Absol

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Absol
Pokémon character
Absol artwork by Ken Sugimori
First gamePokémon Ruby and Sapphire (2002)
Designed byKen Sugimori (finalized)[1]
In-universe information
SpeciesPokémon
TypeDark

Absol (Japanese: アブソル) is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. Introduced in the 2002 video games Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, they are known as the "Disaster Pokémon" and are classified as a Dark-type Pokémon. They give off a cat-like appearance with a sickle-like horn on the right side of its head, white fur, dark blue skin, and a pointed tail. Since their initial appearance, they have appeared in various other Pokémon games such as the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team titles plus their remake and Pokémon Unite. In Pokémon X and Y, they are able to evolve into a temporary form called Mega Absol and gain a pair of angelic wings, although the Pokémon cannot fly and apparently hates being transformed into a Mega Evolution.

Absol in Pokémon lore usually secludes themself to the mountains and rarely exits from their habitat. Using their horn, they are able to detect upcoming natural disasters and would then leave their habitats to warn people about the upcoming calamities to save them. Unfortunately for the Dark-type Pokémon species, people in the Pokémon world tend to misunderstand it and think that it brought natural disasters to them, giving it a bad reputation especially amongst elders.

The "Disaster Pokémon" has been well-received by fans and critics alike for its simplistic but elegant design, complex lore, and serious-looking demeanor. It has been judged based on its design as being one of the best Pokémon introduced from the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire titles, with attributed descriptions ranging from creepiness to coolness to beauty. Its lore and personality have been praised due to its well-meaning intentions to save people from calamities despite the circumstances weighed against it. Its design and attributed lore have been observed by authors to be similar to those of Bai Ze in Chinese mythology (or Hakutaku in Japanese mythology) and the kudan in Japanese myth.

Conception and characteristics

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Absol is a fictional species of Pokémon created for the Pokémon franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the series began in Japan in 1996 with the release of the video games Pokémon Red and Blue for the Game Boy.[2] In these games, the player assumes the role of a Pokémon Trainer whose goal is to capture and train creatures called Pokémon. Players use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon.[3] A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokémon index (Pokédex), a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia,[4] by obtaining individuals from all Pokémon species.[3]

When designing the 2002 sequels Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Game Freak initially wanted to not include any of the Pokémon from the previous games, with lead artist Ken Sugimori using this as an opportunity push the concept of what a Pokémon could look like. He recognized that the Pokémon species of Pokémon Gold and Silver were typically considered "cute" plus "babyish" and wished to shift away from such designs. Instead, he and other artists decided to return to the "coolness" roots of Pokémon species from the Pokémon Red and Blue games, making designs that appeared "cool," tough, and monstrous. The artists used monsters and dinosaurs for inspirations but also sought to differentiate design bases from the previous games.[1]

Design

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Official artwork of Mega Absol, in which Absol gains a pair of wings on it

Introduced in the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire games, Absol is a Dark-type Pokémon that measures 3 ft 11 in (119.38 cm) in height and 103.6 lb (46.99 kg) in weight.[5] Known as the "Disaster Pokémon," it gives off a felid-like appearance with a curved sickle-like horn in the right side of its head.[6][7] Its fur color is snow white, contrasting with its dark blue skin color (noticeably on its face),[8][7] although it has red irises in its eyes.[9] As a result of the black-and-white color schemes, Absol's head and its hair together resemble a yin and yang symbol.[10] Its snout is short and catlike, and its nose is triangular in shape.[7] Additionally, the Dark-type Pokémon has a pointed tail and sharp claws akin to those of griffins.[10] Although it does not directly resemble a wolf, its serious facial expression is comparable to the stereotypical demeanors of the canine. Its overall body plan resembles those of camels but without the prominent humps.[11]

Mega Absol, a temporary transformation process that Absol can undergo in a Pokémon X and Y gameplay mechanic called "Mega Evolution," was first revealed through a 2013 issue of the CoroCoro Comic magazine along with several other Mega Evolutions for other Pokémon.[12] Through this process, Absol gains a pair of wings that make the Pokémon appear angelic,[13] which it can flutter, but it is incapable of flight and does not change its typing in the process.[14]

Absol primarily lives in the mountains and rarely leaves its habitat. Pokédex entries suggest that it is able to sense upcoming natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis using its horn then leave the mountains to warn people about the storms. Despite its kind-hearted intentions, people interpreted the appearances of the Pokémon as a bad omen given its correlation with natural disasters, giving it a negative reputation especially amongst the elders.[15][16] Hence, the name "Disaster Pokémon" comes from the Pokémon's ability to predict disasters.[17][14] Absol is also capable of moving "as swift as the wind." Mega Absol has an aura that it can redirect to its opponents by beating its wings, killing the fainthearted from the "intimidating" power. However, Absol hates changing to its Mega Evolution form as it dislikes engaging in fights.[14]

