Part of the goal of WikiProject Pokémon is to make informative articles about each of the Pokémon species, articles that even someone unfamiliar with Pokémon can understand with a minimum of confusion. Above all else, your articles need to be informative, clear, and encyclopedic. Everything must also be referenced by a reliable source.

If this guide doesn't help you then try using existing articles such as Bulbasaur and Pikachu to help guide your article. If you want to learn how to help fix up the Lists of Pokémon then look here

Think long and hard before adding in-universe information. Wikipedia is not the place for lists of moves, lists of cameos, and so forth. (There’s Bulbapedia and a WikiKnowledge Pokémon site for that kind of thing.)

Names of games, manga, and anime series go in italics. This isn’t specific to Pokémon articles, but it’s easy to forget. Pokémon Trading Card Game may be italicized also, but the names of the expansions or individual cards should not be.

Pokémon in the anime and TCG are genderless unless otherwise stated (a very rare occurrence), and should be referred to as “it”, not “he” or “she”. Unless a Pokémon has only one gender in the games, it should also be referred to as “it” in general terms.

Pokémon types should not be italicized, but should be capitalized, as in official Nintendo publications, and may be followed by “-type”. To determine whether “-type” is appropriate, look at the context. It is sometimes helpful to read the sentence out loud. Names of Pokémon species, moves, and attacks should also be capitalized, but not italicized.

For consistency's sake, try to use American English as much as possible.

Bulbasaur
Pokémon series character
National Pokédex Arceus - Bulbasaur (#001) - Ivysaur
First game	Pokémon Red and Blue

For the infobox, you use the template Template:Infobox character. See documentation for more information.

The introduction is the most important part of the article. You need to establish context for the reader, so that the reader at least understands that this is a fictional Pokémon character. If the character is notable for another reason (the most obvious example would be Pikachu), you'll want to establish that in the introduction, as well.

This should say that the Pokémon is a fictional character from the Pokémon franchise and what its name is in Japanese. Remember to link to the word “Pokémon”. When linking to languages, to avoid linking to disambiguation pages, do it like this: [[Japanese language|Japanese]].

Charizard, known in Japan as Lizardon (リザードン, Rizādon), is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Charizard first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and subsequent sequels. They have later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. Charizard is voiced by Shin-ichiro Miki in Japanese and English. Known as a Flame Pokémon, Charizard are violent yet honorable creatures that fly proudly around the sky and constantly seek powerful opponents to quarrel with.

This is where you put information about how the character was made and what influenced the character.

The design and art direction for Bulbasaur was provided by Ken Sugimori, a friend of the creator of the Pokémon games, Satoshi Tajiri.^[1] The species first appeared as one of three starter Pokémon the player could choose from at the beginning of the initial Game Boy games, Pokémon Red and Blue, released in Japan in 1996.^[2] The species in the early Pokémon video games was portrayed by a two-dimensional sprite, although in later releases the Bulbasaur appearance has been conveyed by 3D computer graphics. Throughout, the species has been portrayed with no spoken dialogue. In the Pokémon anime, they use facial expressions, body language and makes noises that repeat syllables of their name, using different pitches and tones.

Include any resemblance to animals or mythic creatures. (Do your research on this; this is a subject of interest even to non-Pokémon-fan readers.) It must have reliable sources though.

The physical appearance of Lucario seems to be based on Anubis, the Egyptian God of the Underworld. Lucario seems to wield a power named "Hadou" (Japanese for surge or wave), though whether this is the Japanese name of his signature attack, or the name of his fighting style, or his source of power somehow, is unknown. ^[3]

Then you put how the name was put together. Try to avoid speculation and find good references for this.

Bulbasaur's Japanese name, Fushigidane, is a combination of the Japanese words for mystery or miracle (fushigi) and seed (tane).^[4] In translating the game for English speaking audiences, Nintendo gave the Pokémon "cleverly descriptive names" related to their appearance or features as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children; thus Bulbasaur, relating to both its dinosaur appearance and the large garlic-like bulb on its back.^[5] French, Korean, Taiwan and Chinese language counterparts used names relating closer to the original name: Bulbizarre,^[6] Isanghaessi (이상해씨 "Strange Seed"), Mìao Wa Chóng Zí (妙蛙種子 "Strange Frog Seed") and Qí Yì Chóng Zí (奇異種子 "Very Strange Seed"), respectively. German versions used a name closer to the American counterpart, Bisasam; a combination of bisamratte (musk rat) and samen (seed).^[7]

This is where you should include info gleaned from the Pokédex entries and other sources in the various games, but don’t copy them verbatim into the article. Not only is this potential copyright infringement, but prose is generally less redundant than a list of spoiler info, as well as quite a bit more attractive and readable. Also when using information from the Pokédex, anime, manga, or TCG, state that this is where you are obtaining the information from. You'll want to describe the Pokémon’s general appearance. if there’s enough information, you'll also want to describe the Pokémon’s typical personality or demeanor. If a Pokémon has a particular way of fighting, unique move, or unusual origin, make sure you mention this too.

