Magmar
Encyclopedia
Magmar, known as in Japan, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo
and Game Freak
's Pokémon
franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori
, Magmar first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue
(though only readily available in Blue) and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. It was given a pre-evolution called Magby in Pokémon Gold and Silver
, and an evolution called Magmortar in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
.
Known as the Spitfire Pokémon, Magmar is a Fire type Pokémon that is born in an active volcano
. It utilizes its heat and flames regularly such as adapting its environment to a comfortable temperature by blowing scorching flames around. It can also utilize lava
to heal its wounds. According to IGN
, its English name is derived from the word "magma
". It is commonly associated with fellow Red and Blue Pokémon Jynx
and Electabuzz.
Since it appeared in Red and Blue, Magmar has received mixed reception from critics. It was criticized for its appearance by GamesRadar
and Destructoid
which both wrote that its head resembled a butt. The Escapist
used it as an example of weird-looking Pokémon from Red and Blue while IGN found it to be inferior to its counterpart Electabuzz. IGN found it to be a good Pokémon in its own right while Official Nintendo Magazines readers named it the eighth best Fire type Pokémon.
for the first generation of Pocket Monsters games Red and Green, which were localized outside of Japan as Pokémon Red and Blue
. Originally called "Boober" in Japanese, Nintendo decided to give the various Pokémon species "clever and descriptive names" related to their appearance or features when translating the game for western audiences as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children. As a result its name was changed to Magmar. According to IGN
, Magmar's name comes from the word "magma".
Magmar, known as the Spitfire Pokémon, is born in an active volcano
. If a Magmar finds itself in a cold place, it will try to make it more habitable by blowing scorching flames around. It has the ability to expel orange-colored fire from every part of its body. Magmar cloaked in flames resemble a big ball of fire. Together with its matching body coloration, Magmar can quite easily hide itself among flames, escaping detection. If Magmar is actually wounded, it can heal itself by dipping its wounds in lava
. It evolves from Magby, and evolves into Magmortar using a special item.
. They continue to be a version exclusive in Pokémon LeafGreen
and Pokémon White
. Magmar normally appears in several sequels, including Pokémon Gold and Silver
, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
. In Gold and Silver, Magmar's pre-evolution, Magby, was introduced. In Diamond and Pearl, Magmar was given an evolved form, Magmortar, which is only obtainable when traded with a certain item.
, Magmar was first seen owned by the Gym Leader Blaine, in which it fought Ash
's Charizard
. Different Magmar are used by Gary Oak in the Silver Conference, and by Paul. In the Pokémon Adventures
manga, two Magmar were seen briefly burning up the Pewter Museum, where Red battled them using his Sandshrew before Giovanni finished them off with his Cloyster.
described Magmar and Jynx
as the Romeo and Juliet
of Pokémon. They also named it on their list of fugly Pokémon, noting that its forehead resembles a butt. GamesRadar's Carolyn Gudmundson included Magmar in her list of "the most overused Pokémon designs" as an example of a Pokémon that has "duck-like features" and wrote "Oh Magmar, what are we going to do with you?". Author Loredana Lipperini described Magmar as resembling a duck
. The Escapist
's John Funk commented that while the Pokémon in Pokémon Black and White
look weird, Red and Blue had weird Pokémon too, citing Magmar as well as Jynx
and Lickitung
.
IGN
criticized Magmar as being weaker than its counterpart Electabuzz, and much weaker than fellow Fire type Arcanine
. However, they noted that it still has its advantages. IGN's Jack DeVries used the headline "These ladies are hotter than a Magmar!" in his article on female Pokémon characters. Official Nintendo Magazines readers named Magmar the eighth best Fire type Pokémon; ONM editor wrote that it was a "cross between a mythical Salamander and a duck" and "an awesome Pokémon". Destructoid
's Jim Sterling included Magmar in his list of 30 "rubbish Pokémon" in Pokémon Red and Blue. He cited its "convoluted" design and that it "doesn't look even slightly decent". He also wrote that its appearance made it look like it had Down's syndrome and that its head resembles a butt. In another article, Sterling cited Magmar as an example of Blues inferior selection of Pokémon compared to Red.
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
and Game Freak
Game Freak
is a Japanese video game developer that currently creates games exclusively for Nintendo. It has developed the Pokémon series of role-playing games and several other games.-History:...
's Pokémon
Pokémon
is a media franchise published and owned by the video game company Nintendo and created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1996. Originally released as a pair of interlinkable Game Boy role-playing video games developed by Game Freak, Pokémon has since become the second most successful and lucrative video...
franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori
Ken Sugimori
is a Japanese video game designer, illustrator, manga artist, and director. He is most famous as the character designer and art director for the Pokémon franchise. Sugimori is also credited with the art direction for other titles, including Pulseman. Sugimori drew all of the original 151 Pokémon...
, Magmar first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red Version and Blue Version, originally released in Japan as , are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. They are the first installments to the Pokémon series. They were first released in Japan in 1996 as Red and Green, with Blue being...
