Hanako Oku and Pokémon Ultra Sun

A l o l a   C o u s i n s !

I am currently playing Pokémon Ultra Sun as a character named “Hanako”. The name is based on one of my favorite recording artists Hanako Oku! Don’t worry — Denny from Sinnoh will appear in Pokémon Ultra Moon. When I buy a new game I usually like to differentiate the trainer character. This also helps in keeping track of Pokémon in the Pokémon Bank.

I thought it would be cute to play as “Hanako” to honor Ms. Oku-san.

I tried to style her in the way she looked when her music career was rising in the 2005-20011 period. She often wore boyish clothes — usually jeans and a t-shirt. Of curse, the delightful Ms. Oku is more sophisticated in her stage attire now, but I liked her early period. I used her short brownish bobbed haircut with bangs. I chose red frame glasses after Ms. Oku’s trademark red spectacles. I think that she would like the Pickachu t-shirt I gave her, and her boots are closest to what she wore in her early period. I also named her Festival Plaza “Oku University”.

I chose Rowlet as her starter Pokémon. It turned out to be a female Rowlet, so I named her “Olympia” after the forested mountain region in the Pacific Northwest.  A lot of owls live there. I have decided not to let Olympia evolve, at least not until the main story is finished. She is just too cute.

Hanako received the special event Pokémon Rockruff which is the only one which could be evolved into the special “Dusk form” Lycanroc. Little Olympia could sometimes be overwhelmed by higher-level Pokémon, so I gave her a strong wolf to defend her. I named the puppy/wolf “Roofies” after my previous post on Lycanroc linked here.

A little off-topic: I was very proud to see that my Lycanroc post gained 13,000 views! That one post gained nearly 7,000 reads on just November 17, 2017 — which was my most viewed day ever! It seems a lot of people were looking for nicknames for event Lycanroc on the Ultra Sun-Moon release date!

Other members of the team include a Yungoos I named “RikiTikiTavi” after the mongoose in the classic Rudyard Kipling story. Hanako had previously caught other Yungoos named “Youngblood” and “TRUMP2016“. I am also not letting little Riki evolve. It is just too cute, the little biter. He holds a Normal Z-Crystal for extra power.

Hanako’s Charjabug is named “EmergencyUse” except that the electric bug is often used. She never has to worry about her batteries running out. Her bug cannot evolve however, until it encounters the special magnetic field present in the Vast Poni Canyon or on Blush Mountain.  It is a slow bug, so it carries a Quick Claw.

Her Wishiwashi is named “Smells Fishy“. It is good to be skeptical on an adventure. Sometimes things do not appear as they seem. I can suggest many more Wishiwashi names from my old fish post linked here. It carries a Waterium-Z.

I wanted Hanako to have Alola-only Pokémon, and as it turns out, many are small-less powerful ones which still need to evolve. Her Comfey does not evolve. She caught one female Comfey named “Princess Lei” after the Star Wars character, but named another one “Lei Lady Lei“ after the Bob Dylan song linked here.

Regarding songs, which Hanako Oku song might be playful enough for a Pokémon adventure? Most Hanako Oku songs are emotional piano ballads dealing with unrequited love — or “break up songs” as is sometimes described on American radio. I thought that her song “Takoyaki” sounded playful enough. I could see the young trainer prancing through the tall grass singing this one.

“Takoyaki” is the name of a Japanese snack made like a wheat dumpling, but containing OCTOPUS!  If little Hanako catches an Octillary, guess what she will name it?

Hanako’s Rotom Dex is well meaning, but often questions his existence and always wants to be reassured. Likewise, I think that my Pokémon journey is coming to an end. I first started playing Pokémon with my son when he was in second grade. We always bought every new game on release day. He would get one version (Diamond) and  I would take the other (Pear). We did this all the way through Pokémon Sun and Moon.

I noticed that he had less enthusiasm for Pokémon these days. He is very much more into Fire Emblem these days. He still wants the new Pokémon, but mainly just rushes through the story to beat the champion. I on the other hand was always diligent about filling the Pokédex.(“Denny” finally filled the National ‘Dex in Pokémon Y, including all the event Pokémon.) My son is not at all thrilled about Ultra Moon, even though this is probably THE BEST GAME IN THE SERIES.

