Jump to content

Psyduck

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
Checked
Page protected with pending changes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Psyduck
Pokémon character
Official artwork of Psyduck, a yellow, duck-like Pokémon.
Psyduck artwork by Ken Sugimori
First gamePokémon Red and Blue (1996)
Designed byKen Sugimori (finalized)[1]
Voiced byMichael Haigney (English, 1998-2006)
Michele Knotz (English, since 2006)
Rikako Aikawa (Japanese)
In-universe information
SpeciesPokémon
TypeWater

Psyduck (/ˈsaɪdʌk/ ⓘ), known as Koduck (コダック, Kodakku) in Japan, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Psyduck first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and later in sequels. It has later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. A Psyduck also appears as part of the main cast in the live-action animated film Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Psyduck has been voiced by Michael Haigney and Rikako Aikawa since its debut.

A duck-like Pokémon, Psyduck is constantly stunned by its headache, and usually just stands vacantly, trying to calm itself. In the anime series, Psyduck's appearances became a running gag; Misty, a major supporting character, would often release Psyduck by accident instead of the Pokémon she wanted to use. Psyduck has been met with a primarily positive response since its debut, primarily in its role in the Pokémon Concierge television series.

Design and characteristics

[edit]

Psyduck is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998.[2] In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items.[3] Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.[4] A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.[3]

Introduced in Red and Blue, the design started as pixel art sprites by the development team first, with a single color identity chosen to work within the Super Game Boy hardware limitations.[1] While conceived as a group effort by multiple developers at Game Freak,[5] the finalized design and artwork was done by Ken Sugimori. Originally tasked with drawing the characters to illustrate a planned strategy guide by Game Freak when the games released, Sugimori drew all the sprites for the game in his style to not only unify their designs visually but also modify any design elements he felt were amiss, while trying to retain the original sprite artists' unique styles.[6] Originally called "Koduck" in Japanese, Nintendo decided to give the various Pokémon species "clever and descriptive names" related to their appearance or features when translating the game for western audiences as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children.[7][8] As a result, they were renamed "Psyduck", a combination of the words "psychic" and "duck".[9]

Psyduck is constantly stunned by its headache,[10] and usually just stands there vacantly, trying to calm its headache.[11] When the headache gets too bad, its brain cells awaken, allowing it to use strong psychic powers.[12][13] Psyduck is classified in-game as a Water-type Pokémon.[14] When a Psyduck receives enough experience from battles, it evolves into Golduck.[15] During the initial pitch of the 2019 film Detective Pikachu, writers Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez stated that they wanted Psyduck in the film, citing that this was because it was "their favorite." Hernandez stated that "Because I'm a neurotic writer, I really relate to getting stressed and more stressed and more stressed and then just exploding... and for that reason, I've always felt a great kinship to Psyduck, so we thought that was really important to get him in there."[16] Psyduck was also initially planned to be one of the cover mascots of the Pokémon, Let's Go! games, though it was ultimately scrapped due to Eevee's popularity and Psyduck's yellow color scheme clashing with the other decided mascot, Pikachu.[17][18] Psyduck has been voiced by Michael Haigney in English[19] and by Rikako Aikawa in Japanese.[20]

Appearances

[edit]

Psyduck made its debut appearance in the Pokémon video game series in Pokémon Red and Blue,[21] before later appearing in all mainline entries in the series.[22] It has since gone to make a variety of appearances in spin-off games, such as the Pokémon Snap series,[23] the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series,[24] Pokémon Go,[25] and the Pokémon Rumble series.[26]

In the Pokémon anime, Misty, a major supporting character in the series, has a Psyduck that she accidentally caught, serving as a constant source of frustration for her, as it frequently emerges to attempt to battle the opponent in substitution of the Pokémon she intends to use, and in instances where she does intend to use it, it often does not act. When its headache gets bad enough, it has been shown to use phenomenally powerful Psychic-type moves which far exceed its perceived potential.[14][27][28] As such, it often acts as comic relief within the anime.[29][14] Psyduck have appeared at various points in the Pokémon Adventures manga.[30] Psyduck appears in the 2019 film Pokémon Detective Pikachu as the partner to the female lead of the film, junior unpaid reporter Lucy Stevens (portrayed by Kathryn Newton).[31] It also appears in the 2023 animated series Pokémon Concierge, in which a shy Psyduck is a wild Pokémon in the Pokémon Resort, an island where Pokémon come to visit and relax. It ends up befriending the protagonist, Haru, and the two become close friends.[32]

Promotion and reception

[edit]
An image of Psyduck relaxing next to the protagonist of Pokémon Concierge, Haru.
The relationship between Pokémon Concierge's protagonist, Haru, and Psyduck was the subject of significant commentary.

