Raichu

Author: Bryan Lance

Raichu is an electric- type Pokemon that evolves from Pikachu and is the final evolutionary form of Pichu. Also referred to as a rodent-type Pokemon, Raichu somewhat resembles Pikachu, but overall its features are much different. Raichu is just a little under 3ft in height and they weigh almost 70lbs. Raichu is covered with dark orange fur and has a white belly. Raichu has two black colored stripes running horizontally down its back. The ears on this Pokemon have a very distinctive curl. They are dark brown on the outside and yellow-colored on the inside. Just as Pikachu has, Raichu also has circular sacs on each of its cheeks that hold electricity. While Pikachu has red ones, Raichus circular markings are yellow.

Raichu has small arms, but large feet. Both of which are brown in color. Raichu has a very thin tail that widens as it reaches the tip. The tip of its tail is shaped like a lightning bolt. The lightning bolt shape is larger on the males and smaller on the females. It uses its tail to collect electricity from the atmosphere or it is able to be planted into the ground to search for electricity. When Raichu’s sacs on its cheeks are fully filled with electricity, its ears will stand straight up.

The Pokemon may become aggressive when it has stored too much electricity. When this happens the Pokemon releases some of its electricity by sticking its tail into the ground. Because of this, scorch marks on the ground is a good indication that Raichus are nesting nearby. If this Pokemon is found in the wild, it is near wooded areas. But because this Pokemon is evolved by using an Evolutionary Stone, it is hardly spotted in the wild.

In Alola, Raichus look a bit different than they normally do. They are a little over 2ft in height and weigh around 46lbs. The Alolan Raichu has lighter colors and more rounded features. They have blue eyes with yellow half-rounded circles. It has yellow ears that are much thicker and less pointed than the normal Raichu. Its paws and feet are white and instead of having black stripes on its back, this version of Raichu has white stripes. Alolan Raichu is a Physic Pokemon that collects its physic powers in its tail. It uses its tail to ride like a surfboard and is able to float in the air. Why the Alolan Raichu is different is still a mystery. But the people of Alola believe it is because of the Pokemon's diet of sweet and fluffy pancakes.

Raichu’s Abilities

One of the main abilities of Raichu is an ability called Static. When the ability Static is used in battle, anytime your opponent lands a move against your Pokemon, there is a 30% chance that your opponents Pokemon will become paralyzed. Another ability used by Raichu is an ability called Lightning Rod. When Lightning Rod is used in battle, your Pokemon draws in all lightning-type moves and instead of the moves causing damage, they will raise your Pokemons Special attack. An ability used by Alolan Raichu is the ability called Surge Surfer. When Surge Surfer is used in battle and the battlefield is under the effects of Electric Terrain, using Surge Surfer will double Alolan Raichu’s Speed.

Major Appearances

Raichu made its first appearance in the episode Electric Shock Showdown. The episode was first released in Japan on July 1, 1997, and in the United States on September 25, 1998. In the episode, Raichu belonged to a Pokemon trainer named Lt. Surge who was the gym leader of Vermilion City. In the episode, Raichu battled Ash’s Pikachu and defeated Pikachu using its sheer power. Ash tried to convince Pikachu to evolve into Raichu so that they could win the battle. But Pikachu didn’t want to evolve. They ended up winning the battle te next day relying on Pikachus speed.

A Raichu appeared in the episode Pikachu’s Vacation which was first released in Japan on July 18, 1998, and then in North America on November 10, 1999. In the episode, Raichu was one of the four Pokemon that were causing trouble for Ash and Pikachu when they were at the Pokemon Theme Park.

An Alolan Raichu made his first appearance in the episode Racing To A Big Event. The episode was first released in Japan on February 2, 2017, and in the United States on June 10, 2017. In the episode, Raichu belonged to a Pokemon trainer named Nina. Nina and her Raichu raced in the Pokemon Pancake Race and placed 2nd.

Pokemon Playing Cards

Since the release of the Pokemon playing cards, Raichu has been featured on 47 different cards. In the Base Set expansion, Raichu has 80 HP and the abilities Agility and Thunder. When you use the ability Agility in battle, you deal out 20 damage to your opponents Pokemon. You also flip a coin, if the coin lands on heads, during your opponents next turn, all the damage done to Raichu will be prevented. When you use the ability Thunder in battle, you deal out 60 damage to your opponent. You also flip a coin. If the coin lands on tails, Raichu deals out 30 damage to itself.

In the Fossil Expansion, Raichu has 90 HP and the ability Gigashock. When you use the ability Gigashock in battle, Raichu deals out 30 damage to your opponent. You also get to choose three of your opponents benched Pokemon and deal 10 damage to each of them.

In the Neo Revelation expansion, Raichu has 80 HP and the abilities Thundershock Lightning Strike. When you use the ability Thundershock in battle, Raichu deals out 20 damage to your opponent. You also get to flip a coin. If the coin lands on heads, your opponents Pokemon becomes Paralyzed. When you use the ability Lighting Strike in battle, you deal out 40 damage to your opponents Pokemon. You may also discard all the Energy cards attached to Raichu. If you do this, the attack will deal out 80 damage to your opponent.

An Alolan Raichu is featured on a card in the Pokemon Sun & Moon Trainer Kit. This card has Alolan Raichu with 110 HP and the abilities Quick Attack and Electric Surfer. When you use the ability Quick Attack in battle, you deal out 10 damage to your opponents Pokemon. You also flip a coin. If the coin lands on heads, the attack deals another 30 damage. When you use the ability Electric Surfer in battle, you deal out 70 damage to your opponent.

Raichu is a very strong and somewhat rare Pokemon. And because you need an Evolutionary Stone to get Pikachu to evolve into one, it makes finding this Pokemon loose in the wild really rare. So if you are lucky enough to stumble upon one, you are going to want to make sure that you catch it. Although Raichus are very strong, the Alolan Raichu is much stronger. So if you happen to stumble upon this extra rare version of Raichu, you will definitely want to catch this Pokemon.