So … without a kid interested, should I continue to play Pokemon games? … at my age? … with my responsibilities? I still enjoy writing “Pokémon Nicknames” as the series is less so about naming Pokémon, and more about being a jumping off point to discuss unrelated aspects of Popular Culture.

I am hoping that she will finish her adventure. Are you interested in what she will name her Alolan Pokémon? Please comment!

Starlight: Looking back through the telescope at 2010. 

Pokémon Nicknames: Dhelmise

Ahoy cousins! Aye, I hope yer not be afeared of the deep, as I recon me names for this ship’s ghost …

Ha – I bet I sounded just like one of those “Pirates of The Caribbean” movie characters. I think that they have a new movie … or something coming out … or recently. I really don’t follow that series. I heard it was going to be “Rated R” … because it is about pirates … and …  see … and pirates say “AHHRR” a lot … and hoo boy.

Dhelmise (in Japanese: ダダリン  “Dadarin”) is a dual-type GHOST and GRASS-type Pokémon introduced for the Alola Generation VII (source: Bulbapedia). Dhelmise is genderless, and does not evolve into or from any other known Pokémon. Basically, Dhelmise is the rusty anchor of a sunken ship, combined with the ships (steering) wheel — and covered in seaweed. One of its eyes appears to be a compass. (A full description from Bulbapedia is linked here.) Although Dhelmise is ghost and grass (seaweed) it is surprisingly not a WATER-type It can learn moves such as “Whirlpool”.  This is appropriate, as I see Dhelmise trying to pull foes down to a watery grave. Ha Ha — or as I should say — ARRR … Another odd characteristic about this Pokémon is that its signature ability is “Steelworker” which boosts STEEL-type moves by 50%. That makes sense, as an anchor is made of iron. Thus a good move set for this Pokémon should include Ghost, Grass, Water and Steel moves.

My favorite name for this ghost Pokémon is “Hard-To-Port“. I envision that this phrase was the last order the doomed ship’s captain gave, just before the vessel wrecked, sending all hands down to Davy Jones’ Locker. (No, not that Davy Jones, silly.)

Sailing-type names are cute. Do you know your port-side from your aft?

No, ya scurvy dogs —  I said “Fire the aft cannon — the AFT!!!”

Another fun nickname might be based on the old Village People song “In The Navy”  linked here.

When you think of sailors you think of the various nautical-themed tattoos that they decorate themselves with. Tattoos are really not my thing personally, but I still admire the art.

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(Denny humming/singing):  “In the navy — Yes, you can sail the seven seas … In the navy — Yes, you can put your mind at ease … In the navy…”

Dhelmise may be hard for Alola adventurers to find.  A how-to video from YT is linked here — just don’t use a Quick Ball like that guy, because Quick Balls look stupid, unless your Pokémon is actually blue-and yellow in color. Don’t get me started.

So long for now cousins —  or at least “until the sea gives up its dead …”

Note to my Readers: Since my last post a couple of weeks ago, I have gone over a QUARTER MILLION views on this blog. Take THAT Dave Barry!

Pokémon Nicknames: Mudbray and Mudsdale

ALOLA  COUSINS!!!

Mudbray (in Japanese: ドロバンコ  “Dorobanko”) is a GROUND-type Pokémon first found in the Alola Region. It is termed the “Donkey Pokémon”. It appears to us as a donkey (aka a “jackass”) or mule. Mudbray evolves into Mudsdale — the “Draft Horse Pokémon”  (in Japanese: バンバドロ  “Banbadoro”) at level 30, where it remains a GROUND-type. (Bulbapedia reference here.)

Could Mudbray be a mule too? Not technically, since they call it the “donkey Pokémon”. Donkeys, burros and mules all share some resemblance in form however, so I will still use “mule” type names. A mule is produced when a male donkey is bred with a female horse (mare). Another mule-like animal the “Hinny,” is produced when you breed a male horse (stallion)  to a female donkey.

Did anyone ever try breeding a male Mudbray with a female Mudsdale, or a female Mudbray with a male Mudsdale? Go try that at Paniolo Ranch!

Mules are bred to be smaller, but stronger and more durable than a horse. Mules are less obstinate than a donkey. Donkey’s are hard to get along with. There is a reason why donkeys are called “Jackasses”. Jackasses are narrow minded, and they will not listen.  Mules are thus a better choice to be a pack-animal. However, hybrid mules are usually sterile and unable to breed offspring.

