Zapdos

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Zapdos
Image:Zapdos.png
National Pokédex
Articuno - Zapdos (#145) - Moltres
Johto Pokédex
Articuno - Zapdos (#236) - Moltres
Japanese name Thunder
Evolves from None
Evolves into None
Generation First
Species Electric Pokémon
Type Electric / Flying
Height 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m)
Weight 116.0 lb (52.6 kg)
Ability Pressure

Zapdos (サンダー Sandā?, Thunder in original Japanese language versions) is a fictional character in the Pokémon franchise. Zapdos is one of the three winged mirages along with Articuno and Moltres.

"Zapdos" originates from the words "zap", because it is an electric-type, and "dos", Spanish for "two", because it is numerically the second winged mirage. Its Japanese name is 'Thunder' spelt phonetically, and its French name Electhor is from the words "Electricity" and "Thor", the Norse mythological god of Thunder. It appears as either a protagonist or an antagonist in games, animes or mangas.

Zapdos is based on the Native American Thunderbird.

Contents

[edit] Biological characteristics

Zapdos, one of a trio of magically powerful birds of which the other two are Articuno and Moltres, is the avian embodiment of spontaneous electricity. Zapdos, a creature that can freely manipulate electricity, is thought to live in thunderclouds, where it apparently only gains power when struck by lightning. It is seen emerging from clouds while dropping enormous lightning bolts, and even if it does not launch electricity its wings make peculiar crackling and snapping sounds as it flies.

Zapdos was found in the Power Plant only in pokémon Red and Blue, pokémon Yellow, pokémon FireRed and pokémon LeafGreen along with normal electric-type Pokémon such as Raichu, Electrode, Magneton and many more. Its anatomy seems fully capable of holding dangerously high amounts of voltage, which can be seen as reflected in its yellow, angular body and wings. Also behind its main yellow wings is a second pair of thinner, jet-black wings. Its beak is long and extremely sharp, and it allows it to use the devastating Flying- type attack Drill Peck. It is the only one of the winged mirages to learn this move.

[edit] In the mangas

Zapdos is featured in Pokémon Adventures in Chapter 26, it was captured by LT. Surge (Gym leader from Vermillion City) like the other two winged mirages to keep their heroes away for their Team Rocket's boss' plans.

In Chapter 178, Zapdos became Green's protagonist and ally, along with the other two winged mirages to battle against Lugia and Ho-Oh which was controlled by Elite Four leaders Karen and Will.

In Chapter 180, Zapdos also appear as guest cameo character in the ending of the Pokémon battle against Lugia and Ho-Oh with the help, Red, Blue, Green, Articuno and Moltres, Zapdos and the other two Legendary Pokémon were summoned back into pokeballs and traded with the legendary dog-like Pokémon, Zapdos looks similar to Raikou as well as Entei to Moltres, except Articuno and Suicune by the same element but different, as a male Zapdos, he will make another appearance in Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire.

[edit] In the video games

Zapdos is a very strong pokémon in the game. Zapdos is one of the three winged mirage. This is the Electric-type version. In the original Pokémon Red and Blue games for Nintendo's Game Boy system, as well as in the newer FireRed and LeafGreen, Zapdos can be captured at the Power Plant. Additionally, in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, one could be snagged from Cipher Grand Master Greevil as a shadow pokémon, along with Moltres and Articuno. Zapdos also appears as both a boss and a playable character in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon.

When traded from the above versions to the Gold, Silver, and Crystal versions, Zapdos will be holding a Brightpowder item, which lowers the foes accuracy when held by a Pokémon.

As a Legendary Pokémon, Zapdos’ statistics are high all around, therefore making it a top tier Pokémon. Its unique Electric/Flying type abilities grant it immunity to the normally devastating Earthquake.

A Zapdos is found in the Nintendo 64 game Pokémon Snap in the Tunnel Course. It resides in an egg and will only hatch by luring the Pikachu nearby to the egg with apples and then playing the Poke-Flute to let loose electric shocks that charge up the egg. Once hatched, the Zapdos will activate the power plant machinery and the rest of the course will be somewhat different.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Zapdos can be released from a pokéball as an item and zaps everyone that is within range, except the person who released it. It is also an unlockable trophy.

[edit] In the Pokémon anime

Zapdos appeared in the original Pokémon series as a giant robot in a theme park which was destroyed.

Zapdos is featured in Pokémon The Movie 2000 together with the other two winged mirages, Articuno and Moltres.

Zapdos also appeared in the episode "As Clear as Crystal". Team Rocket wanted to steal a Crystal that heals Electric type Pokémon. A Zapdos came by and Team Rocket attempted to steal both, but they were unsuccessful in doing so. In the ending, all the normal Electric Pokémon cheered and waved goodbye as it flew away.

Zapdos has a cameo appearance in Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea.

[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

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../z/a/p/Zapdos.html"