Editing Raichu

{{Short description|Pokémon species}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Raichu
| image = File:Raichu.png
| alt = A large orange mouse looking creature with a lighting bolt shaped tail stands upright with its left foot raised
| image_upright = 0.8501
| caption = Raichu artwork by [[Ken Sugimori]]
| series = [[Pokémon]]
| firstgame = [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] (1996)
| creator = [[Atsuko Nishida]]<ref name="nishida">{{cite web |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/ |language=Japanese |website=Yomiuri |date=2 May 2018 |accessdate=22 January 2024 |script-title=ja:ピカチュウは大福？ 初めて明かされる誕生秘話 |trans-title=Is Pikachu [[Daifuku]]? The Secret Story Behind its Creation Revealed for the First Time |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006195536/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/ |url-status=live }} English transcript of interview available at {{cite web |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu |website=Pokemon.com |date=26 July 2018 |accessdate=9 February 2024 |title=Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830165102/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu/ |archivedate=30 August 2020 }}</ref>
| designer = Atsuko Nishida<ref name="nishida"/><br>Ken Sugimori (finalized)<ref name="sugimori">{{cite book |pages=342–343 |language=Japanese |title=Ken Sugimori Works |publisher=Tankobon Softcover |date=January 2014 |isbn= 9784198638061}}</ref>
| voice = {{Collapsible list|title=Various|[[Kei Shindō]]<ref name="va1">{{cite web |language=Japanese |website=[[TV Tokyo]] |url=https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/broad_tvtokyo/program/detail/202101/25680_202101291855.html |script-title=ja:''ポケットモンスター''「伝説ゲット！？水の守護神スイクンを探せ！！」 |trans-title=''Pokémon'' "Get the Legendary Pokémon?! Search for Suicune, the Guardian of Water!!"|date=2021-01-29 |accessdate=2023-12-27 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227080759/https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/broad_tvtokyo/program/detail/202101/25680_202101291855.html |archivedate=27 December 2023}}</ref><br>Fumiko Takekuma<ref name="va2">{{cite web |url=https://www.plandas.co.jp/takekuma/talent/ |website=Visual Entertainment Plandas |title=Fumiko Takekuma |date=September 22, 2020 |language=Japanese |accessdate=2023-12-27 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523054344/https://www.plandas.co.jp/takekuma/talent/ |archivedate=23 May 2022}}</ref><br>[[Casey Mongillo]]<ref name="va3">{{cite web |url=https://gunghobooking.com/casey-mongillo |title=Casey Mongillo |website=Gung Ho Bookings |accessdate=January 22, 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123034236/https://gunghobooking.com/casey-mongillo |archivedate=January 23, 2024}}</ref>}}
| species = Pokémon
| lbl21 = [[Pokémon types|Type]]
| data21 = Electric<br>Electric/Psychic ([[Pokémon Sun and Moon#Setting|Alolan]])
}}
'''Raichu''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Pokemon-name-audio-raichu.ogg|ˈ|r|aɪ|tʃ|uː}}; [[Japanese language|Japanese]]: {{lang|ja|ライチュウ}}, [[Hepburn romanization|Hepburn]]: {{Transliteration|ja|Raichū}}) is a [[List of Pokémon|Pokémon species]] in [[Nintendo]] and [[Game Freak]]'s [[Pokémon|''Pokémon'' media franchise]], and the [[Gameplay of Pokémon#Pokémon evolution|evolved]] form of series mascot [[Pikachu]]. First introduced in the video games [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']], it was created by [[Atsuko Nishida]] at the request of lead designer [[Ken Sugimori]], with the design finalized by Sugimori. Since Raichu's debut, it has appeared in multiple games including ''[[Pokémon Go]]'' and the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]'', as well as various merchandise. In media related to the franchise, Raichu has been voiced by various voice actors, including [[Kei Shindō]], Fumiko Takekuma, and [[Casey Mongillo]].

Classified as an Electric-type Pokémon, Raichu is a large orange mouse with a lightning bolt-shaped tail, and yellow sacs on its cheek which can generate large amounts of electricity. Designed to be a stronger counterpart to Pikachu, who evolves into Raichu through the use of a "Thunder Stone" item, Raichu was initially intended to be able to evolve into 'Gorochu' before the latter was removed. A regional variant was added in [[Pokémon Sun and Moon|''Pokémon Sun'' and ''Moon'']] called '''Alolan Raichu'''. Featuring a fluffier design with round ears and tail, it is able to levitate by riding its tail like a surfboard and is classified as both Electric- and Psychic-type.

