Jump to content

Snorlax

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected fromGigantamax Snorlax)

Snorlax
Pokémoncharacter
Snorlax artwork byKen Sugimori
First gamePokémon RedandBlue(1996)
Based onKōji Nishino
Designed byKen Sugimori
Voiced by
In-universe information
SpeciesPokémon
TypeNormal

Snorlax(/ˈsnɔːrlæks/ⓘ), known in Japan asKabigon(Japanese:カビゴン),is aPokémon speciesinNintendoandGame Freak'sPokémonfranchise.Created byKen Sugimori,Snorlax first appeared in the Game Boy video gamePokémon RedandBlue,and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spin-off titles, and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise, as well as the mascot of mobile gamePokémon Sleep.Snorlax is a large, blueish creature, notable for constantly sleeping. Snorlax is voiced by Michael Haigney andEric Stuartin English, andKatsuyuki Konishiin Japanese.

Snorlax has received generally positive response since its debut, cited as one of the series' most recognizable characters and a staple of thePokémonfranchise due to its simple design. It's large size and lazy demeanor has led to it being described as "relatable", while others have praised its "cuddly" and merchandisable appearance, comparing it to ateddy bear.

Conception and characteristics

[edit]

Snorlax is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for thePokémonmedia franchise. Developed byGame Freakand published byNintendo,the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video gamesPokémon RedandGreenfor theGame Boy,which were later released in North America asPokémon RedandBluein 1998.[1]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 calledevolutionvia various means, such as exposure to specific items.[2]Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.[3]A major goal in each game is to complete thePokédex,a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.[2]

"Kabiin," a Pokémon planned forPokémon Red and Blue.It bears various naming and visual similarities to Snorlax, most notably in their resemblance to Nishino.

Designed byKen Sugimorifor the first generation ofPokémongames, the species was inspired in behavior and appearance by veteran Pokémon game designer Kōji Nishino.[4][5]Nishino was exceptionally pleased by it,[6]and in an interview withFamitsustated Snorlax "is like my son!"[7]According to Game Freak co-founderJunichi Masuda,Nishino had a habit of eating heavily then going to sleep. This behavior earned Nishino the nickname "Kirby"by Game Freak's staff as a nod to the Nintendo character, which in turn served as the basis for the Pokémon's Japanese name," Kabigon ".[8]An earlier design, nicknamed "Kabiin," resembles an earlier version of Snorlax and bears similarities to Nishino.[9]When translating thePokémongames for western audiences, Nintendo decided to give the various Pokémon species "clever and descriptive names" related to their appearance or features to make the characters more relatable to American children.[10]Basing the name off of theesquilax,a fictional rabbit creature from theSimpsonsepisode "Lisa's Wedding",localizer Bill Giese named the species in American releases Snorlax, aportmanteauof the words "snore" and "lax". Localizer Sara Bush, on the other hand, remembered the naming process differently, suggesting it was a combination of "lackadaisical"and" snore ".[11]

Snorlax is a highly sleepy Pokémon, known for constantly sleeping.[12]Thanks to its extremely strong digestive juices, Snorlax's stomach can dissolve any kind of poison. As a result, it can eat tainted food without worry.[13]Snorlax evolves from the PokémonMunchlax,which is obtainable via breeding a Snorlax that is holding Full Incense, an in-game item.[14]Munchlax also sports a voracious appetite, and evolves into a Snorlax when it has a sufficiently high level of friendship with its Trainer.[13]Pokémon SwordandShieldintroduced Snorlax's Gigantamax form. When Gigantamaxed, Snorlax grows significantly larger and changes appearance, with various trees and plants appearing on its belly, having grown from seeds that fell from the plants it had eaten.[15]Snorlax was voiced by Michael Haigney andEric Stuartin English,[16][17]and byKatsuyuki Konishiin Japanese.[18]

Appearances

[edit]

In video games

[edit]

