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{{WikiProject style advice|sort-by=Pokémon}}
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Part of the goal of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Pokémon|WikiProject Pokémon]] is to make informative articles about each of the [[Pokémon]] species, articles that even someone unfamiliar with Pokémon can understand with a minimum of confusion. Above all else, your articles need to be informative, clear, and encyclopedic. Everything must also be referenced by a [[WP:RS|reliable source]].

If this guide doesn't help you then try using existing articles such as [[Bulbasaur]] and [[Pikachu]] to help guide your article. If you want to learn how to help fix up the [[List of Pokémon (1–51)|Lists of Pokémon]] then look [[/List|here]]

==General advice==
Think long and hard before adding in-universe information. Wikipedia [[WP:NOT|is not]] the place for lists of moves, lists of cameos, and so forth. (There’s [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page Bulbapedia] and [http://www.wikiknowledge.net/wiki/Pokemon a WikiKnowledge Pokémon site] for that kind of thing.)

Names of games, manga, and anime series go in ''italics''. This isn’t specific to Pokémon articles, but it’s easy to forget. ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]'' may be italicized also, but the names of the expansions or individual cards should not be.

Pokémon in the ''anime'' and TCG are genderless unless otherwise stated (a '''very rare''' occurrence), and should be referred to as “it”, not “he” or “she”. Unless a Pokémon has only one gender in the games, it should also be referred to as “it” in general terms.

Pokémon types should ''not'' be italicized, but should be capitalized, as in official [[Nintendo]] publications, and may be followed by “-type”. To determine whether “-type” is appropriate, look at the context. It is sometimes helpful to read the sentence out loud. Names of Pokémon species, moves, and attacks should also be capitalized, but not italicized.

For consistency's sake, try to use [[American English]] as much as possible.

{{Infobox VG character
| name        = Bulbasaur
| image       = [[File:Example image.svg|160px]]
| caption     = '''[[List of Pokémon|National Pokédex]]'''<br/>[[Arceus]] - '''Bulbasaur (#001)''' - [[Ivysaur]]
| series      = [[Pokémon (video game series)|''Pokémon'' series]]
| firstgame   = [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']]
| artist      = [[Ken Sugimori]]
| voiceactor  = {{ubl|'''English'''|[[Tara Sands]] (1st season – 8th season)|[[Michele Knotz]] (9th season – present)|'''Japanese'''|[[Megumi Hayashibara]] ([[Ash Ketchum]]'s)|[[Miyako Itō]] ([[May (Pokémon anime character)|May]]'s)}}
}}

== Infobox ==
For the infobox, you use the template [[Template:Infobox character]]. See documentation for more information.

==The Introduction==
The introduction is the most important part of the article. You need to establish context for the reader, so that the reader at least understands that this is a fictional Pokémon character. If the character is notable for another reason (the most obvious example would be [[Pikachu]]), you'll want to establish that in the introduction, as well.

This should say that the Pokémon is a fictional character from the Pokémon franchise and what its name is in Japanese. Remember to link to the word “[[Pokémon]]”. When linking to languages, to avoid linking to disambiguation pages, do it like this: <nowiki>[[Japanese language|Japanese]]</nowiki>.

<blockquote>'''Charizard''', known in Japan as {{nihongo|''Lizardon''|リザードン|Rizādon}}, is a [[List of Pokémon|Pokémon species]] in [[Nintendo]] and [[Game Freak]]'s [[Pokémon]] franchise. Created by [[Ken Sugimori]], Charizard first appeared in the video games [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] and subsequent sequels. They have later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. Charizard is voiced by [[Shin-ichiro Miki]] in Japanese and English. Known as a Flame Pokémon, Charizard are violent yet honorable creatures that fly proudly around the sky and constantly seek powerful opponents to quarrel with.
</blockquote>

== Concept and Design ==
This is where you put information about how the character was made and what influenced the character.