(though only readily available in Blue) and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. It was given a pre-evolution called Magby in Pokémon Gold and Silver
Pokémon Gold and Silver
are the second installments of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color. The games have dual-mode capabilities allowing them to also be played on earlier Game Boy models. They were first released in Japan in 1999 and to...
, and an evolution called Magmortar in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. With the enhanced remake Pokémon Platinum, the games comprise the fifth installment and fourth generation of the Pokémon series of RPGs...
.
Known as the Spitfire Pokémon, Magmar is a Fire type Pokémon that is born in an active volcano
Volcano
2. Bedrock3. Conduit 4. Base5. Sill6. Dike7. Layers of ash emitted by the volcano8. Flank| 9. Layers of lava emitted by the volcano10. Throat11. Parasitic cone12. Lava flow13. Vent14. Crater15...
. It utilizes its heat and flames regularly such as adapting its environment to a comfortable temperature by blowing scorching flames around. It can also utilize lava
Lava
Lava refers both to molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruption and the resulting rock after solidification and cooling. This molten rock is formed in the interior of some planets, including Earth, and some of their satellites. When first erupted from a volcanic vent, lava is a liquid at...
to heal its wounds. According to IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
, its English name is derived from the word "magma
Magma
Magma is a mixture of molten rock, volatiles and solids that is found beneath the surface of the Earth, and is expected to exist on other terrestrial planets. Besides molten rock, magma may also contain suspended crystals and dissolved gas and sometimes also gas bubbles. Magma often collects in...
". It is commonly associated with fellow Red and Blue Pokémon Jynx
Jynx
Jynx, known in Japan as , is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Jynx first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of...
and Electabuzz.
Since it appeared in Red and Blue, Magmar has received mixed reception from critics. It was criticized for its appearance by GamesRadar
GamesRadar
GamesRadar is a multi-format video game website featuring regular news, previews, reviews, videos, and guides. It is owned and operated simultaneously in the UK and US by worldwide publisher Future Publishing...
and Destructoid
Destructoid
Destructoid is an independent video game-focused blog based in San Francisco, California that was founded in March 2006. It has since grown into one of the most widely read video game sites on the Internet, reaching more than 3 million unique visitors per month...
which both wrote that its head resembled a butt. The Escapist
The Escapist (magazine)
The Escapist is an online magazine covering video games, gamers, the gaming industry, and gaming culture. Published by the Themis Group, it was edited by Julianne Greer up to June 30, 2009, then by Russ Pitts through September 2011, and is currently edited by Steve Butts. The Escapist was first...
used it as an example of weird-looking Pokémon from Red and Blue while IGN found it to be inferior to its counterpart Electabuzz. IGN found it to be a good Pokémon in its own right while Official Nintendo Magazines readers named it the eighth best Fire type Pokémon.
Concept and characteristics
Magmar was one of several different designs conceived by Game Freak's character development team and finalized by Ken SugimoriKen Sugimori
is a Japanese video game designer, illustrator, manga artist, and director. He is most famous as the character designer and art director for the Pokémon franchise. Sugimori is also credited with the art direction for other titles, including Pulseman. Sugimori drew all of the original 151 Pokémon...
for the first generation of Pocket Monsters games Red and Green, which were localized outside of Japan as Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red Version and Blue Version, originally released in Japan as , are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. They are the first installments to the Pokémon series. They were first released in Japan in 1996 as Red and Green, with Blue being...
. Originally called "Boober" in Japanese, Nintendo decided to give the various Pokémon species "clever and descriptive names" related to their appearance or features when translating the game for western audiences as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children. As a result its name was changed to Magmar. According to IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
, Magmar's name comes from the word "magma".
Magmar, known as the Spitfire Pokémon, is born in an active volcano
Volcano
2. Bedrock3. Conduit 4. Base5. Sill6. Dike7. Layers of ash emitted by the volcano8. Flank| 9. Layers of lava emitted by the volcano10. Throat11. Parasitic cone12. Lava flow13. Vent14. Crater15...
. If a Magmar finds itself in a cold place, it will try to make it more habitable by blowing scorching flames around. It has the ability to expel orange-colored fire from every part of its body. Magmar cloaked in flames resemble a big ball of fire. Together with its matching body coloration, Magmar can quite easily hide itself among flames, escaping detection. If Magmar is actually wounded, it can heal itself by dipping its wounds in lava
Lava
Lava refers both to molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruption and the resulting rock after solidification and cooling. This molten rock is formed in the interior of some planets, including Earth, and some of their satellites. When first erupted from a volcanic vent, lava is a liquid at...
. It evolves from Magby, and evolves into Magmortar using a special item.
In the video games
Magmar first appears as a version exclusive Pokémon in Pokémon BluePokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red Version and Blue Version, originally released in Japan as , are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. They are the first installments to the Pokémon series. They were first released in Japan in 1996 as Red and Green, with Blue being...
