Hitmontop

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Hitmontop
Image:Hitmontop.png
National Pokédex
Tyrogue - Hitmontop (#237) - Smoochum
Johto Pokédex
Hitmonchan - Hitmontop (#146) - Girafarig
Japanese name Kapoerer
Evolves from Tyrogue
Evolves into None
Generation Second
Species Handstand Pokémon
Type Fighting
Height 4 ft 7 in (1.4 m)
Weight 105.8 lb (48.0 kg)
Ability Intimidate/Technician(the latter from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl onwards)

Hitmontop (カポエラー Kapoerā?, Kapoerer in original Japanese language versions) is one of the 493 fictional species of Pokémon from the Pokémon Franchise - a series of video games, anime, manga, books, trading cards and other media created by Satoshi Tajiri. It is number 237 in the National Pokédex.

The "hit" in its name is most likely to be a reference to its martial arts techniques; the "mon" possibly refers to the fact that it is a Pokémon. "Hitmon" may also possibly be a variation of the word "hitman". This also follows the pattern of Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, on whom it was based. The "top" refers to its ability to spin on its point, like the children's toy, a top. Also, the name could be a contracted form of "hit 'em on top".

Its Japanese name, カポエラー (kapoerā), refers to the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, which its techniques resemble.

Contents

[edit] Biological characteristics

Hitmontop’s body is largely spherical; its body, its hands and the end of its tail are usually rendered as spheres, with similar shapes for its feet and head. The feet and tail are blue with claw-like spikes at the end of each of them, and the rest of the body is a dark tan. A sharp point on the top of its head allows Hitmontop to balance itself upside-down on its head, the position which it holds in much of the time it is observed.

Hitmontop carries an interesting anatomy; It can both walk upright and stand on its head for extended periods of time each, without its blood rushing to its head to put stress on the Pokémon. Hitmontop is able to balance itself upside down on its point without falling over (compare with Baltoy), and it can spin itself like a spinning top toy at will. In fact, it seems to be more adept at spinning than at mere walking; by whirling, it can travel around faster than it can walk.

Hitmontop’s body is built for a unique form of self-defense: A variation of the fighting style Capoeira which involves the actual revolution of the Pokémon’s body at quick-speed like a spinning top. Its legs and tail serve as a trio of spiked attachments equally spaced apart when it is upside down. When whirling, these blend into a vicious array of whirling weaponry that can prove extremely dangerous to those around it, whether people or other Pokémon are approaching Hitmontop or Hitmontop is chasing after them. This technique is a remarkable mix of simultaneous offensive and defensive prowess. These powers are useful in fights, to remove effects like leech seed, wrap, or bind.

However, its head point works like a drill at times, occasionally to Hitmontop’s chagrin. If it spins at a high enough speed on the right type of surface, it may bore its way into the ground, a point Hitmontop takes embarrassment in. But it can also function as an additional weapon in Pokémon battles. Hitmontop can tone down its whirling so that its kicks become smooth dance-like kicks that can enchant its observers, and it uses this to deceive its foes among them so that Hitmontop can attack by launching itself up in the air and drilling its targets hard.

[edit] In the video games

Hitmontop evolves from Tyrogue at level 20 if its Attack statistic is equal to its Defense statistic. This is the only way to obtain it in Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal.

In the third generation, the only Hitmontop available for capture is found in Pokémon Colosseum. It can be snagged in Agate Village. Evolving Tyrogue also works, as in Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal.

Hitmontop is an interesting case among Fighting-type Pokémon: It has very high Special Defense and nearly as high Defense and Attack statistics, offset by average Speed, low Hit Points, and terrible Special Attack. Compared to its two comrades Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, Hitmontop has the highest Defense stat traded off for the lowest (but still good) Attack and Speed. Its moveset is more peculiar as well; It includes the rather good Triple Kick, Rapid Spin (which does normal-type damage as well as removes it from the effects of moves like Leech Seed and Wrap), Endeavor, and Rolling Kick. Due to the lack of a clear strength that is performed better by other Fighting-type Pokémon, Hitmontop is underused by players, as well as considered the least usable of its evolution line.

[edit] Anime appearances

Hitmontop first appeared in the episode Two Hits and a Miss where one battled against Ash's Bulbasaur.

A Hitmontop is owned by Butch of Team Rocket, while another is owned by the Invincible Brothers, who have battled Misty on a couple of occasions. A wild Hitmontop is a friend of the Pichu Brothers in Millennium City.

[edit] Manga appearances

A Hitmontop appears in chapter 162 of Pokémon Adventures, which is in volume 13. It is owned by Chuck, the Cianwood City Gym Leader.

[edit] In the Pokémon Trading Card Game

Hitmontop, as seen in the Pokémon Trading Card Game
Hitmontop, as seen in the Pokémon Trading Card Game

Hitmontop has appeared on four trading cards, always as a fighting Pokémon:

  • Neo Discovery (with rare and holographic versions)
  • Aquapolis
  • EX Unseen Forces

The most recent Hitmontop card features a Poke-Power that improves its stats if it evolved out of a Tyrogue.

It is also the 37th promotional card.

[edit] References

Publications
  • Barbo, Maria. The Official Pokémon Handbook. Scholastic Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0-439-15404-9.
  • Loe, Casey, ed. Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition Official Perfect Guide. Sunnydale, CA: Empire 21 Publishing, 1999. ISBN 1-930206-15-1.
  • Nintendo Power. Official Nintendo Pokémon FireRed & Pokémon LeafGreen Player’s Guide. Nintendo of America Inc., August 2004. ISBN 1-930206-50-X
  • Mylonas, Eric. Pokémon Pokédex Collector’s Edition: Prima’s Official Pokémon Guide. Prima Games, September 21 2004. ISBN 0-7615-4761-4
  • Nintendo Power. Official Nintendo Pokémon Emerald Version Player’s Guide. Nintendo of America Inc., April 2005. ISBN 1-930206-58-5

[edit] External links

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