Beyond the Ball

Callie joins us one last time (for now) as we wrap up the Bulbasaur family with Venusaur! It's time see what this frog can really do as we ask the important questions like: What does it smell like? How can it help recovering ecosystems? How can we avoid exploiting its utilities within the constraints of capitalism? Y'know, typical Pokemon stuff! Follow along with the entries below:

Red and Blue:

The plant blooms when it is absorbing solar energy. It stays on the move to seek sunlight.

Yellow:

The flower on its back catches the sun’s rays. The sunlight is then absorbed and used for energy.

Gold:

By spreading the broad petals of its flower and catching the sun’s rays, it fills its body with power.

Silver:

It is able to convert sunlight into energy. As a result, it is more powerful in the summertime.

Crystal:

As it warms itself and absorbs the sunlight, its flower petals release a pleasant fragrance.

Ruby & Sapphire:

There is a large flower on VENUSAUR’s back. The flower is said to take on vivid colors if it gets plenty of nutrition and sunlight. The flower’s aroma soothes the emotions of people.

FireRed:

A bewitching aroma wafts from its flower. The fragrance becalms those engaged in a battle.

Emerald:

VENUSAUR’s flower is said to take on vivid colors if it gets plenty of nutrition and sunlight. The flower’s aroma soothes the emotions of people.

Diamond Pearl & Platinum:

After a rainy day, the flower on its back smells stronger. The scent attracts other Pokémon.

BTB:

Venusaur follows the sun and smells great doing it. It's got a real big mouth.

Let's Go Eevee/Pikachu (Mega Venusaur):

In order to support its flower, which has grown larger due to Mega Evolution, its back and legs have become stronger.

Sword (Gigantamax Venusaur):

In battle, this Pokémon swings around two thick vines. If these vines slammed into a 10-story building, they could easily topple it.

Shield (Gigantamax Venusaur):

Huge amounts of pollen burst from it with the force of a volcanic eruption. Breathing in too much of the pollen can cause fainting.

References:

Venusaur with closed bulb - https://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/e/e1/Erika_Venusaur_bulb_closed_PM.png

Mega Venusaur art - https://img.pokemondb.net/artwork/large/venusaur-mega.jpg

Gigantamax Venusaur art - https://img.pokemondb.net/artwork/large/venusaur-gigantamax.jpg

Bulbasaur Comic by @kusasugiruneko - https://twitter.com/kusasugiruneko/status/1068803173102497792

Bulbasaur ASMR video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcMeAvf5-xo

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

The Bulbasaur bonanza continues as we move onto it's angsty older sibling, Ivysaur! Callie is of course back once again to lend us her expertise in this exciting field as we explore just what makes everyone's favorite floral frog tick (hint: it's sunlight). Follow along with the entries below:

Red and Blue:

When the bulb on its back grows large, it appears to lose the ability to stand on its hind legs.

Yellow:

The bulb on its back grows by drawing energy. It gives off an aroma when it is ready to bloom.

Gold:

Exposure to sunlight adds to its strength. Sunlight also makes the bud on its back grow larger.

Silver:

If the bud on its back starts to smell sweet, it is evidence that the large flower will soon bloom.

Crystal:

The bulb on its back grows as it absorbs nutrients. The bulb gives off a pleasant aroma when it blooms.

Ruby & Sapphire:

There is a bud on this Pokémon’s back. To support its weight, Ivysaur’s legs and trunk grow thick and strong. If it starts spending more time lying in the sunlight, it’s a sign that the bud will bloom into a large flower soon.

FireRed:

There is a plant bulb on its back. When it absorbs nutrients, the bulb is said to blossom into a large flower.

Emerald:

To support its bulb, IVYSAUR’s legs grow sturdy. If it spends more time lying in the sunlight, the bud will soon bloom into a large flower.

Diamond Pearl & Platinum:

When the bud on its back starts swelling, a sweet aroma wafts to indicate the flower’s coming bloom.

BTB:

It's a chonky champion with a big ol' bud that grows like buds do.

References:

Proto-Ivysaur: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EK_euswUUAMun3O.jpg

Rafflesia Arnoldii (stinking corpse lily): https://www.harvardmagazine.com/sites/default/files/img/article/0217/ma17_page_060_image_0001sm-1.jpg

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

It's time to talk about number one, Bulbasaur! And so of course we had to have Bulbasaur's number one fan, Callie, join our discussion! Come join us as we explore the difference between plant, animal and seed and get to the root of what Bulbasaur really is! Follow along with the entries below:

Red and Blue:

A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this POKéMON.

