So anyway, about Charmeleon...

079: Slowpoke

Slowpoke is one of those Pokemon that I like for its personality more than the design itself. It's cute in its own dopey way so I can see why it has its own little subset of fans. What's impressive is that we're in an age where a good chunk of Gen 1 Pokemon don't get a ton of individual appreciation on the official side of things anymore. And yet, between all the Pikachus, Eevees, Charizards, Mewtwos, and Gyaradoses, Slowpoke of all Pokemon manages to stay relevant.

Of course, Slowpoke is depicted as a slow-witted aquatic animal of some sort. Seem to be part hippo, part otter. Another Gen 1 Pokemon that seems more inspired by an animal than directly referencing it. It fishes by sticking its apparently delicious tail in the water, but sometimes that results in...

We're like the sky and sea. Been together since the dawn of time.

080: Slowbro

Slowbro, an odd one. I feel like they made the design and applied some lore to it afterwards, because the faced shell on its back is actually a Shellder. Even though it looks nothing like Shellder, or even a Cloyster for that matter. It seems weird for a form change as drastic as this to not be called some sort of evolution. Though apparently in the early stages of Gold and Silver's development, this very form of Shellder was considered for a potential new evolution.

The weight of Slowpoke's new friend allows it to stand upright, creating Slowbro. At least this relationship is less like Parasect, and more a symbiotic one. The Shellder enjoys Slowbro's tasty tail while the Shellder chomping down stimulates Slowbro more than if it were on its own, which also apparently makes it focus its psychic abilities more.

Interestingly enough, Slowbro is only one of an entire three Pokemon that are able to revert from their evolved form back into their previous form in the main series games. (And two of those Pokemon are in Gen 1. Spoilers: The third is Slowking.) Or at least, that's what the Pokedex says; it's impossible to do so in gameplay.

Wow I thought this was a sfw franchise.

Mega Slowbro:

Now this is getting ridiculous. All these Pokemon getting Mega Evolutions, becoming bigger and badder monsters. But here's Slowbro, getting swallowed whole. The Mega Evolution process just Mega Evolves the Shellder tail, which then promptly keeps its little Slowpoke buddy in its mouth and acts like a suit of armor. Understandably, the Slowpoke looks a little worried about this development. It's kind of hilarious seeing Slowpoke's face be something that isn't that dopey smile. It's one of the fun Megas, which I wish there was more of.