While early reactions from media outlets regarded it negatively in light of Pikachu's status as the franchise's main mascot, later reception has been more favorable, praising its design. Due to it often being portrayed as Pikachu's rival in the [[Pokémon (TV series)|anime adaptation]] of the series and in some games a form Pikachu refuses to evolve into, critics have claimed Game Freak portrayed the species in a negative light and overall damaged its appeal. This has led to further discussion on Game Freak's overemphasis on Pikachu, as well as varying interpretations of the themes in the rivalry, including concepts of [[self-identity]] and portrayals of youth in anime media.

==Conception and development==
Raichu 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|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] in 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |title=''Pokémon Red'' & ''Blue'' – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 [[Gameplay of Pokémon#Pokémon evolution|evolution]] via various means, such as exposure to specific items.<ref name="millenial"/> Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.<ref>{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=[[Scholastic Inc.]] |page=5 |isbn=9780545795661}}</ref> 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.<ref name="millenial">{{cite book |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |first=Anne |last=Allison |date=May 2006 |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}}</ref>

Midway through ''Red'' and ''Blue''{{'}}s development, lead designer [[Ken Sugimori]] felt that the game needed more "cute" Pokémon and was struggling to conceive of such designs. Attributing it to his male perspective, he brought in female Game Freak staff including [[Atsuko Nishida]] to join the development team. Tasked with developing the [[Pikachu]] species and its evolutionary line, she was given specific guidelines to work with, namely its role as an Electric-type Pokémon, that it evolved twice, and that the final evolution should "look strong".<ref name="nishida"/> Pikachu evolves into Raichu through use of the game's "Thunder Stone" item.<ref name="gamesradar"/> Raichu was originally planned to evolve into a Pokémon species dubbed Gorochu, but this was cut due to [[ROM cartridge|cartridge]] space concerns.<ref name="nishida"/> Later in the franchise, Sugimori would create a Pokémon that evolved into Pikachu named [[Pichu]] to complete the trinity.<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=Pocket Games |title=Pokémon Breeding |page=46 |date=Winter 2001 |issue=5 |issn=1524-3567}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/23/pokemon-creators-on-platinum |website=[[IGN]] |first=Craig |last=Harris |accessdate=2024-08-11 |date=2012-05-11 |title=Pokemon Creators on Platinum}}</ref> Nishida developed the original Raichu [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] using a single color identity chosen to work within the [[Super Game Boy]]'s hardware limitations.<ref name="nishida"/><ref name=EeveeDesigner>{{cite web |last1=Morrissy |first1=Kim |title=Pokémon Designers Reflect on History of Eevee's Design |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-09-10/pokemon-designers-reflect-on-history-of-eevee-design/.136529 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=18 August 2020 |archive-date=2022-11-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126003606/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-09-10/pokemon-designers-reflect-on-history-of-eevee-design/.136529 |url-status=live }}</ref> Afterwards, the design was finalized by Sugimori who, towards the end of development, drew the promotional art of all the species to give them a unified look and make any last-minute changes.<ref name="sugimori"/>

