Pokemon is a game that's near and dear to my heart. Once it was created in 1995 by the company Nintendo, along with Game Freak, The Pokemon Company and creatures became trends that started to take the world by storm. As a successful video game, anime, trading card and manga franchise, it has grown in popularity tremendously since its beginning. As a kid growing up with Pokemon, I was enamored by the vast number of creatures and colors. Now with the recent success of Pokemon Go and the newest installment of the video game, I figured now is a good time to talk about a few of my favorite Pokemon.

Treeko/Grovyle/Sceptile

Treeko and Grovyle are my hands down favorite starter Pokemon. They were first released in the third generation of Pokemon, and I've loved them since. Being grass types, they are deeply connected with nature and the environment. Besides their background, just look at them! Treeko has a stick in his mouth and Grovyle just looks awesome! Don't mess with these guys!

Gengar

Gengar is one of the original Pokemon, and quite honestly he is one of the best-designed Pokemon. His purple demeanor helps set a creepy tone for his looks. Being a ghost type, they are definitely supposed to be creepy. One of its descriptions says, “It is said to emerge from darkness to steal the lives of those who become lost in mountains.” This isn't one to find alone in a dark alley, but that's what makes it so cool.

Magcargo

Magcargo is a dual fire-rock type Pokemon released in the third generation (my favorite generation), and it is just cool looking. It is one of my favorites because it was in my final party in that game, which eventually allowed me to beat the final battle. He is a strong, defensive Pokemon that can burn anyone who touches it.

Pikachu

One of the originals that most everyone thinks of when they think of Pokemon. As a mascot, Pikachu is everywhere, and rightfully so. The cute electric mouse is not only strong, but he's a fan favorite. I remember growing up with my Pikachu plushy that I would sleep with almost every night. He was one of, if not my first, Pokemon card. It's pretty hard not to like that little guy!

Wooper

Wooper is just one of my favorite Pokemon names to say. He is a ridiculously strong Pokemon, especially after he evolves, that is the epitome of going with the flow. As a water and ground type, there isn't much that is super effective when battling it making it that much more valuable.

Breloom

Breloom is in the running for my favorite Pokemon of all time. Out of 721 Pokemon thus far, he is definitely in my top five. Not only is he strong in the games, being a grass-fighting type, he looks tough. Those arms may look small but they can deliver an uppercut like you wouldn't believe. It's like a mushroom that can fight. What isn't awesome about that?

Spheal

Look at this cutie. He's literally just a ball of fun. Spheal is an ice-type Pokemon that loves to be in cold places. I mean look at him, how could you not love him? Can't you imagine this little guy rolling around in the snow shooting snowballs back at you? Sounds like a bunch of fun to me.

Vanillite

Another ice-type Pokemon but no less cute than the last. This is an ice cream cone in its entirety. He's a newer Pokemon that can be easily missed but shouldn't be. Ice types are valuable in the game because there aren't as many of them as other types. Besides that, his evolutions just add more and more cones and scoops to him. What can be better than more ice cream?

Litwik/Lampent/Chandelure

These guys are another contender for my favorite Pokemon of all time. I think it is very ingeniously designed because it goes from a candle to a chandelier. Being a dual ghost-fire type, this is definitely a threat to everyone in the game. It uses flames to hypnotize its victims and lull them to sleep. Besides that, it can hide as a chandelier and take people by surprise. What's not to love?