Poketoonis a miniseries released in Japan, that features short stories aboutPokemon.ThePoketoon seriesis among the first of its kind to address what everyday life looks like inthePokemonworld. The series takes the spotlight off the mainline battle-based anime and expands on thePokemonuniverse by providing more heartfelt stories that touch on more complex themes.
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Each episode is unique and features original characters, animation styles, stories, and designs. Each episode’s animation is tailored to fit the story being told, ranging from cinematic, to 1930s inspired animation. There is much to be said about each episode, as they are all works of art and have leftPokemonfans around the world eager for more.
8Scraggy And Mimikyu Chase The Beans
Scraggy And Mimikyu Chase The Beansis comical and full of slapstick antics between Scraggy and Mimikyu. With incredible attention to detail ranging from sounds to film grain, this episode provides a glimpse of whatPokemonmight’ve looked like in the days of early animation.
The plot is straightforward and provides a new artistic spin onPokemon,by combining anime with familiar Western Cartoonstyles. Scraggy is shown pursuingthe mysterious and illusive Mimikyuthroughout the episode when a turn of events leaves Scraggy desperate to escape. Although the short is entertaining though, there isn’t as much story or depth as there is in the otherPoketoonsproduced so far.
7A Blizzard Of Summer Vacation
A Blizzard Of Summer Vacationis a wholesome tale of three friends who rescue an abandoned Pokemon. The animation is simple but tastefully done. The little details in the episode are thoughtfully placed, and, although wholesome, thisPoketoonisn’t as in-depth as some others produced.
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The plot followsthree friends, who make a secret basewhen they discover it is snowing in the middle of summer. Togetherthey find an abandoned Pokemon, Snorunt, in a dangerous situation. They rescue Snorunt and, together, come up with a new purpose for their secret base. ThisPoketoonis entirely charming, with a bit of nostalgia beautifully depicting strong friendships and childhood adventures.
6The Pancham Who Wants To Be A Hero
The Pancham Who Wants To Be A Herois a story of courage and overcoming fears. The style is like an animated storybook with narration, stills, and 2-dimensional art. WhilePokemonfans adored the heroic story, the animation left a lot to be desired.
The story follows a Pancham who wants to become strong likehis legendary hero, Arcanine. WhenPancham sees how others react to its evolution, Pangoro, it fears evolving and wears anEverstone. One day,Pancham meets a boy in need of a strong Pokemon to save his villageand, despite Pancham’s best efforts, it isn’t yet strong enough to help. Pancham casts aside theEverstone, embracing its destiny, and becomes just like its hero after all.
5Please Wait Magikarp!
Please Wait Magikarp!Follows a Magikarp’s friendship with a young boy. There is no dialogue used in this animation, with the story instead narrated by a flute composition that perfectly synchronizes with the emotional telling of Magikarp’s story.Magikarp is an underdog in thePokemonworld,but, in thisPoketoon, it is Magikarp who leavesPokemonfans enamored.
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While fishing with his grandfather, a young boy befriends a Magikarp using his flute. The boy is sadly unable to keep Magikarp and sends it to a Pokemon refuge. Seasons pass while Magikarp waits for their friend to return. Meanwhile,the music from Magikarp’s symphonic companionssoothes its longing heart. Eventually, the boy reunites with Magikarp, and it responds with a grand gesture of love and gratitude; its enduring patience is rewarded at long last.
4The Warming Slugma House
The Warming Slugma Houseis a heartwarming tale told through the eyes of a little girl.Including a style similar toStudio Ghibli, a calming story, and an emphasized food scene, it is no surpriseStudio GhibliFans andPokemonfans alike are captivated by this short. This episode embodies pure love, wonder, and innocence and is certain to warm the hearts ofPokemonFans of all ages.
This story follows Anna, who, while visiting her grandparent’s home, becomes completely smitten with their shy Pokemon, Slugma.While heating the house with its many fire abilities, Slugma remains out of sight, admiring Anna from afar. Anna persists and pursues its friendship during her stay. She often speaks to Slugma, unsure if it hears her. When it’s time for her to go Anna gets to see that Slugma heard her all along.
3Jigglypuff’s Song
Jigglypuff’s Song is a story of friends embracing each other’s differences. This short takes a creative step by reimaginingthe very familiar Pokemon, Jigglypuff. It’s a story about overcoming insecurities and, together with friends, transforming them into something to be proud of.
The episode begins when the young girl, Momo, finds a special Jigglypuff in the park. The two become best friends when they run into a friend. The friend teases Momo about her Jigglypuff’s unusual appearance and lack of singing.Momo reassures her unique Jigglypuff that it is cute and perfect just the way it is. When Jigglypuff’s friendship with Momo is questioned, Jigglypuff overcomes its insecurities to show Momo how much she is really loved.
2I’ve Turned Into A Gengar
I’ve Turned Into A Gengaris a fun and unique story. The episode features an animation style that is whimsical but fine-tuned, with talented voices, and an intricate story that leaves viewers guessing right up until the end.
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The episode follows the timid girl Shoko and her friends, who go on to explore the “haunted” parts of the school. When Shoko investigates,she’s transformed into the ghost Pokemon, Gengar.Shoko chases after her friends for help, only frightening them away.She then learns the curse is time-sensitive and must get herself and her friends out of the school before sunrise. Shoko must stand up for herself and her friends before it’s too late.
1A Budding Dream
A Budding Dreamis a magnificent cinematic short and possesses everything that makesPokemonso profound. Featuring classic elements, a new spin on the old, an endearing story, and state-of-the-art animation, this episode is everything any NostalgicPokemonFan could hope for.
The episode follows spirited Tsubomi, whodreams of becoming a Pokemon LeagueChampion just like her parents.They insist she isn’t ready to go on her journey, but Tsubomi plans to prove otherwise. Tsubomi heads to the forest to seek out her very own Pokemonand, after running into adangerous Poison-type Pokemon, is helped by a brave Nidoran. The two bond right away, but when Tsubomi brings her newNidoran home, her town’s safety is threatened. Tsubomi must take initiative to save her town and prove to her parents that she is a Pokemon prodigy. The episode ends on a nostalgic note that leavesPokemonfans awestruck.
Poketoonis available to watch onPokemonKids TV Japan and on YouTube.