===Design===
[[File:Pokemon Alolan Raichu Art.png|thumb|left|alt=Concept art showcasing an orange mouse creature in a variety of poses including hovering while riding its tail in the same manner as a surfboard|Nishida wanted to give Raichu's Alolan form a "soft and fluffy" appearance. She also defined Alolan Raichu's means of movement, with the Pokémon levitating on its tail and gliding on it like a surfboard.]]
Standing 2{{Nbsp}}ft 7{{Nbsp}}in (79{{Nbsp}}cm) tall,<ref name="pokedex">{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403083738/http://guides.ign.com:80/guides/9846/page_134.html|archivedate=2012-04-03|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/9846/page_134.html |title=Pokémon Details #026 Raichu |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=2010-09-25}}</ref> Raichu is significantly taller than Pikachu, which stands at 1{{Nbsp}}ft 4{{Nbsp}}in (41{{Nbsp}}cm).<ref>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403083712/http://guides.ign.com/guides/9846/page_122.html |archivedate=2012-04-03 |url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/9846/page_122.html |title=Pokémon Details #025 Pikachu |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=2024-09-12}}</ref> Raichu is a [[bipedal]] [[rodent]] with long ears and feet but short arms. It has orange skin, a white belly, brown paws, and tan-colored soles on its feet. Its [[wikt:bifurcation|bifurcated]] ears meanwhile are brown on the outside and yellow on the inside, and it has yellow cheek sacs.<ref name="pokedex"/> Raichu was not originally intended to be based on mice, as the mouse Pokémon [[Rattata]] already existed at this point in development, and instead the species was modeled after [[squirrel]]s. Nishida stated in an interview that she was obsessed with squirrels at the time due to their "comical" movement, and had the idea to have Pikachu and Raichu store electricity in their cheeks similar to how squirrels store food. Pokémon creator [[Satoshi Tajiri]] however chose to change the species to be a type of mouse when he was designing the setting.<ref name="nishida"/> Raichu's name comes from the Japanese kanji "rai", meaning thunder, followed by "chū", which is the [[Japanese sound symbolism|Japanese onomatopoeia]] for a mouse's squeak.<ref name="pokedex"/><ref>{{cite book |title=Power-up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life |first=Chris |last=Kohler |publisher=[[BradyGames]] |year=2004 |isbn=9780744004243 |page=241}}</ref>

During the development of sequel titles [[Pokémon Sun and Moon|''Pokémon Sun'' and ''Moon'']], "Alolan form" variants of several existing Pokémon were introduced, meant to be tied thematically to the game's region, which was modeled after [[Hawaii]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/08/01/pokemon-sun-moon-alola-forms-teaser/ |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |title=''Pokemon Sun'' and ''Moon'': New Pokemon and Forms Revealed in Teaser |first=Dylan |last=Kickham |accessdate=2024-01-22 |date=2016-08-01 |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123041652/https://ew.com/article/2016/08/01/pokemon-sun-moon-alola-forms-teaser/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to game director [[Shigeru Ohmori]], of all the regional forms introduced in the game, Raichu's was the hardest to create, as they felt the species was popular with fans of the franchise. A theme of it surfing on its tail was chosen due to the large amount of water surrounding the in-game region,<ref name="digitalspy">{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/pokemon/a811374/guess-which-pokemon-sun-moon-alola-form-was-the-hardest-to-design/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |date=2016-10-20 |first=Sam |last=Loveridge |title=Guess Which ''Pokémon Sun''/''Moon'' Alola Form was the Hardest to Design |accessdate=2023-12-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220181808/https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/pokemon/a811374/guess-which-pokemon-sun-moon-alola-form-was-the-hardest-to-design/ |archivedate=20 December 2023}}</ref> a concept they had previously explored with Raichu in another game, ''[[Pokémon Stadium]]''.<ref name="screenrant1"/> Asked by Sugimori to design the form, Nishida felt that Raichu's original design was far cuter than people gave it credit for, and wanted to express this by giving Alolan Raichu "soft and fluffy" appearance. When Sugimori inquired about the finished design, Nishida explained that the "motif behind the design was bread", a statement that confused him as he didn't understand the correlation. The development team gave the species an affinity for pancakes to better tie it to its motif, as well as to "play up that cuteness".<ref name="xxi">{{cite book |page=xxi |title=Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon Edition |author=[[The Pokémon Company]] |publisher=Piggyback Interactive |date=December 2017 |isbn=9781911015437}}</ref> It was given a secondary typing of Psychic, as well as a special ability called "Surge Surfer" that boosts its speed when it is in areas with an "Electric Terrain" attribute.<ref name="digitalspy"/>