Yellow:

It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.

Gold:

The seed on its back is filled with nutrients. The seed grows steadily larger as its body grows.

Silver:

It carries a seed on its back right from birth. As it grows older, the seed also grows larger.

Crystal:

While it is young, it uses the nutrients that are stored in the seeds on its back in order to grow.

Ruby Sapphire & Emerald:

BULBASAUR can be seen napping in bright sunlight. There is a seed on its back. By soaking up the sun’s rays, the seed grows progressively larger.

FireRed:

There is a plant seed on its back right from the day this POKéMON is born. The seed slowly grows larger.

Diamond Pearl & Platinum:

For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.

Photodex:

When Bulbasaur is born, it lives for a while via photosynthesis and the nutrients in the seed on its back. Until it grows bigger, it depends on other Pokémon to survive.

BTB:

It's a cute little friend, but is a helpless baby for most of its life.

References:

Bulbasaur card art - https://i0.wp.com/pkmncards.com/wp-content/uploads/bulbasaur-base-set-bs-44.jpg?fit=600%2C825&ssl=1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beelzebufo

Kirby shooting light bulbs while inside a fish - https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/3/34/KDL2_Kine_5.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20130426024039&path-prefix=en

Sunbathing Bulbasaur - https://i0.wp.com/pkmncards.com/wp-content/uploads/bulbasaur-expedition-ex-94.jpg?fit=600%2C825&ssl=1

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

It's time to talk about Swablu's evolution Altaria! How does it hit those high, high notes? Why is it a dragon now? What is it like to be hugged by one? Answers to at least one of these questions and more await you Beyond the Ball! Follow along with the entries below:

Ruby:

ALTARIA dances and wheels through the sky among billowing, cotton-like clouds. By singing melodies in its crystal-clear voice, this POKéMON makes its listeners experience dreamy wonderment.

Sapphire:

ALTARIA sings in a gorgeous soprano. Its wings are like cotton clouds. This POKéMON catches updrafts with its buoyant wings and soars way up into the wild blue yonder.

FireRed and LeafGreen:

If you hear a beautiful melody trilling deep among mountains far from people, it is ALTARIA’s humming.

Emerald:

It hums in a beautiful soprano voice. It flies among white clouds in the blue sky. It launches intensely hot fireballs from its mouth.

Diamond and Pearl:

It looks like a fluffy cloud when it is in flight. It hums with its soprano voice.

Platinum:

If it bonds with a person, it will gently envelop the friend with its soft wings, then hum.

HeartGold and SoulSilver:

It flies gracefully through the sky. Its melodic humming makes you feel like you’re in a dream.

Black and White 2:

On sunny days, it flies freely through the sky and blends into the clouds. It sings in a beautiful soprano.

Sword:

As it flies in a calm and relaxed manner, Altaria performs a humming song that would enrapture any audience.

Shield:

This Pokémon has a kind disposition, but if it’s provoked, it will threaten opponents with shrill cries before attacking them without mercy.

BTB:

The great big cloud bird in the sky. It has a beautiful singing voice that it will share if it bonds with you. But watch out for merciless fireballs!

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

They did what? Gen IX is here already?? Come watch the new trailer for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet with us to find out more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAmueMsFR1o

We got a round birb to on our hands this episode. Or should I say heads? That's right folks, we're talking about Swablu. The true-blue, cotton-winged, bird Pokemon that just loves bein' a hat. This one's a little long as we put a lot of work in trying to make sense of some of these entries. You're welcome! Follow along with the entries below: 

Ruby: SWABLU has light and fluffy wings that are like cottony clouds. This POKéMON is not frightened of people. It lands on the heads of people and sits there like a cotton-fluff hat. 

Sapphire: SWABLU loves to make things clean. If it spots something dirty, it will wipe and polish it with its cottony wings. If its wings become dirty, this POKéMON finds a stream and showers itself. 

FireRed and LeafGreen: It constantly grooms its cotton-like wings. It takes a shower to clean itself if it becomes dirty. 