. They continue to be a version exclusive in Pokémon LeafGreen
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
are enhanced remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Blue video games, which were released in 1996. The new titles were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance and have compatibility with the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter, which originally came bundled with...
and Pokémon White
Pokémon Black and White
are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. They are the first installments in the fifth generation of the Pokémon series of role-playing games...
. Magmar normally appears in several sequels, including Pokémon Gold and Silver
Pokémon Gold and Silver
are the second installments of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color. The games have dual-mode capabilities allowing them to also be played on earlier Game Boy models. They were first released in Japan in 1999 and to...
, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. With the enhanced remake Pokémon Platinum, the games comprise the fifth installment and fourth generation of the Pokémon series of RPGs...
, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
are enhanced remakes of the 1999 video games Pokémon Gold and Silver. The games are part of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games, and were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS...
. In Gold and Silver, Magmar's pre-evolution, Magby, was introduced. In Diamond and Pearl, Magmar was given an evolved form, Magmortar, which is only obtainable when traded with a certain item.
In other media
In the animePokémon (anime)
, abbreviated from , is a children's TV anime series, which has since been adapted for the North and South American, Australian and European television markets...
, Magmar was first seen owned by the Gym Leader Blaine, in which it fought Ash
Ash Ketchum
Ash Ketchum, known as for all appearances in Japan, is a fictional character in the Pokémon franchise owned by Nintendo. He was created by, and named after, Satoshi Tajiri as the protagonist of the anime and manga series, as well as on various merchandise related to the franchise...
's Charizard
Charizard
Charizard, known in Japan as , is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Charizard first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and subsequent sequels. They have later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and...
. Different Magmar are used by Gary Oak in the Silver Conference, and by Paul. In the Pokémon Adventures
Pokémon Adventures
Pokémon Adventures, released in Japan as , is a Pokémon-related manga based on the video games. Satoshi Tajiri once stated that the Pocket Monsters Special series is closest to what he imagined the Pokémon world to be:...
manga, two Magmar were seen briefly burning up the Pewter Museum, where Red battled them using his Sandshrew before Giovanni finished them off with his Cloyster.
Reception
Since appearing in Red and Blue, Magmar has received generally mixed reception. GamesRadarGamesRadar
GamesRadar is a multi-format video game website featuring regular news, previews, reviews, videos, and guides. It is owned and operated simultaneously in the UK and US by worldwide publisher Future Publishing...
described Magmar and Jynx
Jynx
Jynx, known in Japan as , is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Jynx first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of...
as the Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written early in the career of playwright William Shakespeare about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular archetypal stories of young, teenage lovers.Romeo and Juliet belongs to a...
of Pokémon. They also named it on their list of fugly Pokémon, noting that its forehead resembles a butt. GamesRadar's Carolyn Gudmundson included Magmar in her list of "the most overused Pokémon designs" as an example of a Pokémon that has "duck-like features" and wrote "Oh Magmar, what are we going to do with you?". Author Loredana Lipperini described Magmar as resembling a duck
Duck
Duck is the common name for a large number of species in the Anatidae family of birds, which also includes swans and geese. The ducks are divided among several subfamilies in the Anatidae family; they do not represent a monophyletic group but a form taxon, since swans and geese are not considered...
. The Escapist
The Escapist (magazine)
The Escapist is an online magazine covering video games, gamers, the gaming industry, and gaming culture. Published by the Themis Group, it was edited by Julianne Greer up to June 30, 2009, then by Russ Pitts through September 2011, and is currently edited by Steve Butts. The Escapist was first...
's John Funk commented that while the Pokémon in Pokémon Black and White
Pokémon Black and White
are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. They are the first installments in the fifth generation of the Pokémon series of role-playing games...
look weird, Red and Blue had weird Pokémon too, citing Magmar as well as Jynx
Jynx
Jynx, known in Japan as , is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Jynx first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of...
and Lickitung
Lickitung
Lickitung, known in Japan as , is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Lickitung first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed...
.
IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
criticized Magmar as being weaker than its counterpart Electabuzz, and much weaker than fellow Fire type Arcanine
Arcanine
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Arcanine first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and subsequent sequels. They have later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise...
. However, they noted that it still has its advantages. IGN's Jack DeVries used the headline "These ladies are hotter than a Magmar!" in his article on female Pokémon characters. Official Nintendo Magazines readers named Magmar the eighth best Fire type Pokémon; ONM editor wrote that it was a "cross between a mythical Salamander and a duck" and "an awesome Pokémon". Destructoid
Destructoid
Destructoid is an independent video game-focused blog based in San Francisco, California that was founded in March 2006. It has since grown into one of the most widely read video game sites on the Internet, reaching more than 3 million unique visitors per month...
's Jim Sterling included Magmar in his list of 30 "rubbish Pokémon" in Pokémon Red and Blue. He cited its "convoluted" design and that it "doesn't look even slightly decent". He also wrote that its appearance made it look like it had Down's syndrome and that its head resembles a butt. In another article, Sterling cited Magmar as an example of Blues inferior selection of Pokémon compared to Red.