==Appearances==
First found in ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'', Raichu has appeared in most ''Pokémon'' titles since, including every major game.<ref name="shep1"/> In ''Red'' and ''Blue'' a Raichu is used by the Gym Leader [[Lt. Surge (Pokémon)|Lt. Surge]], a Trainer that acts as a [[Boss (video games)|boss]] the player must defeat to proceed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-red-blue-gym-leaders-signature-pokemon-with-levels/ |title=''Pokémon Red'' & ''Blue'': Every Gym Leader's Signature Pokémon (& Their Level) |website=[[TheGamer]] |last=Fontes |first=Renan |date=August 23, 2020 |accessdate=January 22, 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828230616/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-red-blue-gym-leaders-signature-pokemon-with-levels/ |archivedate=August 28, 2022}}</ref> Typically, players must use a Thunder Stone item on a Pikachu to evolve it into Raichu.<ref name="gamesradar"/> However, the Pikachu obtained at the start of ''[[Pokémon Yellow]]'' and ''[[Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu]]'' cannot evolve, and another Pikachu must be obtained and evolved into Raichu instead.<ref>{{cite book |title=Pokémon Fever |first=Hank |last=Schlesinger |publisher=[[St. Martin's Paperbacks]] |date=December 1999 |isbn=9780312975302 |pages=136, 138–139}}</ref> While the regular version was omitted from the games ''Pokémon Sun'' and ''Moon'', its Alolan form can be obtained instead.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/43669/pokemon-sun-3ds-review |title=''Pokemon Sun'' (3DS) Review |website=Nintendo World Report |last=Culafi |first=Alex |date=November 15, 2016 |accessdate=January 22, 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830050555/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/43669/pokemon-sun-3ds-review |archivedate=August 30, 2023}}</ref> Both have appeared in the mobile game ''[[Pokémon Go]]'' and, in physical media, were in the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-alolan-forms-5392 |title=''Pokémon Go'' Alolan Pokémon Forms List, How to Get Alolan Raichu, Alolan Marowak and Other Alola Pokémon |website=[[Eurogamer]] |last=Tapsell |first=Chris |date=June 28, 2019 |accessdate=January 22, 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114115242/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-alolan-forms-5392 |archivedate=January 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-event-costume-pokemon-party-hat-flower-crown-7002#section-2 |title=''Pokémon Go'' event Pokémon List: All Costume Pokémon, including Party Hat Pokémon, Flower Crown Pokémon and Every Pikachu Costume Explained |website=[[Eurogamer]] |last=Lynn |first=Lottie |date=January 4, 2024 |accessdate=January 22, 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104165419/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-go-event-costume-pokemon-party-hat-flower-crown-7002#section-2 |archivedate=January 4, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=TheGamer |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game-tcg-most-cards-amount/ |accessdate=2023-12-27 |first=Jacqueline |last=Zalace |date=2022-10-12 |title=''Pokemon TCG'': The 10 Pokemon With The Most Cards |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218000557/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game-tcg-most-cards-amount/ |archivedate=18 December 2022}}</ref> Outside of games, Raichu has appeared on several pieces of merchandise, including plush toys, figurines, and as promotional material with companies such as [[Burger King]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/?main_page=product_list&character=P_RAICHU |script-title=ja:ポケモン ライチュウのグッズ一覧 1件～40件（全 202件）|trans-title=Pokemon Raichu Merchandise List: Items 1 to 40 (Total 202 Items)|language=Japanese |website=PokemonCenter Online |accessdate=2023-12-27 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331041129/https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/?main_page=product_list&character=P_RAICHU |archivedate=31 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Pokemon Collector's Value Guide |page=192 |publisher=Checker Bee Publishing |isbn=9781888914887 |date=April 2000}}</ref> Several of these were released as part of Pikachu-related product lines, including clothing items, [[USB]] wall chargers, and specialized plush toys designed for [[claw machine]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://woman.excite.co.jp/article/lifestyle/rid_atpress_405041/ |script-title=ja:新たな仲間とともに！アンダーウェアブランド【HIPSHOP(ヒップショップ)】が新たなアイテム「SHINKA SET」を発売！パルデア地方のポケモンたちやピチュー・ピカチュウ・ライチュウの「進化」を楽しもう！ |trans-title=With New friends! Underwear Brand Hipshop has Released a New Item, the "Shinka Set"! Enjoy the Evolution of Pokémon from the Paldea Region, as Well as Pichu, Pikachu, and Raichu!|website=[[Excite (web portal)|Woman.excite]] |language=japanese |date=2024-08-02 |accessdate=2024-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.kakaku.com/prdnews/cd=kaden/ctcd=2209/id=124703/ |website=[[Kakaku.com]] |language=ja |script-title=ja:Anker、「ピチュー」「ピカチュウ」「ライチュウ」USB急速充電器を本日11/10発売 |trans-title=Anker Releases "Pichu", "Pikachu", and "Raichu" USB Fast Chargers Today on November 10th |accessdate=2024-08-11 |date=2022-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-04-21/sleeping-bag-pikachu-toys-add-more-eeveelutions-kanto-starters-ditto-raichu/.101326 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |title=Sleeping Bag Pikachu Toys Add More Eeveelutions, Kanto Starters, Ditto, Raichu |first=Ressler |last=Karen |accessdate=2024-08-11 |date=2016-04-21}}</ref>

