This is Marril, one of the new Pokemon that debuts in the new Pokemon game.
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Pokemon however, also had its shares of protests from
parents and authorities. It had caused the December 16, 1997 incident, when approximately
700 children developed seizures and had to be hospitalized because of a flashing effect
in one of the episodes. Pokemon though, still continues to grow even now, establishing
its own trading card game, much like the kid version of Magic:the Gathering. Pokemon
merchandise is also selling like hotcakes, from the collectible Pokemon action figures to
huggable stuffed toys to many other franchises.
Pokemon has been given the E signal - that is, it is suited
for children ages six and above. Takemoto Mori also explains that Pokemon “...is a very
nice world.
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You see, in the game, the Pokemon never die. They may battle and get wounded in the
battle - it’s a game, so I guess it’s inevitable - but it’s not the battles that are
important, it’s the value of friendship and making new friends.”
To date, Pokemon movies such as “Pikachu’s Summer Vacation”
and “Mewtwo Strikes Back!” have been released in Japan and is now garnering the top spot
in box office hits in the USA, and the second series of the animated show is already on
the drawing boards.
How long will Pokemania run wild before it starts to slow
down? Till then, gotta catch em all!
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Pokemon Merchandise
by Charles Tan
Video Game - It all started here, with the Gameboy. Two new games have been
released, Gold and Silver versions, which feature new Pokemon.
Manga/Comics - After a successful run with video games, Pokemon was adapted to
manga and then later translated by the US.
Video - This is it, in anime format! Heck, there’s even theatrical features.
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Collectible Card Game - Cashing on its success, a card game was released in Japan
and soon acquired by the US. Demand for these were so high that the suppliers actually
ran out.
Plushies - These cute stuff toys can be seen everywhere.
Toys - Whether they just pop out of those Pokeballs or assemble to form huge,
automated ones, they’re sellers too.
Monopoly Board - Yes, there’s even a Monopoly version of Pokemon!
Music Albums - Quite popular in Japan, Pikachu even has his own record label.
Posters - Awww, why not a huge drawing to display those awfully cute critters...
Others - A bevy or products suddenly popped out like gum and band-aid.
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One of the stranger Pokemon, Jigglypuff is very cute.
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Erin is a huge supporter of Pokemon.
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Charles is revolted by Pokemon but is forced to work on it.
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