Charmander - Wikipedia

Pokémon species Fictional character

Charmander
Pokémon character
Charmander artwork by Ken Sugimori
First game	Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)
Designed by	Atsuko Nishida[1]
In-universe information
Species	Pokémon
Type	Fire

Charmander is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise, and the first form of its respective evolutionary line, including Charmeleon and its final form Charizard. First introduced in the 1996 video games Pokémon Red and Blue, it has appeared in multiple games including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as various merchandise.

Classified as a Fire-type Pokémon, Charmander is one of the three first Pokémon available in the first games, alongside the Grass-type Pokémon Bulbasaur and Water-type Squirtle, which it is strong to and weak to respectively.

Concept and design

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Charmander is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998.[2] In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items.[3] Each Pokémon has one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.[4] A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.[3]

Most Pokémon games have a trio of Pokémon called "Starter Pokémon". This trio always consist of a Fire, Grass, and Water-type Pokémon, with Fire beating Grass, Grass beating Water, and Water beating Fire. Charmander is the Fire-type member of the original Starter trio, alongside t he Grass-type Bulbasaur and Water-type Squirtle.[citation needed] Charmander evolves into Charmeleon after battling and reaching a high enough level, which eventually evolves into Charizard. Upon evolving into Charizard, it gains a Flying type in addition to its Fire type.[citation needed] Charmander was designed by Atsuko Nishida[1] and is a bipedal lizard with an orange body and cream-colored belly. On its tail is a small flame.[citation needed] It is said to be based on multiple different types of giant salamander, including the Chinese giant salamander[5] and Japanese giant salamander.[6]

Appearances

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Charmander first appears in Pokémon Red and Green (Red and Blue outside of Japan), and is one of the three first Pokémon the player can choose from when offered by Professor Oak, alongside Bulbasaur and Squirtle.[7] If the player instead chooses Bulbasaur, the protagonist's rival will choose Charmander; if Squirtle is chosen, Charmander will remain in Oak's lab.[citation needed] In Pokémon Yellow, the player receives a Pikachu instead of any of the three Starter Pokémon.[citation needed] A Charmander can be received from a trainer in this game as a gift.[7] They appeared in the remakes Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen,[7] where it is a Starter Pokémon like Red and Blue.[citation needed] A Charmander was given away in February 2006 as part of a two-week-long event.[7] The remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver, HeartGold and SoulSilver, the player is given the choice between Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle by Oak[7] after defeating Red near the end of the game.[citation needed] Charmander can be obtained in Pokémon Black and White through the website Pokémon Dream World.[7] In Pokémon X and Y, in addition to this game's trio of Starter Pokémon, the Red and Blue trio is included, with the character Professor Sycamore offering one of the three to the player.[8] Charmander could be found in the wild in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and the remakes Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, the latter also including it as a gift Pokémon like in Yellow.[9] It is given as a gift in Pokémon Sword and Shield by the Champion Leon after beating him,[10] and can be found in an area called the Grand Underground in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.[7] While not featured in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet at launch, Charmander was included in the second part of Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass, The Indigo Disk.[11] In Pokémon Legends Z-A, the player can receive a Charmander as an option between the Red and Blue Starter trio.[citation needed]

Charmander appears in various spin-offs, including Pokémon Masters EX,[12] Pokémon Go,[13] Pokémon Snap,[14] and the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series.[15] It appears in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, including with a card based on Pokémon Snap that sold, combined with Bulbasaur and Squirtle's respective Snap cards, for $230,000.[14] Outside of the Pokémon series, Charmander appears in the Super Smash Bros. series[16] and Super Mario Maker as a costume that protagonist Mario could wear.[17]

Charmander has been depicted in multiple pieces of merchandise, including plushes,[18][19] figures,[20][21] model kits,[22] food items,[23] jewelry,[24] apparel,[25][26][27][28][29] and McDonald's Happy Meal toys.[30] In Las Vegas, certain streets were renamed after Pokémon species, including Charmander.[31]