In the related [[Pokémon (TV series)|anime]] and [[List of Pokémon manga|manga]], Raichu appears as a repeated rival of protagonist [[Ash Ketchum]]'s Pikachu. First appearing alongside Lt. Surge, Raichu quickly overpowers Pikachu, leaving Ash to consider evolving it. However, Pikachu rejects the Thunder Stone, and fights Raichu again. Using skills it acquired that Surge's Raichu lacked, due to the latter evolving too quickly, Pikachu defeats Raichu.<ref name="Electric Shock Showdown">{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issn=1058-918X |page=185 |issue=124 |date=November 1999 |title=TV Show Pokédex}}</ref> Another Raichu appears in the short ''[[Pikachu's Vacation]]'', goading Pikachu into fighting it and racing across the island they are on.<ref name="rant"/> In another episode, Pikachu comes into conflict with an Alolan Raichu, engaging in a race where they carry stacks of pancakes.<ref name="polygon"/> Later in the anime series, a female Raichu is owned by Ash's friend, Goh.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/pokemon-journeys-anime-raichu-pikachu-evolves-goh/ |title=''Pokemon Journeys'' Saves Ash{{'}}s Pikachu from Evolving with a Twist |first=Megan |last=Peters |accessdate=2023-12-27 |date=2020-08-30 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228022037/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/pokemon-journeys-anime-raichu-pikachu-evolves-goh/ |archivedate=28 December 2023}}</ref> Raichu has been voiced by various actors, including [[Kei Shindō]], Fumiko Takekuma, and [[Casey Mongillo]].<ref name="va1"/><ref name="va2"/><ref name="va3"/>

==Critical reception==
Early reactions to the species were negative due to Pikachu's popularity as the series mascot, such as ''[[IGN]]'' in their "Pokémon of the Day Chick" series of articles arguing that Raichu was "loved by many and despised by more" and ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' editor Brett Elston adding that it was "easy to forget Raichu even exists".<ref>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030423100317/http://faqs.ign.com/articles/389/389261p1.html |archivedate=April 23, 2003 |url=http://faqs.ign.com/articles/389/389261p1.html |title=''Pokemon Crystal Version'' Pokemon of the Day: Raichu (#26) |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=2010-09-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="gamesradar">{{cite web |first=Brett |last=Elston |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415055058/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-3/?page=4 |archivedate=April 15, 2015 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-complete-pokemon-rby-pokedex-part-3/a-20070820121621574095/g-2006100415372930075/p-4 |title=The Complete ''Pokemon RBY'' Pokedex, Part 3, ''Pokemon Diamond''/''Pearl'' DS Features |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |date=2010-09-21 |accessdate=2010-09-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A later retrospective of Pokémon from ''Red'' and ''Blue'' by ''[[Nintendo Life]]''{{'}}s spoke more favorably of the species, with Jon Cartwright describing them as a "step up" from Pikachu. Other staff of the website agreed, such as Alex Olney who called "hugely underrated" and ranking it higher than Pikachu, while Zion Grassl felt it was unfair to players of ''Pokémon Yellow'' to be denied access to Raichu without losing a core feature of the game.<ref name=nintenlife>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/features/weve-ranked-all-151-gen-1-pokemon-and-it-nearly-killed-us |title=Feature: We've Ranked All 151 Gen 1 Pokémon And It Nearly Killed Us |first=Alex |last=Olney |website=[[NintendoLife]] |date=2021-12-25 |accessdate=2023-12-05 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213172036/https://www.nintendolife.com/features/weve-ranked-all-151-gen-1-pokemon-and-it-nearly-killed-us |archivedate=13 December 2023|time=23:35}} ([https://archive.org/details/y-2mate.is-ranking-all-151-pokemon-from-gen-1-ig-4zighzads-720p-1701866282 video archive])</ref>

