Every starter in a new Pokémon generation erects an army of staunch defenders, but like it or not, some monsters are loved more than others. And for a couple of decades now, it seems like fire-type starters and grass-type starters keep taking turns stealing the spotlight. But when was the last time a water-type starter turned the collective fandom's head?

Fans seemed receptive to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Quaxly, but the blue duck was ultimately overshadowed by the cult of Sprigatito. I barely saw any hype for Sobble in the generation preceding Scarlet and Violet. The adorable Popplio did inspire a defense squad, but that support was a response to the widespread hatred the poor circus sea lion suffered when it was initially revealed. Oshawott was adorable, but Snivvy's smile stole more hearts back then. Piplup had some champions, but its fandom was pitiful compared to the church of Mudkip that preceded it. Really, there hasn't been a water-type starter in a long time who has inspired the level of cultural cache or devotion that Mudkip did, and that was more than two decades ago. (Froakie is beloved due to Greninja, its........

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