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epname=Sparks Fly for Magnemite|
epname=Sparks Fly for Magnemite|
prevonum=089|
prevonum=089|
current=At [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]]|
noevo=incap |
enva1=[[Michael Haigney]] ([[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]])<br>[[Tom Wayland]] ({{TPCi}})|
current=[[Professor Oak's Laboratory]]|
enva1=[[Michael Haigney]] <small>([[EP030]]-[[AG133]])</small><br>[[Tom Wayland]] <small>([[DP182]]-[[BW123]])</small><br>[[Carter Cathcart]] <small>([[SM042]]-[[JN147]])</small>|
java1=[[Unshō Ishizuka]]|
java1=[[Unshō Ishizuka]]|
}}
}}
'''Ash's Muk''' (Japanese: '''サトシのベトベトン''' ''Satoshi's Betbeton'') was the ninth {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} caught by {{Ash}} during his travels through [[Kanto]].
'''Ash's Muk''' (Japanese: '''サトシのベトベトン''' ''Satoshi's Betbeton'') was the tenth overall {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that {{Ash}} obtained in the [[Kanto]] [[region]].


==History==
==In the anime==
===Kanto===
===History===
[[File:Muk Grimer EP030.png|thumb|left|200px|Ash's Muk in its debut]]
====[[Original series]]====
Ash caught Muk in the episode ''[[EP030|Sparks Fly for Magnemite]]''. Ash and {{ashfr|his friends}} were traveling through [[Gringey City]], which was in the midst of a power failure. The local power plant was being overrun by the mysterious {{type2|Poison}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, {{p|Grimer}}. After the swarm was located, the Grimer's leader, a {{p|Muk}}, came and challenged the Trainers. However, the vast numbers of {{p|Magnemite}} and {{p|Magneton}} in the city combined attacks to clear out the Grimer, leaving only Muk. With the aid of {{AP|Pikachu}} and a {{p|Magnemite}} that was following it due to an electrical build up, Ash defeated and captured the Muk. It was then immediately sent to Oak's lab because its stench was so rancid that it could seep through the [[Poké Ball]]. However, Muk's horrid smell seemed to have disappeared in later episodes as neither Ash, nor anyone around him, was affected by it.
=====Kanto=====
[[File:Jeanette Fisher Bellsprout Ash Muk.png|thumb|Ash's Muk easily absorbing attacks]]
[[File:Ash Muk with Grimer.png|thumb|left|220px|Muk leading its Grimer swarm]]
Muk's first battle was in ''[[EP077|The Fourth Round Rumble]]'', where it was selected for use in the [[Indigo Plateau Conference]]. After [[Jeanette Fisher]]'s high-level {{p|Bellsprout}} had trounced {{AP|Bulbasaur}} and {{AP|Pikachu}}, Muk made a surprise appearance as Ash's third Pokémon. Muk easily absorbed Bellsprout's physical moves and {{m|Razor Leaf}} and then simply smothered Bellsprout with {{m|Body Slam}}, winning the match for Ash.
In ''[[EP030|Sparks Fly for Magnemite]]'', Ash and {{ashfr}} were traveling through [[Gringey City]], which was in the midst of a power failure. The local power plant was being overrun by the mysterious {{type|Poison}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} {{p|Grimer}}. After the swarm was located, the Grimer's leader, a Muk, challenged the group, immediately ordering the Grimer to attack the kids. However, the vast numbers of {{p|Magnemite}} and {{p|Magneton}} in the city combined attacks to clear out the Grimer, leaving only Muk. With the aid of {{AP|Pikachu}} and a Magnemite that was following it due to an electrical build-up, Ash defeated and captured the Muk. It was then immediately sent to [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] because its stench was so rancid that it could seep through the {{i|Poké Ball}}. However, Muk's horrid smell seemed to have disappeared by its later appearances as neither Ash, nor anyone around him, has been affected by it since its debut.