Appearances

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Absol made its first appearance in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire,[17] reappearing in most subsequent titles. The cat-like Pokémon is excluded from both Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet titles.[18] In Pokémon X and Y, it is able to use the Mega Evolution mechanic to become Mega Absol.[6] The appearances of Absol as a wild Pokémon in select areas of the mainline games are normally correlated with ongoing or previously occurring natural disasters.[19] In the Pokémon Sun and Moon plus the Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon games for instance, wild Absol occurrences are in Tapu Village because of its ruined state.[13] In the The Crown Tundra DLC expansion pack for Pokémon Sword and Shield, Absol appears in the tundra possibly in correlation with the appearances of legendary Pokémon rather than because of any other calamity.[20]

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team and its remake Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, Absol appears as a supporting character who initially stalks the hero Pokémon character and their other Pokémon partner in a snow forest. Absol eventually jumps in to defend the hero by telling Articuno that natural disasters are occurring everywhere independent of the hero character. After Articuno departs, Absol joins the team permanently in order to help stop the natural disasters.[21][22] Absol appears in Pokémon Go and is capable of Mega Evolution there, although the gameplay mechanic was only available to it since the 2021 Halloween event.[13] Absol is additionally a playable character in Pokémon Unite.[23]

Outside of the games, Absol has occurred repeatedly in the Pokémon anime series. The Dark-type Pokémon made its debut in the movie Pokémon: Jirachi, Wish Maker as an initial antagonist and misunderstood character who was attempting to assist Ash Ketchum and his friends on their goals.[19] The species' first TV series appearance was in the episode "Absol-ute Disaster" as part of the Pokémon: Advanced Battle season in which it filled a similar role as a misunderstood Pokémon that townsfolk blamed for bad events occurring in their town.[14] Mega Absol made its debut in the first episode of "The Strongest Mega Evolution" four-episode special of the Pokémon the Series: XY season.[24]

Reception

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Absol as a Pokémon species has generally positive receptions because of its design, lore, and "lone wolf" demeanor, all of which combined attract interest to Pokémon fans.[17] An IGN writer, going by the name "Pokemonofthedaychick," considered it to be a "neat" Dark-type Pokémon design that many players highly sought to catch in the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire titles "the very moment [it] was revealed to the world at large." She criticized it for being weaker on the defensive side ingame but considered it to be her "favorite new Pokemon."[25] Official Nintendo Magazine contributor Sam Starling stated that Absol looks "badass" and has an intimidating appearance because of the sickle-like horn that is apparently capable of slicing through stone and metal.[6]

Nintendo World Report journalists Becky Hollada and Josh Max argued that Absol showing up right before natural disasters was creepy in nature because of the dread that people were going to die soon afterward despite the disaster Pokémon being mistaken as the cause of the calamities.[26] Kevin Slackie and Moises Taveras of the Paste magazine considered it to be fitting for "[e]dgy Pokémon trainers" and praised the lore around it being rumored as a bad omen.[27] Likewise, Cian Maher of the USA Today publication jokingly referred to it as "Hoenn’s favourite edgy teenager" and called it "an incredible Pokémon who is excellent in every iteration of the series it appears in," conveying that he liked its inside "softie" personality despite its "Dark typing and edgelord aesthetic."[16] Yash Nair, writing for Dot Esports, said that the encounter of the rare and "cool" Absol followed by immediate eagerness to catch it was the "one core memory" of those who played the Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald titles.[28] Ryan Woodrow of Video Games on Sports Illustrated wrote that Absol had a straightforward design but that it was full of beauty and that it had interesting lore around being a misunderstood Pokémon that wanted to save people from natural disasters.[8] Pokkén Tournament producer Masaaki Hoshino revealed in a 2016 interview that Absol was his favorite Pokémon and that he hoped that it would be included in the fighting game.[29] In a 2022 interview, he answered that his favorite Pokémon in Pokémon Unite was Absol due to being strong but "tricky" to play as.[30]

1836 drawing of the kudan yōkai (supernatural entity), which in Japanese mythology warned people about an upcoming plague. Authors have speculated that Absol's design and lore may have originated from it or similar creatures.

TheGamer journalist Kendall Cunningham claimed that Absol was "majestic as it is powerful," praising the design of its "beautiful white fur" contrasting with the Pokémon's overall body to give it a "mystic, otherworldly appeal."[31] Game Informer journalist Jeff Marchiafava said that Absol was the best Pokémon design-wise because of it several body features as well as its elegant design from the use of simple colors, and he stated that Mega Absol's design was even better than its regular design.[10] Chris Littlechild, another writer for TheGamer, felt that Mega Absol was appealing because of its "edgy" fallen angel aesthetic but told that it was difficult to effectively use in gameplay because of its weak defenses.[32] Robert Grosso of TechRaptor noted that the negative stereotypes attributed to Absol in Pokémon lore starkly contrasted with its "beautiful" appearance but worked well storywise because it was merely misunderstood and was depicted as intelligent and calm despite its circumstances. The writer made an argument that the nature and circumstances surrounding Absol, examplified by the Pokémon: Jirachi, Wish Maker movie, makes it complex on a level that audiences can sympathize with emotionally.[19]