:The design and art direction for Bulbasaur was provided by [[Ken Sugimori]], a friend of the creator of the [[Pokémon video game series|''Pokémon'' games]], [[Satoshi Tajiri]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=91965 |title=Game Freak on Pokémon! |author=Stuart Bishop |publisher=CVG |date=2003-05-30 |accessdate=2008-02-07|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211042435/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=91965|url-status=live|archivedate=2007-02-11}}</ref> The species first appeared as one of three [[starter Pokémon]] the player could choose from at the beginning of the initial [[Game Boy]] games, [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']], released in [[Japan]] in 1996.<ref name="MacDonald"/> The species in the early ''Pokémon'' video games was portrayed by a [[Sprite (computer graphics)#Hardware sprites|two-dimensional sprite]], although in later releases the Bulbasaur appearance has been conveyed by [[Sprite (computer graphics)#Move to 3D|3D computer graphics]]. Throughout, the species has been portrayed with no spoken dialogue. In the [[Pokémon (anime)|''Pokémon anime'']], they use facial expressions, body language and makes noises that repeat [[syllables]] of their name, using different pitches and tones.

Include any resemblance to animals or mythic creatures. (Do your research on this; this is a subject of interest even to non-Pokémon-fan readers.) It must have reliable sources though.

:The physical appearance of Lucario seems to be based on [[Anubis]], the Egyptian God of the Underworld. Lucario seems to wield a power named "Hadou" (Japanese for surge or wave), though whether this is the Japanese name of his signature attack, or the name of his fighting style, or his source of power somehow, is unknown. <ref>[http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Lucario_-_Characteristics/id/1731106 Lucario: Encyclopedia II - Lucario - Characteristics]</ref>

Then you put how the name was put together. Try to avoid speculation and find good references for this.
:Bulbasaur's Japanese name, ''Fushigidane'', is a combination of the [[Japanese language|Japanese]] words for {{nihongo|''mystery'' or ''miracle'' || fushigi|}} and {{nihongo|''seed'' || tane}}.<ref>{{cite book |title=Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation  |last=Drazen |first=Patrick |year=2003 |publisher=Stone Bridge Press, LLC |location= St. Paul, MN |isbn=1880656728 |pages=321 }}</ref> In translating the game for [[English language|English speaking]] audiences, [[Nintendo]] gave the Pokémon "cleverly descriptive names" related to their appearance or features as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children; thus ''Bulbasaur'', relating to both its dinosaur appearance and the large garlic-like bulb on its back.<ref name="Time">{{cite web|url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html|title=PokéMania|last=Chua-Euan|first=Howard|date=November 22, 1999|publisher=TIME|accessdate=2008-09-15}}</ref> [[French language|French]], [[Korean language|Korean]], [[Taiwan language|Taiwan]] and [[Chinese language]] counterparts used names relating closer to the original name: ''Bulbizarre'',<ref>[http://www.smashbros.com/fr/gamemode/various/various36_list.html Liste des trophées -- Smash Bros. DOJO], ''Nintendo'', 2008-05-13.</ref> ''Isanghaessi'' (이상해씨 "Strange Seed"), ''Mìao Wa Chóng Zí'' (妙蛙種子 "Strange Frog Seed") and ''Qí Yì Chóng Zí'' (奇異種子 "Very Strange Seed"), respectively. [[German language|German]] versions used a name closer to the American counterpart, ''Bisasam''; a combination of ''bisamratte'' ([[musk rat]]) and ''samen'' (seed).<ref>[http://www.smashbros.com/de/gamemode/various/various36_list.html Liste aller Trophäen -- Smash Bros. DOJO], ''Nintendo'', 2008-05-13.</ref>

== Characteristics ==
This is where you should include info gleaned from the Pokédex entries and other sources in the various games, but don’t copy them verbatim into the article. Not only is this potential copyright infringement, but prose is generally less redundant than a list of spoiler info, as well as quite a bit more attractive and readable.  Also when using information from the Pokédex, ''anime'', manga, or TCG, ''state that this is where you are obtaining the information from.'' You'll want to describe the Pokémon’s general appearance. if there’s enough information, you'll also want to describe the Pokémon’s typical personality or demeanor. If a Pokémon has a particular way of fighting, unique move, or unusual origin, make sure you mention this too.

