I recently had a discussion with a few friends about what we wanted to be for next year’s Halloween (yes, I realize it’s a little early). After little discussion, someone exclaimed ‘POKEMON!’ and we enthusiastically agreed to be characters from the classic media franchise.

Although I don’t remember a lot about my childhood (I fell a lot from the monkey bars), Pokemon still remains engraved in my mind. Pokemon was kind of a big deal. Once it became popular, middle school cliques formed: those obsessed with Pokemon and the lame ones who weren’t. It was pretty clear which side I was on. Anyone who was anybody ran around at recess, pushing their caps backward and belting out the theme song at the top of their lungs. I bet many of you still have it memorized. Guilty.

Part of Pokemon’s appeal was how cute the creatures were. Digimon, attempting to ride on Pokemon’s coattails, created its own characters. But they were hideous with dark colors and brooding personalities. Simply, they terrified me and gave me nightmares. On the other hand, the 150 Pokemon were endearing. I secretly wished they were real so I could give them a big hug and carry them around in my Pokeball, which could be handy in dangerous situations. It would be comforting to know your Pokemon would always protect you. Besides, how does Pikachu’s adorable ‘Pika,’ not make you smile, unless you have a black hole for a heart? Also, Ash was one cutie-patootie.

The playing cards that went along with the fad were an added perk. I have fond memories standing in line at Toys ‘R’ Us, anxiously waiting for my mom to pay for those cheap packs of cards so I could find out what treasures I got. Unlike many of my peers who traded them or competed in Pokemon card tournaments, I stored them neatly in a book with glossy covers.

Also, it was difficult to not love the Pokemon Game Boy games. You could play as a trainer and try to capture Pokemon. It was addicting. Very addicting, despite the game’s obnoxious sounds.

Come late October, if you see a girl wandering down Euclid with her blonde hair in pigtails (to signify ears), wearing a Pikachu costume, you can bet that’s probably me. If you’re dressed as a Pokeball or Ash, you’re clearly my soul mate.

— Compiled by Colleen Bidwill, asst. feature editor, cbidwill@syr.edu

Published on March 30, 2011 at 12:00 pm