Mewtwo is one of the Pokémon , and has been since the days of Red Mewtwo 's origins as one of the few artificial beings make it extremely unique, and the anime had no shortage of conflicts to explore the Pokémon's struggles to accept its own nature.
The film initially presents Mewtwo in a mysterious manner, covering him with strange armor that suppresses his abilities and allows him to be more easily controlled. Giovanni uses Mewtwo to carry out a series of evil deeds until he finally escapes, setting up the plot of the first Pokémon film, Mewtwo Strikes Back.
Furthermore, the film reveals much about Mewtwo's origins, his feelings about his status as an artificial being, and his hatred of humanity in general, sparked by the way his creators treated him. Between Mewtwo's feelings about Giovanni and Mew, it's safe to say he has some daddy issues to work through.
Giovanni's Creation and Use of Mewtwo
About 20 years before the original Pokémon anime, an expedition found a Mew's eyelash, prompting a team of scientists, led by Dr. Fuji and funded by Team Rocket, to use the 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 dead 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 supposed to serve. The scientists were overjoyed at his power, but that joy quickly turned to terror when he went on a rampage throughout the laboratory, killing his own creators when he realized they valued him not 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 it was merely being used. However, it 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 used. This was when it devised its plan to dominate and destroy the world.
The problems that made him an attractive character
Mewtwo is far from the only artificial Pokémon. Even in the first generation, there was also Porygon, an artificial Pokémon designed to interact with computer systems. However, Mewtwo is portrayed as the only one struggling with its existence, searching for meaning in its life.
Mewtwo's hatred for humanity is understandable, given his life experiences. It's clear that the Pokémon's creators never expected him to be so intelligent and weren't prepared to deal with the kind of questions he had. Mewtwo's issues with his creators are largely feelings 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 is deeply confident in his power, but secretly deeply insecure about his status as a clone. To prove to himself that he is more than just a Mew imitation, Mewtwo dedicates himself to trying to defeat Mew, who truly has little idea of what is going on.
In a sense, it's a very traditional father-versus-son situation, with Mewtwo desperate to equal 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 line, Mewtwo has finally accepted his status as a clone and no longer feels the need to prove himself more powerful than Mew.
Experiences with Creator Ash and his changes
He has a few appearances outside of the original film, a rarity for a series of films. Mewtwo appears in a special during the Gold and Silver era, Mewtwo Returns , which sees Ash and friends discover Mewtwo's cloned Pokémon settlement on Mount Quena, just in time for Team Rocket to attack and attempt to reclaim Mewtwo. Ash, Misty, and Brock help Mewtwo defend his home and fight Team Rocket, despite having 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. 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 tinged with envy that he hasn't yet found a motivating purpose like theirs.
Ultimately, there's truly no other Pokémon that can compare to Mewtwo when it comes to character depth. By making Mewtwo an individual, the Pokémon creates a tragic and emotionally wrought figure that would instantly become a series icon. Mewtwo may be an artificial being, but his existential questions are a central experience for everyone, making him by far the most relatable Pokémon figure.
So, guys, what's your favorite Pokémon? Leave a comment and see you next time!