:In the ''Pokémon'' franchise, Bulbasaur are small, squat, vaguely [[Reptile|reptilian]] Pokémon that move on all four legs, and have light blue-green bodies with darker blue-green spots. As a Bulbasaur undergoes [[Pokémon evolution|evolution]] into [[Ivysaur]] and then later into [[Venusaur]], the bulb on its back blossoms into a flower.<ref name="pokemon.com pokédex"/> In the ''Pokémon'' video game series, the [[Pokédex]], a fictional Pokémon encyclopedia, says that the seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth , and then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.<ref>'''Pokédex:''' A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon. {{cite video game|title=Pokémon Red and Blue|developer=[[Game Freak]] |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |date=1996 |platform=[[Game Boy]] |language=English}}</ref> The Pokédex also states that the bulb absorbs [[sunlight]] which makes it grow. For this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays,<ref>'''Pokédex:''' 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. {{cite video game|title=Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire|developer=[[Game Freak]] |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |date=2002 |platform=[[Game Boy]] |language=English}}</ref> and can survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.<ref>'''Pokédex:''' It can go for days without a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy. {{cite video game|title=Pokémon Yellow|developer=[[Game Freak]] |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |date=1998 |platform=[[Game Boy]] |language=English}}</ref> As the Bulbasaur evolve, they become stronger and more powerful. In the ''Pokémon anime'', the character [[Ash Ketchum]] has a Bulbasaur who is portrayed as being brave but also stubborn.

== Appearances ==
This is where you will put a lot of the in-universe information, so be careful. Only put what is necessary.
=== In the video games ===
This should be a paragraph or two of prose describing the Pokémon’s role in the video games. If the Pokémon has a special role in the games (for example, [[Sudowoodo]] and [[Snorlax]], which impede the player’s progress until a certain item is found), describe it. 
:Bulbasaur made its video game debut on February 27, 1996, in the Japanese-language games {{nihongo|''Pocket Monsters Aka''|ポケットモンスター 赤|Poketto Monsutā Aka|"Pocket Monsters Red"}} and {{nihongo|''Pocket Monsters Midori''|ポケットモンスター 緑|Poketto Monsutā Midori|"Pocket Monsters Green"}} (which was replaced in other countries by ''Pokémon Blue'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pokemon.co.jp&sl=ja&tl=en&history_state0=|title=Official Japanese Pokémon website|accessdate=2007-05-24}}</ref> Along with a [[Charmander]] and a [[Squirtle]], Bulbasaur is a starter Pokémon the player can choose from at the beginning of the two games. Bulbasaur's [[Pokémon types#Grass type|grass type]] is in contrast to Charmander's [[Pokémon types#Fire type|fire type]] and Squirtle's [[Pokémon types#Water type|water type]].<ref name="allison">
{{cite book| last      = Allison| first     = Anne| title     = Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination|year      = 2006| publisher = [[University of California Press]]| isbn      = 0520221486| pages     = 294–295| quote     = A player must first find Professor Oak—the world's foremost expert on ''Pokémon''ology—who offers three choices for starter ''Pokémon'': Bulbasaur (grass type), Charmander (fire type), or Squirtle (water type).}}</ref>

You may want to mention the kinds of places where the Pokémon can be found or how it is evolved, but lists of specific route numbers are unnecessary. 
:In the video games, Pikachu is a low-level Pokémon usually found in [[Kanto (Pokémon)#Viridian Forest|Viridian Forest]], and the [[Kanto (Pokémon)#Power Plant|Power Plant]] in the earlier games, or in the [[Safari Zone]] in the [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire|''Ruby'']], [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire|''Sapphire'']], and [[Pokémon Emerald|''Emerald'']] versions. Pikachu also appears in ''Diamond'' and ''Pearl'' at the Trophy Garden.

