A Collector’s Guide to TOMY’s 12 Mythical Pokémon Plush

TOMY’s Pokémon 20th Anniversary Collection turned 2016 into a year-long celebration of the series’ most unusual and elusive characters. Among the most memorable releases was a coordinated set of limited-edition plush figures featuring 12 Mythical Pokémon, with new characters arriving throughout the year.

The series gave collectors a way to follow a release calendar rather than shop for one large assortment at once. Each plush represented a different era of Pokémon history, from the original Kanto legend Mew to later characters such as Genesect and Diancie.

These toys were designed as anniversary merchandise, not as an ordinary evergreen plush range. Availability could depend on the month, retailer, and regional distribution, which makes packaging, release timing, and condition especially important to collectors today.

What Makes the Series Collectible

The 12-figure lineup is appealing because it presents a compact history of Mythical Pokémon. These characters were generally associated with special events, films, distributions, or storylines rather than being encountered through a normal early-game adventure. A complete set therefore feels distinct from a standard collection of plush starters or popular battle Pokémon.

The anniversary connection adds another layer of interest. In 2016, Pokémon celebrated two decades of games, animation, trading cards, and merchandise. TOMY’s licensed products connected that milestone with recognizable character design, while the monthly schedule encouraged fans to keep watching for the next release.

Collectors should distinguish these plush figures from similarly sized Pokémon toys made by other companies. Look for TOMY branding, official Nintendo licensing information, original hangtags, and product photography that matches the 2016 campaign. Small variations in tags or regional packaging do not automatically indicate a counterfeit, but they can affect provenance and value.

The Monthly Mythical Lineup

The series is best understood as a twelve-part timeline. The order below follows the commonly presented 2016 release sequence and gives each character a place in the anniversary story.

Release period Pokémon Generation Collector’s significance
January Mew I The original hidden Mythical Pokémon and a natural anniversary centerpiece
February Celebi II A time-traveling forest guardian from the Johto era
March Jirachi III A wish-granting Pokémon known for its brief awakening cycle
April Darkrai IV A mysterious character strongly associated with dreams and nightmares
May Manaphy IV An ocean-dwelling Mythical Pokémon with a distinctive story role
June Shaymin IV A small gratitude Pokémon with Land and Sky identities
July Arceus IV A powerful creator figure within Pokémon mythology
August Victini V A victory-themed Pokémon with a memorable flame-shaped design
September Keldeo V A young mythical colt connected to the Swords of Justice
October Meloetta V A musical Pokémon whose forms reflect song and dance
November Genesect V An ancient Pokémon rebuilt through technological modification
December Diancie VI A gem-producing Pokémon representing the newest generation in the set

The selection is balanced across generations, although Generation IV and Generation V receive particularly strong representation. It also moves between gentle, cute silhouettes and more dramatic designs. That variety gives the display visual rhythm: Mew, Jirachi, and Shaymin create a softer look, while Darkrai, Arceus, and Genesect add sharper shapes and darker tones.

How to Read the Release Calendar

A monthly release plan changes the way the collection is experienced. Instead of treating the plush as twelve unrelated purchases, fans could follow the anniversary campaign as it unfolded. The calendar also made each figure feel like a featured character, especially when stores or promotional materials highlighted a particular month’s release.

Retailer exclusivity is an important part of the research process. Some TOMY Pokémon products were distributed through selected retail partners, and availability was not always identical across the United States, Canada, or other markets. A plush missing from one local store may have been offered through another channel rather than being absent from the entire collection.

This is why a collector should record the release month, retailer information, country of origin, and tag details before buying. Archived retailer listings, contemporary catalog images, and collector communities can help establish whether a figure belongs to the official anniversary series. A seller’s claim that a plush is “rare” is less useful than clear evidence of its original distribution.

Design Details and Character Identity

The plush designs translate each Pokémon’s most recognizable traits into a soft, display-friendly format. Mew’s long tail and rounded body, Celebi’s wings, Victini’s large ears, and Meloetta’s flowing hair are all essential identification points. Comparing these features with official artwork can help separate a TOMY release from an unofficial handmade or aftermarket item.

Shaymin deserves particular attention because its plush identity is tied to the Land Forme, the small hedgehog-like version most familiar from the anniversary lineup. Its flower accents and compact shape make it easy to display, but those same details can show wear quickly. Collectors researching the character can also consult the dedicated Shaymin page for additional context about its place in TOMY’s Pokémon merchandise history.

The set also demonstrates how Mythical Pokémon differ in visual storytelling. Arceus is built around a large, elaborate silhouette, while Keldeo relies on a more compact equine shape. Genesect’s mechanical details and Darkrai’s pointed forms require careful examination when assessing condition, since bent or flattened parts can change the appearance substantially.

Comparing the Figures as a Set

A complete collection is more visually satisfying than a random group of favorites because the figures reflect a deliberate anniversary sequence. The set includes representatives from the first six generations available by 2016, and every plush contributes a different color palette, body plan, or piece of Pokémon lore.

The table also reveals why some collectors may prioritize certain figures. Mew has broad recognition and strong anniversary relevance, Arceus has major mythology appeal, and characters such as Manaphy or Keldeo may be harder for casual buyers to identify. Rarity, however, depends on production and distribution rather than popularity alone.

When comparing listings, use several criteria at once:

Small keychain products can also help explain the wider 2016 merchandise program. For collectors interested in a more portable companion item, this keychain alternative shows how TOMY offered different ways to engage with the anniversary theme beyond full-size plush.

Displaying and Preserving the Collection

A twelve-piece display works well when arranged chronologically from Mew through Diancie. This layout makes the generational progression easy to follow and gives visitors a quick understanding of the monthly concept. Another option is to group figures by visual style, placing softer characters together and using Darkrai, Arceus, or Genesect as focal points.

Avoid direct sunlight, damp storage, and crowded shelving. Plush fabric can collect dust, while tags can curl or discolor when exposed to heat and ultraviolet light. A glass cabinet or clean enclosed shelf offers protection without hiding the figures, and acid-free tag sleeves can help preserve paper components separately.

For loose vintage plush, gentle surface cleaning is safer than aggressive washing. Do not soak a figure unless its care instructions clearly allow it, since internal stuffing, embroidery, and glued details may not tolerate water. Keep photographs of each item, including its tag and any packaging, so the collection remains documented if pieces are later moved, insured, or sold.

The Anniversary Story Beyond Plush

The Mythical plush series makes the most sense when viewed alongside the broader 20th Anniversary Collection. TOMY released other character toys, Poké Ball products, and Pikachu-focused merchandise during 2016, creating several collecting paths for fans with different budgets and display goals.

The campaign also looked back at the franchise’s original identity. Its connection to the first 151 Pokémon is explored in this history of the original 151, while the Mythical plush line shows how the celebration expanded beyond the earliest games. Together, these products connect nostalgia for Generation I with the characters introduced in later generations.

For many collectors, that balance is the central appeal. The plush are recognizable toys, but they also function as dated artifacts from a specific anniversary campaign. Their value lies in the character, the licensed TOMY production, the release structure, and the personal memory attached to finding each monthly figure.

Whether you are tracking down one missing Pokémon or documenting all twelve, treat the series as a historical collection as much as a group of soft toys. Compare tags, preserve condition, and use the release calendar to tell the story of the set. The completed lineup offers a compact, colorful record of Pokémon’s first twenty years and TOMY’s contribution to that milestone.