Poketoon is a miniseries released in Japan, that features short stories about Pokemon. The Poketoon series is among the first of its kind to address what everyday life looks like in the Pokemon world. The series takes the spotlight off the mainline battle-based anime and expands on the Pokemon universe by providing more heartfelt stories that touch on more complex themes.
Each episode is unique and features original characters, animation styles, stories, and designs. Each episode's animation is tailored to fit the story being told, ranging from cinematic, to 1930s inspired animation. There is much to be said about each episode, as they are all works of art and have left Pokemon fans around the world eager for more.
8 Scraggy And Mimikyu Chase The Beans
- Directed by Taku Inoue, this episode is the first produced in the Poketoon series and features inspiration from late 1930s Western Animation.
Scraggy And Mimikyu Chase The Beans is comical and full of slapstick antics between Scraggy and Mimikyu. With incredible attention to detail ranging from sounds to film grain, this episode provides a glimpse of what Pokemon might’ve looked like in the days of early animation.
The plot is straightforward and provides a new artistic spin on Pokemon, by combining anime with familiar Western Cartoon styles. Scraggy is shown pursuing the mysterious and illusive Mimikyu throughout the episode when a turn of events leaves Scraggy desperate to escape. Although the short is entertaining though, there isn’t as much story or depth as there is in the other Poketoons produced so far.
7 A Blizzard Of Summer Vacation
- Directed by Yusaku Kitano, A Blizzard Of Summer Vacation celebrates friends, with the heart to help others.
A Blizzard Of Summer Vacation is a wholesome tale of three friends who rescue an abandoned Pokemon. The animation is simple but tastefully done. The little details in the episode are thoughtfully placed, and, although wholesome, this Poketoon isn't as in-depth as some others produced.
The plot follows three friends, who make a secret base when they discover it is snowing in the middle of summer. Together they find an abandoned Pokemon, Snorunt, in a dangerous situation. They rescue Snorunt and, together, come up with a new purpose for their secret base. This Poketoon is entirely charming, with a bit of nostalgia beautifully depicting strong friendships and childhood adventures.
6 The Pancham Who Wants To Be A Hero
- Directed by Junichi Yamamoto, The Pancham Who Wants To Be A Hero is a courageous tale.
The Pancham Who Wants To Be A Hero is a story of courage and overcoming fears. The style is like an animated storybook with narration, stills, and 2-dimensional art. While Pokemon fans adored the heroic story, the animation left a lot to be desired.
The story follows a Pancham who wants to become strong like his legendary hero, Arcanine. When Pancham sees how others react to its evolution, Pangoro, it fears evolving and wears an Everstone. One day, Pancham meets a boy in need of a strong Pokemon to save his village and, despite Pancham's best efforts, it isn't yet strong enough to help. Pancham casts aside the Everstone, embracing its destiny, and becomes just like its hero after all.
5 Please Wait Magikarp!
- Please Wait Magikarp! Is an emotional composition directed by Cédric Hérole.
Please Wait Magikarp! Follows a Magikarp's friendship with a young boy. There is no dialogue used in this animation, with the story instead narrated by a flute composition that perfectly synchronizes with the emotional telling of Magikarp's story. Magikarp is an underdog in the Pokemon world, but, in this Poketoon, it is Magikarp who leaves Pokemon fans enamored.
While fishing with his grandfather, a young boy befriends a Magikarp using his flute. The boy is sadly unable to keep Magikarp and sends it to a Pokemon refuge. Seasons pass while Magikarp waits for their friend to return. Meanwhile, the music from Magikarp's symphonic companions soothes its longing heart. Eventually, the boy reunites with Magikarp, and it responds with a grand gesture of love and gratitude; its enduring patience is rewarded at long last.
4 The Warming Slugma House
- Directed by Yabumoto Kazuhiko, The Warming Slugma House emphasizes everything warm and cozy.
The Warming Slugma House is a heartwarming tale told through the eyes of a little girl. Including a style similar to Studio Ghibli, a calming story, and an emphasized food scene, it is no surprise Studio Ghibli Fans and Pokemon fans alike are captivated by this short. This episode embodies pure love, wonder, and innocence and is certain to warm the hearts of Pokemon Fans of all ages.
This story follows Anna, who, while visiting her grandparent's home, becomes completely smitten with their shy Pokemon, Slugma. While heating the house with its many fire abilities, Slugma remains out of sight, admiring Anna from afar. Anna persists and pursues its friendship during her stay. She often speaks to Slugma, unsure if it hears her. When it's time for her to go Anna gets to see that Slugma heard her all along.
3 Jigglypuff's Song
- Directed by Yū Satō, Jigglypuff's Song is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally captivating.
Jigglypuff's Song is a story of friends embracing each other's differences. This short takes a creative step by reimagining the very familiar Pokemon, Jigglypuff. It's a story about overcoming insecurities and, together with friends, transforming them into something to be proud of.
The episode begins when the young girl, Momo, finds a special Jigglypuff in the park. The two become best friends when they run into a friend. The friend teases Momo about her Jigglypuff's unusual appearance and lack of singing. Momo reassures her unique Jigglypuff that it is cute and perfect just the way it is. When Jigglypuff's friendship with Momo is questioned, Jigglypuff overcomes its insecurities to show Momo how much she is really loved.
2 I've Turned Into A Gengar
- Directed by Tatsurō Kawano, I've Turned Into A Gengar is hauntingly unique.
I've Turned Into A Gengar is a fun and unique story. The episode features an animation style that is whimsical but fine-tuned, with talented voices, and an intricate story that leaves viewers guessing right up until the end.
The episode follows the timid girl Shoko and her friends, who go on to explore the "haunted" parts of the school. When Shoko investigates, she's transformed into the ghost Pokemon, Gengar.Shoko chases after her friends for help, only frightening them away. She then learns the curse is time-sensitive and must get herself and her friends out of the school before sunrise. Shoko must stand up for herself and her friends before it's too late.
1 A Budding Dream
- Directed by Shingo Yamashita, this cinematic short is heartfelt and nostalgic.
A Budding Dream is a magnificent cinematic short and possesses everything that makes Pokemon so profound. Featuring classic elements, a new spin on the old, an endearing story, and state-of-the-art animation, this episode is everything any Nostalgic Pokemon Fan could hope for.
The episode follows spirited Tsubomi, who dreams of becoming a Pokemon League Champion just like her parents. They insist she isn't ready to go on her journey, but Tsubomi plans to prove otherwise. Tsubomi heads to the forest to seek out her very own Pokemon and, after running into a dangerous Poison-type Pokemon, is helped by a brave Nidoran. The two bond right away, but when Tsubomi brings her new Nidoran home, her town's safety is threatened. Tsubomi must take initiative to save her town and prove to her parents that she is a Pokemon prodigy. The episode ends on a nostalgic note that leaves Pokemon fans awestruck.
Poketoon is available to watch on Pokemon Kids TV Japan and on YouTube.