Build-A-Bear’s newestPokémoncollaboration features the Gen-1 Pokémon, Cubone. Build-A-Bear’s specialty is its in-person experience, which allows visitors to make their very own plushie friend by selecting, customizing, and stuffing it. The company also has a line of online-exclusive selections, and among these is a line of Pokémon collaboration toys.
Some of the Build-A-Bear Pokémon are morerecent additions to the franchise, like Mimikyu, Munchlax, and Fuecoco. A few of the original 151 Pokémon do make an appearance on the make-your-own-plushie store’s website, though, and nowCubone has joined their ranks.
The collab, announced on theBuild-A-BearX account, features theground-type Pokémon Cubone with his signature skull helmet and bone staff.The special online-exclusive bundle also includes a cute patterned brown poncho adorned with Pokéballs, a blue-and-gold droopy hat, a blankie, and a compilation of five Cubone sounds.
Build-A-Bear’s Version Of Cubone Keeps The Pokémon’s Dark Lore
No One Knows What’s Actually Under The Skull
Cubone might look like a cute Pokémon, but there’sa very dark story behind the little dinosaur-like critter.According to in-game lore, the skull Cubone wears on its head is the skull of its dead mother, Marowak. The lines on the side of the skull aren’t cracks, as they may first appear, but rather stains from the many tears the little Cubone has cried in its loneliness. Pokémon legends state that no one knows what’s under the skull helmet, thoughCubone may have links to Kangaskan.
New Pokémon Merch Collab Has An Item For All 151 Gen 1 Pokémon
The newly launched Pokémon x Skinnydip merch collab is massive, with clothes and phone cases for every single one of the original 151 Pokémon.
The Pokémon’s listing on theBuild-A-Bearwebsite doesn’t shy away from this darker side. Instead,the listing embraces the story and uses it to tug on fans' heartstrings,sharing that the Pokémon is lonely and that the memory of its departed mother often brings it to mournful tears. The listing tells fans that Cubone will be “a little less lonely when Pokémon Trainers add this adorable Cubone plush to their team.”
The Pokémon Was a Good Choice For A Plushie
There are few Pokémon as inherently huggable as Cubone. From the first time we’re introduced to him way back in the original Pokémon games, Cubone has been reshaping the way we see the franchise. In a world where Pokémon “faint” instead of dying, the clear allusion to the death of a mother was a bold choice.
The Pokémon’s sad storymakes me want to make sure he never feels lonely again.On a more serious note, the plushie could also be therapeutic for anyone who’s unfortunately had to experience this kind of loneliness in their life. The Cubone bundle is now available for purchase online in the US for $70.50. ThePokémonwill arrive in physical stores in the US as well as online and physical stores in the UK soon.