Muk was briefly called in ''[[EP102|The Mystery Menace]]'', where Ash used Muk to help him and {{Tracey}} find {{an|Misty}}, {{TP|Misty|Togepi}} and {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, who was kidnapped by a giant {{p|Bulbasaur}} in a sewer. Muk and Kingler also offered to fight for Ash in the Orange Island Championship battle against [[Drake (Orange League)|Drake]] in ''[[EP111|Hello, Pummelo!]]'', but Ash chose {{AP|Tauros}} instead.
Muk reappeared in ''[[EP065|Showdown at the Po-ké Corral]]'' when Ash, {{an|Misty}}, {{an|Brock}}, and {{Gary}} visited Professor Oak's Laboratory. It was revealed that Muk's personality had become more like Oak's after spending so much time with him, and it lovingly tackled him to the ground to hug him.
[[File:Muk eager to fight.png|thumb|200px|left|Muk asking Ash to let it fight]]
[[File:Jeanette Fisher Bellsprout Ash Muk.png|thumb|220px|Muk easily absorbing attacks]]
Muk was reunited with Ash when he returned home in ''[[EP115|A Tent Situation]]''. Muk insisted on fighting Team Rocket, and Ash ordered it into battle instead of choosing Bulbasaur. Muk managed to resist {{m|Razor Leaf}} attacks from [[James]]'s {{TP|James|Victreebel}}, and showed off its newly learned {{m|Poison Gas}} when it bit down on it in an attempt to use {{m|PoisonPowder}}. {{TP|Jessie|Lickitung}}'s {{m|Lick}} was even less effective, wiping Muk's face ineffectively to the point of causing pleasure instead of damage. It was then put to sleep by {{m|Sleep Powder}}, but awoke after [[Gary Oak]] intervened and drove Team Rocket away.
Muk's first {{pkmn|battle}} was in ''[[EP077|The Fourth Round Rumble]]'', where it was selected for use in the [[Indigo Plateau Conference]]. After [[Jeanette Fisher]]'s high-level {{p|Bellsprout}} had trounced {{AP|Bulbasaur}} and Pikachu, Muk made a surprise appearance as Ash's third Pokémon. Muk easily absorbed Bellsprout's physical moves and {{m|Razor Leaf}} and then simply smothered it with {{m|Body Slam}}, winning the match for Ash.


===Johto===
=====Orange Islands=====
[[File:Ash Muk Gary Scizor.png|thumb|200px|Muk battling Gary's Scizor]]
In ''[[EP102|The Mystery Menace]]'', Ash used Muk to help him and {{Tracey}} find Misty, {{TP|Misty|Togepi}}, and Bulbasaur, who were kidnapped by a giant {{p|Bulbasaur}} in the sewers of [[Trovitopolis]]. Muk and {{AP|Kingler}} also offered to fight for Ash in the [[Winner's Trophy]] match against {{OBP|Drake|Orange League}} in ''[[EP111|Hello, Pummelo!]]'', but Ash chose {{AP|Tauros}} instead.
Muk's only other major battle was when Ash called it up from Oak's Lab in ''[[EP270|Can't Beat the Heat!]]'', along with {{AP|Heracross}}, {{AP|Tauros}} and {{AP|Snorlax}} in order to fight {{Gary}} in the [[Silver Conference]]. It was sent out originally to fight {{TP|Gary|Blastoise}}, and the two fought to a stalemate, with Muk's newly learned {{m|Sludge Bomb}} deflected by {{m|Rapid Spin}} and Blastoise's physical attacks absorbed into Muk's body. Ash pulled Muk for his {{AP|Bayleef}} quickly after. It was sent out to fight {{p|Scizor}} later, who dodged a Sludge Bomb easily. Whilst Muk absorbed both {{m|Quick Attack}} and {{m|Metal Claw}}, Scizor was able to throw Muk, and defeated it with {{m|Swift}}.
[[File:Muk eager to fight.png|thumb|left|220px|Muk asking Ash to let it fight]]
Muk was reunited with Ash when he returned home in ''[[EP115|A Tent Situation]]''. Muk insisted on fighting {{TRT}}, and Ash ordered it into battle instead of choosing Bulbasaur. Muk managed to resist {{m|Razor Leaf}} attacks from [[James's Victreebel]] and {{TP|Jessie|Lickitung}}'s {{m|Lick}} was even less effective, wiping Muk's face ineffectively to the point of causing pleasure instead of damage. It was then put to sleep by {{m|Sleep Powder}} but awoke after Gary intervened and drove Team Rocket away.


