>>10220761Poliwhirlmania is my favorite aspect of early Pokemon. I can't remember the last time that happened, where a middling, non legendary/starter/movie featured 'mon that isn't super macot-like is strangely prominent. Occasionally an early reveal Pokemon from a trailer gets a small wave of art and merch, but it never lasts that long.
Of course, Poliwhirl's push is all due to that Tajiri interview