Kenneth Shepard of ''[[Kotaku]]'' criticized [[The Pokémon Company]]'s handling of the species, stating that they would either use Raichu as a "punching bag" or end up not using them at all. He blamed it on Raichu's debut episode in the ''Pokémon'' anime, feeling that while the episode by itself was good, it helped set the tone for how the species was perceived by the audience, with Pikachu being the superior of the two. Raichu's negative reception compounded in the Pokémon video games; while Pikachu would be given items or new forms available to it to improve its effectiveness, these were omitted from Raichu, giving players the underlying message that evolving Pikachu would be a disadvantage or, in some titles, prevent Pikachu from evolving at all.<ref name="shep1">{{cite web |website=[[Kotaku]] |first=Kenneth |last=Shepard |date=2023-11-13 |accessdate=2023-12-13 |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-raichu-alolan-pikachu-anime-1851011570 |title=An Ode To Raichu, The Best Pokémon Who Can't Get Any Respect |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115184633/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-raichu-alolan-pikachu-anime-1851011570 |archivedate=15 January 2024}}</ref> In an article for ''Fanbyte'', Shepard further explained that Raichu, compared to other final evolution Pokémon such as [[Charizard]] or [[Blastoise]], was treated with less recognition and added "it feels like Raichu can't get out from under its little brother's shadow, even as he towers over him".<ref name="height">{{cite web |url=https://www.fanbyte.com/legacy/i-am-once-again-asking-game-freak-to-put-respect-on-raichus-name |website=Fanbyte |title=I Am Once Again Asking Game Freak to Put Respect on Raichu's Name |first=Kenneth |last=Shepard |accessdate=2023-12-13 |date=2021-04-29 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213172037/https://www.fanbyte.com/legacy/i-am-once-again-asking-game-freak-to-put-respect-on-raichus-name |archivedate=13 December 2023}}</ref>

Isaiah McCall of ''TheGamer'' held similar sentiments, stating "people worship the throne that Pikachu built, ignoring anything Raichu had to offer", and expressed his confusion at that reaction from fans. He argued that Raichu was simply a stronger counterpart to Pikachu and felt Raichu would have been far more popular if it evolved from any other Pokémon.<ref>{{cite web |first=Isaiah |last=McCall |website=[[TheGamer]] |title=10 Classic Pokémon Nobody Should Pick (And 10 That Are Underrated) |date=2018-05-16 |accessdate=2023-12-13 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/classic-pokemon-people-pick-underrated/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122054259/https://www.thegamer.com/classic-pokemon-people-pick-underrated/#don-t-pick-charizard |archivedate=22 January 2024}}</ref> Evan Valentine of ''[[ComicBook.com]]'' argued that while Raichu was overshadowed by its "smaller, [...] cuter" counterpart, its existence and portrayal helped give better insight to Pikachu's character in the anime.<ref>{{cite web |first=Evan |last=Valentine |accessdate=2023-12-19 |date=2019-09-19 |url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/pokemon-raichu-fan-made-plushie/ |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |title=Pokemon Fan Brings Raichu to Life with Adorable Plush |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213172036/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/pokemon-raichu-fan-made-plushie/ |archivedate=13 December 2023}}</ref> ''[[Screen Rant]]''{{'}}s Niki Fakhoori stated that despite The Pokémon Company's focus on Pikachu, Raichu was overall more effective in the franchise's competitive scene, needing less forced support and able to use a wider array of items. She further called it one of the franchise's "best designs", highlighting Raichu's "sleek" legs and "iconic" tail.<ref name="screenrant1">{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-raichu-better-pikachu-evolution-stats-alolan-form/ |title=Pokémon: Raichu Is Secretly Much Cooler Than Pikachu |first=Niki |last=Fakhoori |date=2022-05-20 |accessdate=2023-12-20 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522072827/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-raichu-better-pikachu-evolution-stats-alolan-form/ |archivedate=22 May 2022}}</ref> In a 2022 article, she expressed her belief that the franchise abandoned the species.<ref name="rant">{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-anime-pikachu-popular-raichu-games-electric-type/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=2022-07-11 |accessdate=2023-12-20 |first=Niki |last=Fakhoori |title=Pikachu Ruined One Pokémon Forever |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207085404/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-anime-pikachu-popular-raichu-games-electric-type/ |archivedate=7 February 2023}}</ref>