Muk made an appearance in the special episodes, where it was seen crushing [[Cassidy]], [[Butch]] and all of the stolen Poké Balls. It was also seen crushing Tracey when he opened the door to Oak's Lab to {{Delia}}.
=====Johto=====
[[File:Ash Muk Gary Scizor.png|thumb|220px|Muk battling Gary's Scizor]]
In ''[[EP145|A Farfetch'd Tale]]'', Muk crowded into Ash's screen with Kingler, Tauros, and {{AP|Snorlax}} to wish him luck for his next Gym battle with [[Whitney]]. In ''[[EP255|Why? Wynaut!]]'', it, along with Bulbasaur, Kingler, and Snorlax, abruptly ended a call with Ash when they crushed Professor Oak in their excitement.


===Sinnoh===
Muk's only other major battle was when Ash called it up from Oak's Lab in ''[[EP270|Can't Beat the Heat!]]'', along with Tauros, Snorlax, and {{AP|Heracross}} to fight {{Gary}} in the [[Silver Conference]]. It was sent out originally to fight {{TP|Gary|Blastoise}}, and the two fought to a stalemate, with Muk's {{m|Sludge Bomb}} deflected by {{m|Rapid Spin}} and Blastoise's physical attacks absorbed into Muk's body. Ash pulled Muk for his {{AP|Bayleef}} quickly after. It was sent out to fight {{p|Scizor}} later, who dodged a Sludge Bomb easily. Muk absorbed both {{m|Quick Attack}} and {{m|Metal Claw}}, but Scizor was able to throw Muk using the latter attack, ultimately defeating it with {{m|Swift}}.
Muk reappeared in ''[[DP182|An Old Family Blend!]]'', at [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|Prof. Oak's lab]], and then it was transferred to Ash for a brief reunion. Muk was not seen participating in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].


==Personality and characteristics==
====''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'' and [[Pokémon Chronicles]]====
[[File:Ash Muk Oak affection.png|thumb|220px|Ash's Muk showing affection for its Trainer and Oak]]
In ''[[HS04|Showdown at the Oak Corral]]'', Muk was seen crushing [[Cassidy]], [[Butch]], and all of the stolen Poké Balls. In ''[[HS14|Journey to the Starting Line!]]'', Muk was seen smothering Tracey when he opened the door to Oak's Lab for {{Delia}}.


Ash's Muk is an extremely happy and affectionate Pokémon. It grew an attachment in particular to {{an|Professor Oak}} and as a recurring gag, it would always smother the Professor whenever Ash would make a call to the [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|lab]]. This was first seen twenty episodes after its capture, in ''[[EP050|Who Gets To Keep Togepi?]]''. Muk tackled Professor Oak in excitement in ''[[EP065|Showdown at the Po-ké Corral]]'', when Oak explained that Muk and {{AP|Krabby|Kingler}} had become just like him from its long period of living with him.
In ''[[AG133|The Right Place and the Right Mime]]'', Muk welcomed [[Professor Birch]] to [[Pallet Town]] with its usual friendliness.
[[File:Ash Muk Jessie affection.png|thumb|left|220px|Muk loves humans and its not too particular what kind]]
Muk's affection also extends to his Trainer, second in enthusiasm only to {{AP|Bayleef}}, despite only having fought for him on three occasions. Muk obligingly crushes Ash in excitement whenever Ash returns to the lab or summons it to his party. Its affection also extends to complete strangers, as was seen when it completely ignored [[Jessie]]'s {{TP|Jessie|Lickitung}} in order to hug her, also smothering [[James]]'s {{TP|James|Victreebel}} in excitement. It also smothered [[Professor Birch#In the anime|Professor Birch]] upon meeting him in ''[[AG133|The Right Place and the Right Mime]]''.