If any significant Pokémon trainers (the rival, Gym Leaders, etc.) have one, mention and link the character.
:Lucario is used by [[List of Sinnoh Gym Leaders#Maylene|Maylene]], the third [[Sinnoh]] Gym Leader, a tag-team partner known as Riley, and by [[List of Elite Four members#Cynthia|Cynthia]], Sinnoh's [[Elite Four]] Champion.<ref> Oddly, Cynthia has two black objects poking out of her blond hair which bear a strong resemblance to Lucario's ears.[http://serebii.net/diamondpearl/elite4.shtml Sinnoh Elite Four page] on ''Serebii.net''</ref>

Egg moves, Egg groups, movelists, learned TMs, and other specific, technical information should ''not'' go here. They are too technical for Wikipedia and will find their home in Pokémon-centric Wikis like [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page Bulbapedia] or [[b:Pokémon|the Pokémon Wikibook]].

Don't forget to mention cameos in other games.

:Another game centered around Pikachu is ''[[Hey You, Pikachu!]]'' for the [[Nintendo 64]].<ref>[http://www.pokemon.com/ Hey You, Pikachu!] ''Nintendo.com'' Retrieved July 17, 2006</ref> The player interacts with Pikachu through a microphone, and issues commands to play various [[Minigame|mini-games]] and act out situations. The game ''[[Pokémon Channel]]'' follows a similar premise of interacting with the Pikachu, though without the microphone.<ref>[http://uk.cube.ign.com/objects/566/566823.html Pokémon Channel] ''IGN.com'' Retrieved July 17, 2006</ref> Pikachu also appear in almost all levels of ''[[Pokémon Snap]]''. A Pikachu is also one of the sixteen starters and ten partners in the ''[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon]]'' games.

If the Pokémon was in the [[Super Smash Bros]] series then that is a good thing to mention. You can name the moves it uses and its role in the adventure mode of the game called the "Subspace Emissary".

:Pikachu has also appeared in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]],''<ref name=bros>[http://www.smashbros.com/ Smash Bros.com] Retrieved July 17, 2006</ref> ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'',<ref name=melee>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071024173852/http://ssbm.detstar.com/characteroverview/ Super Smash Bros Melee.] ''detstar.com'' Retrieved July 17, 2006</ref> and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''<ref>Smash Bros. Dojo! [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/pikachu.html Pikachu]  Retrieved September 17, 2008</ref> as a very agile and mobile [[playable character]]. Its attacks include Quick Attack, Skull Bash, Thunder Jolt (an ability that had only previously appeared in the trading card game), and Thunder. ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' adds to its moves Volt Tackle as its Final Smash.<ref>Smash Bros. Dojo! [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/pikachu.html#3rd Pikachu: Final Smash]</ref> In the ''Brawl'''s Adventure Mode—the Subspace Emissary—[[Samus Aran]] frees Pikachu from a machine sapping its [[Electrical energy|electric energy]]. From that point on, the two team up. The two retrieve Samus' [[power suit]], and Pikachu rescues Samus from the clutches of the [[Metroid]] series' antagonist, [[Metroid (series)#Antagonists|Ridley]], by using one of its electrical attacks. The two then proceed to help fight the Subspace army.

=== In the anime ===
Describe the Pokémon’s role in the anime and movies. There’s no need to duplicate information from the Characteristics section above, but, for example, you should certainly describe how [[Jigglypuff]] is prone to putting everyone to sleep and drawing on their faces.
:In the [[Pokémon (anime)|''Pokémon anime'']] series, Jigglypuff is a recurring character who aspires to be a great singer after the inspiration of [[Ash Ketchum]] and company. Unfortunately, every potential audience falls asleep before the song finishes. Jigglypuff does not usually choose an appropriate time to sing and has been a hazard many times, especially on moving vehicles. Because of this, [[Ash Ketchum]] and his companions often find themselves running away from Jigglypuff, who obviously isn't pleased with the fact that everyone falls asleep whenever it sings. It keeps a black [[Marker pen|marker]], its "[[microphone]]," and uses it to scribble on anyone who dares to fall asleep while it's performing. Only on two occasions has Jigglypuff believed that anyone had heard its song to the end: in the first, Jigglypuff realizes that Misty's [[Psyduck]] was sleeping with its eyes open, and in the second, a [[Whismur]] had heard the song the first time and stayed awake due to its Soundproof ability, but on the second time it was tired and fell asleep.