When breeding goes wrong at the Paniolo Ranch

“Knoxville” might be a good Mudboy name, after actor Johnny Knoxville who starred in the “Jackass” movie and reality TV show of the same name. I never saw it, let alone ever “tried it at home.” Apparently American audiences thought it was hilariously funny to watch people fall down. Also, lot of people in Knoxville, TN also like to get “down and dirty” like a ground-type should.

They call her “Bucky Becky”. Just be careful with the teeth there Becky.

“Democrat” could be another good donkey name, as the jackass is the symbol of America’s Democratic Party. (Off topic: Elephants are the symbol of the Republican Party, so you could name your Phanpy or Donphan  a GOP themed name, then have them all battle in one big double battle.)

… it lost, but it had such potential!

A great name for a donkey is “Quixote” after Don Quixote the story, the play and the movie. Perhaps “Donkey Oatey” or some variation. Go ahead, and dream the impossible dream.

It used to be that the Pokémon Name Censor would not let you use the letters “ass” – not even in names with the word “grass” as part of them. Apparently this has changed, so “Ass” names will now work, particularly within your own Sun and Moon  game. Suggestions: “AllAbotD.Ass” or some variation.

Sometimes the law … is an ASS!

Teachers might like to use names like “ASS=U+ME” after the old saying – What happens when you assume? … you make an ASS out of YOU and ME. Ha Ha.

“Eddie” after Eddie Murphy who played “Donkey” in the Shrek movies.

Not Eddie Murphy

“My Fav Honky” or “Favrit Honky” is good, if you remember the line in the Steve Martin novelty record “King Tut” (linked here). The record was actually not funny at all, but when he performed it on Saturday Night Live or in concert, it was much, much better with Mr. Martin making his wild-and-crazy Egyptian arm movements.

“Buried with a Donkey – He’s my favorite Honky – King Tut ! ”

The name “Brayboy” is a play on the words”bray” and  “playboy” because jackasses do bray like — well — like jackasses. Plus, most “playboys” are narcissistic jackasses. They think they are “Plow Boys” though.

Sometimes you can base a name on which “Hidden Power” it can learn. For example, “Assisgrass” learned “grass type” as its Hidden Power.

Other famous donkeys include “Eeyore” from Winnie The Poo, “Benjamin” from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and the funny sounding “Baba Looey” from the old Hanna-Barbara cartoon Quick Draw McGraw.

You could play with Burro names, like “BurroSupreme” for Taco Bell lovers. “Paco Packo” or similar — since burros are good pack animals.

The name “Forty Acres” or “40 Acres” would work for a mule, after the famous American expression regarding the lost “American Dream” — “Where is MY 40 acres and a mule?”

I like the name “Okey Dokey” for a donkey or a draft horse.

Mudsdale is a “draft horse” or workhorse, bred to pull a wagon load. Such horses were not bred to be racehorses, however some racehorses are bred to be “mudders” — able to run fast in muddy tracks. Thus, you should breed your female Mudsdale to be an effective ground type. “His mudder was a mudder” is a common phrase for bookies handicapping a race. Thus you should use a mudder-type name — I suggest “Tuff Mudder” or “Mudder Effer“.

Mudsdale’s signature move is a kicking move: “High Horsepower“. Kicking-type names like “Kick-Grass” — or horsepower type names like “500 Ponies”  may work. “Horse Sense” might make sense.

A good name for a horse is “Hot-to-Trot“. Oh —  and you may want to view my suggestions for Ponyta and Zebstrika for other equus suggestions. I would like to someday compose an all-Equus Pokémon team.  You could have Clydesdale, Mudbray, Rapidash, and Ponyta. Plus, Zebstrika and Blitzle could be there too.

Mudsdale also appears to have dreadlocks or a braided mane.  You could try “braid” type names — but I can’t think of many.

Found on Deviantart website. I might name a Mudsdale “Greco-Roman” now.

You could base names on the large hairy hooves this horse breed has — “Horseplop“ for example, after the sound of hooves clopping down the road. “Cloggs” might resonate, if you like that type of shoes.

I would like to use the name “Kadiddlehopper” after the famous Red Skelton character Clem Kadiddlehopper .  Unfortunately there are too many letters. Maybe just “Kadiddle” would be a fun name for a plucky horse companion. The Mudsdale which I raised to battle the Alola Champion was called “Diddly Doo” — after the phrase made famous by Simpson’s neighbor Ned Flanders.