Snorlax's most notable role inthePokémongameshas been that of an inadvertent roadblock. InPokémon Red,Blue, Yellow,and theirremakes,the player must obtain the Poké Flute in order to wake up two Snorlax that block various routes in-game.[19]Snorlax reprises this role inPokémon Gold,Silver,their"upper version"andremakes.In these games, the player must play the radio's Poké Flute channel in front of Snorlax in order to awaken it.[20]Although there is only one Snorlax available to catch,[20]another is used byRed,the protagonist ofRedandBluewho acts as these games'final boss.[21]InPokémon XD: Gale of Darkness,a pre-evolution of Snorlax namedMunchlaxwas introduced; however, Munchlax remained unobtainable until the release ofPokémon DiamondandPearl.[22]InPokémon Sun,Moonand their"upper versions",Snorlax is among the handful of Pokemon to possess a unique Z-Move, a powerful one-time use attack. It can use the move "Pulverizing Pancake" when holding a special "Snorlium Z" item.[12]InPokémon SwordandShield,Snorlax gained a "Gigantamax form," which could be used in battle.[15]

Snorlax appears in several spin-offs, such asPokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure,[23]Pokémon Go,[24][25]Pokémon UNITE[26]andNew Pokémon Snap.[27]InPokémon Sleep,the player helps Snorlax by feeding it berries and meals throughout the day, and helping it fall asleep, boosting their "drowsy power" in the process.[28]Snorlax also appears in theSuper Smash Bros.series.[29]

In other media

[edit]

A notable Snorlax appears inthePokémonanime,where series protagonistAsh Ketchumcaptures one.[30]He uses it sporadically, due to its constant sleeping and eating habits,[31][32]but it is a particularly strong battler, netting several major wins for Ash throughout the series.[32][33]In thePokémon Adventuresmanga, Red catches a Snorlax, which he nicknames "Snor". Red caught Snor because he was blocking the road during a bicycle race. Snorlax has since played a major role in his team.[34]A Snorlax also appeared in the filmPokémon Detective Pikachu,sleeping on a road in Ryme City.[35]

Promotion and reception

[edit]

A variety of merchandise depicting Snorlax has been produced such as cushions,[36]beds,[37]bean bag chairs,[38]toys,[39]and lounge chairs.[40]In 2002, a contest was held to design a card for the Pokemon Trading Card Game, with Snorlax as the focus. Twenty entries were selected and posted to theWizards of the Coastwebsite, where the winner could be decided. Craig Turvey ended up winning the competition.[41]Stickers featuring Snorlax were added to theLinemessaging system in 2024.[42]In 2023, "Project Snorlax" was announced, following similar campaigns for the PokémonEeveeandPiplup,which promoted Snorlax in a variety of ways throughout the year.[43]These included animated shorts, music videos,[44]manga series,[45]and special artwork for the Pokémon.[46]A road inLas Vegaswas named after Snorlax.[47]Snorlax was a rare Pokémon inPokémon Go,with sightings of the Pokémon in-game causing a stampede inTaiwan[48]andNew York City.[49]Following earthquakes in Japan, Niantic boosted the spawn rates of Snorlax inPokémon Goin affected prefectures in order to boost tourism in the area.[50][51][52]

Snorlax has received generally positive reception from the media, and has been cited as one of the franchise' most recognizable characters.[53][54]Nadine Manske ofDot eSportsattributed their appeal to being "so relatable. Who doesn’t want to just eat and sleep all day?" She further described it as having a "classic, simple design that makes it a lovable, staple Pokémon in every generation since the beginning."[55]Ryan Woodrow forSports Illustratedstated that one would be hard pressed to find anyone that hated Snorlax, also calling it a simple design but yet "such a lovable cuddly teddy bear that everyone who lays eyes on it falls in love with it."[56]Alec Bojalad ofDen of Geekcalled Snorlax "just a big cuddly critter" that was "eminently merchandisable", suggesting it would make a viable option as a mascot for thePokémonfranchise.[57]Elijah Watson ofComplexstated that while Snorlax was extremely lazy, they were also extremely powerful, despite their slow speed. He further added "We should all strive to be Snorlax: lazy as hell but surprisingly awesome."[58]A video released for Project Snorlax, depictingCuboneand Snorlax—two normally solitary Pokémon—bonding received positive reviews from critics, with many highlighting it as heartwarming.[59][60]

