothing wrong with its appearance, it was nonetheless omitted from {{game|Red and Green|s}}, as the staff found that the game balance was better without it, and the limited game space meant that some Pokémon originally designed to evolve twice were changed to evolve only once.<ref name=Pokemon.com>[https://web.archive.org/web/20211108083831/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu/ Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu - Pokemon.com] (archived)</ref> | |||
===Origin=== | ===Origin=== | ||
Raichu's legs and long tail resemble those of a {{wp|jerboa}} or {{wp|kangaroo rat}}. | Raichu's legs and long tail resemble those of a {{wp|jerboa}} or {{wp|kangaroo rat}}. | ||
{{rf|Alolan}} Raichu may be based on the concept of [[surfing Pikachu]] and the sport of {{wp|surfing}} itself, which originated in Hawaii (the inspiration for the [[Alola]] [[region]]), as well as the [[wiktionary:hodad|hodad]] concept of being a fake surfer; ''hodad'' is referred to as another name for Alolan Raichu in its [[Pokédex]] entry in {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}}. Its design and {{t|Psychic}} typing may have been influenced by [[Puka]], a surfing Pikachu that [[ | {{rf|Alolan}} Raichu may be based on the concept of [[surfing Pikachu]] and the sport of {{wp|surfing}} itself, which originated in Hawaii (the inspiration for the [[Alola]] [[region]]), as well as the [[wiktionary:hodad|hodad]] concept of being a fake surfer; ''hodad'' is referred to as another name for Alolan Raichu in its [[Pokédex]] entry in {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}}. Its design and {{t|Psychic}} typing may have been influenced by [[Puka]], a surfing Pikachu that appeared in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'' which had psychic powers and blue eyes. In the {{g|Stadium series}}, {{pkmn|Colosseum}}, {{XD}}, and {{pkmn|Battle Revolution}}, Raichu rides on its tail when using the move {{m|Surf}}. | ||
According to [[Ken Sugimori]], he asked [[Atsuko Nishida]] to design Alolan Raichu since she was the one who had worked on the original Raichu design. Nishida insisted that Raichu "has always been cuter than people might think", and designed Alolan Raichu to emphasize Raichu's cuteness; in particular, she designed it with the motif of {{wp|bread}}. The in-game lore of people believing that its evolution is induced by eating pancakes was added afterward to play up the concept.<ref name=USUM/> The fact that Alolan Raichu was designed after bread may have also inspired the sweet fragrance it can release from its cheeks, as well as the look of its paws which resemble {{wp|whipped cream}} decorations, {{wp|cream puff}}s, or ''{{wp|baozi}}''. | According to [[Ken Sugimori]], he asked [[Atsuko Nishida]] to design Alolan Raichu since she was the one who had worked on the original Raichu design. Nishida insisted that Raichu "has always been cuter than people might think", and designed Alolan Raichu to emphasize Raichu's cuteness; in particular, she designed it with the motif of {{wp|bread}}. The in-game lore of people believing that its evolution is induced by eating pancakes was added afterward to play up the concept.<ref name=USUM/> The fact that Alolan Raichu was designed after bread may have also inspired the sweet fragrance it can release from its cheeks, as well as the look of its paws which resemble {{wp|whipped cream}} decorations, {{wp|cream puff}}s, or ''{{wp|baozi}}''. | ||