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The Wide World of Pokémon! In this world live a vast number and variety of amazing creatures. This week we are excited to welcome the arrival of new batch of wondrous creatures to befriend and collect. To start things off we will be focusing on a very special Pokémon. A bridge between Generation VI and Generation VII. The first partner many players will get to travel alongside and battle with during their first foray into Alola. This week’s Pokémon of choice is Greninja!
The Water-type starter for Pokémon X and Y Greninja is an incredibly popular Pokémon with wide reaching appeal and medium presence. The Greninja-line is designed after the association between ninjas, stealth, and deception with frogs. Dating back all the way to “The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya”, the legend of the ninja Jiraiya and his mastery of toad magic, the association has been well established through Japanese folklore and has spread through Japanese culture and its use of storytelling. Through more than just the fitting classification as a Dark-type the Greninja-line embodies the image of a ninja. As Froakie and Frogadier these Pokémon produce foamy bubbles that cover their necks and backs with which they make use as projectiles, makeshift bags similar to stereotypical Japanese thieves, and scarfs reminiscent of the romantic imagery of heroic ninjas donning flowing scarves while standing atop roofs silhouetted by the moon. Greninja continues the use of these allusions although with shuriken made of compressed water and with an even longer flowing scarf which in actuality is Greninja’s tongue! However off-putting some people may find the tongue scarf at the very least it can be said that it is a neat combination of a frog’s long tongue and the traditional red scarf worn by daring Japanese figures. Greninja also fills an interesting design role with its starter counterparts Chesnaught and Delphox as the stealthy rogue to their respective honorable warrior and crafty mage. These three roles create somewhat of a standard team archetype seen in many stories of European origin, a similarity to the Kalos region, that has carried on to modern role playing games.
Ever since its introduction Greninja has been an immensely popular Pokémon even so far as winning first place in the Pokémon General Election 720! Greninja has appeared in almost every article of Pokémon media in which it has garnered a significant position within each of them. In the main series games Greninja is a top contender in the competitive metagame with its use of the highly versatile Protean ability allowing it to change its type with each move make often leaving the opponent in the dark as to what Greninja will actually do. Announced alongside the solo return of Charizard to Super Smash Bros. Greninja has seen much use because of its mobility and speed in a game where mastering these qualities can mean long-lasting success. Of interest is also the fact that Greninja was apparently in development for Smash before even the announcement for its debut game which is something it shares with Roy from Fire Emblem. That is a process that no character has ever gone through before! And in the realm of the anime Greninja was Ash’s only starter capture in his time around Kalos deeply bonding with Ash that eventually it unlocked a powerful new and perplexing form in Ash-Greninja. With all this continued success and popularity seemingly right out of the gate some have even wondered if Greninja was purposely bred to be the best at what it does!
As previously mentioned Ash’s Greninja achieved a new powerful form change through their bond that confused and astounded fans from all over the world. Many marveled at Ash-Greninja’s newfound strength and incredible abilities in battle. Those people as well as many others also wondered what exactly is this new phenomenon, what is really the nature of Ash’s bond with his Greninja, and what all this meant for the future of the franchise. With the simultaneous reveal of new Zygarde forms and the later reveal of the brand new Pokémon Magearna confusion, anticipation and fervid speculation erupted like never before. All of that came to a resounding peak with the announcement of Pokémon Sun and Moon and the conclusion of the XY anime following Ash’s journey with his Greninja. And just like with the unexpected reveal of Ash-Greninja the Pokémon community has again come to a state of uncertainty as Gamefreak and TPCi venture into territory the series has not explored before. With the Sun and Moon demo we finally saw the release of Ash-Greninja and were able to experience its new abilities for our very own. In this somewhat unprecedented union between Pokémon games and Pokémon anime we have also begun our journey into this new world that has been laid before our feet. Though it may seem frightening it is important to remember that this is also a time of celebration for the series and the community where all experiences come together. Take steps into the new era with reverence and jubilation of what has passed. And if hearts are still wavering remember that our good friend Greninja is also there with its new do ready take those steps with us towards that endless horizon.
Here are some questions to consider to get conversation rolling. You don't have to answer all of them or any of them in your post as long as you're staying on topic and within global forum rules.
Previous Pokémon of the Week:
The Water-type starter for Pokémon X and Y Greninja is an incredibly popular Pokémon with wide reaching appeal and medium presence. The Greninja-line is designed after the association between ninjas, stealth, and deception with frogs. Dating back all the way to “The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya”, the legend of the ninja Jiraiya and his mastery of toad magic, the association has been well established through Japanese folklore and has spread through Japanese culture and its use of storytelling. Through more than just the fitting classification as a Dark-type the Greninja-line embodies the image of a ninja. As Froakie and Frogadier these Pokémon produce foamy bubbles that cover their necks and backs with which they make use as projectiles, makeshift bags similar to stereotypical Japanese thieves, and scarfs reminiscent of the romantic imagery of heroic ninjas donning flowing scarves while standing atop roofs silhouetted by the moon. Greninja continues the use of these allusions although with shuriken made of compressed water and with an even longer flowing scarf which in actuality is Greninja’s tongue! However off-putting some people may find the tongue scarf at the very least it can be said that it is a neat combination of a frog’s long tongue and the traditional red scarf worn by daring Japanese figures. Greninja also fills an interesting design role with its starter counterparts Chesnaught and Delphox as the stealthy rogue to their respective honorable warrior and crafty mage. These three roles create somewhat of a standard team archetype seen in many stories of European origin, a similarity to the Kalos region, that has carried on to modern role playing games.