Again, if a notable Pokémon trainer owns one of this Pokémon, mention and link the trainer.

There is no reason to mention every cameo appearance, but if it makes a lot, you may wish to say as much.
:In the ''[[Pokémon (anime)|anime]]'', the most notable Charizard is one which [[Ash Ketchum]] has had ever since it was a loyal Charmander and was abandoned by his former owner.<ref name="Charmander – The Stray Pokémon">{{cite episode| title = Charmander – The Stray Pokémon | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Junki Takegami (writer) | network = Various | airdate = September 22, 1998 | season = [[List of Pokémon: Indigo League episodes|Indigo League]]|number = 11}}</ref> Ash’s Charmander later evolved into Charmeleon during a battle against an army of [[Exeggutor]], and its personality changed completely.<ref name="The March of the Exeggutor Squad">{{cite episode| title = The March of the Exeggutor Squad | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Hideki Sonoda (writer) | network = Various | airdate = October 30, 1998 | season = [[List of Pokémon: Indigo League episodes|Indigo League]]|number = 43}}</ref> It became a very disobedient Pokémon and only fought when and how it felt like doing so. Charmeleon later evolved when Ash summoned it for protection from a wild [[Aerodactyl]] which intended to devour him. Ash was ultimately saved by Charizard.<ref name="Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon">{{cite episode| title = Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Junki Takegami (writer) | network = Various | airdate = February 27, 1999 | season = [[List of Pokémon: Indigo League episodes|Indigo League]] |number = 46}}</ref> Charizard still did not obey Ash, and only battled Pokémon that would pose a challenge, but through its willfulness it often inadvertently helped Ash reach his goals, particularly against Gym Leader [[Blaine]].<ref name="Volcanic Panic">{{cite episode| title = Volcanic Panic | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Junki Takegami (writer) | network = Various | airdate = September 18, 1999 | season = [[List of Pokémon: Indigo League episodes|Indigo League]]|number = 59 }}</ref> However at one time, its refusal to obey Ash led to his loss in the Kanto League Finals.<ref name="Friend and Foe Alike">{{cite episode| title = Friend and Foe Alike | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Hideki Sonoda (writer) | network = Various | airdate = November 27, 1999 | season = [[List of Pokémon: Indigo League episodes|Indigo League]]|number = 79}}</ref> It became loyal during the [[List of Pokémon: Adventures on the Orange Islands episodes|Orange Islands arc]] after Ash battled a trainer with a [[Poliwrath]] and Charizard was frozen solid. Because of Ash’s continuous self-sacrificing efforts to save Charizard from certain death, it began to obey Ash and defeated the Poliwrath in a rematch.<ref name="Charizard Chills">{{cite episode| title = Charizard Chills | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Atsuhiro Tomioka (writer) | network = Various | airdate = September 2, 2000 | season = [[List of Pokémon: Adventures on the Orange Islands episodes|Adventures on the Orange Islands]]|number = 105}}</ref> It remained on Ash's team, contributing to his wins in the Orange League<ref name="Enter The Dragonite">{{cite episode| title = Enter The Dragonite | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Atsuhiro Tomioka (writer) | network = Various | airdate = September 23, 2000 | season = [[List of Pokémon: Adventures on the Orange Islands episodes|Adventures on the Orange Islands]]|number = 112}}</ref> and parts of Johto. It eventually stays behind in the Charizific Valley, a reserve where many wild Charizard battle and train to become stronger, likely due to meeting Charla, a female Charizard that it develops a fondness for.<ref name="Charizard's Burning Ambitions">{{cite episode| title = Charizard's Burning Ambitions | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Takeshi Shudō (writer) | network = Various | airdate = February 3, 2001 | season = [[List of Pokémon: The Johto Journeys episodes|The Johto Journeys]]|number = 134}}</ref> Charizard, like many of Ash’s other Pokémon, has returned on a temporary basis to battle at Ash’s side, typically when Ash faces a particularly powerful Pokémon. Charizard has also saved Ash's life on more than one occasion, as seen in the film [[Spell of the Unown]].<ref name="3: The Movie">{{cite episode| title = Pokémon 3: The Movie | series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] | credits = Norman J. Grossfeld, Michael Haigney, Hideki Sonoda, Takeshi Shudo (writers) | network = Various | airdate = April 6, 2001}}</ref>

