Catching 'Em All at Pokémon Day
So many years of running events, and somehow, I’ve never run one for kids.
Not a conscious choice, just a demographic thing, I guess. There have been lots of kids at events (queueing for the big YouTube stars, or running free at store launches, hoping their get their mucky mitts on goody bags), but I’ve never focused an event on kids specifically. And I’ve seen them reach critical mass like they did on Tuesday, and our themed Pokémon Day.
And, oh my gods…
Pokémon’s an historic series, we know this. It stretches back to ‘96, when Red and Green came out for the Game Boy, and then the original card game, later that year. In ‘98, the card game was released in English and Pokémon exploded globally, catching us all with its first television show. And I’m sure we remember the joys (and occasional horrors) of Pokémon Go, in 2016. Like all big licenses, its grown across continents, platforms, merchandising, and multiple generations.
With that in mind, I probably should’ve anticipated the sheer volume of small people who turned up for the event. Compete with their Pokémon t-shirts and Pikachu hats, they covered the shop floor with coats and boxes and folders and enthusiasm, with cards everywhere and snacks and helpings of lunch. Accompanied by some wonderfully patient parents, they all got very, very excited.
The thing about kids is their <energy>. Yes, it was crazy, yes, it was busy, yes, they were everywhere, following our ‘catch ‘em all’ treasure trail round the floor, but the vibe was so positive that it was impossible to feel overwhelmed (we all had a good a time as they did, seriously). There was no squabbling, no antics, no arguing, no shenanigans. Each small person was swapping their cards and loving their new ones, and following our trail, completely immersed in the moment. They came away with grins, with stickers and sweetie and a load of new friends, and with parents who were delighted that little Bobbi’d had such a good time.
It was amazing thing to see, and to be a part of. A couple of hours of hundred a fifty kids, all there in person (no, I don’t mind kids having games or screens, but seeing them in bookshops is the best thing) radiant with (quite loud) enjoyment. They were sharing something they loved, and it very much reflected the nature of the Pokémon show, and its themes of friendship and trust.
Pokémon continues to climb in popularity, thanks to (ironically) Pokémon TCG Pocket and all the recent booster packs (not commenting on its darker underbelly, not here). Like so many tiny, nerdy youthful joys that’ve blossomed into sensations so huge, it’s a wonderful thing to witness.
And I hope those small people will grow up into big ones who’ll still remember the magic.
Reading: A couple of cheeky quick reads, starting The Promised Neverland as my manga of the Month, and returning to a childhood have with The Incredible Journey, which I <loved> as a nipper. My memories of the story were so clear, and the book just as wonderful as it has ever been.
Watching: Andor, still, and reaching the middle of the second season and dear dogs, it's amazing. Aside from Andor himself, we're watching Mon with absolute fascination, loving her games and dealing, and how she fights a completely different kind of war, with a whole different arsenal of weapons. We get so used to lightsaber duels that we forget the power of words.
Playing: With the end of our Cormyr campaign, we start Al-Qadim next month. Have played it before, very briefly and many years ago, and am looking forward to going back!