The bookMedia and the Make-believe Worlds of Childrenfound that children could relate to Snorlax and interpret aspects of themselves in a positive light, describing it as an icon for a state of regression, but also symbolizing powerful characteristics for children.[61]Scientific papers have also been published analyzing Snorlax as if they were real beasts, both in regards to their eating habits and to calculate the strength of their "Body Slam" attack.[62][63]

References

[edit]
  1. ^Hilliard, Kyle (December 25, 2016)."Pokémon Red&Blue– A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All ".Game Informer.Archived fromthe originalon October 1, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 22,2024.
  2. ^abAllison, Anne (May 2006).Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination.University of California Press.pp. 192–197.ISBN9780520938991.
  3. ^Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook.Scholastic Inc.July 28, 2015. p. 5.ISBN9780545795661.
  4. ^"ピカチュウは đại phúc? Sơ めて minh かされる đản sinh bí thoại".Yomiuri Shimbun(in Japanese). May 2, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on August 20, 2022.RetrievedAugust 20,2022.
  5. ^Hood, Vic (June 4, 2018)."Pokémon's Snorlax Is Based on a Real Person".IGN.RetrievedJuly 5,2024.
  6. ^"Interview Mr. Nishino About...POCKET MONSTERS?!".Game Freak(in Japanese). 1997. Archived fromthe originalon October 3, 1999.RetrievedAugust 5,2023.
  7. ^Creatures, Inc. (April 1996).Pocket Monsters Encyclopedia.Famitsu.p. 143.ISBN4893664948.
  8. ^Shea, Brian (October 24, 2019)."More Burning Questions For The Pokémon Series".Game Informer.GameStop.Archived fromthe originalon August 20, 2022.RetrievedAugust 20,2022.
  9. ^Valente, Adriano (October 11, 2020)."Pokémon: 10 Beta Pokémon Designs That Turned Into Something Else".TheGamer.RetrievedMay 21,2024.
  10. ^Chua-Euan, Howard (November 22, 1999)."PokéMania".Time.Archived fromthe originalon December 17, 2008.RetrievedSeptember 15,2008.
  11. ^Dockery, Daniel (October 4, 2022).Monster Kids: How Pokémon Taught a Generation to Catch Them All.Running Press.p. 64.ISBN978-0762479504.
  12. ^abFrank, Allegra (September 1, 2016)."It took 20 years, but Snorlax is finally taking a stand in Pokémon Sun and Moon".Polygon.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  13. ^ab"Snorlax's exclusive Z-Move: Pulverizing Pancake! - Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon".Archived fromthe originalon April 18, 2018.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  14. ^Smith, Kaleb (December 15, 2021)."Pokémon BDSP: How To Get The Full Incense (& What It Does)".Screen Rant.RetrievedJuly 2,2024.
  15. ^ab"Get yourself a Gigantamax Snorlax in December".Polygon.November 27, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on July 21, 2021.RetrievedJuly 21,2021.
  16. ^"Michael Haigney".GalaxyCon.RetrievedJuly 3,2024.
  17. ^"Voice Actor Eric Stuart come to Anime Yorkshire".Anime Yorkshire.RetrievedJuly 3,2024.
  18. ^Chapman, Paul (December 29, 2023)."Snorlax and Cubone Become Friends in Official Pokémon Digest Video".Crunchyroll.RetrievedMay 21,2024.
