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#REDIRECT [[List of generation I Pokémon#Raichu]]
{{Infobox VG character
{{Redirect category shell|
| name =Raichu
{{R from merge}}
| image =[[File:Raichu.png|center|200px]]
{{R with possibilities}}
| caption ='''[[List of Pokémon|National Pokédex]]'''<br>[[Pikachu]] - '''Raichu (#26)''' - [[Sandshrew]]
{{R to list entry}}
| series =[[Pokémon (video game series)|''Pokémon'' series]]
{{R to section}}
| firstgame =[[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']]
{{R from fictional species|Pokémon}}
| artist =[[Ken Sugimori]]
| voiceactor =[[Urara Takano]]
}}
}}
{{nihongo|'''Raichu'''|ライチュウ|Raichū}} is a [[List of Pokémon|Pokémon species]] in [[Nintendo]] and [[Game Freak]]'s ''[[Pokémon]]'' franchise. Raichu is the evolution to [[Pikachu]], the mascot of the series. It was originally conceived by [[Game Freak]]'s character development team and finalized by [[Ken Sugimori]]. Its name comes from the Japanese kanji "rai," meaning thunder, followed by ''chū'', which is the [[Japanese sound symbolism|Japanese onomatopoeia]] for a mouse's squeak. It is the evolution of [[Pikachu]], and is only able to evolve if Pikachu is given a "Thunder Stone", an item that evolves select Electric Pokémon.

Raichu is capable of storing over 100,000 [[volts]] of electricity in its body. First appearing in [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] versions, Raichu later appears in subsequent sequels. They have later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. In the [[Pokémon (anime)|anime]], Raichu is used by [[Lt. Surge (Pokémon)|Lt. Surge]], the [[Gym Leader]] of Vermilion City. Since it appeared in the ''[[Pokémon]]'' series, Raichu has received generally positive reception. It has appeared in several pieces of merchandise, including plush toys, figurines, and the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]''.

==Design and characteristics==
Raichu was one of 151 different designs conceived by Game Freak's character development team and finalized by [[Ken Sugimori]] for the first generation of ''Pocket Monsters'' games ''Red'' and ''Green'', which were localized outside of Japan as [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/vol1/index2.html |title=2. 一新されたポケモンの世界 |page=2 |work=Nintendo.com |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |accessdate=2010-09-10 |author=Staff |language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=91965 |title=Game Freak on Pokémon! |author=Stuart Bishop |publisher=CVG |date=2003-05-30 |accessdate=2008-02-07|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5VSJaR6xT|archivedate=2008-02-08}}</ref> Its name comes from the Japanese kanji "rai," meaning thunder, followed by ''chū'', which is the [[Japanese sound symbolism|Japanese onomatopoeia]] for a mouse's squeak.<ref name="raichuign">{{cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/9846/page_134.html |title=Pokemon Red Version Guide/Walkthrough - GB, Game Boy Walkthrough - IGN |publisher=Guides.ign.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-25}}</ref><ref name=kotaku>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/347021/the-true-meaning-of-|title=Japan: The True Meaning of |accessdate=2008-06-02}}</ref>

Raichu, known as the [[Electric]] [[Mouse]] Pokémon, and both Pikachu and Raichu most likely to be based on the [[Pika|Pika Mouse]]. Raichu is a taller form that Pikachu takes when a Thunder Stone is applied. Raichu is a rather small [[bipedal]] [[rodent]]. It is able to run faster on all fours. Like Pikachu, from which it evolves, Raichu has long ears and feet, and stubby arms; both species also have two horizontal brown stripes on its back. Its long, thin tail has a broad, [[Thunderbolt|lightning bolt]]-shaped end, which is smaller and blunted on females. Raichu is orange in color, with a white belly. Its paws are brown, as well as its toes, while the soles of its feet are tan colored. Its [[wikt:bifurcation|bifurcated]] ears are brown on the outsides and yellow on the insides, and end in a distinctive curl at their bottom-most point. Unlike Pikachu, with its distinctive red circles, the cheek sacs of Raichu are yellow.

Although quite small in comparison to many other Pokémon, Raichu is capable of storing over 100,000 [[volts]] of electricity in its body.<ref name="RaichuFirered">{{pokédex|firered|Its electric charges can reach even 100,000 volts. Careless contact can cause even an Indian elephant to faint.}}</ref> Raichu, and its evolution family, Pichu and Pikachu, are the only known Pokémon that can learn Volt Tackle. Raichu is much more aggressive than Pikachu, especially if it has stored too much electricity in its body.<ref name="RaichuYellow">{{pokédex|yellow|When electricity builds up inside its body, it becomes FKCriminal. It also glows in the dark.}}</ref> It needs to [[Electrostatic discharge|discharge]] this electricity through its tail into the ground.<ref name="raichured">{{pokédex|red|Its long tail serves as a ground to protect itself from its own high voltage power.}}</ref> However, Raichu can sometimes be timid Pokémon, using Dig to hide or zapping people from fear. It will constantly electrocute objects, people, and Pokémon until its electricity level is back to normal.<ref name="raichuruby">{{pokédex|ruby|If the electrical sacks become excessively charged, Raichu plants its tail in the ground and discharges. Scorched patches of ground will be found near this Pokémon's nest.}}</ref> Raichu are found in forests and vibrant woodlands.

