Popplio

Popplio in the anime

Popplio appeared in Alola to New Adventure! as Lana's main Pokémon, evolving into Brionne in Evolving Research! and into Primarina in The One That Didn't Get Away!.

Popplio's origins and cards

Popplio shares its Sea Lion Pokémon category with Seel and Dewgong, and it may be based on a sea lion and Hawaiian monk seal with circus clown elements, its bubble-blowing echoing the classic sea lion trick of balancing a ball on its nose or the hooded seal's inflatable nasal cavity. Sun & Moon gave Popplio a Common by Kouki Saitou, who also illustrated its McDonald's Collection 2017 card, and Lost Thunder added two further Commons; two SM Black Star promos also exist. It later appeared on a McDonald's Collection 2021 promo, a Mega Evolution era MEP promo, and Pitch Black's Common illustrated by Oswaldo KATO. Its evolutionary line is the only first partner family with a piscine, fish-like body, and Popplio's Japanese name and its romanization were revealed through an April 2016 trademark filing.

Cards to know

• Popplio (Sun & Moon #39)

  Sun & Moon's Common Popplio illustrated by Kouki Saitou, its main set printing.

• Popplio (Lost Thunder #64)

  Lost Thunder's Common Popplio illustrated by Hitoshi Ariga.

• Popplio (Pitch Black #018)

  Pitch Black's Common Popplio illustrated by Oswaldo KATO, from the Mega Evolution era.