Zoroark

Zoroark
Pokémon character
Zoroark artwork by Ken Sugimori
First appearancePokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010)
First gamePokémon Black and White (2010)
Created byAtsuko Nishida[1]
Designed byAtsuko Nishida[1]
Ken Sugimori (finalized)[2]
Voiced byRomi Park (film)[3]
Ryota Iwasaki (anime)[4]
In-universe information
SpeciesPokémon
TypeDark
Normal and Ghost (Hisuian)

Zoroark (/ˈzɔːrɑːrk/ ), known in Japan as Zoroaku (Japanese: ゾロアーク, Hepburn: Zoroāku), is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. First introduced in the film Pokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions and later in the video games Pokémon Black and White, it was created by Atsuko Nishida with the design finalized by Sugimori. Zoroark has since appeared in multiple games including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as various merchandise. In anime media related to the franchise, Zoroark is voiced by Romi Park in the movie Pokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions, and Ryota Iwasaki in the series.

Classified as a Dark-type Pokémon, Zoroark evolves from the Pokémon Zorua, with both initially available through a special event in the original game. Zoroark is a large fox-like creature with a dark-grey body and a large red mane, able to disguise itself as other living creatures using illusions. A regional variant was added in Pokémon Legends: Arceus called Hisuian Zoroark. Featuring a white-bodied design with a more disheveled mane, it represents Zoroark that died after being chased from their natural habitat and is classified as a Normal- and Ghost-type.

Zoroark’s heavily marketed promotional debut drew comparisons to Lucario, another Pokémon that received similar marketing attention. Called the mascot of Black and White, its design was heavily praised as fitting its character theme, compared to a kitsune and a werewolf. Its ability also garnered approval, particularly for the strategic depth it added to the gameplay. Hisuian Zoroark received similar praise, but was also regarded as a statement about colonialism, and represented one of the darker aspects of the Pokémon franchise.

Conception and design

Zoroark 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.[5] 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.[6] Each Pokémon has one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.[7] 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.[6]

The species was introduced in Pokémon Black and White, titles produced for the Nintendo DS. In contrast to previous entries, director Junichi Masuda wanted to "play up the coolness" of Pokémon introduced in the title, and to that end the designs gravitated more towards using angular and sharp lines instead of rounded ones. In an interview with Nintendo Power, Masuda additionally noted that improvements in gaming hardware had also impacted their approach compared to previous entries, as it allowed for more detailed designs. Initially, roughly three times the number of necessary designs were conceived for the game, with designers bringing rough sketches to lead artist Ken Sugimori, who would speak with them individually regarding the features and the design would be revised. Those that made the final cut were then finalized by Sugimori who drew them in his own art style.[2] Called Zoroaku in Japanese, its name in English is a combination of "Zorro", the Spanish word for fox, and dark.[8]

Zoroark evolves from Zorua, after the latter has obtained enough experience.[9] Both were created by Atsuko Nishida, who, after designing Vulpix and Ninetales for Red and Blue, had wanted to create another fox Pokémon. During Black and White's development, she had seen the film Helen the Baby Fox, and finding it to be a sad story she felt motivated to design more "lively" fox characters instead.[1] Later in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a game set in the franchise's Hisui region and featuring Pokémon designs as they would have appeared hundreds of years prior to the events of sequel titles Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Hisuian variants of Zorua and Zoroark were introduced. Classified as Normal- and Ghost-type Pokémon,[10][11] they were also designed by Nishida.[12] Zoroark has a unique ability called Illusion, which allows it to disguise itself as any other living creature, including humans.[13] In-game, this ability allows Zoroark to disguise itself as the last Pokémon in the player's lineup.[14]

Zoroark's thin frame (right) was meant to help it be distinct from the Pokémon Lucario's body shape (left).[15]