==Appearances==

===In the video games===
Raichu first appears in the first ''Pokémon'' video game, [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']]. As an evolution of [[Pikachu]], and is only able to evolve if Pikachu is given a "Thunder Stone," an item that evolves select Electric Pokémon. In the follow-up, ''[[Pokémon Yellow]]'', Raichu cannot be obtained by conventional means, as the Pikachu that players get refuses to evolve. It later appeared in several sequels, including [[Pokémon Gold and Silver|''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver'']], [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire|''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire'']], the ''Red'' and ''Blue'' remakes [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen|''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen'']], [[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl|''Pokémon Diamond'' and ''Pearl'']], [[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver|''Pokémon HeartGold'' and ''SoulSilver'']], and [[Pokémon Black and White|''Pokémon Black'' and ''White'']]. Outside of the main series, Raichu has appeared in the ''[[Pokémon Pinball]]'' games, ''[[Pokémon Puzzle League]]'', the ''[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon]]'' games, the ''[[Pokémon Ranger]]'' games, and ''[[PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure]] and its sequel, ''[[PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond]]''.

===In other media===
In the [[Pokémon (anime)|anime]], [[Lt. Surge (Pokémon)|Lt. Surge]], the [[Gym Leader]] of Vermilion City, has a Raichu that defeated [[Ash Ketchum|Ash]]'s Pikachu with its sheer power. After discussing [[Pokémon evolution|evolution]] with Pikachu to match Raichu's power (Pikachu refused to evolve), Ash used a strategy relying on Pikachu's speed to defeat Raichu the next day.<ref name="Electric Shock Showdown">{{cite episode| title = Electric Shock Showdown | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Atsuhiro Tomioka (writer) | network = Various | airdate = September 25, 1998 | season = [[List of Pokémon: Indigo League episodes|Indigo League]]|number = 14}}</ref> Ever since that moment on, Raichu developed a newfound respect towards Pikachu. Raichu also appeared causing trouble for Pikachu and co. in [[Pikachu's Vacation]], along with [[Marill]], [[Snubbull]], and [[Cubone]].

Lt. Surge has a Raichu in ''[[Pokémon Adventures]]'', which was first seen in Silph Co. but never participated in battles until fighting [[Pryce (Pokémon)|the Masked Man]] in his Mahogany Hideout, where it helped Surge break in and seemingly backed the mastermind into a corner, until his [[Houndour]] called upon dozens of wild Houndour to thwart Surge, instead.

==Reception==
Since it appeared in the ''[[Pokémon]]'' series, Raichu has received generally positive reception. It has appeared in several pieces of merchandise, including plush toys, figurines, and the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]''. It was also included as part of a [[Burger King]] Big Kids' Meal promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/073/073402p1.html |title=Pok¿Monday - GBA Feature at IGN |publisher=Gameboy.ign.com |date=1999-12-20 |accessdate=2010-09-25}}</ref> The ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' called Raichu an "old favorite."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB42474F198DBF0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | work=Chicago Sun-Times | first=Annie | last=Skertic | title=New Pokemon to hit TV | date=2000-04-23}}</ref> Loredana Lipperini, author of the book ''Generazione Pókemon: i bambini e l'invasione planetaria dei nuovi'', commented that Raichu was not as hugely popular as [[Pikachu]].<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=MOQc163-XCcC |title=Generazione Pókemon: i bambini e l ... - Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-25|isbn=9788882102494|year=2000}}</ref> Ryan Omega, author of the book ''Anime trivia quizbook: from easy to otaku obscure, episode 1'', commented that Raichu "isn't that cute" and that this is why Ash did not want to evolve his Pikachu.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=oOmcouD_U3YC |title=Anime trivia quizbook: from easy to ... - Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-25|isbn=9781880656440|year=2000}}</ref> Pierre Bruno, author of ''La culture de l'enfance à l'heure de la mondialisation'', compared the battle between Lt. Surge's Raichu and Ash's Pikachu to the Biblical story ''[[David and Goliath]]''.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/?id=ggm5AAAAIAAJ |title=La culture de l'enfance ŕ l'heure de ... - Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-25|isbn=9782912404909|year=2002}}</ref> IGN editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" noted that Raichu was "loved by many and despised by more," though she clarified that the hatred for Raichu was nowhere near the hatred for Pikachu. She went on to describe it as “stupid-looking.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://faqs.ign.com/articles/389/389261p1.html |title=Pokemon Crystal Version Pokemon of the Day: Raichu (#26) - IGN FAQs |publisher=Faqs.ign.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-25}}</ref> [[GamesRadar]] editor Brett Elston commented that because of the high level of emphasis on Pikachu, it's “easy to forget Raichu even exists.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-3/a-20070820121621574095/g-2006100415372930075/p-4 |title=The complete Pokemon RBY pokedex, part 3, Pokemon Diamond/Pearl DS Features |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2010-09-21 |accessdate=2010-09-25}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Pokémon}}
* [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Raichu_(Pokémon) Raichu on Bulbapedia]
* {{imdb character|0041797}}

