Feature: From Z To A — Honouring My Favourite Pokémon, One Letter At A Time

M: Marill

Don’t get me wrong, it’s absolutely for the best that Pokémon games now see simultaneous worldwide releases. However, I miss the mystique of Japanese leaks leading to schoolyard rumours and internet madness. None of these got my childhood mind racing more than the supposed “Pokégod” called Pikablu.

Pikablu turned out to be Marill, which wasn’t particularly noteworthy beyond this status. That is, except for people like me, for whom it symbolises a bygone era.

L: Lugia

Lugia similarly finds its way here on the wings of nostalgia. I was introduced to this sea-dwelling creature during the theatrical run of Pokémon the Movie 2000, and as the first legendary I’d come into contact with beyond Gen. 1, it immediately found a place in my heart.

When Pokémon Silver came out a few months later, my anticipation for meeting Lugia again was paid off after stumbling upon it in its underwater cave (something that felt like a genuine discovery at my young age). Core memory unlocked.

K: Komala

I abhor using Komala for battle. I give dirty looks to the trainers who make this naptime friend fight for them. Then again, I don’t think many people do, as Komala is the type of generation filler that’s easy to sleep on.

Though you probably shouldn’t sleep on it, as that’d hurt it. Look, just let Komala chill.

J: Jumpluff

I slept on Jumpluff [Stop napping on poor Pokémon, Tim! - Ed.] longer than I’d like to admit, largely because I’m not so hot on its prior evolutions. It’s grown on me with time, though, especially after learning the 'Hop-, Skip-, Jump-' naming convention of its evolutionary line.

What really sold me on this dandelion puff-adorned sphere of joy was its recent ability in Pokémon TCG Pocket where it 'jumps' back to your bench after attacking, which is oddly charming for a trading card.

I: Ivysaur

Ivysaur is the only first evolution of a starter Pokémon that I prefer over the rest of its line. It’s the perfect middle ground between Bulbasaur’s small cuteness and Venosaur’s intimidating stature, while also exuding an aura of determination unique to it.

There’s an innate scrappiness to Ivysaur that feels like it could take on even its most fearsome opponents. There’s a reason this fellow made his way into Super Smash Bros.

H: Hawlucha

I’ve always thought Hawlucha was one of the conceptually cooler Pokémon, but it was its mega evolution reveal for Pokémon Legends: Z-A that earned it a spot on this list.

Its new get-up is thematically perfect, and its story of perseverance was heart-tugging. I now need to bring this braggadocios bird to victory myself. Together we will slay (yes, slay) all Machamps in our way.

G: Gardevoir

Humanoid Pokémon are often a hard sell for me, but Gardevoir is a major exception. It’s the epitome of elegance and grace as it destroys foes with powerful magic in beautiful fashion.

It’s so compelling that it’s been the most common staple of my Elite 4 teams, to the point where I’ve had to actively stop including it in my party. (In Violet, I circumvented my rule by using Iron Valiant instead.)

F: Flygon

There’s no Bug/Dragon type Pokémon, though Flygon feels like a missed opportunity for one. It effortlessly combines its insectoid physiology with believably 'dragon' touches, such as its tiny claw arms and elaborate tail.

In a series where a piece of sushi with eyes can be a dragon — which is charming in its own way — I have a lot of love for those like Flygon that naturally fit the typing. If only it could’ve been a bug.

E: Espeon

While Umbreon may be my favourite Eeveelution, Espeon isn’t far behind.

This calm and collected mind-melter completes my favourite Pokémon dynamic duo. This is why, if you asked me “Which Pokémon game has the best starters?” the answer is clearly Pokémon Colosseum. (Nintendo, I’m impatiently waiting for that Nintendo Switch Online drop.)

D: Darkrai

Darkrai is the embodiment of the dark typing. This sinister dream-eater is on record as having preyed specifically on humans and is efficient enough in doing so to make even Nosferatu shudder. Capturing and harnessing this nightmarish power for your own ends makes it one of the coolest legendaries to actually use in battle.

Plus, you can keep it away from Komala.

C: Cubone

You know the story: Cubone wears the skull of its mother, an unsettlingly endearing fact underscored by your fight with a Marowak ghost in Lavender Town’s Pokémon Tower.

But what about its bone club? Is it smashing its mom’s bones on other Pokémon for the sake of competitive battle on your behalf? Who’s to say, but I love these macabre undertones and the culture they afford to Cubone.

B: Bidoof

With the dark turn this list has taken, I’m happy to present you with a Bidoof cleanser. I say this with the utmost adoration: Bidoof is good for two things: gnawing logs and being the butt of jokes.

That it’s remembered enough to still be mocked puts it above other good-but-inconsequential early game Pokémon. Love it or hate it (and I love it), you won’t forget this beaver.

A: Articuno

The best thing about Articuno is that its Japanese name is 'Freezer'.

The second best is how special it feels to encounter and catch it in Red and Blue. Ice types are tough to come by in those inaugural games, and since I nearly always ran with Squirtle, it was one of two options that didn’t double me up on water types.

But if we’re being honest, the freeze ray laser beam eyes of its Galarian form are really cementing its A-1 spot.