Reception
Since it appeared in the Pokémon series, Charmander has received generally positive reception. It has appeared in several pieces of merchandise, including figures, plush toys, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It has been noted as a popular Halloween costume for the year of 1999. Also in 1999, it was speculated by analysts that Pokémon species, in particular Charmander and others, would become sought-after toys.
Controversy arose when it was mistakenly believed that Charmander's name, while in actuality being a combination of "char" and "salamander", meant "life without God." This was met with negative response, with one mother hosting a party consisting of her child and his friends, encouraging them to pledge to not play Pokémon anymore. In the book Dragonlore: From the Archives of the Grey School of Wizardry, author Ash Dekirk described Charmander as a "fire-breathing dragon". Author Loredana Lipperini cited Charmander as a popular Pokémon, suggesting that its popularity comes from its fiery tail. Author Mark Jacobson found the transition from Charmander to Charizard to be odd, questioning how a "baby" Pokémon can grow into a "two-hundred-pound monster whose breath can melt boulders." GamesRadar commented that while Charmander seems pitiful due to its flame tail, which burn more brightly depending on his mood/health, it grows into the cool-looking Charizard. GamesRadar editor Brett Elston stated that while it lacks the nuances of later similar starting Pokémon, it has "cutesy appeal" to it. In a humour article, GamesRadar editor Dave Meikleham listed Charmander as a video game creature who would make an "awesome pet", stating that it could serve as a makeshift campfire. IGN called Charmander a "great choice" for a player to choose; IGN editor "Pokémon of the Day Chick" in particular commented that while Charmander is at a disadvantage initially, it becomes great with patience. She added that it is popular amongst players who use it for its speed. The Escapist editor John Funk described Charmander as "cute", using its evolution into Charizard as an example of an extreme evolutionary change in the series. Chicago Tribune editor Darryl E. Owens described Charmander as "adorable". San Antonio-Express News editor Susan Yerkes described Charmander as "disgustingly cute". Teen Ink editor Kathryn J. called Charmander her favorite Pokémon.
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