In the Pokémon franchise, Bulbasaur are small, squat, vaguely reptilian Pokémon that move on all four legs, and have light blue-green bodies with darker blue-green spots. As a Bulbasaur undergoes evolution into Ivysaur and then later into Venusaur, the bulb on its back blossoms into a flower.^[8] In the Pokémon video game series, the Pokédex, a fictional Pokémon encyclopedia, says that the seed on a Bulbasaur's back is planted at birth , and then sprouts and grows larger as the Bulbasaur grows.^[9] The Pokédex also states that the bulb absorbs sunlight which makes it grow. For this reason, Bulbasaur enjoy soaking up the sun's rays,^[10] and can survive for days without eating because the bulb stores energy.^[11] As the Bulbasaur evolve, they become stronger and more powerful. In the Pokémon anime, the character Ash Ketchum has a Bulbasaur who is portrayed as being brave but also stubborn.

This is where you will put a lot of the in-universe information, so be careful. Only put what is necessary.

This should be a paragraph or two of prose describing the Pokémon’s role in the video games. If the Pokémon has a special role in the games (for example, Sudowoodo and Snorlax, which impede the player’s progress until a certain item is found), describe it.

Bulbasaur made its video game debut on February 27, 1996, in the Japanese-language games Pocket Monsters Aka (ポケットモンスター 赤, Poketto Monsutā Aka, "Pocket Monsters Red") and Pocket Monsters Midori (ポケットモンスター 緑, Poketto Monsutā Midori, "Pocket Monsters Green") (which was replaced in other countries by Pokémon Blue).^[12] Along with a Charmander and a Squirtle, Bulbasaur is a starter Pokémon the player can choose from at the beginning of the two games. Bulbasaur's grass type is in contrast to Charmander's fire type and Squirtle's water type.^[13]

You may want to mention the kinds of places where the Pokémon can be found or how it is evolved, but lists of specific route numbers are unnecessary.

In the video games, Pikachu is a low-level Pokémon usually found in Viridian Forest, and the Power Plant in the earlier games, or in the Safari Zone in the Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald versions. Pikachu also appears in Diamond and Pearl at the Trophy Garden.

If any significant Pokémon trainers (the rival, Gym Leaders, etc.) have one, mention and link the character.

Lucario is used by Maylene, the third Sinnoh Gym Leader, a tag-team partner known as Riley, and by Cynthia, Sinnoh's Elite Four Champion.^[14]

Egg moves, Egg groups, movelists, learned TMs, and other specific, technical information should not go here. They are too technical for Wikipedia and will find their home in Pokémon-centric Wikis like Bulbapedia or the Pokémon Wikibook.

Don't forget to mention cameos in other games.

Another game centered around Pikachu is Hey You, Pikachu! for the Nintendo 64.^[15] The player interacts with Pikachu through a microphone, and issues commands to play various mini-games and act out situations. The game Pokémon Channel follows a similar premise of interacting with the Pikachu, though without the microphone.^[16] Pikachu also appear in almost all levels of Pokémon Snap. A Pikachu is also one of the sixteen starters and ten partners in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games.

If the Pokémon was in the Super Smash Bros series then that is a good thing to mention. You can name the moves it uses and its role in the adventure mode of the game called the "Subspace Emissary".

Pikachu has also appeared in Super Smash Bros.,^[17] Super Smash Bros. Melee,^[18] and Super Smash Bros. Brawl^[19] as a very agile and mobile playable character. Its attacks include Quick Attack, Skull Bash, Thunder Jolt (an ability that had only previously appeared in the trading card game), and Thunder. Super Smash Bros. Brawl adds to its moves Volt Tackle as its Final Smash.^[20] In the Brawl's Adventure Mode—the Subspace Emissary—Samus Aran frees Pikachu from a machine sapping its electric energy. From that point on, the two team up. The two retrieve Samus' power suit, and Pikachu rescues Samus from the clutches of the Metroid series' antagonist, Ridley, by using one of its electrical attacks. The two then proceed to help fight the Subspace army.

Describe the Pokémon’s role in the anime and movies. There’s no need to duplicate information from the Characteristics section above, but, for example, you should certainly describe how Jigglypuff is prone to putting everyone to sleep and drawing on their faces.