Psyduck has appeared in multiple pieces of merchandise, including plush toys,[33] battery-powered toys,[34] pins, and cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Zavvi has launched licensed T-shirts featuring Psyduck and other popular generation I species.[35][36] Psyduck-inspired cast necklaces have also been available in Japan.[37] The first Pokémon Jet, a Boeing 747-400D for All Nippon Airways, has Psyduck and nine other Pokémon on its livery.[38] A life-sized Psyduck plush was released by The Pokemon Company in 2020, later being rereleased in 2023.[39]

Described as "silly" by GameSpy and The New York Times, Psyduck has been well received by the media, identified as one of the most popular characters in the original games by GamesRadar+ and Kotaku.[40][41][42][43] Psyduck is Pokémon developer Junichi Masuda's favorite Pokémon.[44] GameDaily staff felt it was among the more unique Pokémon designs, while IGN felt it was a cult favorite among fans due to its "bizarre, bewildered appearance."[45][46] Alex Walker of Kotaku highlighted it as a relatable character, also citing its role as comic relief in the Pokémon anime.[29] It was also cited as a favorite character by IGN staff.[47] The Coventry Evening Telegraph also praised its design, stating the character was "more interesting" in comparison to more commonly seen Pokémon such as Squirtle,[48] though James Stephanie Sterling of Destructoid was more critical, calling it "annoying" and "irritating."[49] Psyduck has also been criticized for associations to the occult. Author Cindy Jacobs criticized Psyduck's occult powers, while Pastor Phil Arms discussed how its psychic powers reflected "New Age" ideas of altered states of consciousness.[50]