Its affection even extends to antagonists, as seen both in the aforementioned encounter with Jessie and James, and also in a special episode, ''[[SS004|Showdown at the Oak Corral]]'', when it actually appeared sad that {{AP|Totodile}} drove [[Butch]] and [[Cassidy]] away. As Professor Oak said to Jessie, Muk loves humans, and it is not very particular to which kind.
====''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]''====
In ''[[DP182|An Old Family Blend!]]'', Muk appeared at Professor Oak's lab. It was then transferred to Ash for a brief reunion. However, Muk was not seen participating in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].


Muk differs from most of Ash's other Pokémon in that it is a defensive Pokémon, with a low attack power and very few moves used across its entire time on the show. It has never been shown to be damaged by a physical attack, with its opponents' moves always absorbed by its odd body type. Despite being quite powerful and good in battle, it has only ever defeated one opponent, Bellsprout (it was put to sleep by Victreebel and knocked out against Gary without a win).
====''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''====
[[File:Muk and Alolan Muk anime.png|thumb|250px|Muk being compared to its regional form]]
In ''[[BW109|New Places... Familiar Faces!]]'' and ''[[BW123|Farewell, Unova! Setting Sail for New Adventures!]]'', Muk smothered Professor Oak while Ash called him from [[Professor Juniper]]'s laboratory.


==Moves used==
Muk was reunited with Ash in ''[[BW142|The Dream Continues!]]'', where it and the rest of Ash's Pokémon posed for a group photo with him.
{{anmov/h|poison||Ash Muk {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Sludge Bomb|1=Body Slam|2=Poison Gas}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Sludge Bomb|1=Body Slam|2=Poison Gas}}}}
 
====''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]]''====
In ''[[SM042|Alola, Kanto!]]'', Muk was sent out of its Poké Ball so it could be compared with its [[Alolan form]]. It immediately smothered Ash upon seeing him.
 
In ''[[SM111|Show Me the Metal!]]'', Muk joined Professor Oak in observing the data about {{OBP|Meltan|recurring}} that {{Rotom}} sent to him.
 
====''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]''====
[[File:Ash Kanto Pokémon JN132 2.png|thumb|250px|left|Muk encouraging Pikachu in a vision]]
In ''[[JN068|Advice to Goh!]]'', Muk reunited with Ash during his visit to Professor Oak's Laboratory with [[Goh]], smothering him on sight.
 
Muk, along with the rest of Ash's Pokémon at the lab, reunited with Ash in ''[[JN114|Friends, Rivals, Lend Me Your Spirit!]]''. During the visit, it watched the battle between Ash and [[Paul]]. Before Ash left, it posed with the rest of Ash's Pokémon in a group photo with him.
 
From ''[[JN118|Battling as Hard as Stone!]]'' onwards, Muk watched Ash's [[Masters Eight Tournament]] matches against {{an|Steven Stone|Steven}}, {{an|Cynthia}}, and {{an|Leon}}. In ''[[JN132|Partners in Time!]]'', Muk appeared as a vision to Pikachu during his battle against [[Leon's Charizard]]. After Ash won the battle, Muk joined the rest of Ash's Pokémon at the lab in celebrating their Trainer's victory.
 
In ''[[JN135|Heroes Unite!]]'', Muk, along with the rest of the Pokémon at the lab, welcomed Ash back to Pallet Town after his victory over Leon.
In ''[[JN147|The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!]]'', Muk assisted Ash in looking for a missing {{p|Charmander}} around Oak's lab, but to no avail.
 
===Personality and characteristics===
[[File:Ash and Muk.png|thumb|left|250px|Muk and Ash]]
While in the wild, Muk was a very strong, authoritative leader, as shown by it ordering its {{p|Grimer}} followers to attack and chase down {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} in the power plant where it was first encountered. It was also a highly aggressive Pokémon, willing to harm anyone, human or Pokémon, who stood in its way.
 
