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What makes a Pokémon truly iconic?
Let’s discuss: what makes a Pokémon iconic? Is it power? Popularity? A great cry? A strong role in the anime? Tell us what you think makes a Pokémon stand out as a fan-favorite - and which Pokémon you think best fits that label.
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All of the above.
Mewtwo made a major impression on the fanbase through its power as the post-game legendary Pokémon, its key place in the lore of Kanto, its connection to Mew (which captured the minds of the young fanbase in its own right) and its presence in the first Pokémon movie. It hit all the bases and there is a reason it still enjoys its place in the franchise even today.
Of course, Pokémon can be popular for other reasons, cuteness chief among them. Pikachu is the most deliberately pushed on this front and was highly important in the anime. But others like Eevee, Piplup, Jigglypuff and many more are iconic for that reason.
Cries are a more obscure reason. Given the limit sound capabilities of early Nintendo handhelds, it was difficult for Pokémon to stand out. I think the Regis made an impression for that reason, coupled with the esoteric nature of encountering them in gen 3. But when it comes to iconic Pokémon cries, there is one that stands above the rest.
An image you can hear.
But I would say another factor would be a unique encounter. If you encounter a Pokémon in an unusual or shocking way, that also leaves an impression. The aforementioned Mewtwo and Regis are obvious examples, but I would also point to Rotom.
For years I thought it was a legendary Pokémon because you only encountered one, and it was in such a unique and spooky location. I was surprised years later when it became a regular encounter and was so prolific that much of the technology of the Pokémon world down to smart phones use Rotom.
I wonder if it was intended to be legendary, but plans changed.
Anyway, I would say the key to making a Pokémon iconic would be to have it stand out in some way that every other Pokémon you encounter does not. Its location, its place in the lore, its power, its design or cry, some strange fact in the Pokédex... sometimes it can be forced by the creators, but these days I would say it needs more than just being legendary and powerful to make a real impact.
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