Emerald: A POKéMON that has wings like cottony clouds. After enduring winter, in which little food is available, SWABLU flocks move closer to towns in the spring. 

Diamond and Pearl: Its wings are like cotton tufts. If it perches on someone’s head, it looks like a cotton hat. 

Platinum: It can’t relax if it or its surroundings are not clean. It wipes off dirt with its wings. 

HeartGold and SoulSilver: Its wings bring cottony clouds to mind. It grooms with springwater and loves to sit on heads. 

Black and White 2: For some reason, it likes to land on people’s heads softly and act like it’s a hat. 

Sword: Its cottony wings are full of air, making them light and fluffy to the touch. Swablu takes diligent care of its wings. 

Shield: Since Swablu looks like a cumulus cloud, foes can have a hard time finding it. Apparently its wings turned white over many generations. 

BTB: It must clean. And also be a hat. It's a fluffly little friend that doesn't mind people. 

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

We arrive at last at the kingmaker known as Aegislash. A Pokemon that wields far more terrible spectral power than we ever thought possible. Buckle up!

Follow along with the entries below:

X:

Generations of kings were attended by these Pokémon, which used their spectral power to manipulate and control people and Pokémon.

Y:

Apparently, it can detect the innate qualities of leadership. According to legend, whoever it recognizes is destined to become king.

Sword (Shield Forme):

In this defensive stance, Aegislash uses its steel body and a force field of spectral power to reduce the damage of any attack.

Shield (Shield Forme):

Its potent spectral powers allow it to manipulate others. It once used its powers to force people and Pokémon to build a kingdom to its liking.

Sword (BladeForme):

This stance is dedicated to offense. It can cleave any opponent with the strength and weight of its steel blade.

Shield (Blade Forme):

Once upon a time, a king with an Aegislash reigned over the land. His Pokémon eventually drained him of life, and his kingdom fell with him.

BTB:

Incredibly powerful, this terrifying Pokemon has been pulling the strings behind rulers for generations and may still be doing so?

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

Prepare for trouble and make it double! That's right, one sword has become two as Honedge evolves into our focus this episode, Doublade! Twice as many swords means twice as much fun, but we're still stuck with only four Pokedex entries so forgive us chasing down Legends Arceus and yet more Dune rabbit holes.

Follow along with the entries below:

X

When Honedge evolves, it divides into two swords, which cooperate via telepathy to coordinate attacks and slash their enemies to ribbons.

Y

The complex attack patterns of its two swords are unstoppable, even for an opponent greatly accomplished at swordplay.

Sword

Honedge evolves into twins. The two blades rub together to emit a metallic sound that unnerves opponents.

Shield

The two swords employ a strategy of rapidly alternating between offense and defense to bring down their prey.

BTB

It's two swords. They communicate via telepathy to beat you in a swordfight every time.

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

Pokemon Legends: Arceus has been out for barely a week and we just couldn't resist talking about it instead of our normal episode. This is the most fun we've had with a Pokemon game in years AND it frequently raises many of the discussion points that we regularly get into here on the show. We talked for an hour here and still had more to say!

SPOILERS: We avoid talking about anything major, but we get into some early-game story stuff. We mostly discuss gameplay and mechanics as well as a handful of Pokemon that appear throughout.

Music by Junichi Masuda

What happens when a sword becomes a Pokemon? You get Honedge of course! Join us as we once again explore the heady and ambiguous metaphysical laws of the Pokemon world with this uniquely spooky specimen!

Follow along with the Pokedex entries below:

X:

Apparently this Pokémon is born when a departed spirit inhabits a sword. It attaches itself to people and drinks their life force.

Y:

If anyone dares to grab its hilt, it wraps a blue cloth around that person’s arm and drains that person’s life energy completely.

Sword:

Honedge’s soul once belonged to a person who was killed a long time ago by the sword that makes up Honedge’s body.

Shield:

The blue eye on the sword’s handguard is the true body of Honedge. With its old cloth, it drains people’s lives away.

Super Smash Bros Wii U (PAL region):

There's a rather spooky tale behind this Pokémon's origins: apparently, it's an ancient sword possessed by a departed spirit. Honedge won't let anyone grip its hilt. If they try, it will attack them or wrap its sash around their arm and drain the life energy from their body! Yikes!

BTB:

This spooky little sword will eat you for dinner, so stay from that hilt.

Music by Junichi Masuda