Critical reception

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Charmander has received positive reception. Game Informer writer Kyle Hilliard considered Charmander among the greatest of the Pokémon in Red and Blue, stating that it was a "great, lovable fire beast" and was popular due to "fire [being fun", adding that it evolving into Charizard made it even better.[32] Polygon writer Allega Frank considered Charmander the best Pokémon, stating that it was the very first Pokémon she ever had and that all other Pokémon in her team was there to support her and her Charmander. When Charmander evolved into Charmeleon, she felt disappointed, stating that it was not her "beautiful bestie", though she still felt attachment to it. She stated that it being an "adorable lizard guy [with a] shy smile and burning little flame" is what made her pick it originally, and what made her continue to favor it over other Pokémon.[33] In a discussion between Polygon staff about who the best Starter Pokémon in Pokémon Red and Blue was, multiple editors stated their preferences for Charmander. in addition to Frank, who stated that she has an "enshrined collection" of Charmander merchandise, Samit Sarkar, Ashley Oh, Jake Lear, Griffin McElroy, and Susana Polo favored it over the others, making it the most popular among the website's staff. Polo, Oh, and Sarkar cited its evolution into Charizard as a factor, while McElroy stated that Charmander was the superior choice due to balancing, arguing that Water and Grass-type Pokémon were easier to come by early on.[34] Prima Games writer Bryson Maddock considered Charmander the best Starter Pokémon, stating that it was an easy choice to make due to how good Charizard was. He added that it was a popular Pokémon early on, and that Charmander is still vied after due to its evolution.[35]

Nintendo Life writer [] found it cute, while fellow Nintendo Life writer [] stated that he was disaffected by how omnipresent Charmander was. This was a sentiment shared by John [last name], who compared it to McDonald's in this sense. John considered it his favorite of its line, stating that it only became uglier as it evolved.[36] USA Today writer Cian Maher stated his preference for Charmander over Charizard, stating that while Charizard may be more popular, Charmander's designs is among the best for a Fire type in the series. He cited the lore around its tail fire, feeling that this was "extremely grim for a story meant for kids" but appreciated how they incorporated a fire concept into its design.[37] GamesBeat writers Jeff Grubb and Mike Minotti both considered Charmander a particularly good Starter Pokémon. Grubb felt that the entire evolutionary line was strong, and compared it to Bulbasaur, arguing that there was more mystique to Charmander due to the flame on its tail. He stated that it was the "ideal" Pokémon as far as what a Pokémon species should be. Minotti believed that he had a simpler design, appreciating that over later Starter Pokémon species and that the Starter trio of Red and Blue focused on a single color.[38]

Charmander has been noted as being a particularly difficult choice for a Starter Pokémon in Red and Blue due to a disadvantageous type match-up against the first Gym Leader's Rock-type Pokémon and the second Gym Leader's Water-type Pokémon.[39] Futabanet writer Honey stated that, due to Charizard being on the box art of Pokémon Red, Charmander was the most popular Starter Pokémon, but also that it was the most difficult Starter due to the early challenges in the game. They explained that this was compounded by the lack of strong Pokémon early on, which they stated could cause the player to become stuck.[40] Charmander was analyzed as part of IGN's "Pokémon of the Day" series, the author stating that it was the most popular of the three starters thanks to its superior speed, adding that it evolving into Charizard was another reason many people picked it.[41]

Multiple moments in the various Pokémon anime series have been highlighted as significant. Charmander's first appearance in the anime was considered one of the saddest moments of the series by IGN staff.[42] GameSpot writer Tamoor Hussain agreed that it was sad, stating that it showed how trainers could abuse their Pokémon's affection for them. He considered it one of the series' best moments, discussing another moment in the series where Ash nurses Charizard back to health, which he believed evoked Charmander's first appearance.[43] A scene in the series Pokémon Origins where Squirtle bites Charmander was considered particularly noteworthy by critics, with Crunchyroll News writer Daniel Dockery remarking that the sound of Charmander screaming was "haunting" and something he'd never heard in Pokémon before.[44]