Multiple authors have observed that Absol is probably based on several mythological creatures. According to Grosso of TechRaptor, its concept and design may have been inspired by the Bai Ze in Chinese mythology, also known as the Hakutaku in Japanese mythology, an intelligent creature capable of speech that can warn people about other dangerous creatures. He also pointed out that sphinxes and angels may have also been inspirations for Absol, especially in its Mega Evolution form.[19] The Escapist author Liz Finnegan observed that the Pokémon may have also been based on kudan, which derived in mythology from Bai Ze/Hakutaku that lived in the mountains and warned nearby villagers about an upcoming plague.[33] Lottie Lynn of Eurogamer suggested that the angelic aesthetic of Mega Absol appears to be based on its willingness to protect others from chaos and disaster.[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b "ポケットモンスター ルビー・サファイア 大ヒット記念 ロングインタビュー". Nintendo Dream (in Japanese). No. 84. February 2003. pp. 117–126.
  2. ^ Hilliard, Kyle (December 25, 2016). "Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All". Game Informer. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved January 22, 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 Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire Preview". Nintendo Power. Vol. 165. February 2003. p. 102.
  5. ^ Silvestri, Cris (2008). Pokémon Ultimate Handbook. Scholastic Inc. p. 5.
  6. ^ a b c Starling, Sam (August 22, 2013). East, Thomas (ed.). "Top 10 best third generation Pokemon". Official Nintendo Magazine. Archived from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Behera, Ayush Ray (April 20, 2023). "Pokémon Go: Best Moveset and Counters for Absol". GamingonPhone. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Woodrow, Ryan (June 17, 2023). "The 10 best Dark Pokemon of all time". Video Games on Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on June 19, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  9. ^ Dwyer, Theo (April 6, 2023). "The Cards Of Pokémon TCG: Crown Zenith Part 13: Purrloin". Bleeding Cool News. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  10. ^ a b c Marchiafava, Jeff (August 12, 2013). "Analyzing The New Mega Pokémon". Game Informer. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  11. ^ Gealogo, David (September 20, 2022). "10 best Wolf Pokémon, ranked". Dot Esports. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  12. ^ Tach, David (August 8, 2013). "Pokemon X and Y to introduce 'mega evolutions'". Polygon. Archived from the original on August 11, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c d Lynn, Lottie (October 22, 2021). "Pokémon Go Mega Absol counters, weaknesses and moveset explained". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c d Wilkinson, Chynna (February 14, 2022). "The best Dark type Pokémon, ranked". We Got This Covered. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  15. ^ Resuli, Leyla (July 5, 2019). "The 25 Best Dark-Type Pokemon". TheGamer. Archived from the original on March 3, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Maher, Cian (January 25, 2022). "The top ten Dark Pokémon, ranked". For The Win - USA Today. Archived from the original on January 26, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  17. ^ a b c Law, Eric (November 23, 2021). "Pokemon Fan Makes Shiny Absol Portrait Using Pokemon Trading Cards". Game Rant. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  18. ^ Steel, Tom (June 28, 2023). "10 Pokémon We Want Added To Gen IX In The Hidden Treasure Of Area Zero". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  19. ^ a b c d Grosso, Robert (May 27, 2018). "The Six Best Designed Pokemon of Generation 3". TechRaptor. Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  20. ^ Michael, Cale (October 25, 2020). "How to get Absol in Pokémon Sword and Shield's The Crown Tundra expansion". Dot Esports. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  21. ^ Chunsoft (September 18, 2006). Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team (Nintendo DS). Nintendo.
  22. ^ Ives, Cailey (March 13, 2020). "Pokemon Mystery Dungeon DX All Bosses". DBLTAP. Archived from the original on September 23, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  23. ^ Foley, Shane (July 19, 2022). "Is Absol Too Strong In Pokemon Unite?". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  24. ^ 最強メガシンカ～ActI～ [The Strongest Mega Evolution: Act I]. TV Tokyo. April 3, 2014.
  25. ^ Pokemonofthedaychick (May 5, 2003). "Pokemon of the Day: Absol (#359)". IGN. Archived from the original on April 20, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  26. ^ Hollada, Becky; Max, Josh (October 31, 2013). "How I Learned to Accept My Inevitable Death by Pokemon". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  27. ^ Slackie, Kevin; Taveras, Moises (June 6, 2023). "The 150 Best Pokémon". Paste. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  28. ^ Nair, Yash (June 14, 2022). "The best Dark-type Pokémon of all time, ranked". Dot Esports. Archived from the original on June 28, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  29. ^ Webster, Andrew (February 17, 2016). "How the minds behind Tekken and Soulcalibur transformed Pokemon into a fighting game". The Verge. Archived from the original on February 18, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  30. ^ Gregory, Aodhan (August 24, 2022). "Pokémon Unite producer Masaaki Hoshino reveals big changes to the game". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on August 24, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  31. ^ Cunningham, Kendall (July 10, 2022). "10 Pokemon Who Could Star In Their Own Game". TheGamer. Archived from the original on July 11, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  32. ^ Littlechild, Chris (December 8, 2017). "Pokémon: The 10 Best Mega Evolutions (And The 10 WORST)". TheGamer. Archived from the original on April 27, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  33. ^ Finnegan, Liz (February 19, 2016). "8 Pokemon Inspired by Real World Mythology". The Escapist. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
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