The Story Behind TOMY’s 2016 Mythical Pokémon Plush Series
In 2016, Pokémon celebrated its 20th anniversary with a year-long program devoted to memorable characters, classic games, and special merchandise. Among the most appealing releases was TOMY’s Mythical Pokémon plush series, which transformed a year of official celebrations into a collectible journey fans could follow month by month.
The collection focused on the rarest and most mysterious Pokémon in the franchise. Rather than presenting them as a single one-time assortment, TOMY introduced the plush figures as part of an unfolding schedule. Each release gave collectors another reason to visit participating retailers and another character to add to a growing display.
The series also reflected the style of the wider 20th Anniversary Collection. Products were officially licensed by Nintendo, designed for Pokémon fans, and distributed through selected retail partners. That combination of character appeal, timing, and limited availability helped make the plush figures significant beyond their function as toys.
A Celebration Built Around Mythical Pokémon
Mythical Pokémon occupy a distinctive place in Pokémon history. They are generally difficult to encounter in the games and often connect to special events, promotional distributions, or stories that set them apart from the main Pokédex roster. Their rarity gives each character a sense of occasion, making them a natural focus for an anniversary campaign.
TOMY’s plush line brought that sense of discovery into physical form. Instead of concentrating only on familiar starters or popular battle companions, the assortment highlighted characters such as Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Darkrai, and Shaymin. Their unusual designs also gave the collection visual variety, from small, cheerful figures to more dramatic and mysterious creatures.
The timing mattered as much as the characters themselves. The 20th anniversary created a reason to revisit Pokémon’s history, while the Mythical Pokémon theme connected different generations of games. A collector could recognize the original wonder of Mew alongside later additions such as Victini or Genesect.
A Release Calendar With A Story
The monthly release structure gave the collection a narrative rhythm. The official 2016 celebration promoted a different Mythical Pokémon during each month, and TOMY’s merchandise followed that broader pattern. Collectors could watch the roster develop through the year rather than encountering every figure at once.
That arrangement encouraged anticipation. A new plush could represent the featured Pokémon of the month, making the purchase feel connected to an event rather than an ordinary toy launch. Fans who began with one character could gradually build a complete set while keeping track of which releases they had found.
The schedule also mirrored the way Pokémon had traditionally used special distributions to make rare characters feel exclusive. A Mythical Pokémon was often associated with a particular campaign or limited opportunity in the games. The plush series carried that idea into collecting, using release timing and availability to create a stronger sense of occasion.
Why Plush Figures Became The Centerpiece
Plush toys were especially well suited to the anniversary theme because they made the characters tangible and displayable. A game can establish a Pokémon’s abilities and story, but a plush figure gives fans something to place on a shelf, desk, or bedroom bed. Its softness and expressive shape also make it accessible to younger fans and longtime collectors alike.
The format allowed TOMY to preserve the visual identity of each Mythical Pokémon while keeping the figures approachable. Details such as ears, tails, wings, facial features, and distinctive colors were essential to making each character recognizable. Size and construction helped the figures work as individual souvenirs while still looking cohesive when arranged together.
The plush assortment also broadened the appeal of the anniversary merchandise. Some fans collected trading cards or figures, while others preferred soft toys. A plush Mythical Pokémon could serve as a first anniversary purchase for a child or as a nostalgic addition to an adult collector’s display.
Retail Availability And The Collector Hunt
Distribution was part of the story. The 2016 TOMY collection appeared through selected retailers, and some products had retailer-specific availability. That meant collectors needed to pay attention to release announcements, store listings, and monthly promotions rather than assuming every item would be available everywhere.
This retail model added excitement but also introduced practical challenges. A collector might find one plush locally while needing to search another retailer for a different character. Packaging, regional release details, and product condition could become important considerations for people building a complete anniversary display.
| Collection feature | Why it mattered to collectors |
|---|---|
| Monthly character releases | Created anticipation throughout 2016 |
| Mythical Pokémon theme | Connected characters from multiple game generations |
| Official Nintendo licensing | Confirmed the merchandise as an authorized Pokémon product |
| Retailer-specific availability | Made timing and store research important |
| Plush format | Combined display value with an appealing, tactile design |
| Anniversary packaging and branding | Linked each item to Pokémon’s 20-year milestone |
The result was a collection shaped by both fandom and logistics. Finding a figure became part of the experience, especially for collectors who wanted the full sequence rather than a single favorite Pokémon.
Mew And The Emotional Core
Mew was an obvious centerpiece for the series. As one of the earliest Mythical Pokémon introduced, it carries a special place in the memories of fans who encountered it during the original Pokémon era. Its small pink body, large eyes, and playful design also translate naturally into plush form.
Within the anniversary context, Mew represented discovery and mystery. It was familiar enough to attract almost any Pokémon fan, yet its legendary rarity preserved the feeling that it was something special. Collectors looking closely at the Mew anniversary plush can see why the character worked so well as an anchor for the 2016 assortment.
Mew also connected the celebration to Pokémon’s earliest years without limiting the collection to first-generation nostalgia. It could stand beside characters from later games and still feel central to the story of the franchise.
Celebi And The Broader Mythical Roster
Celebi added a different mood to the collection. Known for its time-travel abilities and forest setting, it brought a gentle, nature-focused personality to the Mythical Pokémon lineup. Its green body, delicate wings, and rounded silhouette gave the plush assortment a distinct visual contrast with darker or more imposing characters.
The Celebi plush release also showed how the series represented more than one generation of Pokémon history. Celebi debuted in Pokémon Gold and Silver, so its presence acknowledged the second generation while reinforcing the idea that the anniversary belonged to the entire franchise.
Together, Mew and Celebi demonstrate why the collection worked as a historical portrait. Each figure had its own game-era identity, design language, and fan following, yet all belonged to the same category of elusive Pokémon. The series invited collectors to compare those personalities and trace the evolution of Pokémon character design.
Ways To Document A Complete Set
A complete 2016 display can be approached in several ways, depending on whether the priority is visual presentation, historical accuracy, or condition. The monthly structure makes it useful to preserve evidence of when each character appeared, while official packaging can help establish that a figure belongs to the anniversary assortment.
Collectors who acquired the plush figures years after the original campaign may encounter differences in price, availability, and condition. A careful record can make the collection easier to organize and can preserve the story behind each purchase.
- Arrange the figures in their original monthly release order.
- Keep anniversary packaging, retailer labels, and promotional materials with each plush.
- Record the Pokémon’s generation and Mythical status for historical context.
- Inspect seams, tags, fabric, and storage conditions when evaluating older figures.
- Photograph the complete display to document the finished 20th Anniversary set.
The most rewarding displays often combine the figures with a small amount of supporting information. A release calendar, character card, or handwritten note can show how the collection developed across 2016 rather than presenting it as an unrelated group of plush toys.
TOMY’s Mythical Pokémon plush series remains memorable because it turned a major franchise anniversary into an experience that unfolded over time. Each figure represented a rare Pokémon, a particular month, and a chapter in the wider history of the brand. Explore the collection, compare the characters, and preserve the story of Pokémon’s 20th anniversary through the pieces that made it tangible.