{{Pokémon directory}}

[[Category:Pokémon species]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Video game characters with electric abilities]]

[[ca:Línia evolutiva de Pichu#Raichu]]
[[cs:Seznam pokémonů (21-40)#Raichu]]
[[da:Pokémon (21-40)#Raichu]]
[[es:Raichu]]
[[fr:Raichu]]
[[ko:포켓몬 목록 (021-040)#라이츄]]
[[pt:Família de Pichu#Raichu]]
[[simple:Raichu]]
[[fi:Raichu]]

Revision as of 17:21, 13 December 2023

Template:Sourcesexist

Raichu
Pokémon series character
National Pokédex
Pikachu - Raichu (#26) - Sandshrew
First gamePokémon Red and Blue

Raichu (ライチュウ, Raichū) is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Raichu is the evolution to Pikachu, the mascot of the series. It was originally conceived by Game Freak's character development team and finalized by Ken Sugimori. Its name comes from the Japanese kanji "rai," meaning thunder, followed by chū, which is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a mouse's squeak. It is the evolution of Pikachu, and is only able to evolve if Pikachu is given a "Thunder Stone", an item that evolves select Electric Pokémon.

Raichu is capable of storing over 100,000 volts of electricity in its body. First appearing in Pokémon Red and Blue versions, Raichu later appears in subsequent sequels. They have later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. In the anime, Raichu is used by Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader of Vermilion City. Since it appeared in the Pokémon series, Raichu has received generally positive reception. It has appeared in several pieces of merchandise, including plush toys, figurines, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Design and characteristics

Raichu was one of 151 different designs conceived by Game Freak's character development team and finalized by Ken Sugimori for the first generation of Pocket Monsters games Red and Green, which were localized outside of Japan as Pokémon Red and Blue.[1][2] Its name comes from the Japanese kanji "rai," meaning thunder, followed by chū, which is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a mouse's squeak.[3][4]

Raichu, known as the Electric Mouse Pokémon, and both Pikachu and Raichu most likely to be based on the Pika Mouse. Raichu is a taller form that Pikachu takes when a Thunder Stone is applied. Raichu is a rather small bipedal rodent. It is able to run faster on all fours. Like Pikachu, from which it evolves, Raichu has long ears and feet, and stubby arms; both species also have two horizontal brown stripes on its back. Its long, thin tail has a broad, lightning bolt-shaped end, which is smaller and blunted on females. Raichu is orange in color, with a white belly. Its paws are brown, as well as its toes, while the soles of its feet are tan colored. Its bifurcated ears are brown on the outsides and yellow on the insides, and end in a distinctive curl at their bottom-most point. Unlike Pikachu, with its distinctive red circles, the cheek sacs of Raichu are yellow.

Although quite small in comparison to many other Pokémon, Raichu is capable of storing over 100,000 volts of electricity in its body.[5] Raichu, and its evolution family, Pichu and Pikachu, are the only known Pokémon that can learn Volt Tackle. Raichu is much more aggressive than Pikachu, especially if it has stored too much electricity in its body.[6] It needs to discharge this electricity through its tail into the ground.[7] However, Raichu can sometimes be timid Pokémon, using Dig to hide or zapping people from fear. It will constantly electrocute objects, people, and Pokémon until its electricity level is back to normal.[8] Raichu are found in forests and vibrant woodlands.

Appearances

In the video games

Raichu first appears in the first Pokémon video game, Pokémon Red and Blue. As an evolution of Pikachu, and is only able to evolve if Pikachu is given a "Thunder Stone," an item that evolves select Electric Pokémon. In the follow-up, Pokémon Yellow, Raichu cannot be obtained by conventional means, as the Pikachu that players get refuses to evolve. It later appeared in several sequels, including Pokémon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, the Red and Blue remakes Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, and Pokémon Black and White. Outside of the main series, Raichu has appeared in the Pokémon Pinball games, Pokémon Puzzle League, the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games, the Pokémon Ranger games, and PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure and its sequel, PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond.