  19. ^Billcliffe, James (May 2, 2024)."How to wake Snorlax in Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow".VG247.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  20. ^ab"Pokemon of the Day: Snorlax (#143)".IGN.February 10, 2003.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  21. ^Shaddock, Chris (February 23, 2020)."Pokemon: Every Member Of Red's Core Team, Ranked".TheGamer.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  22. ^Mullen, Hayley (March 23, 2020)."How To Evolve Munchlax (& 9 Other Facts About The Pokémon)".TheGamer.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  23. ^Sahdev, Ishaan (November 14, 2010)."PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure Playtest: A Virtual Playground".Siliconera.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  24. ^Budhathoki, Diwas (April 9, 2024)."Pokemon GO: How To Get Shiny Snorlax".Game Rant.RetrievedJuly 5,2024.
  25. ^"Pokémon Go Shadow Pokémon counters, how to beat Shadow Snorlax and how Purified Pokémon work".Eurogamer.net.January 28, 2021.RetrievedJuly 5,2024.
  26. ^Hoffer, Christian."Pokemon Unite Shows Off Charizard and Snorlax's Movesets".Comicbook.com.Archivedfrom the original on July 9, 2021.RetrievedJuly 6,2021.
  27. ^"10 Funniest Tweets About New Pokémon Snap".Screen Rant.June 10, 2021.Archivedfrom the original on January 28, 2024.RetrievedJuly 6,2021.
  28. ^Ong, Alexis (October 20, 2023)."Pokémon Sleep helped me catch 'em all — all the z's, that is".The Verge.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  29. ^Miller, Cameron (April 2, 2022)."10 Greatest Pokeball Pokemon In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Ranked".TheGamer.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  30. ^Yukiyoshi Ōhashi (writer) (March 25, 2000). "Snack Attack".Pokémon.SeasonAdventures on the Orange Islands.Episode 94. Various.
  31. ^Kurland, Daniel (November 16, 2020)."10 Pokémon Ash Caught And Then Immediately Forgot About".Comic Book Resources.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  32. ^abEdmundson, Carlyle (March 11, 2023)."Ash's 12 Strongest Pokémon (Other Than Pikachu)".Screen Rant.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  33. ^Tahir, Saad (February 1, 2023)."Ash Ketchum's 20 Strongest Pokemon, Ranked".Game Rant.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  34. ^Kurten, Guillermo (December 21, 2023)."Red's Best Pokémon From The Pokémon Adventures Manga".Comic Book Resources.RetrievedMay 19,2024.
  35. ^"Every live-action Pokémon in Detective Pikachu".Polygon.November 12, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on July 21, 2021.RetrievedJuly 21,2021.
  36. ^Frank, Allegra (February 26, 2016)."Pokémon fans can get cuddly with gigantic Snorlax cushion".Polygon.Archivedfrom the original on July 9, 2021.RetrievedJuly 6,2021.
  37. ^Corriea, Alexa Ray (October 24, 2014)."Your Pokémon dreams of sleeping on a Snorlax can be real".Polygon.Archivedfrom the original on July 9, 2021.RetrievedJuly 6,2021.
  38. ^Frank, Allegra (July 28, 2016)."Pokémon fans can finally sit on Snorlax's face this winter".Polygon.Archivedfrom the original on July 9, 2021.RetrievedJuly 6,2021.
  39. ^Petite, Steven (February 25, 2020)."Toy Fair 2020: New Pokemon Toys Let You Interact With Eevee And Snorlax".GameSpot.Archivedfrom the original on July 9, 2021.RetrievedJuly 6,2021.
  40. ^"Pull Up a Seat in This Snorlax Chair".Anime News Network.August 4, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on July 9, 2021.RetrievedJuly 6,2021.
  41. ^"Lost alternative artwork from a Pokémon TCG contest has been found after 20 years".VGC.November 16, 2023.RetrievedApril 3,2024.
