Don't Be a Bulbasaur

At first look, the trading card phenomenon Pokemon may seem like it's only for children. For example, all your adult sensibilities will command you to roll your eyes when you hear the word Squirtle, which of course is a kind of Pokemon that looks like a turtle and squirts liquid...

By John Linn

January 1, 2009

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At first look, the trading card phenomenon Pokemon may seem like it's only for children. For example, all your adult sensibilities will command you to roll your eyes when you hear the word Squirtle, which of course is a kind of Pokemon that looks like a turtle and squirts liquid at attackers. But if you really examine some of these strange, made-up creatures, you'll start to notice clues that maybe the massively popular card game is not just for kids. Look at the Jigglypuff: It's a Pokemon that lulls its victims to sleep with song before whipping out a magic marker and writing all over their faces. We've seen this before, adults! Jigglypuff is an effin' frat boy.

So while you may or may not be playing yourself, you're likely to have plenty to chuckle over when you take your son/daughter/younger sibling to today's Miami Pokemon Championship. The free-to-enter tourney will pit card players half your age against each other in calculated combat. Watch as they use their decks, composed of a strategic selection of trainer and monster cards, to annihilate Pokemon like Mewtwo and Marowak on their way to glory. At the end of the day, the top Pokemon wrangler will pull down a City Championship medal, free booster packs, and ranking points which can qualify them for the world tournament held annually in San Diego. And who knows - maybe you'll find yourself trying to "catch them all" too before the tourney is over.

The 10:30 a.m. "squirtling" takes place at Outland Station Comic Shop, located at 12540 SW 120th St. in Miami. To register send an e-mail to Heidi Craig at [email protected], or visit floridapokemon.com.
Sat., Jan. 3, 10:30 a.m., 2009

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