However, after its capture, Muk's personality seemed to shift dramatically. It became an extremely happy and affectionate Pokémon. It is particularly affectionate towards {{an|Professor Oak}}. As a recurring gag first seen in ''[[EP050|Who Gets To Keep Togepi?]]'', it would always smother the Professor whenever Ash would make a call to the [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|lab]].
[[File:Ash Muk Jessie affection.png|thumb|220px|Muk being affectionate with people]]
Muk's affection also extends to its {{pkmn|Trainer}}, second in enthusiasm only to {{AP|Bayleef}}, despite only having fought for him on three occasions. Muk obligingly crushes Ash in excitement whenever Ash returns to the lab or summons it to his party. Its affection also extends to strangers, as was seen when it completely ignored [[Jessie's Lickitung]] to hug [[Jessie]], also smothering [[James's Victreebel]] in excitement. It also smothered [[Professor Birch]] upon meeting him in ''[[AG133|The Right Place and the Right Mime]]''. Professor Oak suggests that Muk's overwhelming display of affection is simply because it loves humans.
 
Muk differs from most of Ash's other Pokémon in that it is a defensive Pokémon with low attack power and a small array of moves. It has never been shown to be damaged by a physical attack, with its opponents' [[move]]s always absorbed by its sludge body. Despite being quite powerful and good in battle, it has only ever defeated one opponent: [[Jeanette Fisher]]'s {{p|Bellsprout}}.
{{-}}
 
===Moves used===
{{anmov/h|poison||Ash Muk {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 2}}|0=Body Slam|1=Sludge Bomb}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 2}}|0=Body Slam|1=Sludge Bomb}}}}
{{anmov|normal|Body Slam|EP077|The Fourth Round Rumble}}
{{anmov|normal|Body Slam|EP077|The Fourth Round Rumble}}
{{anmov|poison|Poison Gas|EP115|A Tent Situation}}
{{anmov|poison|Sludge Bomb|EP270|Can't Beat the Heat!}}
{{anmov|poison|Sludge Bomb|EP270|Can't Beat the Heat!}}
{{anmov/f|poison}}
{{anmov/f|poison}}
* Poison Gas was used in the [[dub]] only. In the original Japanese version, Ash just said Muk's name, ''Betbeton''.


==In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga==
* In the English [[dub]] of ''[[EP115|A Tent Situation]]'', Ash commanded Muk to use {{m|Poison Gas}}. In the original Japanese version, he simply called Muk by its name.
[[File:Ash Muk EToP.png|150px|thumb|right|Ash's Muk in The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]
 
[[Ash Ketchum (EToP)|Ash]] caught Muk off-screen in [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]] manga. He later used it as his last Pokémon is his battle against [[Jeanette Fisher|Jeanette]] in ''[[ET12|Welcome to the Big Leagues]]''. Jeanette's {{p|Bellsprout}} had no chances of using its techniques against Muk's slimy body, and Ash won the battle.
===Artwork===
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{poison color dark}}; background: #{{poison color}}; font-size:80%;"
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{poison color dark}}; background: #{{poison color light}}" | [[File:To Be a Pokémon Master poster.png|x250px]]
|-
| Poster for<br>''{{color2|000|S25|Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master}}''
|}
 
==In the manga==
[[File:Ash Muk JNM.png|200px|left|thumb|Muk in {{ma|Pokémon Journeys: The Series}}]]
[[File:Ash Muk EToP.png|220px|thumb|Muk in [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]]]
===Ash & Pikachu===
Muk only appeared on the scoreboard in ''[[SP16|One Half Of A Poké Ball]]''.
 
===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
[[Ash Ketchum (EToP)|Ash]] caught Muk off-panel and later used it as his last Pokémon in his [[Indigo Plateau Conference|Pokémon League]] {{pkmn|battle}} against [[Jeanette Fisher|Jeanette]] in ''[[ET12|Welcome to the Big Leagues]]''. Jeanette's {{p|Bellsprout}}'s {{wp|aikido}} techniques were useless against Muk's slimy body, and Ash won the battle.
 
