>>39977186>>featured prominently in all merchandising, maintaining regular exposure for 20+ yearsThis is the only valid reason you listed of why Charizard is still popular.
No other starter is shoved 24/7 down everyone's throat other than Charizard.
Blastoise had a potential to be extremely popular because, in the U.S, Blue version was sold more than Red version, but TPC refusing to promote Blastoise and give it special attention like Charizard killed Blastoise.
Venusaur was killed on arrival because the autistic Tajiri wanted to play colors meme and not release Green Version outside.
And the fact that Bulbasaur is very popular despite the bare minimum of advertising and promoting means it could overthrow Charizard if TPC shilled it as much as they shill Charizard.
Charizard popularity was forced, stop being a clown.