In the Pokémon anime series, Jigglypuff is a recurring character who aspires to be a great singer after the inspiration of Ash Ketchum and company. Unfortunately, every potential audience falls asleep before the song finishes. Jigglypuff does not usually choose an appropriate time to sing and has been a hazard many times, especially on moving vehicles. Because of this, Ash Ketchum and his companions often find themselves running away from Jigglypuff, who obviously isn't pleased with the fact that everyone falls asleep whenever it sings. It keeps a black marker, its "microphone," and uses it to scribble on anyone who dares to fall asleep while it's performing. Only on two occasions has Jigglypuff believed that anyone had heard its song to the end: in the first, Jigglypuff realizes that Misty's Psyduck was sleeping with its eyes open, and in the second, a Whismur had heard the song the first time and stayed awake due to its Soundproof ability, but on the second time it was tired and fell asleep.

Again, if a notable Pokémon trainer owns one of this Pokémon, mention and link the trainer.

There is no reason to mention every cameo appearance, but if it makes a lot, you may wish to say as much.

In the anime, the most notable Charizard is one which Ash Ketchum has had ever since it was a loyal Charmander and was abandoned by his former owner.^[21] Ash’s Charmander later evolved into Charmeleon during a battle against an army of Exeggutor, and its personality changed completely.^[22] It became a very disobedient Pokémon and only fought when and how it felt like doing so. Charmeleon later evolved when Ash summoned it for protection from a wild Aerodactyl which intended to devour him. Ash was ultimately saved by Charizard.^[23] Charizard still did not obey Ash, and only battled Pokémon that would pose a challenge, but through its willfulness it often inadvertently helped Ash reach his goals, particularly against Gym Leader Blaine.^[24] However at one time, its refusal to obey Ash led to his loss in the Kanto League Finals.^[25] It became loyal during the Orange Islands arc after Ash battled a trainer with a Poliwrath and Charizard was frozen solid. Because of Ash’s continuous self-sacrificing efforts to save Charizard from certain death, it began to obey Ash and defeated the Poliwrath in a rematch.^[26] It remained on Ash's team, contributing to his wins in the Orange League^[27] and parts of Johto. It eventually stays behind in the Charizific Valley, a reserve where many wild Charizard battle and train to become stronger, likely due to meeting Charla, a female Charizard that it develops a fondness for.^[28] Charizard, like many of Ash’s other Pokémon, has returned on a temporary basis to battle at Ash’s side, typically when Ash faces a particularly powerful Pokémon. Charizard has also saved Ash's life on more than one occasion, as seen in the film Spell of the Unown.^[29]

A google search should throw up a screenshot from the anime, and this is good to include. It can be used as Fair Use under US copyright law (be sure to tag the image when uploading it, or it will be deleted). An image should also have fair-use rationale (why you feel it should be fair use under the US copyright law).

You can also mention its role in other Pokémon anime specials such as the Mystery Dungeon ones.

A Charmander is the leader of Team Go-Getters in the half-hour animated special "Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out Of The Gate!". He is the first to meet the human who has been turned into a Squirtle, though neither he nor his partner Chikorita fully believe that Squirtle was actually a human. Brave and energetic, this Charmander is always the first into battle, and is considerate of those around him, even his enemies.

For referencing the anime, you want to use Template:cite episode. Only use the parts necessary.

<ref>{{cite episode
| title = Charizard's Burning Ambitions 
| series = [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]] 
| credits = Takeshi Shudō (writer) 
| network = Various 
| airdate = February 3, 2001 
| season = [[List of Pokémon: The Johto Journeys episodes|The Johto Journeys]]
|number = 134
}}</ref>

In this section, you'll want to describe the Pokémon’s role in the various Pokémon manga and in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, following similar guidelines as above. Cameo appearances aren’t worth mentioning, notable owners are, and game strategies and other technical info should only be mentioned in a general way.

In Pokémon: Pikachu Shocks Back which loosely parallels the storyline of the anime, Ash catches a Charmander, and it ultimately becomes a Charizard and battles in the Pokémon League tournament. He has trouble controlling it, however.^[30] Ash brings Charizard to the Orange Islands, and, having trained it diligently since the near-disaster, uses it to battle Dragonite in the final showdown with Drake, the Orange Crew Supreme gym leader.^[31]

For referencing the manga, you want to use Template:Cite book. Remember, only use the parts necessary.

<ref>{{cite book
|last=Kusaka
|first=Hidenori
|coauthors=Mato
|title=The Winged Legends
|series=[[Pokémon Adventures]]
|volume=Volume 3: Saffron City Siege
|date=August 5 2001
|publisher=[[VIZ Media]] LLC
|isbn=1-56931-560-4
|pages=75-95
|chapter=Chapter 33
}}</ref>

While nearly every Pokémon merits a section with a paragraph or two on its role in the games and anime, very, very few do for the manga and card game. In the unlikely event that a Pokémon doesn’t merit a full header for its role in the games or anime, feel free to collapse those sections into this one.