Design

Classified as a Dark-type Pokémon, Zoroark stands 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) tall. It resembles a large, fox-like creature with dark-grey fur, paws that end in red three point claws, and light blue eyes. A thicker black tuft of fur covers its chest and extends outward from its shoulders.[13] Various shades of red marking meanwhile surround its mouth, eyes, and nostrils.[16] In addition, Zoroark features a large red mane that flows behind it, with black tips protruding from the mane and held together by a blue bead towards the tip.[13] According to Ken Sugimori in an interview with Nintendo Dream, Zoroark's mane is a key aspect of its visual design, and is meant to accommodate the lack of a tail.[17] In production art, the developers made a note to have Zoroark always leaning forward,[16] and to give it a thin body shape to help differentiate it from Lucario, a Pokémon that appeared in the previous games.[15]

The Hisuian variation is very similar to the base design but with different coloration, depicted with white fur and grey claws, yellow eyes, and the addition of red sores on its arms and legs. Meanwhile the central tuft of fur appears red in the center before switching to white at both ends, while its now disheveled mane is white with red tips.[18] The design shift reflects how Zorua and Zoroark were driven from their warmer climate by humans fearful of their Illusion ability. As a result they died in the colder climate, only to revive as ghosts with an intense hatred of humans.[19]

Appearances

Zoroark's video game debut came in the 2010 game Pokémon Black and White. In these games, Zoroark is not able to be captured, and can only be obtained via real-world events.[20] Zoroark could be obtained in the games' sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, by evolving a Zorua given to the player as a gift.[21] Zoroark made appearances in subsequent series entries, including Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon,[22] Pokémon Sword and Shield,[23] and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.[24] In the latter games, Zoroark is able to disguise itself as other Pokémon in the wild using its illusions.[24] Zoroark appears in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, where a new form of Zoroark, named Hisuian Zoroark, appears.[19] This form later reappeared in the games Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.[25]

Zoroark has appeared in spin-off material for the series. Zoroark appears in Pokémon Go, where its pre-evolution Zorua must be captured in the wild, where it is disguised as the player's active partner Pokémon. Zorua can be evolved into Zoroark.[26] Due to Zoroark's unique ability, Pokémon Go developer Niantic delayed adding it and Zorua to the game. Director Michael Steranka stated they "really wanted to do right by them" to ensure that characters like Zoroark felt special in the game.[27] Zoroark appears in the multiplayer online battle arena game Pokémon Unite as a playable character,[28] and also appears in other spin-offs such as Pokémon Rumble U[29] and Pokémon Masters EX.[30] Both the Unovan and Hisuian versions of Zoroark appear in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.[31][32] It also appears as one of the Pokémon that can be summoned with the Pokéball item in the crossover fighting game series Super Smash Bros.[33]

Zoroark appeared in the 13th Pokémon anime movie, titled Pokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions, voiced by Romi Park.[3] During development of the movie, the production team wanted to feature a Dark-type Pokémon. Zoroark was in the basic development stages at this time, and Sugimori felt it would be a perfect fit for the film. The studio agreed, integrating both it and Zorua into the movie.[17] In the film, Zoroark is captured by businessman Grings Kodai, who films Zoroark's illusions and edits them to make it appear as though Zoroark is causing real damage to a city, forcing an evacuation. With no one around, Kodai is free to harness a ripple in time, which will give him powers of foresight. Zoroark eventually breaks free of Kodai's control with Zorua's help, and is able to use its illusions to trick Kodai long enough for the time ripple to dissipate. Zoroark eventually tricks Kodai into being trapped in a sports stadium, leading to his arrest. In the film's manga adaptation, Zoroark's illusions cause Kodai to fall to his death.[34]

In the Pokémon anime, the character Gladion uses a Zoroark when facing protagonist Ash Ketchum in a championship battle.[35] A Hisuian Zoroark meanwhile appears in the first episode of Pokémon: Hisuian Snow, an miniseries anime tie-in for the Arceus game.[36] In these appearances, Zoroark is voiced by Ryota Iwasaki.[4]

Promotion and merchandise

To promote Zoroark, it was first introduced via silhouette on the Japanese television program Pokémon Sunday. Game Freak announced it would be fully revealed on February 11, 2010, only for the magazine CoroCoro Comic to reveal Zoroark and its role in its upcoming film debut early.[37] A later article in Nintendo Dream went into more detail, explaining how its Illusion ability worked.[38] Following the announcement of the new Pokémon, Takara Tomy released stuffed toys and vinyl figures of Zoroark.[39] In 2011, The Pokémon Company announced that September of that year would be dubbed "Zoroark Month," with various promotions themed after the Pokémon being held throughout the month, including merchandise distributions and giveaways.[40][41]