  42. ^"ポケモンのLINEスタンプ “ようきなカビゴン! スタンプ”, bổn nhật phát mại. “Hiện tràng miêu” くまみね thị の miêu き hạ ろし ".4Gamer.net(in Japanese).RetrievedJuly 5,2024.
  43. ^"Snorlax Is The Next Pokémon To Get Its Own Official Website".Nintendo Life.March 20, 2023.RetrievedApril 3,2024.
  44. ^Stenbuck, Kite (February 16, 2024)."New Pokemon Music Video Features Ai Fairouz Snorlax Song".Siliconera.RetrievedApril 3,2024.
  45. ^Cimaglio, Zachary (January 21, 2024)."Pokémon's Snorlax's Dream Gourmet Manga Is Being Serialized Online for Free".Comic Book Resources.RetrievedApril 3,2024.
  46. ^Liu, Stephanie (January 23, 2024)."New Project Snorlax Illustrations Focus on Its Threatening Side".Siliconera.RetrievedApril 3,2024.
  47. ^Kennedy, Victoria (May 23, 2023)."Pokémon-inspired Las Vegas street names feature Jigglypuff Place, Snorlax Lane".Eurogamer.RetrievedApril 3,2024.
  48. ^Jenkins, Nash (August 22, 2016)."Epic Video 'Shows Huge Mob in Taipei Racing After Pokémon'".TIME.RetrievedJuly 5,2024.
  49. ^Snyder, Chris (August 10, 2016).A Rare Pokémon Caused A Huge Stampede In Central Park(Video).Insider Tech.RetrievedJuly 6,2024– via YouTube.
  50. ^"Pokemon GO, hùng bổn địa chấn の bị tai địa で “カビゴン” xuất hiện suất アップ ".ITmedia NEWS(in Japanese). March 2, 2017.RetrievedApril 4,2024.
  51. ^Sakamoto, Mie (March 3, 2017)."'Pokemon Go' deploys Snorlax to quake-hit Kyushu ".The Japan Times.RetrievedJuly 5,2024.
  52. ^Ritchie, Rene (March 4, 2017)."No, Snorlax isn't spawning in Pokémon Go right now — except for Japan!".iMore.RetrievedJuly 5,2024.
  53. ^"Snorlax".IGN.Archived fromthe originalon February 27, 2015.RetrievedFebruary 28,2015.
  54. ^Slackie, Kevin; Taveras, Moises (February 27, 2017)."The 100 Best Pokémon".Paste.Archivedfrom the original on December 18, 2022.RetrievedJuly 5,2021.
  55. ^Manske, Nadine (June 16, 2022)."The best Normal-type Pokémon, ranked".Dot eSports.Archivedfrom the original on August 2, 2023.RetrievedAugust 2,2023.
  56. ^Woodrow, Ryan (May 6, 2023)."The 10 best Normal Pokemon of all time".Sports Illustrated.Archivedfrom the original on August 5, 2023.RetrievedAugust 5,2023.
  57. ^Bojalad, Alec (February 24, 2023)."What Pokémon Could Replace Pikachu as the Face of the Franchise?".Den of Geek.RetrievedJuly 3,2024.
  58. ^Watson, Elijah."8. Snorlax — The 50 Best Pokemon Up to" Pokemon Crystal "".Complex.Archivedfrom the original on January 13, 2014.RetrievedMarch 11,2014.
  59. ^Cimaglio, Zachary (December 30, 2023)."Newly-Released Snorlax Pokémon Series" Too Adorable "for the Internet".Comic Book Resources.RetrievedApril 3,2024.
  60. ^Haze, Roxxy (January 5, 2024)."Why Pokemon Fans Are Loving This Unlikely Friendship".Game Rant.RetrievedApril 3,2024.
  61. ^Götz, Maya; Lemish, Dafna; International Communication Association Conference; Aidman, Amy; Moon, Hyesung (2005).Media and the Make-believe Worlds of Children: When Harry Potter Meets Pokémon in Disneyland.Routledge. pp. 101–105, 108.ISBN0-8058-5191-7.
  62. ^Tennant, Frances (2016)."Snorlax: The Unhealthiest Pokémon?".Journal of Interdisciplinary Science Topics.5:54.ISBN978-1-326-68636-9.Archivedfrom the original on November 19, 2023.RetrievedNovember 19,2023.
  63. ^Yeomans, K.; Jupp, M.; Cobley, D.; Fenlon-Smith, D. (2016)."P4_4 Snorlax used Body Slam".Physics Special Topics.15(1).Archivedfrom the original on November 19, 2023.RetrievedNovember 19,2023.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Snorlax&oldid=1260520723"