References

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1. ^ a b Kawase, Ayuo (March 8, 2022). "One Pokémon fan's database shines light on unsung designers of the series". Automaton. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
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 Deluxe Essential Handbook. Scholastic Inc. July 28, 2015. p. 5. ISBN 9780545795661.
5. ^ "22 Pokémon inspired by real animals". Zoological Society of London. July 25, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
6. ^ Benrahal, Annisa (August 1, 2024). "A prehistoric giant lurks in the icy streams of Japan – I crossed the world to meet a real-life Pokémon, the Japanese giant salamander". Discover Wildlife. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
7. ^ a b c d e f g Lowthian, Declan (December 6, 2022). "Where To Find Charmander In Every Main Series Pokémon Game". CBR. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
8. ^ Sahdev, Ishaan (September 4, 2013). "You'll Get Bulbasaur, Charmander And Squirtle In Pokémon X And Pokémon Y". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
9. ^ Plagge, Kallie (November 30, 2018). "Pokemon Let's Go: How To Get Charmander, Squirtle, And Bulbasaur". GameSpot. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
10. ^ James, Ford (April 26, 2022). "How to get Charmander in Pokemon Sword and Shield". GamesRadar+. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
11. ^ Price, Leigh (August 14, 2023). "All Pokemon Starters Will Be Returning for Scarlet and Violet DLC". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
12. ^ Mejia, Ozzie (April 27, 2020). "Pokemon Masters update introduces Red/Blue starter Eggs". Shack News. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
13. ^ Liu, Stephanie (November 7, 2024). "Dynamax Charmander Promotes Max Monday in Pokemon Go". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
14. ^ a b Wood, Austin (November 21, 2023). "24 years ago, Pokemon Snap gave Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur unique trading cards – and they just sold for more than the price of my house". GamesRadar+. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
15. ^ Kasavin, Greg (November 18, 2005). "Pokémon: Fushigi no Dungeon Blue Import Hands-On". GameSpot. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
16. ^ Schneider, Peer (April 27, 1999). "Super Smash Bros. N64 Review". IGN. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
17. ^ Webster, Andrew (February 12, 2016). "The original Pokemon starters are now in Super Mario Maker". The Verge. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
18. ^ Diaz, Ana (May 21, 2024). "Pokémon's coveted Japanese plush line is finally coming to the US". Polygon. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
19. ^ Fahey, Mike (September 13, 2019). "I Have Several Issues With This Year's Halloween Pokémon Toys". Kotaku. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
20. ^ Lada, Jenni (January 12, 2016). "Pokemon Trainer Nendoroid Being Rereleased As A Champion". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
21. ^ Ruppert, Liana (May 6, 2021). "Incredible Pokémon Pikachu And Charmander "Life-Sized" Statues Revealed". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
22. ^ Petite, Steven (November 9, 2025). "Pokemon 3D Model Kits Drop To $15 With Limited-Time Amazon Deal". GameSpot. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
23. ^ Lada, Jenni (July 30, 2025). "Campbell's Pokemon Chicken Noodle Soup Debuts". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
24. ^ Liu, Stephanie (April 22, 2021). "Colorful Pokemon Jewelry From Palnart Poc Includes Dragonair Ring". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
25. ^ Servantes, Ian (July 12, 2021). "Seiko puts your starter Pokémon on your wrist with these amazing watches". Inverse. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
26. ^ Liu, Stephanie (November 11, 2022). "See the Puma x Pokemon Collection Sneakers". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
27. ^ Sato (January 18, 2019). "Pokémon Company Teams With Original Stitch For Custom Dress Shirts With 151 Pokémon Patterns". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
28. ^ Lada, Jenni (October 17, 2024). "Pokemon Crocs Available in Adult and Kid Sizes". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
29. ^ Liu, Stephanie (July 12, 2024). "Gelato Pique Announces Second Pokemon Sleep Collection". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
30. ^ Liu, Stephanie (August 5, 2025). "McDonald's Japan Will Sell Happy Meal Manhwa, Pokemon Toys". Siliconera. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
31. ^ Clark, Nicole (May 22, 2023). "Las Vegas neighborhood names its streets after Pokémon". Polygon. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
32. ^ Hilliard, Kyle (February 27, 2018). "Ranking All 151 Original Pokémon From Dumbest To Coolest". Game Informer. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
33. ^ Frank, Allegra (September 28, 2018). "Charmander is the best Pokémon of all time". Polygon. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
34. ^ Frank, Allegra; Sarkar, Samit; Oh, Ashley; Lear, Jake; McElroy, Griffin; Polo, Susana (July 22, 2016). "Which of the original starter Pokémon is the best?". Polygon. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
35. ^ Maddock, Bryson (December 25, 2023). "7 Best Pokemon Starters, Ranked". Prima Games. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
36. ^ Olney, Alex (December 25, 2021). "Feature: We've Ranked All 151 Gen 1 Pokémon And It Nearly Killed Us". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
37. ^ Maher, Cian (January 17, 2022). "The top ten Fire Pokémon, ranked". USA Today. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
38. ^ Grubb, Jeff; Minotti, Mike (March 6, 2021). "GamesBeat Decides The Best (and Worst) Pokemon Starters". GamesBeat. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
39. ^ サワディ大塚 (April 2, 2022). "苦難の道なりを経て一躍天下へ！？『ポケモン』"ほのお御三家ポケモン"の歴史". Inside Games. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
40. ^ Honey (April 15, 2025). "『赤・緑』ヒトカゲに『金・銀』のチコリータも「期待したほど強くない!?」選んだら苦労必至…初期『ポケットモンスター』不遇すぎた「御三家ポケモン」". Futabanet. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
41. ^ "Pokemon of the Day: Charmander (#4)". IGN. December 15, 2002. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
42. ^ "6 Saddest Pokemon Moments". IGN. May 8, 2014. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
43. ^ Hussain, Tamoor (February 27, 2018). "5 Unforgettable Pokemon TV Series Moments". GameSpot. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
44. ^ Dockery, Daniel (January 30, 2020). "The Pokémon Anime Moment That Will Haunt Us All Forever". Crunchyroll News. Retrieved November 9, 2025.