A [[google]] search should throw up a screenshot from the ''anime'', and this is good to include. It can be used as [[Wikipedia:Fair use|Fair Use]] under US copyright law (be sure to tag the image when uploading it, or it will be deleted). An image should also have fair-use rationale (why you feel it should be fair use under the US copyright law).

You can also mention its role in other Pokémon ''anime'' specials such as the Mystery Dungeon ones.
:A Charmander is the leader of Team Go-Getters in the half-hour animated special "[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out Of The Gate!]]". He is the first to meet the human who has been turned into a [[Squirtle]], though neither he nor his partner [[Chikorita]] fully believe that Squirtle was actually a human. Brave and energetic, this Charmander is always the first into battle, and is considerate of those around him, even his enemies.

For referencing the ''anime'', you want to use [[Template:cite episode]]. Only use the parts necessary.
<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext">
<ref>{{cite episode
| title = Charizard's Burning Ambitions 
| series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] 
| credits = Takeshi Shudō (writer) 
| network = Various 
| airdate = February 3, 2001 
| season = [[List of Pokémon: The Johto Journeys episodes|The Johto Journeys]]
|number = 134
}}</ref></syntaxhighlight>

=== In other ''Pokémon'' media ===
In this section, you'll want to describe the Pokémon’s role in the various Pokémon manga and in the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]'', following similar guidelines as above. Cameo appearances aren’t worth mentioning, notable owners are, and game strategies and other technical info should only be mentioned in a general way.
:In ''[[Pokémon: Pikachu Shocks Back]]'' which loosely parallels the storyline of the ''anime'', Ash catches a Charmander, and it ultimately becomes a Charizard and battles in the Pokémon League tournament. He has trouble controlling it, however.<ref> Ono, Toshihiro. ''[[Pokémon: Electric Pikachu Boogaloo]] Graphic Novel''. [[VIZ Media]] LLC, April 5 2000. {{ISBN|1-56931-436-5}}</ref> Ash brings Charizard to the [[Orange Islands]], and, having trained it diligently since the near-disaster, uses it to battle Dragonite in the final showdown with Drake, the [[Orange Crew]] Supreme gym leader.<ref> Ono, Toshihiro. ''[[Pokémon: Surf’s Up, Pikachu]] Graphic Novel''. [[VIZ Media]] LLC, June 2000. {{ISBN|1-56931-494-2}}</ref>

For referencing the manga, you want to use [[Template:Cite book]]. Remember, only use the parts necessary.
<syntaxhighlight lang="wikitext">
<ref>{{cite book
|last=Kusaka
|first=Hidenori
|coauthors=Mato
|title=The Winged Legends
|series=[[Pokémon Adventures]]
|volume=Volume 3: Saffron City Siege
|date=August 5 2001
|publisher=[[VIZ Media]] LLC
|isbn=1-56931-560-4
|pages=75-95
|chapter=Chapter 33
}}</ref>
</syntaxhighlight>

While nearly every Pokémon merits a section with a paragraph or two on its role in the games and ''anime'', very, very few do for the manga and card game. In the unlikely event that a Pokémon doesn’t merit a full header for its role in the games or ''anime'', feel free to collapse those sections into this one.