Mudsdale is obviously based on a “Clydesdale” horse. We all know about Clydesdales from watching Budweiser beer’s Super Bowl commercials. When I was just a kid, and my teenage friends and I would illegally sneak and drink beer, we would call them “Butt-weipers.” (Everything was funnier back then.) Thus, Clydesdale names might be  “Clyde” or “Bud Wiser” for males.  You could use horse names like “Happy Hoofer” (after the “Happy Hooker” books and advice column) for female Mudsdales.

The late TV announcer Ed McMahon  was long associated with the Clydesdales. He was also famous for his drinking. When I used to see the McMahon-narrated Clydesdale commercial of the horses pulling a big wagon packed tall with cases of beer —  I would joke “Yup, they are on the way to Ed McMahon’s garage.”

McMahon was Johnny Carson’s sidekick – or second banana – but he had a great jovial  laugh which made him agreeable to everyone. So name your Pokémon “McMahon”, “HiYo!” or “Sidekick”, especially since Mudsdale has strong kicking moves.

You know, I can do a pretty good Ed McMahon imitation. I know that it is dated, but just listen to my loud, boisterous laugh:

PUUUUHH  HUUUH  HUUH ,  PUUUUUUUUUUHHH ,  HUHH  HUH  HUHH

…. HOO  HOOH  PUUUHHH  HAAAH.

I sound just like him, right?

Pokémon Nicknames: Togedemaru

All credit goes to the original cosplayer … and  Hey – you electric type — GET AWAY FROM THE POOL when I am in here!

ALOLA COUSINS!!! — wooh! —  whatzit?1? — (Denny reacts to scurrying underfoot, nearly spilling his Pokébeer). What is it with Pokémon and electric mice? First there was Pikachu – along with its pre-evolved and evolved forms, Pichu and Raichu respectively. Then in Pokemon XY, there was Dedenne. Techinically, the little surfing mouse and regional variant “Alolan Raichu” is yet another mouse. (I’m not sure if the water mice — like Marill could inherit an electric move)

Now for the Alola region, there is another little electric ball mouse. Togedemaru!

From Bulbapedia: Togedemaru (same as the Japanese word: トゲデマル  “Togedemaru”) is an Electric and STEEL type Pokémon. There are no known evolutionary forms.

I actually think that “Togedemaru” is already a pretty cool name, so I was resistant to nicknaming it. However, when there are sooo many of them – yah — (Denny whirls suddenly, as more mice dart underfoot) … you need to be able to sort them out.

I have named them the same name as my mouse or electric Pokémon – names such as “Eek!-A-Mouse” (after the punk-rock band) or “Voltaire” (after the French philosopher).  Cutesy names like “Sparky”, “Cheeky” or “Mookie” are always applicable.

Other suggestions:

“Rotund” because it is a fat, spherical little mouse. Other names based on spheres, circles or balls might work. “Circle Shock” base on the famous LA punk band “Circle Jerks”

“Zig Zag” after the tail.

“Plug-N-Play” for various electronic devices. “Plug-Ins” after the room deodorizer.

“Topo Gigio” after the famous mouse who used to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show. This led me to think of “Gigli” after one of the worst movies of all time, staring one of the most arrogant and idiotic actors of our time.

You might name Togedemaru based on which moves you teach it. It can learn the move “Rollout” early on, so you might use the name “Rollerball” after the classic sci-fi movie.  “Topspin” or “Holy Roller” are other examples. The Pokémon may have the “Iron Barbs” ability, which will make your opponent think twice before hitting you with a physical move. You could name females “Barb” or “Barbs” , “Rhubarb” and the like.

My favorite name is “Lectricshave” after the shaving lotion commercial. Electric shaving comes to mind since Togedemaru is both Electric and Steel type. Ahem … (Denny takes long slug of his Pokébeer). Ladies, use that electric shaver today, and see just how enthusiastic that makes your fellow tonight. I guarantee there will create some electricity.

My other favorite name for Togedemaru is “Toga Toga” or “Toga! Toga!” after a scene in the “Animal House” movie. Clip linked here.

(Denny finished Pokébeer) Well, I never say that you have to use my names —  I only want to inspire your own creative names.

 Please write your suggestions in the comments area!