External links

[edit] Wikimedia Commons has media related to Charmander.

• Charmander on Pokemon.com
• Charmander at Bulbapedia, a Pokémon wiki

v t e Pokémon Generation I
Games	Mainline Red, Blue, and Yellow Spin-offs and side games Pocket Monsters Stadium Hey You, Pikachu! Trading Card Game Stadium Snap Pinball Project Studio Puzzle League
Characters	Ash Ketchum Brock Misty Team Rocket Pokémon Bulbasaur Charmander Charizard Squirtle Blastoise Butterfree Pikachu Raichu Ninetales Jigglypuff Diglett and Dugtrio Meowth Psyduck Slowpoke Haunter Gengar Voltorb Cubone Weezing Starmie Mr. Mime Jynx Pinsir Magikarp and Gyarados Ditto Eevee Snorlax Dragonite Mewtwo Mew MissingNo.
TV series	Indigo League "Pokémon, I Choose You!" "Dennō Senshi Porygon" 2.B.A. Master "Pokémon Theme" Adventures in the Orange Islands
Other media	Pokémon: The First Movie soundtrack "Don't Say You Love Me" Pokémon the Movie 2000 "The Power of One" "Toi et Moi" "Flying Without Wings" The Electric Tale of Pikachu
Related	Lavender Town Burger King Pokémon container recall Super Smash Bros. FireRed and LeafGreen Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! Pokémon Origins Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution PokéPark Kanto