In other media

In the anime, Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader of Vermilion City, has a Raichu that defeated Ash's Pikachu with its sheer power. After discussing evolution with Pikachu to match Raichu's power (Pikachu refused to evolve), Ash used a strategy relying on Pikachu's speed to defeat Raichu the next day.[9] Ever since that moment on, Raichu developed a newfound respect towards Pikachu. Raichu also appeared causing trouble for Pikachu and co. in Pikachu's Vacation, along with Marill, Snubbull, and Cubone.

Lt. Surge has a Raichu in Pokémon Adventures, which was first seen in Silph Co. but never participated in battles until fighting the Masked Man in his Mahogany Hideout, where it helped Surge break in and seemingly backed the mastermind into a corner, until his Houndour called upon dozens of wild Houndour to thwart Surge, instead.

Reception

Since it appeared in the Pokémon series, Raichu has received generally positive reception. It has appeared in several pieces of merchandise, including plush toys, figurines, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It was also included as part of a Burger King Big Kids' Meal promotion.[10] The Chicago Sun-Times called Raichu an "old favorite."[11] Loredana Lipperini, author of the book Generazione Pókemon: i bambini e l'invasione planetaria dei nuovi, commented that Raichu was not as hugely popular as Pikachu.[12] Ryan Omega, author of the book Anime trivia quizbook: from easy to otaku obscure, episode 1, commented that Raichu "isn't that cute" and that this is why Ash did not want to evolve his Pikachu.[13] Pierre Bruno, author of La culture de l'enfance à l'heure de la mondialisation, compared the battle between Lt. Surge's Raichu and Ash's Pikachu to the Biblical story David and Goliath.[14] IGN editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" noted that Raichu was "loved by many and despised by more," though she clarified that the hatred for Raichu was nowhere near the hatred for Pikachu. She went on to describe it as “stupid-looking.”[15] GamesRadar editor Brett Elston commented that because of the high level of emphasis on Pikachu, it's “easy to forget Raichu even exists.”[16]

References

  1. ^ Staff. "2. 一新されたポケモンの世界". Nintendo.com (in Japanese). Nintendo. p. 2. Retrieved 2010-09-10.
  2. ^ Stuart Bishop (2003-05-30). "Game Freak on Pokémon!". CVG. Archived from the original on 2008-02-08. Retrieved 2008-02-07.
  3. ^ "Pokemon Red Version Guide/Walkthrough - GB, Game Boy Walkthrough - IGN". Guides.ign.com. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
  4. ^ "Japan: The True Meaning of". Retrieved 2008-06-02.
  5. ^ Game Freak (2004-09-07). Pokémon FireRed (Game Boy Advance). Nintendo. Pokédex: Its electric charges can reach even 100,000 volts. Careless contact can cause even an Indian elephant to faint.
  6. ^ Game Freak (1999-10-19). Pokémon Yellow (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex: When electricity builds up inside its body, it becomes FKCriminal. It also glows in the dark.
  7. ^ Game Freak (1998-09-30). Pokémon Red (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex: Its long tail serves as a ground to protect itself from its own high voltage power.
  8. ^ Game Freak (2003-03-17). Pokémon Ruby (Game Boy Advance). Nintendo. Pokédex: If the electrical sacks become excessively charged, Raichu plants its tail in the ground and discharges. Scorched patches of ground will be found near this Pokémon's nest.
  9. ^ Atsuhiro Tomioka (writer) (September 25, 1998). "Electric Shock Showdown". Pokémon. Season Indigo League. Episode 14. Various.
  10. ^ "Pok¿Monday - GBA Feature at IGN". Gameboy.ign.com. 1999-12-20. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
  11. ^ Skertic, Annie (2000-04-23). "New Pokemon to hit TV". Chicago Sun-Times.
  12. ^ Generazione Pókemon: i bambini e l ... - Google Books. Books.google.com. 2000. ISBN 9788882102494. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
  13. ^ Anime trivia quizbook: from easy to ... - Google Books. Books.google.com. 2000. ISBN 9781880656440. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
  14. ^ La culture de l'enfance ŕ l'heure de ... - Google Books. Books.google.com. 2002. ISBN 9782912404909. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
  15. ^ "Pokemon Crystal Version Pokemon of the Day: Raichu (#26) - IGN FAQs". Faqs.ign.com. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
  16. ^ "The complete Pokemon RBY pokedex, part 3, Pokemon Diamond/Pearl DS Features". GamesRadar. 2010-09-21. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
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