An Ode to the Staying Power of Pokemon

It seems hard to believe that it has been over ten years since I walked into Kindergarten, Pokemon backpack with a small Charizard emblazoned on it resting on my shoulders, trading cards in hand, and a wild passion and imagination inflamed in my heart. Yes, at one point in time, I could honestly say that Pokemon largely dictated the way of my life, and I am absolutely sure that I am not alone in holding this sentiment. The Japanese import, Pocket Monsters, had absolutely everything to quite literally catch 'em all- people of all different ages, of different genders, of different races. Dominated by intense action, cool and cute characters alike, and cerebral strategy in its games (both card and video), Pokemon can indisputably lay claim to a special place in the heart of its many fans worldwide. This is in many ways an ode to this unmistakable nostalgia, as the franchise powers through its fifth generation, raising its total monster count to an incredible 649-- not too shabby, with regards to the original goal of catching the initial 150. Join me on a trip down memory as I count down the Top Five Reasons behind the Franchise's Awesome Staying Power.

Although Pokemon began as a role-playing game in Japan, my first exposure to this entirely new world was through the eyes of Ash Ketchum, a likable character upon whom the franchise has saddled hundreds of episodes and countless spin-offs. There was an endearing quality to his morality, his compassion, and the fact that his heart was ultimately in the right place. Coupled with his number one partner in crime (and perhaps ultimate fan favorite), Pikachu, the duo became a force to be reckoned with, as they crossed the sea, landing on the shores of America, stealing the hearts and affection of their adoring fans. As IGN noted, Ash Ketchum, try as he might, NEVER wins the Pokemon League. And, as fans of the video games know, this is a trainer's ultimate goal, and as long as Ash's success never comes into fruition, the television show can charge onward into the future.

At the height of Pokemania, Pokemon was a preeminent popular culture force. Pokemon branding was apparent on just about anything imaginable, from jumbo jets to Volkswagen Beetles to stationery to backpacks to lunchboxes to books. The craze became largely unavoidable, and fueled the brand's immense, and surging popularity that still remains today.

In the beginning, the cards that accompanied the video games and television show were the critical third leg in Pokemon's Holy Trinity, so to speak. In a memorable 1999 case, two boys actually sued Pokemon as a medium for essentially underage gambling. An overreaction? Perhaps, but there was an undeniable addictive quality to opening up a fresh pack of Pokemon cards, sifting through its contents, and hoping for the sometimes highly-elusive shiny cards (I'm looking at you, Base Set Charizard). Although at my ripe young age at the time, not too many of my friends actually knew how to play the card game itself, I believe that it had a solid following, and the artwork and design of the tiny pieces of cardboard were impeccable and visually-appealing, especially the work of my favorite illustrator, Ken Sugimori.

When it comes to playing Pokemon, whether it is Blue Version on an original Game Boy or White Version on the 3DS, ultimately function is dictated by a very basic formula that has been successful for over a decade. Yes, the graphics have been altered and made more colorful, fluid, and engaging, at the end of the day, you are still a fatherless child who lives in a small town, gets his choice of one of three basic elemental starting Pokemon, and must set out on a quest to defeat all eight regional Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, the League Champion, a dastardly crime syndicate and, along the way...capture every Pokemon available. In reality, not much has changed since the golden days of Pallet Town, and this is not necessarily a bad thing.

Pokemon is one of the few brands that can truly say it transcends gender; it is enjoyed by large demographics of both males and females alike. When it comes to the Pocket Monsters, it is not hyperbole to say that there is literally something for everybody-- some monsters are cute and cuddly; some characters are tough and tenacious; some characters are just plain weird. Regardless, populations fell victim to Pikachu's adorable looks and electrifying strength, and a special bond was created between the people and these very characters.