The show! Will! Go! On!

Keldeo reared up on his hind legs, his expression serious and his Secret Sword raised and glowing brightly.

Keldeo the Critic

Editorial 2- Why is Lucario So Popular?

tinyurl: o8u42n3

"It's me, Keldeo the Critic. I review it so you don't have to," Keldeo said with a smile.

With a look of nostalgia in his eye, Keldeo said, "Remember Lucario and the Mystery of Mew? It was the movie that formerly introduced the world to Lucario, the Aura Pokemon. We got to see a Lucario's skills, athletic prowess, mannerisms, and Aura powers. Lucario was so well received that Nintendo placed him on the Super Smash Bros. Brawl roster."

"Now, after that, he had to show up in some Anime episodes as the main Pokemon of Gym Leader Maylene. He got plenty of character and personality, a decent arc, the whole Anime character treatment."

"Then during the same season, we also meet Riley's Lucario! Which makes sense, Sinnoh Region is his home, so it should feature him prominently. It's been fun, Lucario! Here's hoping a lot of gamers use you in tournaments and-"

A clip of Cameron's Riolu evolving into Lucario played.

Keldeo blinked, "Oh, okay, I see you decided to show up in Unova too. Well, that's fine. Glad to see you, really. We all love you, Lucario, just try not to upstage Pika-."

Pictures of Korrina's and Gurkin's Lucarios appeared.

"Okay, that makes six of you, seven counting the Aura Sphere Riolu!" Keldeo said, "Maybe even eight if you count the fact that you're a permanent Smash Fighter! No wait, it's nine! Cynthia has a Lucario too! Even Jaws would be like 'hey dude, clam down!'"

"And if that isn't telling enough, I'd say Lucario is one of the top 5 Pokemon that star in Pokemon Fanfiction! I mean, universally. Across the board! Now, I personally know a whole bunch of a fanfic writers who love Lucario, and if you're a Keldeo the Critic fan, I'm sure you remember Lucario Fever on this show. We all got tired of seeing Jaws, but we seem to just never get tired of the Aura Pokemon!"

Keldeo tapped his chin and said, "So it begs the question: why is Lucario so popular?"

Keldeo nodded, "Well, I've put together a theory that tries to cover all the bases."

"First, Lucario not only had a movie, but he talked in his movie. We got to hear his inner thoughts and feelings directly, making him more identifiable. He wasn't just a powerful Pokemon that the villain was interested in or the mighty force that was going to save the day. He was a character with feelings, emotions, conflicts, and struggles. Plus, he really was a tragic hero in a his movie. He's really a lot like Mewtwo come to think of it."

"But wait, lots of Pokemon talked in their movies, like Shaymin, Victini . . ." Keldeo smiled sheepishly, ". . .me. . . so why did Lucario's popularity soar to hte point where I'd say he's actually more popular than Mewtwo?"

Keldeo smiled and said simply, "Anthropomorphism."

Keldeo held up a hoof and said, "Now, as for all you people who saw that condescending trailer for Disney's Zootopia, let's get things straight. Yes, anthropomorphic animals walk on two legs and have human qualities, but they don't need to use technology or wear clothes. You can consider fur as clothing if it makes you feel any better. Anyway, Lucario is an anthropomorphic dog, or jackal. 'So what?' you may ask? 'Why is Lucario being anthropomorphic such a big deal?"

Keldeo nodded thoughtfully, "Well, I'm not too sure. I know that people love anthropomorphic characters for their awesomeness or cuteness. Maybe being more human-like allows people to connect to the character more. All I know is that humans like characters who are like this."

"And come to think of it, I can't really think of any other anthropomorphic Pokemon. Sawk and Throh are more like stone golems. The Ralts evolutionary line aren't like animals at all. The Machop line aren't really animals either. The only other anthropomorphic Pokemon I can think of is maybe Blaziken, and while Blaziken isn't awful, he doesn't have the special advantages Lucario has."

Keldeo shrugged and said, "I mean, to be honest, Lucario just looks cool. Blue, black, and gold is a cool color scheme. He's also a martial arts master too."

Keldeo thought for a moment, and then said, "And I suppose the final linchpin is . . . well . . . humans really like the loyalty and companionship of dogs. It sure explains why fanfic writers like to write about human and Lucario duos. Some authors even insert themselves into fanfiction so they can connect with their Lucario. The Anime writers seem to know this when you see the way they write the connections the trainers have with their Pokemon, like Korrina and her Lucario. And the anthropomorphic qualities of a Lucario allows things to to be less pet-like and more like family. I think that's why people like anthropomorphism so much. The character isn't just an animal. Now it's more of a person you can have a better relationship with."

"So, with all of these elements taken into account, I'd say Lucario was destined for greatness the moment Lucario and the Mystery of Mew premiered."

". . . Besides, he's just awesome!"

Keldeo nodded excitedly and said, "I'm Keldeo the Critic. I review it so you don't have to."

THE END

Credits

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Zootopia- Disney

Jaws