Arbok

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Arbok
National Pokédex Ekans - Arbok (#024) - Pikachu Johto Pokédex Ekans - Arbok (#051) - Dunsparce
Japanese name	Arbok
Evolves from	Ekans
Evolves into	None
Generation	First
Species	Cobra Pokémon
Type	Poison
Height	11 ft 6 in (3.5 m)
Weight	143.3 lb (65.0 kg)
Ability	Intimidate / Shed Skin

Arbok (アーボック, Ābokku^?) are one of the 493 fictional species of Pokémon creatures from the multi-billion-dollar^[1] Pokémon media franchise—a collection of video games, anime, manga, books, trading cards, and other media created by Satoshi Tajiri. The purpose of Arbok in the games, anime, and manga, as with all other Pokémon, is to battle both wild Pokémon—untamed creatures that characters encounter while embarking on various adventures— and tamed Pokémon creatures owned by Pokémon trainers.^[2]

The name Arbok is a reversal of the word cobra, spelled with a k instead of a c. This is similar to Ekans' name, which is a reversal of the word snake.

Contents 1 Biological Characteristics 2 In the video games 3 In the Pokémon anime 4 Trading Card Game 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Biological Characteristics

While Arbok seems to resemble a large, purple cobra, its behavior is more similar to that of a boa constrictor, despite the fact that it is venomous. It will wrap itself around its foe and squeeze with strength that can flatten steel oil drums.

Similar to the cobra, it has big warning markings on its hood arranged in a face-like pattern that varies from region to region, and this serves to frighten away timid foes at the mere sight of it. There are at least six distinctive variations of Arbok's hood pattern, each one apparently indigenous to a different region. If Arbok encounters an enemy, it will raise its head and make eerie sounds or glare to frighten it. If the enemy is too afraid to run, Arbok then binds and poisons it.

Unlike real cobras, Arbok cannot retract its hood.

[edit] In the video games

Arbok is found only in Pokémon Red, Silver, Crystal, FireRed, and Gale of Darkness, and in the latter can be snagged from Cipher Peon Smarton. In Pokémon Gold, it is possible to buy an Ekans that can be evolved into Arbok. In other games, it or Ekans must be traded from the versions they are available in.

Arbok's attack and speed are average, and the rest of its stats are below average. It slightly makes up for it with the ability intimidate, which lowers the foe's attack 1 stage upon switching in. Arbok often uses Glare, which paralyzes the opponent, which is always useful. Arbok is compared to Seviper for battle, particularly because both can use Glare. Statistically, Arbok is more defensive, while Seviper is more attack-oriented. Seviper is able to learn Poison Fang by leveling up, but Arbok must learn it from Seviper as an egg move.

[edit] In the Pokémon anime

The Pokémon anime series and films are a meta-series of adventures separate from the canon that most of the Pokémon video games follow (with the exception of Pokémon Yellow, a game based on the anime storyline). The anime follows the quest of the main character, Ash Ketchum^[3]—an in-training Pokémon Master—as he, May, Hikari, and several other companions^[3]) travel around the fictitious world of Pokémon along with their Pokémon partners, Pikachu, Blaziken,^[4] and Piplup.^[5]

In the Pokémon anime, Arbok has been an important character until recently. Team Rocket's Jessie received an Ekans for her birthday some years ago, and early in the series both she and James force their Pokémon to evolve, and when they failed, they evolved on their own after seeing how upset they were. Arbok made frequent appearances, especially early on, although in recent episodes Jessie and James left both Arbok and Weezing behind to defend an unevolved herd of Ekans and Koffing from poachers. Before its departure from the series, Arbok was frequently called upon to use its Poison Sting attack, which often backfired to puncture Team Rocket's signature Meowth hot air balloon and send the trio "blasting off again."

As Team Rocket are often called the most emotionally developed characters in the series, Arbok, as well as Weezing, served as perfect mirrors of their owner's characters early on. At first glance, just like the Pokémon she owns, Jessie appears to be nothing more than a snake. Equally, James resembles his own Pokémon as being nothing more but full of hot, useless air. The release of these Pokémon, while not only noble and showing the moral progress of both Jessie and James, is symbolic of their ultimate development as characters.

During the episode "A Fan With A Plan", the "Trainer's Choice" feature claimed that Seviper evolves from Arbok; however, this was incorrect and caused Pokémon staff to take over the segment of the show.^[6]

Koichi Sakaguchi provides the voice of Arbok in both the Japanese and English versions of the anime.

[edit] Trading Card Game

Arbok has made nine appearances on the Trading Card Game so far:

• Fossil, as Arbok, a Grass-type (#31)
• Team Rocket, as Dark Arbok, a Grass-type (#2 and #19)
• Gym Challenge, as Koga's Arbok, a Grass-type (#25)
• Expedition, as Arbok, a Grass-type (#3 and #35)
• EX Sandstorm, as Arbok, a Grass-type (#29)
• EX Team Rocket Returns, as Dark Arbok, a Grass/Darkness Dual-type (#29)
• EX Dragon Frontiers, as Arbok δ, a Fire-type (#13)

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official Pokémon website
• WikiKnowledge.net’s entry for Arbok Previously hosted by Wikibooks