Mewtwo is one of the most popular Pokémon Red Mewtwo 's origins as one of the few artificial beings make it extremely unique, and the anime has had no shortage of conflicts to explore the Pokémon's struggles in accepting its own nature.
Initially, the film presents Mewtwo in a mysterious way, covering him with strange armor that suppresses his abilities and allows him to be controlled more easily. Giovanni uses Mewtwo to carry out a series of evil acts, until he finally escapes, setting in motion the plot of the first Pokémon movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back.
Furthermore, the film reveals much about Mewtwo's origins, his feelings about his status as an artificial being, and his hatred for humanity in general, fueled by the way his creators treated him. Among Mewtwo's feelings about Giovanni and Mew, it's safe to say he has some issues with his father to resolve.
Creation and use of Mewtwo by Giovanni
About 20 years before the original Pokémon anime, an expedition found an eyelash of Mew, which led a team of scientists, led by Dr. Fuji and funded by Team Rocket, to use this DNA to create a cloned being with enhanced powers: Mewtwo. Dr. Fuji had ulterior motives, however; he was seeking to perfect the cloning mechanism to bring his deceased daughter, Amber, back to life.
Mewtwo met Amber's clone, who introduced him to the wonders of the world shortly before she (and all the other clones besides Mewtwo) died. This left the Pokémon heartbroken and confused, wondering what purpose he was meant to serve. The scientists were overjoyed with his power, but this joy quickly turned to terror when he began a rampage of destruction through the laboratory, killing his own creators when he realized they didn't value him as a being, but as a successful experiment.
Mewtwo was then approached by Giovanni, unaware of his role in its creation. Giovanni tried to convince the Pokémon to work with him, but it soon became clear to Mewtwo that he was merely being used. However, he hated Giovanni, and soon began to hate all of humanity, feeling that all humans were the same selfish beings. Mewtwo began to see other Pokémon as being used as well, and despised them for their weakness in being exploited. It was then that he devised his plan to dominate and destroy the world.
The problems that made him a compelling character
Mewtwo is far from being the only artificial Pokémon. Even in the first generation, there is also Porygon, an artificial Pokémon designed to interact with computer systems. However, Mewtwo is portrayed as the only one to anguish over its existence, searching for meaning in its life.
Mewtwo's hatred for humanity is understandable, given his life experiences. It's clear that the creators of Pokémon never expected him to be so intelligent and weren't prepared to deal with the kinds of questions he had. Mewtwo's issues with his creators are, in large part, feelings that everyone will experience at some point in their lives, making his existential questioning very relatable.
Mewtwo and Mew in Pokémon
Mewtwo's feelings toward Mew are more complicated. Mewtwo has great confidence in his power, but is secretly very insecure about his status as a clone. To prove to himself that he is more than just an imitation of Mew, Mewtwo dedicates himself to trying to defeat Mew, who actually has little idea what is going on.
In a sense, it's a very traditional father-versus-son situation, with Mewtwo desperate to be like his progenitor. Throughout the film, and Mewtwo's subsequent appearances in the anime, he learns that not all humans are like Giovanni, and Ash's sacrifice helps him realize this: "It's what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." With this statement, Mewtwo finally accepted his status as a clone, and no longer feels the need to prove that he is more powerful than Mew.
Experiences with creator Ash and his changes
He makes a few appearances outside of the original film, something very rare for films based on the series. Mewtwo appears in a special during the Gold and Silver era, Mewtwo Returns , which sees Ash and his friends discovering the settlement of cloned Pokémon of Mewtwo on Mount Quena, just in time for Team Rocket to attack and try to recapture Mewtwo. Ash, Misty, and Brock help Mewtwo defend his home and fight Team Rocket, despite the fact that they have no memory of the events of the first film.
Mewtwo also appears in an episode of Pokémon Journeys . Here, Goh and Ash encounter Mewtwo again, this time protecting a small island of Pokémon abused by humans. He doesn't reveal whether he recognizes Ash, but Ash does recognize him. Mewtwo questions them about their goals and eventually agrees to a battle, though Mewtwo easily overpowers their Pokémon. Mewtwo seems impressed by their determination and zeal for life, perhaps with a touch of envy for not yet having found a motivating purpose like they had.
Ultimately, there really isn't any other Pokémon that can compare to Mewtwo when it comes to depth of character. By making Mewtwo an individual, the Pokémon creates a tragic and emotionally forged figure that would instantly become an icon of the series. Mewtwo may be an artificial being, but its existential questions are a central experience for everyone, making it the most relatable Pokémon figure by far.
So, guys, what's your favorite Pokémon? Leave a comment below and see you next time!