:Pikachu is one of the main Pokémon used in most of the Pokémon manga series. In ''[[Pokémon Adventures]]'', [[Red (Pokémon)|Red]] and [[Yellow (Pokémon)|Yellow]] both train a strong Pikachu. It is originally captured by Red, but after Red goes missing two years later, Yellow teams up with his Pikachu, accompanying it in their quest to find Red. It is also featured in series based on the ''anime'', such as [[Pokémon (manga series)|''Electric Tale of Pikachu'']], ''[[Ash & Pikachu]]'', and other series, such as ''[[Magical Pokémon Journey]]'' and ''Getto Da Ze''.
Again, a [[google]] search will come up with a scan of an example of a Pokémon card, and this is good to add if the article is looking naked.
:[[Trading card|Collectible cards]] featuring Pikachu have appeared since the initial ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]'' released in [[October 1996]]. The character has been seen in many incarnations in sets released in North America, and even more exist when [[Special edition|limited edition]] promotional cards are included.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071109061347/http://www.pokebeach.com/sets/exlegendmaker.html EX Legend Maker set card list] ''Pokebeach.com''. Retrieved October 15, 2006.</ref>

You will also want to mention any other appearances that the Pokémon has made, such as promotionally, in newspapers or in any other media. Although this could go in Cultural impact if you need it to.

::Bulbasaur is also the main character of two children’s books, ''Pokémon Tales, Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble'' and ''Bulbasaur’s Bad Day'', that were published in [[1999]] and [[2000]] respectively by [[Sagebrush]].  In ''Pokémon Tales, Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble'', Bulbasaur resolves an argument between the other Pokémon. In ''Bulbasaur’s Bad Day'', [[Meowth]] traps Bulbasaur in a pit and it has to outwit [[Team Rocket]] (the [[antagonist]]s of the ''anime'') to escape.

::In [[Japan]], [[McDonald's|McDonald’s]] included Bulbasaur as one of a series of promotional Pokémon cards given away with their [[Happy Meal]]s. McDonald’s did not, however, extend this idea outside Japan. Instead, a rival company, [[Burger King]], took up the cause: their “Power Cards” included a Bulbasaur, alongside [[Elekid]], [[Charmander]], [[Meowth]], [[Kingler]], [[Snorlax]], [[Lapras]], [[Scyther]], [[Articuno]] and [[Pikachu]] in “Assortment 3”. During the [[Christmas]] period of 1999, Bulbasaur and other Pokémon toys beat out [[Furby]] to become the most popular and most bought toy in the [[United Kingdom]].


== Reception and Cultural impact ==
This is one of the most important sections. It is also one of the hardest to find information for. You will have to find out-of-universe information such as talk shows that mention the Pokémon, or cameo appearances in TV shows. 

:In January 2006, a boy named Donnell Bolton performed Jigglypuff's signature song in his audition on ''[[American Idol]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3147745 |first=Dan |last=Dormer |title=American Idol Contestant Sings Jigglypuff |date=2006-02-03 |publisher=[[1Up.com]] |accessdate=2008-05-06}}</ref> Another well-known use of the Jigglypuff song was in a promotional spot that aired on [[Kids' WB!]] during the spring of 1999, crossing over with ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', in which [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Tim Drake]] orders [[Batman]] to sing the song for him when he goes to bed.

Annother good way to fill up this section is to talk about its role in merchandising.
:Bulbasaur has been depicted in [[phthalate]]-softened [[Polyvinyl chloride|PVC]] [[action figure]]s sold by [[Hasbro]] in the United States, while [[Tomy]] in Japan sold extensive merchandise of the character, including vinyl dolls, wind-up model kits, and terry cloth bean bags.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/character.php?id=3141|title=allgame ((( Bulbasaur > Overview )))|publisher=Allgame|first=Jason|last=White|accessdate=2008-10-05}}</ref> It has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chains such as [[McDonald's]] and [[Burger King]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Pojo - TCG Set Lists McDonald's Campaign Expansion Set|url=http://www.pojo.com/priceguide/jpMcD.html|accessdate=2008-01-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Fastfoodtoys.Net Pokémon 2000 Toys|url=http://www.fastfoodtoys.net/burger%20king%20pokemon%20power%20cards.htm|accessdate=2008-01-28}}</ref>  Bulbasaur has also been featured in various versions of the Pokémon painting on [[All Nippon Airways|ANA]] Boeing 747s.<ref>[https://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html Pokémon Jet: Design]</ref>