===Pokémon Journeys: The Series===
Muk appeared in ''[[JNM20|Advice to Goh!]]'' at [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]].
{{-}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* Muk is Ash's only Pokémon in the {{egg|Amorphous}} egg group.
* Muk is currently Ash's only pure {{type|Poison}} Pokémon.
* In {{game|Yellow}}, a game highly based on the anime, Muk can be found while walking in the [[Power Plant]], making a direct reference to Ash's Muk, which was also found in a power plant.
* ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'' is the only [[series]] with Ash as the protagonist in which Muk has not appeared.
* Excluding {{AP|Primeape}}, who didn't have an evolved form [[Generation IX|at the time]], Muk is the first fully evolved Pokémon caught by Ash.
** Out of all the Pokémon that Ash has obtained in their evolved forms, Muk has been in his possession the longest, excluding Pikachu, who didn't have a pre-evolved form at the time.
* In {{game|Yellow}}, a game highly based on the {{pkmn|anime}}, Muk can be found while walking in the {{FB|Kanto|Power Plant}}, making a direct [[List of cross-canon references|reference]] to Ash's Muk, which was also found in a power plant.
* Muk is Ash's only {{DL|List of Pokémon by shape|Pokémon consisting of a head and arms}}.
* Muk is tied with {{AP|Lapras}} for having used the least amount of moves out of any Pokémon that Ash has owned for longer than one episode, with only two.
* Muk is Ash's only Pokémon to appear only in the Japanese version of the Pokémon anime [[Pokémon movie|movie]] series, but not in the international dub of this series.


==Related articles==
==Related articles==
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{{-}}
{{-}}
{{Ash's Pokémon|poison}}<br>
{{Ash's Pokémon|poison}}<br>
{{Project Anime notice|no}}<br>
{{Project Anime notice|no}}
 
[[Category:Ash's Pokémon|Muk]]
[[Category:Ash's Pokémon|Muk]]
[[Category:Anime running gags]]
[[Category:Animated series running gags]]
[[Category:Electric Tale of Pikachu characters]]
[[Category:Ash & Pikachu characters]]


[[de:Ashs Sleimok]]
[[de:Ashs Sleimok]]
[[es:Muk de Ash]]
[[fr:Grotadmorv de Sacha]]
[[fr:Grotadmorv de Sacha]]
[[it:Muk di Ash]]
[[ja:サトシのベトベトン]]
[[ja:サトシのベトベトン]]
[[pl:Muk Asha]]
[[zh:小智的臭臭泥]]
[[pt:Muk de Ash]]

Latest revision as of 05:27, 4 September 2024

Ash's Muk
サトシのベトベトン Satoshi's Betbeton
Bag Poké Ball SV Sprite.png
Ash Muk.png
Ash's Muk
Debuts in Sparks Fly for Magnemite
Caught at Gringey City
Gender Unknown
Ability Unknown
Current location Professor Oak's Laboratory
HOME089.png
This Pokémon is fully evolved.
Voice actor Japanese English
As Muk Unshō Ishizuka Michael Haigney (EP030-AG133)
Tom Wayland (DP182-BW123)
Carter Cathcart (SM042-JN147)

Ash's Muk (Japanese: サトシのベトベトン Satoshi's Betbeton) was the tenth overall Pokémon that Ash obtained in the Kanto region.

In the anime

History

Original series

Kanto
Muk leading its Grimer swarm

In Sparks Fly for Magnemite, Ash and his friends were traveling through Gringey City, which was in the midst of a power failure. The local power plant was being overrun by the mysterious Poison-type Pokémon Grimer. After the swarm was located, the Grimer's leader, a Muk, challenged the group, immediately ordering the Grimer to attack the kids. However, the vast numbers of Magnemite and Magneton in the city combined attacks to clear out the Grimer, leaving only Muk. With the aid of Pikachu and a Magnemite that was following it due to an electrical build-up, Ash defeated and captured the Muk. It was then immediately sent to Professor Oak's Laboratory because its stench was so rancid that it could seep through the Poké Ball. However, Muk's horrid smell seemed to have disappeared by its later appearances as neither Ash, nor anyone around him, has been affected by it since its debut.