During its early reveal, Michael Grimm of GamesRadar+ questioned the amount of push Zoroark appeared to receive from Nintendo. Fellow staff member Carolyn Gudmundson compared it to how the company had approached Lucario's debut,[38] in that Game Freak treated them as not Legendary Pokémon but still promoted them as such. She also noted that, in Black and White, Zoroark was handled like event-exclusive Pokémon, as players needed special, previously distributed Pokémon to encounter it.[42]

To promote Hisuian Zoroark, the Pokémon Company released a trailer for Pokémon Legends: Arceus, highlighting its abilities and lore alongside Hisuian Zorua.[19] They later launched a 7-inch-tall statue featuring both Pokémon, available through the company’s official store.[43]

Critical reception

Zoroark has been well received since its debut. Kevin Slackie and Moises Taveras of Paste praised it as one of the best Pokémon in the franchise, stating that while preceding Pokémon Ditto had a similar transform ability, Zoroark turned it into "an art form" due to how it impacted the competitive gaming community for the series.[44] O'Dell Harmon of Game Informer praised it as "one of the premier monsters" introduced in Black and White, stating it "deserves so much respect is not only due to its great battle skill and cool design" but also for the strategic element its ability brought to the game.[45] Zack Zwienen of Kotaku praised its illusion abilities, calling them "creepy and powerful" yet often overlooked by the fan community and franchise alike. He additionally noted that the character was particularly popular among artists in the furry community, resulting in a large amount not safe for work imagery of the character appearing in search engine results.[13]

Robert Grosso of TechRaptor called it the "de-facto mascot" of the Black and White generation of Pokémon titles, sharing GamesRadar+'s comparison to Lucario due to its manner of introduction and its role as an event-exclusive Pokémon in those games. He stated that while the film itself was a darker tone than others, Zoroark gave a "mischievous impression" in the process. In terms of design, he found it simple but still having a "sinister edge" shared with many others introduced in Black and White. He felt its color scheme, slender body and fox-like features gave it "a dark yet playful presence", and that its illusion ability not only played well into what he perceived as kitsune design inspirations but also "plays into the trickster nature of Zoroark" in regards to its performance during gameplay.[46] Carlos Naranjo Bejarano in the book Japón y "Occidente" also noted the kitsune aspects, but additonally cited a resemblance to depictions of werewolves. Meanwhile, he felt its facial markings seemed inspired by Japanese theatre, particular Noh and Kabuki.[47]

Its Hisuian counterpart also received praise. Paste's Hana Kim called it one of the best forms introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, stating that the "pale and ghostly" appearance coupled with a flowing mane in contrast to its standard form helped give it "a much more intimidating and interesting shape." She further praised how the resemblance of its face to a kistune mask helped tie it closer to Japanese folklore.[18] David Caballero of Screen Rant meanwhile described Zoroark as one of the "coolest-looking Pokémon in the franchise" and one he observed everyone appeared to like, but felt its Hisuian form was an unexpected improvement on the original. Calling it "equal parts haunting and impressive", Caballero stated not only was its typing something fans had been keen to see in the franchise for some time, but that its appearance reflected both aspects commonly associated with Ghost-type Pokémon and its original Dark-type categorization.[48]

Kenneth Shepard in an article for Kotaku discussed how Hisuian Zoroark related to Arceus' themes of colonization and its affect on wildlife in a region, calling the Pokémon's backstory one of the most haunting examples of the concept and an "echo of souls lost in humanity’s expansion". He further describe it as one of game's "most damning pieces of commentary on the way Pokémon are affected by human’s perception of what they’re 'supposed' to be" and shined light on some of the darker aspects of the franchise despite its core concepts of friendship and teamwork.[49]