v t e Pokémon
by the Pokémon Company, owned by Nintendo, Creatures Inc. and Game Freak
Video games Main series Generation I Red / Blue / Yellow Lavender Town Pokémon Bulbasaur Charmander Charizard Squirtle Blastoise Butterfree Pikachu Raichu Ninetales Jigglypuff Diglett and Dugtrio Meowth Psyduck Slowpoke Haunter Gengar Voltorb Cubone Weezing Starmie Mr. Mime Jynx Pinsir Magikarp and Gyarados Ditto Eevee Snorlax Dragonite Mewtwo Mew MissingNo. Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Gold / Silver Crystal Pokémon Typhlosion Sudowoodo Wooper Unown Heracross Delibird Smeargle Ruby / Sapphire Emerald FireRed / LeafGreen Pokémon Blaziken Gardevoir Mawile Regirock, Regice, and Registeel Diamond / Pearl Platinum HeartGold / SoulSilver Pokémon Pachirisu Garchomp Lucario Regigigas Arceus Black / White Black 2 / White 2 Pokémon Zoroark Chandelure Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX X / Y Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire Pokémon Talonflame Malamar Klefki Sun / Moon Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon Let's Go, Pikachu! / Let's Go, Eevee! Pokémon Popplio, Brionne, and Primarina Mimikyu Meltan Sword / Shield Expansion Pass Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl Legends: Arceus Pokémon Scorbunny Sobble Wooloo Fossil Pokémon Regieleki and Regidrago Kleavor Scarlet / Violet Hidden Treasure of Area Zero "Celestial" "Biri-Biri" Legends: Z-A Pokémon Sprigatito, Floragato, and Meowscarada Fuecoco Tinkaton Gholdengo Related Pocket Monsters Stadium Stadium Stadium 2 Colosseum XD: Gale of Darkness Battle Revolution My Pokémon Ranch Go live events Champions Characters Brock Misty Team Rocket Cynthia Serena Lillie Team Skull Hop Ball Guy Nessa Nemona Larry Rika Rivals List of Pokémon Shiny Pokémon Spin-offs Mystery Dungeon Red and Blue Rescue Team Rescue Team DX Explorers of Time and Darkness Explorers of Sky Adventure Team Gates to Infinity Super Mystery Dungeon Rumble Rumble Blast U World Rush Hey You, Pikachu! Snap New Snap Pinball Ruby & Sapphire Project Studio Puzzle League Puzzle Challenge Channel Dash Trozei! Battle Trozei Ranger Shadows of Almia Guardian Signs PokéPark Wonders Beyond Typing Adventure Conquest Art Academy Shuffle Pokkén Tournament Picross Detective Pikachu Returns Duel Magikarp Jump Quest Masters EX Smile Café ReMix Unite Sleep Friends Pokopia Competitive play World Championships (2023) Wolfe Glick Ray Rizzo Park Se-jun Other Pokémon Pikachu Pokémon Mini Poké Ball Plus Box: Ruby and Sapphire Bank Super Smash Bros. Trading Card Game sets most expensive cards video game TCG Online TCG Pocket Trading Figure Game Twitch Plays Pokémon Unofficial Pokémon fan games Prism Showdown Uranium PETA satirical browser games Micromon Pocket Mortys
Media TV series Episodes Seasons 1–9 Indigo League "Pokémon, I Choose You!" 2.B.A. Master "Pokémon Theme" Adventures in the Orange Islands The Johto Journeys Johto League Champions Master Quest Advanced Advanced Challenge Advanced Battle Battle Frontier Seasons 10–19 Diamond and Pearl Battle Dimension Galactic Battles Sinnoh League Victors Black & White Rival Destinies Adventures in Unova and Beyond "Te o Tsunagō" XY Kalos Quest XYZ Seasons 20–present Sun & Moon Ultra Adventures Ultra Legends Journeys Master Journeys Ultimate Journeys Horizons The Search for Laqua Rising Hope Removed from rotation "Dennō Senshi Porygon" Chronicles Characters Ash Ketchum Brock Misty Team Rocket Serena Lillie Liko Films Animated The First Movie soundtrack "Don't Say You Love Me" Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution 2000 "The Power of One" "Toi et Moi" "Flying Without Wings" 3: The Movie 4Ever Heroes Jirachi, Wish Maker Destiny Deoxys Lucario and the Mystery of Mew Ranger and the Temple of the Sea The Rise of Darkrai Giratina & the Sky Warrior "One" Arceus and the Jewel of Life Zoroark: Master of Illusions Black—Victini and Reshiram / White—Victini and Zekrom "Sora/Koe" Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice Genesect and the Legend Awakened Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction Hoopa and the Clash of Ages Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel I Choose You! The Power of Us Secrets of the Jungle Live-action Detective Pikachu score "Carry On" Manga Pocket Monsters Adventures volumes 1–20 20–40 41–current The Electric Tale of Pikachu Magical Pokémon Journey Miniseries Origins Generations Twilight Wings Pokétoon Evolutions Concierge Music Theme songs "Pokémon Theme" "Biri-Biri" "Carry On" "Celestial" "Electric" "Flying Without Wings" "One" Pokémon 2.B.A. Master Pokémon: The First Movie "Don't Say You Love Me" "The Power of One" Project Voltage "Sora/Koe" "Te o Tsunagō / Kindan no Karma" "Toi et Moi" Related 4Kids Entertainment Media Factory OLM Pokémon Live! Pokémon Apokélypse Symphonic Evolutions
Related People Tsunekazu Ishihara Sayuri Ichiishi Junichi Masuda Shigeki Morimoto Atsuko Nishida Shigeru Ohmori Naoki Saito Takeshi Shudo Ken Sugimori Satoshi Tajiri Kunihiko Yuyama Organizations Ambrella Genius Sonority ILCA Wizards of the Coast Community MissJirachi pChal Nuzlocke Marketing Pokémon Center Pokémon Jet Burger King Pokémon container recall Pokéfuta Pokémon 25th Anniversary Pokémon Fossil Museum Project Voltage PokéPark PokéPark Kanto Pop culture Pikachurin Zbtb7 Mazuca strigicincta Binburrum articuno Nocticola pheromosa Aerodactylus Bulbasaurus Pikachu virus Tía Pikachu Pokémon and pornography doujinshi incident Fakemon Chinpokomon
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