Unveiling the Most and Least Loved Pokémon: A Comprehensive Fan Survey

Discovering the Deepest Affections and Unseen Neglect in the Pokémon Universe

The Enduring Myth of Every Pokémon's Fanbase

The saying often heard among Pokémon enthusiasts, that every creature has its admirers, typically emerges when criticism surfaces about an unpopular design or a disliked monster. With over a thousand unique Pokémon now in existence, the validity of this statement is increasingly questioned. One dedicated fan embarked on a mission to uncover the truth behind this popular belief.

A Digital Census of Pokémon Preferences

The concept of collecting fan votes for favorite Pokémon gained traction roughly six years ago, when a Reddit user engaged 52,000 individuals through social media. At that time, the roster of creatures numbered slightly over 800. Intriguingly, four Pokémon failed to garner any votes as a top choice: Silcoon, Gothita, Eelektrik, and Yungoos.

Updating the Data: A Modern Popularity Contest

More recently, YouTuber Jawny Sparklez undertook a new, extensive poll to refresh these findings, gathering responses from platforms like TikTok and X. This broadened outreach captured the attention of millions. The updated survey not only encompassed newly introduced monsters but also accounted for various forms each Pokémon might possess, such as Rotom's distinct appliance variations. While this detailed approach might suggest an increase in unloved creatures, it paradoxically highlighted the incredibly diverse and specific tastes of fans.

Surprising Revelations and Shifting Sentiments

The survey defied many assumptions regarding fan preferences. For instance, Luvdisc, a Pokémon often perceived as unpopular, surprisingly found its supporters. Conversely, fan favorites like Charizard did not even place in the top ten of Jawny's survey. Pokémon that had previously received no votes now had dedicated fans stepping forward. Gothita, for example, gained dozens of new admirers, though Silcoon managed only a single vote. Jawny acknowledged the possibility of less serious responses for some of these marginal votes, noting, \"it is what it is!\"

Persistent Unpopularity: The Pokémon Still Awaiting a Fan

Jawny released the survey results in mid-October and continued to allow voting, enabling fans to advocate for any overlooked Pokémon. Despite this ongoing opportunity, some Pokémon still remain without a single vote. Out of 26,402 responses, a list of creatures appeared to have no fans whatsoever, including Golbat, Huntail, and various regional or alternative forms of well-known Pokémon.

The Scope and Significance of the Survey

Jawny expressed astonishment at the enthusiastic reception to the survey and the insights it provided into the Pokémon community. While 26,000 participants represent only a fraction of the global fandom, the data offers a compelling snapshot of broader sentiments and preferences towards these digital companions.

The Pantheon of Popular Pokémon

The survey ultimately crowned Mimikyu as the most beloved Pokémon, followed closely by Sylveon and Gengar. Other top contenders included Mudkip, Bulbasaur, Lucario, Eevee, Piplup, Umbreon, and Greninja. Notably, the franchise's mascot, Pikachu, did not feature in the top ten. The success of Mimikyu, a Pokémon whose lore involves a desire for affection, suggests a strong connection between fans and its narrative. Jawny speculated on this, considering if it's a \"correlation between how many people may relate to it and feel like they are out of place needing to fit in?\"

Deep Dive into Elemental and Generational Preferences

Beyond the overall popularity, the survey yielded intriguing details about preferences based on elemental types and generational cohorts. Eevee's evolutions (Eeveelutions) remain highly popular, with the notable exception of Flareon. The first generation of Pokémon monsters, predictably, commands the largest fanbase. Water-type Pokémon generally attract more admirers than other elements, while rock-types are broadly less favored. Popplio, a water-type starter, emerged as the least popular starter Pokémon, much to the author's dismay.

Categorized Favorites: A Type-by-Type Breakdown

Breaking down preferences by elemental type reveals specific champions: Scizor for bug-types, Umbreon for dark-types, Garchomp for dragon-types, Luxray for electric-types, Mimikyu for fairy-types, Lucario for fighting-types, Arcanine for fire-types, Charizard for flying-types, Mimikyu again for ghost-types, Bulbasaur for grass-types, Garchomp for ground-types, Glaceon for ice-types, Eevee for normal-types, Gengar for poison-types, Espeon for psychic-types, Tyranitar for rock-types, Lucario for steel-types, and Greninja for water-types. Dozens of Pokémon received only a single vote, validating the \"if [thing] has no fans, then I'm dead\" meme for these unique supporters, such as the lone fan of lawn mower Rotom.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Data Collection

The survey data predates the launch of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, meaning new mega variants were not included. Jawny anticipates that the new game's release will not significantly alter current results, as fan allegiances tend to be steadfast. However, the author speculates that a Mega Starmie, particularly given its recent buzz, might have potentially entered the top 20. Over a thousand additional votes have been cast since the initial results were published, and Jawny intends to keep the survey open long-term to observe future shifts in data.