Ever since its introduction Greninja has been an immensely popular Pokémon even so far as winning first place in the Pokémon General Election 720! Greninja has appeared in almost every article of Pokémon media in which it has garnered a significant position within each of them. In the main series games Greninja is a top contender in the competitive metagame with its use of the highly versatile Protean ability allowing it to change its type with each move make often leaving the opponent in the dark as to what Greninja will actually do. Announced alongside the solo return of Charizard to Super Smash Bros. Greninja has seen much use because of its mobility and speed in a game where mastering these qualities can mean long-lasting success. Of interest is also the fact that Greninja was apparently in development for Smash before even the announcement for its debut game which is something it shares with Roy from Fire Emblem. That is a process that no character has ever gone through before! And in the realm of the anime Greninja was Ash’s only starter capture in his time around Kalos deeply bonding with Ash that eventually it unlocked a powerful new and perplexing form in Ash-Greninja. With all this continued success and popularity seemingly right out of the gate some have even wondered if Greninja was purposely bred to be the best at what it does!
As previously mentioned Ash’s Greninja achieved a new powerful form change through their bond that confused and astounded fans from all over the world. Many marveled at Ash-Greninja’s newfound strength and incredible abilities in battle. Those people as well as many others also wondered what exactly is this new phenomenon, what is really the nature of Ash’s bond with his Greninja, and what all this meant for the future of the franchise. With the simultaneous reveal of new Zygarde forms and the later reveal of the brand new Pokémon Magearna confusion, anticipation and fervid speculation erupted like never before. All of that came to a resounding peak with the announcement of Pokémon Sun and Moon and the conclusion of the XY anime following Ash’s journey with his Greninja. And just like with the unexpected reveal of Ash-Greninja the Pokémon community has again come to a state of uncertainty as Gamefreak and TPCi venture into territory the series has not explored before. With the Sun and Moon demo we finally saw the release of Ash-Greninja and were able to experience its new abilities for our very own. In this somewhat unprecedented union between Pokémon games and Pokémon anime we have also begun our journey into this new world that has been laid before our feet. Though it may seem frightening it is important to remember that this is also a time of celebration for the series and the community where all experiences come together. Take steps into the new era with reverence and jubilation of what has passed. And if hearts are still wavering remember that our good friend Greninja is also there with its new do ready take those steps with us towards that endless horizon.
Here are some questions to consider to get conversation rolling. You don't have to answer all of them or any of them in your post as long as you're staying on topic and within global forum rules.
- Do you like or dislike this Pokémon? Why?
- How is this Pokémon in-game?
- How is this Pokémon in competitive play? Are there any interesting strategies you like to use for them?
- Do you like this Pokémon's representation in the anime? Are there any moments or qualities in particular you enjoy/dislike?
- How do you think this Pokémon would interact with our world?
- If given the power to, would you change anything about this Pokémon and if so, what would you change?
- How do you feel about Greninja’s extended presence throughout the series? Did you enjoy it or did you feel it was overexposed?
- How does Greninja compare to the other Kalos starters? How about to all the other Water starters?
- Would you ever like to see another Pokémon gain powers like Greninja? If so do you have anyone particular in mind?
Previous Pokémon of the Week:
Pokémon of the Week #1: Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, & Venusaur
Pokémon of the Week #2: Scraggy & Scrafty
Pokémon of the Week #3: Gulpin & Swalot
Pokémon of the Week #4: Porygon, Porygon2, & Porygon-Z
Pokémon of the Week #5: Emolga
Pokémon of the Week #6: Rufflet & Braviary
Pokémon of the Week #7: Ditto
Pokémon of the Week #8: Wynaut & Wobbuffet
Pokémon of the Week #9: Sneasel & Weavile
Pokémon of the Week #10: Murkrow & Honchkrow
Pokémon of the Week #11: Houndour & Houndoom
Pokémon of the Week #12: Exeggcute & Exeggutor
Pokémon of the Week #13: Gastly, Haunter, & Gengar
Pokemon of the Week #14: Smoochum & Jynx
Pokémon of the Week #15: Beldum, Metang, & Metagross
Pokémon of the Week #16: Bidoof
Pokémon of the Week # 17: Deerling and Sawsbuck
Pokémon of the Week #18: Munchlax and Snorlax
Pokémon of the Week #19: Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff
Pokémon of the Week #20: Nincada, Ninjask, and Shedinja
Pokémon of the Week #21: Pumpkaboo & Gourgeist
Pokémon of the Week #22: Mudkip, Marshtomp, and Swampert
Pokémon of the Week #2: Scraggy & Scrafty
Pokémon of the Week #3: Gulpin & Swalot
Pokémon of the Week #4: Porygon, Porygon2, & Porygon-Z
Pokémon of the Week #5: Emolga
Pokémon of the Week #6: Rufflet & Braviary
Pokémon of the Week #7: Ditto
Pokémon of the Week #8: Wynaut & Wobbuffet
Pokémon of the Week #9: Sneasel & Weavile
Pokémon of the Week #10: Murkrow & Honchkrow
Pokémon of the Week #11: Houndour & Houndoom
Pokémon of the Week #12: Exeggcute & Exeggutor
Pokémon of the Week #13: Gastly, Haunter, & Gengar
Pokemon of the Week #14: Smoochum & Jynx
Pokémon of the Week #15: Beldum, Metang, & Metagross
Pokémon of the Week #16: Bidoof
Pokémon of the Week # 17: Deerling and Sawsbuck
Pokémon of the Week #18: Munchlax and Snorlax
Pokémon of the Week #19: Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff
Pokémon of the Week #20: Nincada, Ninjask, and Shedinja
Pokémon of the Week #21: Pumpkaboo & Gourgeist
Pokémon of the Week #22: Mudkip, Marshtomp, and Swampert