Spotlight: Pikachu

I decided to feature some of the things, people and anime characters that I like so that I can spice up my blog page..not only for kids but also for some who are kids at heart. this is called "Spotlight" because it focuses on the featured topic. So a better way to start off is..my favorite cartoon character =)

PIKACHU (ピカチュウ)

The official Mascot of the Pokémon franchise. It is an Electric-type Pokemon which is named after a portmanteau of the Japanese words "pikapika", an onomatopoeia for electric sparkling, and "chū," which is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a mouse's squeak. It is one of the first 151 Pokémon that appeared way back in 1996. The design and art direction for Pikachu were provided by Ken Sugimori, a friend of the creator of the Pocket Monsters game, Satoshi Tajiri.

Pikachu's pre-evolution stage is Pichu by breeding and evolves into Raichu by a use of a thunderstone. Exclusive to Pikachu is the ability to release electric discharges of varying intensity, at will, through electric sacs in its cheeks.

Common and Interesting Facts

** It uses its tail as grounding rod, to safely remove unneeded electric energy
** Female Pikachu has a small dent on its tail, which is a heart shape
** Through an inability to release a buildup of electricity, a Pikachu may develop a rare condition similar to the human flu.
** If a Pikachu is introduced to a magnet, it will be attracted towards its cheeks, and display other common attributes of magnetism.
** Pikachu can be harmful pests, eating and sometimes destroying telephone poles, wires, and other electronic equipment.
** Despite this, it is a popular pet, and relatively easy to maintain, with little exercise necessary for its well being.
** In the wild, Pikachu often travel in packs, and are rarely territorial.
** Living in wooded areas, Pikachu often are found foraging for berries. Alternatively, like most Pokémon, Pikachu are tolerant to most "human" foods, and sometimes enjoy them more than the more nutritional food designed for their biology.
** Pikachu's normal heart rate is 156.
** Common color for a Pikachu is yellow while the altenate form/color or shiny form of Pikachu is golden yellow.
** It's the first electric type Pokémon in the National Pokédex order, number 25 on the list.

Trivia

** In 2008, Japanese researchers discovered a new protein which helps carry electrical impulses from the eyes to the brain and named it Pikachurin. They based themselves on Pikachu for the choice of the name because they noticed that both Pikachu and the protein have amazing speed and agility.
** In The Simpsons episode 294, Bart begins to hallucinate from watching too much TV. During his hallucination, he is lifted up and serenaded with Hava Nagila by several television characters he had seen while watching. One of them was Pikachu.
** In the third season of Heroes, Hiro Nakamura is nicknamed "Pikachu" by Daphne Millbrook.
** There is a Toyota Ist customised to resemble Pikachu.
** Pikachu was ranked as the second best person of the year by Time in 1999, who called it "the most beloved animated character since Hello Kitty". Addtional info: Pikachu is behind Ricky Martin and ahead of J.K. Rowling on the ranking (WTF! Ricky Martin?)
** In 2002, Ash's Pikachu received fifteenth place in TV Guide's 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time.
**The character has been regarded as the Japanese answer to Mickey Mouse and as being part of a movement of "cute capitalism"

References: Wikipedia and Bulbapedia site (direct links to Pikachu articles)