Pokemon vs. Digimon

Back in the day, these Pokemon and Digimon dominated the television ratings in the epic battle between Kids WB & FOX Kids (back when the two networks actually cared about kids and put programming on 6 days a week). Now, it’s time to settle the epic debate between the two shows. These will be based on various factors which include: Premise, Plot, Theme Song, Recognition/Ratings, Longevity, and Creativity. Not included in the debate will be history. Although the Pokemon TV series did come first, the Digimon virtual pet toy in Japan was released first. Subsequently, it is a little ignorant to say one copied the other. The similarities are as far as: cute creatures with owners who can evolve.

Part 1: Premise
The premise of Pokemon is as follows: A kid named Ash Ketchum, who doesn’t have to go school, gets to go  catch wild creatures named Pokemon all over the world, while battling gym leaders in an effort to “catch them all”. Subsequently, new species of Pokemon emerge every season in an effort to continue ratings, and market new toys to the general market.

The premise of Digimon is as follows: A group of digi-destined have to go to save the Digital World in an effort to prevent the two worlds from colliding (or something along those lines). In the process they get Digital Monsters to help them on their quest. From season to season, the plot changes – most radically in season 3 where everything in the first two seasons was fake.

Both premises sound particularly lame in writing, but great in execution. Subsequently, neither will be awarded a point in this arena.
Pokemon: Digimon 0:0

Part 2: Plot

I’m basically a sucker for shows that actually continue. While Digimon tries to actually tells a story with a plot that continues from episode to episode in a serialized format (as season 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 have done), Pokemon seems to have more “filler” episodes that are episodic in nature. The whole point of Ash’s journey is to become a Pokemon Master. This was done well in Season 1 where he had to eventually get to the Indigo League…. but where he unfortunately lost. Though the plot seems to now be within the same lines, him continuing to be a Pokemon master, it has no definite ending (it will basically be until things don’t sell anymore – games, Pokemon merchandise, etc.). Digimon has a plot – every season wrapped up a little story that carried over from episode to episode, subsequently making the plot better. Furthermore, there’s more action and a reason for the Digi-Destined to exist. Digimon have to save the world, while Pokemon battle each other…. for sport. Thus, Digimon gets a point.
Pokemon: 0 Digimon: 1

Part 3: Theme Song

Pokemon:

Digimon:

Both are particular catchy, but I’m going to have to give this one to Pokemon. Because, simply put, everyone is more familiar and actually remembers it, and it’s particularly more inspirational than Digimon. “Digital are the Champions” vs. “I want to be the very best”. It’s simple actually.
Pokemon: 1 Digimon: 1

Part 4: Recognitions/Ratings/Profits
Pokemon wins in this arena. They were on the air for longer, and has garnered a dedicated fanbase. Digimon lost much of its fans when it basically wiped out all existing characters from Season 1 and 2 by introducing a radically new plot in Season 3. Even the newer seasons 4 and 5 on Jetix can’t live up to the glory days of the first 2. Though the first two seasons of Digimon had great ratings as compared to Pokemon’s first few, Pokemon still garners major profits in CW Kids, and subsequently wins in this arena.
Pokemon: 2 Digimon: 1

Part 5: Longevity
Again, Pokemon has been on longer, and continues to be on. Digimon is still on, but on a cable network Jetix, with very little likelihood of its sixth season airing. Thus, +3 Points to Pokemon, and +1 to Digimon.
Pokemon: 3 Digimon: 1

Part 6: Creativity
Pokemon is kind of unoriginal when it comes to new episodes. Granted, I haven’t seen most of the new episodes, but the basic skeleton of an episode of Pokemon might be a filler plot + Team Rocket trying to take over. Digimon on the other hand, hasn’t been afraid to think outside of the boxing. Instead of keeping their wonderful cast from season 1, they created a newer one in season 2 (keeping 2/7 of the original digi-destined by main characters), and then a completely new cast in season 3. Although I think this led directly to its downfall, I’m going to give Digimon a point for being creative.
Pokemon: 3 Digimon: 2

In the end, that makes Pokemon the clear winner. It’s still on the air, still adored by many, and still selling. Though I enjoyed Digimon back in its day, I can’t say I didn’t enjoy Pokemon either. In the end they do two wells: They’re both cute and destroy evil. I wouldn’t personally make a decision on which I liked better, but I think the decision has already been made for me by network executives. I

What do you think?

(polls)