Psyduck's appearance in Pokémon Concierge has been received positively. James Whitbrook, writing for Gizmodo, found Psyduck and its relationship with the show's protagonist, Haru, a relatable centerpiece of the show. He highlighted their relationship as a relatable and welcoming message.[51] Jade King, writing for TheGamer, found Psyduck's role and emotions in the show akin to feelings of social anxiety, and praised the messages delivered by Psyduck overcoming its own anxieties to befriend Haru.[52] Ana Diaz, writing for Polygon, also praised Psyduck's role in the show, stating that "Every scene with Psyduck is like viewing a brief, but fleeting moment of pure, unadulterated thoughtless bliss." She also highlighted how the show helped portray Psyduck in a more positive light, primarily in comparison in its role in the Pokémon anime series.[14] Emma Stefansky, writing for The Atlantic, cited similar sentiments, stating that the series "wisely recognizes the dramatic potential of Psyduck." She highlighted the usage of Psyduck, primarily used as comic relief, as a relatable figure in the series.[32] Actress Rena Nōnen, who played Haru in the series, cited that it had become her favorite Pokemon as a result of the series.[53]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Morrissy, Kim. "Pokémon Designers Reflect on History of Eevee's Design". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  2. ^ Hilliard, Kyle (25 December 2016). "Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  3. ^ a b Allison, Anne (May 2006). Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination. University of California Press. pp. 192–197. ISBN 9780520938991.
  4. ^ Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook. Scholastic Inc. 28 July 2015. p. 5. ISBN 9780545795661.
  5. ^ "Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu". Pokemon.com. 26 July 2018. Archived from the original on 9 April 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  6. ^ Ken Sugimori Works (in Japanese). Tankobon Softcover. January 2014. pp. 342–343. ISBN 9784198638061.
  7. ^ Chua-Euan, Howard (22 November 1999). "PokéMania". TIME. Archived from the original on 13 September 2008. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  8. ^ Hope Bellingham (8 February 2021). "Psyduck joins other Pokemon as part of jewellery collection". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  9. ^ Staff. "#054 Psyduck". IGN. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  10. ^ Game Freak (19 October 1999). Pokémon Yellow (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex: Always tormented by headaches. It uses psychic powers, but it is not known if it intends to do so.
  11. ^ Game Freak (30 September 1998). Pokémon Red (Game Boy). Nintendo. Pokédex: While lulling its enemies with its vacant look, this wily Pokémon will use psychokinetic powers.
  12. ^ Game Freak (15 October 2000). Pokémon Silver (Game Boy Color). Nintendo. Pokédex: If its chronic headache peaks, it may exhibit odd powers. It seems unable to recall such an episode.
  13. ^ Game Freak (29 July 2001). Pokémon Crystal (Game Boy Color). Nintendo. Pokédex: The only time it can use its psychic power is when its sleeping brain cells happen to wake.
  14. ^ a b c d Diaz, Ana (30 December 2023). "Pika-who? Pokémon Concierge has made me a Psyduck lover now". Polygon. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  15. ^ O'Gorman, Erin (11 July 2020). "Pokémon Sword & Shield: How To Find & Evolve Psyduck Into Golduck". TheGamer. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  16. ^ "Why Psyduck — yes, Psyduck — was the key Pokémon in Detective Pikachu". SYFY Official Site. 8 May 2019. Archived from the original on 5 December 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  17. ^ Farokhmanesh, Megan (30 May 2018). "Eevee's starring role in Pokémon: Let's Go was inspired by fan art". The Verge. Archived from the original on 30 May 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  18. ^ Baird, Scott (19 April 2021). "Why Pokémon: Let's Go, Psyduck! Was Canned In Favor Of Eevee". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  19. ^ @MikeHaigney (24 August 2022). "Come to SacAnime, Sept. 2-4 for a reunion of the original voice cast of the Pokémon TV series. It's the biggest thing to hit Sacramento since tomato juice. We'll have stuff to autograph or bring your own PokéMabilia" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 16 April 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2024 – via Twitter.
  20. ^ Valdez, Nick. "Detective Pikachu Reveals Japanese Dub Cast". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  21. ^ McCasland, Kevin (2 June 2018). "10 Gen I Pokémon No One Should Catch (And 10 That Are Totally Underrated)". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on 4 February 2019. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  22. ^ "Only Three Pokémon Are Catchable In Every Game, But Not Pikachu". Kotaku. 22 May 2023. Archived from the original on 9 March 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  23. ^ Aubrey, Dave (14 August 2021). "New Pokemon Snap: Psychic Sidekick Request Guide". TheGamer. Archived from the original on 16 April 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  24. ^ Donaldson, Alex (6 March 2020). "Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX: starter Pokemon, personality quiz answers and buddy Pokemon". VG247. Archived from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  25. ^ Lee, Julia (18 December 2023). "Pokémon Go Winter Holiday 2023 event guide". Polygon. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  26. ^ Connor Sheridan (15 May 2019). "Pokemon Rumble Rush is headed to iOS and Android for on-the-go battling". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 25 December 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  27. ^ Atkins, Kallie (2 April 2022). "Misty's 10 Most Powerful Pokémon, Ranked". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on 18 February 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  28. ^ Comments, Theo Dwyer | (29 November 2020). "Everything Pokémon GO Players Need To Know About Psyduck". bleedingcool.com. Archived from the original on 28 February 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  29. ^ a b Walker, Alex (6 December 2018). "My Mission To Conquer Pokemon: Let's Go Psyduck". Kotaku Australia. Archived from the original on 9 March 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  30. ^ Cooper, Dalton (5 August 2018). "The 16 Most Disturbing Moments In The Pokemon Manga". Game Rant. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  31. ^ Zakarin, Jordan (8 May 2019). "Why Psyduck — yes, Psyduck — was the key Pokémon in Detective Pikachu". SYFY WIRE. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  32. ^ a b Stefansky, Emma (19 January 2024). "'Pokémon,' All Grown Up". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  33. ^ Makedonski, Brett (8 June 2020). "This giant Psyduck is a $300 roommate". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  34. ^ "Hasbro Electronic Talking Pokemon - 54 Psyduck". www.amazon.com. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  35. ^ Alexander, Susannah (3 July 2021). "Pokémon launches summer clothing collection inspired by Sun and Moon games". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  36. ^ Lane, Gavin (28 June 2021). "Deals: Pokémon Summer Collection Brings An Alola Theme To Zavvi". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  37. ^ Hashimoto, Kazuma (8 February 2021). "U-Treasure to Release Psyduck Inspired Pokemon Necklace". Siliconera. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  38. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (24 June 2021). "Japan Gets A New Pokémon Airplane And It's Glorious". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  39. ^ Carpenter, Nicole (6 February 2024). "The life-size Psyduck is coming back, and it's available to pre-order". Polygon. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  40. ^ Leeper, Justin (24 April 2004). "GameSpy: Pokemon - Page 1". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 21 January 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  41. ^ New York Times Theater Reviews (2001). The New York Times Film Reviews 1999-2000. Taylor & Francis. p. 178. ISBN 0-415-93696-9.
  42. ^ Elston, Brett. "The complete Pokemon RBY pokedex, part 5". GamesRadar+. Future Publishing. p. 10. Archived from the original on 25 October 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2009.
  43. ^ Hernandez, Patricia (17 December 2012). "Pokémon Designs Aren't Getting Worse, They May Be Getting Better". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 21 January 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  44. ^ Kensaku Nabana (18 December 2018). Pokémon Challenge: Mr. Masuda versus...Mr. Masuda?!.
  45. ^ Workman, Robert. "Retro Rewind: Then and Now - Pokémon". GameDaily. AOL. Archived from the original on 13 April 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2009.
  46. ^ "Psyduck Biography". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on 23 July 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
  47. ^ "Pokémon of the Day: Psyduck". IGN. IGN Entertainment. 11 November 1999. Archived from the original on 31 March 2001. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
  48. ^ Tim, Frings (December 22, 2000). "CINEMA: PEAK emon!". Coventry Evening Telegraph.
  49. ^ "Thirty rubbish Pokemon: Red/Blue edition". Destructoid. 26 June 2008. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  50. ^ Jacobs, Cindy (5 November 2001). "3". Deliver Us From Evil: Putting A Stop To The Occult Influences Invading Your Home and Community. Gospel Light Publications. p. 48. ISBN 0830728007.
  51. ^ "Pokémon Concierge's Psyduck Is for the Millennial Pokémon Fans". Gizmodo. 4 January 2024. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  52. ^ King, Jade (4 January 2024). "Psyduck In Pokemon Concierge Is My Mood For 2024". TheGamer. Archived from the original on 10 January 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  53. ^ "Netflix's Stop-Motion Pokémon Series Will Be Therapeutic For Fans, Says Actress". Kotaku. 2 July 2023. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Psyduck&oldid=1253045850"