Also, if it appears on certain vehicles such as Airplanes and Jets, then that is good to include.
:A picture of Pikachu has also been featured on the [[All Nippon Airways|ANA]] [[Boeing 747-400]] (JA8962), landing at [[London Heathrow Airport]].<ref name="Pokémon Capitalism">[[Anne Allison|Allison, Anne]] (2002) [http://web.mit.edu/cms/Events/mit2/Abstracts/AnneAllison.pdf The Cultural Politics of Pokémon Capitalism] ''Media in Transition 2: globalization and convergence'' {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419212425/http://web.mit.edu/cms/Events/mit2/Abstracts/AnneAllison.pdf |date=April 19, 2009 }}</ref> In 2000, Pikachu placed eighth in an [[Animax]] poll of favorite ''anime'' characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-09-11/gundam-tops-anime-poll|title=Gundam Tops Anime Poll|date=2000-09-12|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|accessdate=2008-11-10}}</ref> In 2002, Ash's Pikachu received fifteenth place in ''[[TV Guide]]'s'' 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time.<ref> "[http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/30/cartoon.characters.list/index.html TV Guide's 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time] Accessed on April 17, 2009</ref>

== References ==
In this section you must add <nowiki>{{Reflist|30em}}</nowiki> to show all the references on the page. Many people look here to see how well the article is referenced. You can also include things such as manuals and books that you got a lot of the information from.
*''[[Pokémon Red and Blue|Pokémon Red]]'' and ''[[Pokémon Red and Blue|Blue]]'', ''[[Pokémon Yellow]]'', [[Pokémon Stadium|''Pokémon Stadium'' and ''Pokémon Stadium 2'']], [[Pokémon Gold and Silver|''Pokémon Gold'']], [[Pokémon Gold and Silver|''Silver'']], and ''[[Pokémon Crystal|Crystal]]'', [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire|''Pokémon Ruby'']], [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire|''Sapphire'']], and ''[[Pokémon Emerald|Emerald]]'', [[Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green|''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen'']], ''[[Pokémon Colosseum]]'', ''[[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]]''
;Books
*Barbo, Maria. ''The Official Pokémon Handbook''. Scholastic Publishing, 1999. {{ISBN|0439154049}}.
*Loe, Casey, ed. ''Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition Official Perfect Guide''. Sunnydale, CA: Empire 21 Publishing, 1999. <!-- {{ISBN|130206151}}; --> {{ASIN|B001ICYHQW}}.
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name=MacDonald>“[http://www.ritacerniglia.com/mcdlist.html McDonalds’s Pokémon Series I & II],” ''Rita’s Pokémon Store''. URL last accessed on December 29, 2005.</ref>
<ref name="pokemon.com pokédex">{{cite web|title=pokemon.com Pokédex|accessdate=2008-09-15|url=http://www.pokemon.com/Pokedex/flash.asp|publisher=Nintendo/Gamefreak}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
Here, you put links to places that would benifet the reader to go to. Links to include are the [http://www.pokemon.com/ Official Pokémon website], the [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net Bulbapedia article about the Pokémon], and other related links. See [[Wikipedia:External links]] for further info.

* [http://www.pokemon.com/ Official Pokémon website]
* [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Bulbasaur_(Pokémon) Bulbapedia article about Bulbasaur]

{{Pokémon directory}}


== Categories ==
The first categories you should include are general things that describe the Pokémon such as 
:[[:Category:Fictional dinosaurs]] (Bulbasuar)
:[[:Category:Fictional dragons]] (Charizard)
:[[:Category:Fictional singers]] (Jigglypuff)
After that, put categories such as 
:[[:Category:Pokémon species]] (Every Pokémon page)
:[[:Category:Super Smash Bros. fighters]] (For playable characters in the series)

If another language Wiki has an article on the Pokémon then interwiki links (<nowiki>[[fr:Clefairy]]</nowiki> for example) should be added at the bottom of the page.

[[Category:WikiProject style advice (arts)|Pokémon/Style]]
[[Category:WikiProject style advice (sports and games)|Pokémon]]