References

  1. ^ a b c Kuroda, Takanori. グラフィックデザイナー・イラストレーター にしだあつこ対談 [A Conversation With Graphic Designer and Illustrator Atsuko Nishida]. Fun's Project (in Japanese). p. 2. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Breeding the Fifth". Nintendo Power. March 2011. pp. 18–20. ISSN 1041-9551.
  3. ^ a b 劇場版 ポケットモンスター ダイヤモンド&パール 幻影の覇者 ゾロアーク [Pokémon Diamond & Pearl the Movie: Zoroark, Master of Illusions]. まうまう [Maumaumau] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  4. ^ a b 岩崎諒太 [Ryota Iwasaki]. まうまう [Maumaumau] (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 3, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ a b Allison, Anne (May 2006). Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination. University of California Press. pp. 192–197. ISBN 9780520938991.
  7. ^ Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook. Scholastic Inc. July 28, 2015. p. 5. ISBN 9780545795661.
  8. ^ "Stars of the Next Pokemon Movie Revealed". NGamer UK. April 24, 2010. Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via GamesRadar+.
  9. ^ Dailey, Kim (June 20, 2020). "Pokémon Sword & Shield: How To Find & Evolve Zorua Into Zoroark". The Gamer. Archived from the original on June 25, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  10. ^ Lynn, Lottie (February 17, 2024). "Pokémon Go Hisuian Pokémon Forms List". Eurogamer. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  11. ^ Kurten, Guillermo (May 17, 2024). "How Pokémon Legends: Arceus Connects To Other Games In The Series". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  12. ^ Nishida, Atsuko [@coloatsu] (January 28, 2022). ポケモンレジェンズアルセウス ヒスイゾロアとヒスイゾロアーク デザイン原案担当しました よき旅を...いももちが食べたいですね [I was in charge of the original design for Pokemon Legends Arceus and Hisui Zoroark. Have a good trip...I want to eat some imomochi.] (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 10, 2024 – via Instagram.
  13. ^ a b c d Zwienen, Zack (May 4, 2019). "Zoroark Can Trick People With Illusions And Turn Into A Human". Kotaku. Archived from the original on September 24, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  14. ^ Trama, Andrea (February 17, 2022). "Pokemon Legends: Arceus' Hisuian Zoroark Could be a Nightmare in Competitive Battles". Game Rant. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  15. ^ a b The Pokémon Company (November 17, 2009). ゾロアーク 決定稿 [Zoroaku Decision Draft] (jpg) (Production note) (in Japanese). Retrieved October 14, 2024. ルカリオのように なるとNGです, 体の形獄は こんな感じで、細く お願いします [It's not OK to make it look like Lucario. I want the body shape to be like this, but thin.]
  16. ^ a b The Pokémon Company (November 16, 2009). ゾロアーク 決定稿 [Zoroaku Decision Draft] (jpg) (Production note) (in Japanese). Retrieved October 14, 2024. 目のまわり、鼻、口もとに色んしスで 隈取り風の赤いラインが入ります. 常に前傾姿勢です. [Various red lines are applied around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Always leaning forward.]
  17. ^ a b ポケモン&人物誕生秘話 [Pokemon & Character Creation Stories]. Nintendo Dream (in Japanese). No. 201. January 2011. p. 12.
  18. ^ a b Kim, Hana (February 28, 2022). "The Best New Pokémon Forms in Pokémon Legends: Arceus". Paste. Archived from the original on September 24, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  19. ^ a b c Gerblick, Jordan (October 26, 2021). "Pokemon Legends Arceus' Cute New Pokemon Was Born Out of Spite and Shoots Pure Hatred". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  20. ^ Newton, James (January 4, 2011). "Grab a Shiny Legendary Trio of Pokemon at Gamestop". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  21. ^ Leandre, Kenn (October 22, 2012). "10 Awesome Pokémon for Your Black and White 2 Team". IGN. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  22. ^ Tapsell, Chris (December 15, 2017). "Pokémon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon QR codes List - Ultra Sun Moon Island Scan List and QR codes Explained". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  23. ^ Flores, Sky (June 22, 2020). "Pokémon Sword & Shield: Where to Find Zoroark". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Martínez, Rubén (November 25, 2022). "Where to find Zorua and Zoroark in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and how to catch them?". Meristation. Archived from the original on June 7, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  25. ^ Woodrow, Ryan (September 14, 2023). "Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC: How to get Hisuian Zoroark". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  26. ^ Martínez, Rubén (October 31, 2022). "How to catch Pokémon #570 Zorua and #571 Zoroark in Pokémon GO". Meristation. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  27. ^ Michael, Cale (July 2, 2022). "Niantic Hasn't Forgotten About Kecleon, Zoroark, and Other Pokémon Missing From Pokémon Go". Dot eSports. Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  28. ^ Hart, Hannah (November 7, 2022). "Pokémon Unite: How to Play Zoroark (Tips, Tricks & Strategies)". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  29. ^ Cook, Dave (April 15, 2013). "Pokemon Rumble U: second wave of figures revealed". VG247. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  30. ^ Scariati, Andrew (November 17, 2022). "Pokemon Masters EX: 10 Best Seasonal Sync Pairs". TheGamer. Archived from the original on November 17, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  31. ^ Pinera, Alexander (September 8, 2024). "Pokemon TCG: 8 Most Valuable Zoroark Cards". TheGamer. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  32. ^ Scariati, Andrew (September 10, 2024). "The Most Valuable Hisuian Zoroark Pokemon TCG Cards". TheGamer. Archived from the original on September 10, 2024. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  33. ^ Yehl, Joshua (October 4, 2018). "20 Best Pokeball Pokemon in Super Smash Bros". IGN. Archived from the original on April 17, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  34. ^ Switzer, Eric (November 14, 2021). "Pokemon - Zoroark: Master Of Illusion Warned Us About Fake News". TheGamer. Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  35. ^ Knoop, Jospeh (September 24, 2019). "Ash Ketchum Finally Becomes a Pokemon League Champion". IGN. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  36. ^ Brown, Tom (May 18, 2022). "Pokémon: Hisuian Snow's First Episode Debuts". Nintendo Wire. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  37. ^ Blundon, Matthew (February 10, 2010). "New 5th Generation Pokemon Revealed". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on September 1, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  38. ^ a b Gudmundson, Carolyn; Grimm, Michael (June 28, 2010). Pokémon Monday Episode 6 (MP3). GamesRadar+. Event occurs at 25:25. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  39. ^ 劇場版で初登場の新ポケモン・ゾロアとゾロアーク、ぬいぐるみやソフビなど立体化アイテムが続々登場 [New Pokémon Zorua and Zoroark, Who Will Make Their Debut in the Film, Will Be Released as Plush Toys, Soft Vinyl Toys and Other 3D Items]. GIGAZINE (in Japanese). April 21, 2010. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  40. ^ Drake, Audrey (September 6, 2011). "Pokemon News: September is Zoroark Month". IGN. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  41. ^ Brown, Andrew (September 9, 2011). "Celebrations Start for Pokémonth - News". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  42. ^ Gudmundson, Carolyn (January 31, 2011). Pokémon Monday Episode 32 (MP3). GamesRadar+. Event occurs at 6:50. Archived from the original on October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  43. ^ Brown, Tom (September 9, 2022). "Origin Formes, Enamorus, Hisuian Zoroark getting new Pokémon merchandise". Nintendo Wire. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  44. ^ Slackie, Kevin; Taveras, Moises (June 6, 2023). "The 150 Best Pokémon". Paste. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  45. ^ Harmon, O'Dell (November 21, 2012). "Top 50 Pokémon Of All Time". Game Informer. p. 5. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  46. ^ Grosso, Robert (February 24, 2019). "The Six Best Designed Pokemon of Generation 5". TechRaptor. Archived from the original on October 7, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  47. ^ Bejarano, Carlos Naranjo (2016). "El Patrimonio Japonés en "Pokémon"" [Japanese Heritage in "Pokémon"]. Japón y "Occidente": El Patrimonio Cultural Como Punto de Encuentro [Japan and the "West": Cultural Heritage as a Meeting Point] (in Spanish). Aconcagua Libros. p. 778. ISBN 9788416272440.
  48. ^ Caballero, David (May 1, 2022). "Pokémon: The 10 Best Regional Forms". Screen Rant. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  49. ^ Shepard, Kenneth (October 31, 2023). "It's Halloween, Let's Rank The Best Ghost-Type Pokémon". Kotaku. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2024.