Pikachu is one of the main Pokémon used in most of the Pokémon manga series. In Pokémon Adventures, Red and Yellow both train a strong Pikachu. It is originally captured by Red, but after Red goes missing two years later, Yellow teams up with his Pikachu, accompanying it in their quest to find Red. It is also featured in series based on the anime, such as Electric Tale of Pikachu, Ash & Pikachu, and other series, such as Magical Pokémon Journey and Getto Da Ze.

Again, a google search will come up with a scan of an example of a Pokémon card, and this is good to add if the article is looking naked.

Collectible cards featuring Pikachu have appeared since the initial Pokémon Trading Card Game released in October 1996. The character has been seen in many incarnations in sets released in North America, and even more exist when limited edition promotional cards are included.^[32]

You will also want to mention any other appearances that the Pokémon has made, such as promotionally, in newspapers or in any other media. Although this could go in Cultural impact if you need it to.

Bulbasaur is also the main character of two children’s books, Pokémon Tales, Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble and Bulbasaur’s Bad Day, that were published in 1999 and 2000 respectively by Sagebrush. In Pokémon Tales, Volume 3: Bulbasaur’s Trouble, Bulbasaur resolves an argument between the other Pokémon. In Bulbasaur’s Bad Day, Meowth traps Bulbasaur in a pit and it has to outwit Team Rocket (the antagonists of the anime) to escape.

In Japan, McDonald’s included Bulbasaur as one of a series of promotional Pokémon cards given away with their Happy Meals. McDonald’s did not, however, extend this idea outside Japan. Instead, a rival company, Burger King, took up the cause: their “Power Cards” included a Bulbasaur, alongside Elekid, Charmander, Meowth, Kingler, Snorlax, Lapras, Scyther, Articuno and Pikachu in “Assortment 3”. During the Christmas period of 1999, Bulbasaur and other Pokémon toys beat out Furby to become the most popular and most bought toy in the United Kingdom.

This is one of the most important sections. It is also one of the hardest to find information for. You will have to find out-of-universe information such as talk shows that mention the Pokémon, or cameo appearances in TV shows.

In January 2006, a boy named Donnell Bolton performed Jigglypuff's signature song in his audition on American Idol.^[33] Another well-known use of the Jigglypuff song was in a promotional spot that aired on Kids' WB! during the spring of 1999, crossing over with The New Batman Adventures, in which Tim Drake orders Batman to sing the song for him when he goes to bed.

Annother good way to fill up this section is to talk about its role in merchandising.

Bulbasaur has been depicted in phthalate-softened PVC action figures sold by Hasbro in the United States, while Tomy in Japan sold extensive merchandise of the character, including vinyl dolls, wind-up model kits, and terry cloth bean bags.^[34] It has also been used in promotional merchandising at fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King.^[35][36] Bulbasaur has also been featured in various versions of the Pokémon painting on ANA Boeing 747s.^[37]

Also, if it appears on certain vehicles such as Airplanes and Jets, then that is good to include.

A picture of Pikachu has also been featured on the ANA Boeing 747-400 (JA8962), landing at London Heathrow Airport.^[38] In 2000, Pikachu placed eighth in an Animax poll of favorite anime characters.^[39] In 2002, Ash's Pikachu received fifteenth place in TV Guide's 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time.^[40]

In this section you must add {{Reflist|30em}} to show all the references on the page. Many people look here to see how well the article is referenced. You can also include things such as manuals and books that you got a lot of the information from.

• Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokémon Yellow, Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Stadium 2, Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Pokémon Colosseum, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

Books

• Barbo, Maria. The Official Pokémon Handbook. Scholastic Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0439154049.
• Loe, Casey, ed. Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition Official Perfect Guide. Sunnydale, CA: Empire 21 Publishing, 1999. ASIN B001ICYHQW.

Here, you put links to places that would benifet the reader to go to. Links to include are the Official Pokémon website, the Bulbapedia article about the Pokémon, and other related links. See Wikipedia:External links for further info.

• Official Pokémon website
• Bulbapedia article about Bulbasaur

The first categories you should include are general things that describe the Pokémon such as

Category:Fictional dinosaurs (Bulbasuar)

Category:Fictional dragons (Charizard)

Category:Fictional singers (Jigglypuff)

After that, put categories such as

Category:Pokémon species (Every Pokémon page)

Category:Super Smash Bros. fighters (For playable characters in the series)

If another language Wiki has an article on the Pokémon then interwiki links ([[fr:Clefairy]] for example) should be added at the bottom of the page.