Muk reappeared in Showdown at the Po-ké Corral when Ash, Misty, Brock, and Gary visited Professor Oak's Laboratory. It was revealed that Muk's personality had become more like Oak's after spending so much time with him, and it lovingly tackled him to the ground to hug him.

Muk easily absorbing attacks

Muk's first battle was in The Fourth Round Rumble, where it was selected for use in the Indigo Plateau Conference. After Jeanette Fisher's high-level Bellsprout had trounced Bulbasaur and Pikachu, Muk made a surprise appearance as Ash's third Pokémon. Muk easily absorbed Bellsprout's physical moves and Razor Leaf and then simply smothered it with Body Slam, winning the match for Ash.

Orange Islands

In The Mystery Menace, Ash used Muk to help him and Tracey find Misty, Togepi, and Bulbasaur, who were kidnapped by a giant Bulbasaur in the sewers of Trovitopolis. Muk and Kingler also offered to fight for Ash in the Winner's Trophy match against Drake in Hello, Pummelo!, but Ash chose Tauros instead.

Muk asking Ash to let it fight

Muk was reunited with Ash when he returned home in A Tent Situation. Muk insisted on fighting Team Rocket, and Ash ordered it into battle instead of choosing Bulbasaur. Muk managed to resist Razor Leaf attacks from James's Victreebel and Lickitung's Lick was even less effective, wiping Muk's face ineffectively to the point of causing pleasure instead of damage. It was then put to sleep by Sleep Powder but awoke after Gary intervened and drove Team Rocket away.

Johto
Muk battling Gary's Scizor

In A Farfetch'd Tale, Muk crowded into Ash's screen with Kingler, Tauros, and Snorlax to wish him luck for his next Gym battle with Whitney. In Why? Wynaut!, it, along with Bulbasaur, Kingler, and Snorlax, abruptly ended a call with Ash when they crushed Professor Oak in their excitement.

Muk's only other major battle was when Ash called it up from Oak's Lab in Can't Beat the Heat!, along with Tauros, Snorlax, and Heracross to fight Gary in the Silver Conference. It was sent out originally to fight Blastoise, and the two fought to a stalemate, with Muk's Sludge Bomb deflected by Rapid Spin and Blastoise's physical attacks absorbed into Muk's body. Ash pulled Muk for his Bayleef quickly after. It was sent out to fight Scizor later, who dodged a Sludge Bomb easily. Muk absorbed both Quick Attack and Metal Claw, but Scizor was able to throw Muk using the latter attack, ultimately defeating it with Swift.

Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire and Pokémon Chronicles

In Showdown at the Oak Corral, Muk was seen crushing Cassidy, Butch, and all of the stolen Poké Balls. In Journey to the Starting Line!, Muk was seen smothering Tracey when he opened the door to Oak's Lab for Delia.

In The Right Place and the Right Mime, Muk welcomed Professor Birch to Pallet Town with its usual friendliness.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

In An Old Family Blend!, Muk appeared at Professor Oak's lab. It was then transferred to Ash for a brief reunion. However, Muk was not seen participating in the Lily of the Valley Conference.

Pokémon the Series: Black & White

Muk being compared to its regional form

In New Places... Familiar Faces! and Farewell, Unova! Setting Sail for New Adventures!, Muk smothered Professor Oak while Ash called him from Professor Juniper's laboratory.

Muk was reunited with Ash in The Dream Continues!, where it and the rest of Ash's Pokémon posed for a group photo with him.

Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon

In Alola, Kanto!, Muk was sent out of its Poké Ball so it could be compared with its Alolan form. It immediately smothered Ash upon seeing him.

In Show Me the Metal!, Muk joined Professor Oak in observing the data about Meltan that Rotom sent to him.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Muk encouraging Pikachu in a vision

In Advice to Goh!, Muk reunited with Ash during his visit to Professor Oak's Laboratory with Goh, smothering him on sight.

