Uncovering Pokemon’s hidden history: Arcanine’s original name and other fascinating early design concepts revealed
The Discovery That Shook Pokemon History
Did you know Arcanine almost had a completely different identity before Pokemon Red & Blue launched? A dedicated vintage collector recently revealed a potentially game-changing piece of Pokemon history through social media.
The Pokemon franchise has undergone remarkable transformations since its initial generation. Modern games feature expansive worlds, trading cards display unprecedented holographic effects, and the Pokemon designs themselves have evolved considerably. But the most fascinating changes might be those that occurred during the pre-release development phase of Pokemon Red & Blue.
An antique collector recently attempted to illuminate this obscure period by sharing a potentially significant artifact on their Instagram profile. They uploaded a Reel displaying what appears to be a “Nintendo Employee 1998 Meeting handbook” containing numerous captivating Pokemon design concepts and lore fragments.
According to the original poster, this manual was “utilized during a corporate retreat to educate Nintendo staff about the upcoming Pokemon franchise! The Washington state country club retreat occurred approximately six months prior to Red and Blue’s official launch.” Pokemon Red & Blue debuted in North America during September 1998.
What We Learned About Early Pokemon Names
Artifacts of this nature rarely receive official authentication from Nintendo, yet they remain profoundly intriguing regardless. Among the most compelling revelations from the handbook were apparent modifications to Pokemon nomenclature – specifically, Growlithe and Arcanine appeared under the names Flamie and Blaze respectively.
One name that generated substantial excitement within the book was Gyarados’s early designation – Skulkraken. An enthusiastic fan remarked in the comments, “Skulkraken possesses undeniable intensity” while another humorously noted, “anticipate when Crimson Skulkraken makes its appearance.”
The naming evolution reveals fascinating insights into early Pokemon development philosophy. Flamie (Growlithe) suggests a cuter, more approachable canine, while Blaze (Arcanine) emphasizes the fire-type attributes more directly than the final name. Skulkraken for Gyarados combines “skulk” (to move stealthily) with “kraken” (mythological sea monster), creating a more ominous presence than the final Japanese-inspired name.
These naming conventions demonstrate how Pokemon initially leaned toward descriptive Western-style names before incorporating more Japanese cultural elements and creating the unique portmanteau style the franchise became known for.
Authenticity Debate and Collector Insights
The Pokemon community expressed divided opinions regarding the handbook’s legitimacy, with some praising the original poster’s exceptional talent for uncovering rare historical artifacts, while others contended the handbook was fabricated or contained chronological inconsistencies.
Regardless of authenticity debates, enthusiasts expressed exhilaration about potentially rediscovering a forgotten chapter of Pokemon history. The franchise has progressed immensely regarding Pokemon nomenclature and conceptual development, generating anticipation for future innovations expected in Pokemon Legends Z-A.
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Expert collectors note that verification of such items requires examining multiple factors: paper quality matching the era, printing techniques consistent with 1990s production, and corroborating evidence from other verified materials. The six-month pre-release timeline aligns with typical corporate training schedules, adding credibility to the claim.
Practical Guide for Pokemon Historians
For aspiring Pokemon memorabilia collectors and historians, understanding authentication is crucial. When encountering potential artifacts, always verify paper stock and printing methods against known authentic materials from the same period. Pre-internet era documents often used specific paper types and printing techniques that are difficult to perfectly replicate.
Common mistakes include overvaluing items without proper provenance and falling for too-perfect condition on supposedly aged materials. Authentic documents typically show appropriate aging, including slight paper discoloration, gentle edge wear, and period-appropriate binding methods.
Advanced collectors recommend consulting multiple experts before making significant purchases. The Pokemon collecting community maintains networks of specialists for different eras and product types. Document your findings meticulously, including high-quality photographs of specific details like printing patterns, staple rust, and paper texture.
Preservation best practices include acid-free storage, climate control, and limited light exposure. Digital archiving through high-resolution scanning provides backup while allowing study without handling the original materials excessively.
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