Other sources have read different meanings into Pikachu's rivalry with his evolved form, such as the book ''La Culture de l'Enfance à l'Heure de la Mondialisation'', in which author Pierre Bruno compared it to the story of [[David and Goliath]].<ref>{{cite book |page=180 |title=La Culture de l'Enfance à l'Heure de la Mondialisation |trans-title=Childhood Culture in the Age of Globalization |first=Pierre |last=Bruno |isbn=9782912404909 |date=2002 |publisher=In Press |language=French}}</ref> In the book ''Japanese Influence on American Children's Television'', social sciences professor Gina O'Melia drew a comparison to Ash's idealized childlike state in Pikachu's refusal to evolve into Raichu and how this displayed that they drew power from their younger states respectively. The theme was something she felt was also a common trope in other anime media targeting children.<ref>{{cite book |title=Japanese Influence on American Children's Television |first=Gina |last=O'Melia |pages=123, 128 |chapter=Chapter 5 |isbn=9783030174163 |date=July 2019 |publisher=[[Springer Nature|Springer International Publishing]]}}</ref> Journalist Nicole Hill, in an interview with ''Kotaku'', felt Pikachu's refusal to evolve resonated well with the [[LGBTQ]] community, acting as an example of self-expression and self-identity.<ref>{{cite web |first=Kenneth |last=Shepard |website=[[Kotaku]] |accessdate=2023-12-13 |date=2023-06-26 |title=Fairy Pokémon Have Become A Queer Calling Card |url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-fairy-queer-lgbtqia-sylveon-pride-trans-flag-1850577955 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627000127/https://kotaku.com/pokemon-fairy-queer-lgbtqia-sylveon-pride-trans-flag-1850577955 |archivedate=27 June 2023}}</ref> On characterization, Fakhoori felt the anime's repeated portrayal of Raichu as "an ill-natured Pokémon used by unkind Trainers" significantly damaged how the species was viewed by the public, especially in light of Pikachu being emphasized as "reasonable and heroic" when the two come into conflict.<ref name="rant"/>

''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' writer Allegra Frank noted that Raichu's Alolan form had proven popular with the fandom, some of which had made the connection between its design and pancakes particularly after its presentation in the ''Pokémon'' anime.<ref name="polygon">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/2/3/14498738/pikachu-vs-alolan-raichu-pokemon-sun-and-moon |title=Pokémon Anime Rekindles Pikachu and Raichu's Rivalry — and a Popular Meme |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |first=Allegra |last=Frank |accessdate=2023-12-14 |date=2017-02-03 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213172036/https://www.polygon.com/2017/2/3/14498738/pikachu-vs-alolan-raichu-pokemon-sun-and-moon |archivedate=13 December 2023}}</ref> Fakhoori appreciated how it maintained similar aspects to Raichu's original design, ranking Alolan Raichu as "one of the cutest alternate forms" across the Pokémon series, and added regardless of form, felt that it is "always shaped like a friend".<ref name="screenrant1"/> Shepard, on the other hand, voiced disdain. While he praised the fact Raichu had finally gotten some acknowledgement, he felt it was in part the company trying to shelve the original design. Despite praising the design on its own aspects, he felt the form came across as a reminder that "if Raichu is to get any spotlight" it would be "as a kind of canvas" for new ideas instead.<ref name="shep1"/>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/raichu Raichu on Pokemon.com]
* {{Bulbapedia}}

{{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}}
{{Pokémon Generation 7}}
{{Pokémon}}

[[Category:Anthropomorphic mice and rats]]
[[Category:Characters created by Atsuko Nishida]]
[[Category:Pokémon introduced in generation I]]
[[Category:Pokémon with regional variants]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Video game characters with electric or magnetic abilities]]

[[ca:Línia evolutiva de Pichu#Raichu]]
[[cs:Seznam pokémonů (21-40)#Raichu]]
[[ko:포켓몬 목록 (021-040)#라이츄]]
[[pt:Família de Pichu#Raichu]]