Muk, along with the rest of Ash's Pokémon at the lab, reunited with Ash in Friends, Rivals, Lend Me Your Spirit!. During the visit, it watched the battle between Ash and Paul. Before Ash left, it posed with the rest of Ash's Pokémon in a group photo with him.

From Battling as Hard as Stone! onwards, Muk watched Ash's Masters Eight Tournament matches against Steven, Cynthia, and Leon. In Partners in Time!, Muk appeared as a vision to Pikachu during his battle against Leon's Charizard. After Ash won the battle, Muk joined the rest of Ash's Pokémon at the lab in celebrating their Trainer's victory.

In Heroes Unite!, Muk, along with the rest of the Pokémon at the lab, welcomed Ash back to Pallet Town after his victory over Leon.

In The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!, Muk assisted Ash in looking for a missing Charmander around Oak's lab, but to no avail.

Personality and characteristics

Muk and Ash

While in the wild, Muk was a very strong, authoritative leader, as shown by it ordering its Grimer followers to attack and chase down Ash, Misty, and Brock in the power plant where it was first encountered. It was also a highly aggressive Pokémon, willing to harm anyone, human or Pokémon, who stood in its way.

However, after its capture, Muk's personality seemed to shift dramatically. It became an extremely happy and affectionate Pokémon. It is particularly affectionate towards Professor Oak. As a recurring gag first seen in Who Gets To Keep Togepi?, it would always smother the Professor whenever Ash would make a call to the lab.

Muk being affectionate with people

Muk's affection also extends to its Trainer, second in enthusiasm only to Bayleef, despite only having fought for him on three occasions. Muk obligingly crushes Ash in excitement whenever Ash returns to the lab or summons it to his party. Its affection also extends to strangers, as was seen when it completely ignored Jessie's Lickitung to hug Jessie, also smothering James's Victreebel in excitement. It also smothered Professor Birch upon meeting him in The Right Place and the Right Mime. Professor Oak suggests that Muk's overwhelming display of affection is simply because it loves humans.

Muk differs from most of Ash's other Pokémon in that it is a defensive Pokémon with low attack power and a small array of moves. It has never been shown to be damaged by a physical attack, with its opponents' moves always absorbed by its sludge body. Despite being quite powerful and good in battle, it has only ever defeated one opponent: Jeanette Fisher's Bellsprout.

Moves used

Ash Muk Sludge Bomb.png
Using Sludge Bomb
Move First Used In
Body Slam The Fourth Round Rumble
Sludge Bomb Can't Beat the Heat!
A † shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.

Artwork

To Be a Pokémon Master poster.png
Poster for
Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master

In the manga

Muk in Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Muk in The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Ash & Pikachu

Muk only appeared on the scoreboard in One Half Of A Poké Ball.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Ash caught Muk off-panel and later used it as his last Pokémon in his Pokémon League battle against Jeanette in Welcome to the Big Leagues. Jeanette's Bellsprout's aikido techniques were useless against Muk's slimy body, and Ash won the battle.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Muk appeared in Advice to Goh! at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

Trivia

  • Muk is currently Ash's only pure Poison-type Pokémon.
  • Pokémon the Series: XY is the only series with Ash as the protagonist in which Muk has not appeared.
  • Excluding Primeape, who didn't have an evolved form at the time, Muk is the first fully evolved Pokémon caught by Ash.
    • Out of all the Pokémon that Ash has obtained in their evolved forms, Muk has been in his possession the longest, excluding Pikachu, who didn't have a pre-evolved form at the time.
  • In Pokémon Yellow, a game highly based on the anime, Muk can be found while walking in the Power Plant, making a direct reference to Ash's Muk, which was also found in a power plant.
  • Muk is Ash's only Pokémon consisting of a head and arms.
  • Muk is tied with Lapras for having used the least amount of moves out of any Pokémon that Ash has owned for longer than one episode, with only two.
  • Muk is Ash's only Pokémon to appear only in the Japanese version of the Pokémon anime movie series, but not in the international dub of this series.

Related articles

For more information on this Pokémon's species, see Muk.


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