User:Cukie Gherkin/Marill

Marill (マリル) is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise, and the evolved form of Azurill. First introduced in the video games Pokémon Gold and Silver, they later appeared in Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as various merchandise.

Marill was originally classified as a Water-type Pokémon, going on to be given an additional type of Fairy in Pokémon X and Y'' as part of a reclassification of multiple Pokémon with the introduction of this new type. Marill is a round blue mouse with a white belly, a zigzagging tail and blue ball located on the end of it, and round ears. It was originally the first stage of a species line that evolves into the Pokémon Azumarill, until it was given a baby form in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire called Azurill. Marill was the subject of many rumors before the release of Gold and Silver due to being one of the first Pokémon revealed, identified as a PokéGod and nicknamed Pikablu by fans due to its apparent similarities to series mascot Pikachu.

Conception and development
Marill is a fictional species of Pokémon created for the Pokémon franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the series began in Japan in 1996 with the release of the video games Pokémon Red and Blue for the Game Boy. In these games, the player assumes the role of a Pokémon Trainer whose goal is to capture and train Pokémon. Players use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon, and some can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items.

During development of Gold and Silver, Marill's sprite was depicted with a dark pink and light purple color scheme.

Appearances
First found in Pokémon Gold and Silver, they have appeared in most Pokémon titles since. They have appeared in the mobile game Pokémon Go, and, in physical media, were in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Outside of games, Raichu has appeared on several pieces of merchandise, including plush toys, figurines, and as promotional material.

Urban legend
During the period between the release of Pokémon Red and Blue and the sequels, Gold and Silver, Marill's early reveal caused it to be the subject of speculation and rumors. One such rumor was that it was a part of a special type Pokémon species called a "PokéGod," and was nicknamed Pikablu, with rumors about how it can be unlocked in Red and Blue. It was also believed to be a Water-type evolution of Pikachu, though any resemblance to Pikachu was purely coincidental. Despite it eventually being given the name Marill, Pikablu continued to be a common name used to refer to it.

Critical reception
Marill has become a popular species of Pokemon, considered a Water-type mascot by Inside Games Sawadee Otsuka, while Complex writer Justin Amirkhani argued its similarity to Pikachu influenced its popularity. The release of a rag depicting Marill received some attention from fans, who felt it invoked a scene in HeartGold and SoulSilver where Marill's body odor was compared to that of rags.