“I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was”. Not the words of an enthusiastic wrapper or even a finalist in the World Wrap Masters, but those of the original opening theme to the ‘Pokémon’ TV series.
 
If you are not familiar with Pokémon, the franchise is based around a collection of animal-like creatures, with Ash Ketchum, the lead hero, tasked with catching as many of these as he can.
 
Created by Japan’s Satoshi Tajiri in 1996, Pokémon is an abbreviation of ‘Pocket Monsters’, the franchise’s name in its early years. Pokémon has become a worldwide phenomenon, spawning a whole host of TV series, films, video games, toys, books, comics and a theme park.
 
These little creatures have even found their way into the wrapping industry, serving as an inspiration to designers when applying graphics to vehicles. In years gone by, we have seen gigantic versions of Pikachu – the most famous Pokémon and sidekick of Ash – appear on everything from cars and buses, to planes and helicopters

Caption: The cable car carries passengers from one side of the River Thames to the other
 
Earlier this year, the little electric mouse and some of his friends worked their way onto the famous London Cable Car, a system operated by Transport for London (TfL) that carries passengers from one side of the River Thames to the other.
 
Specially designed wraps were applied to cable cars ahead of the 2022 Pokémon World Championships, which took place at London’s ExCeL from 18-21 August. The pinnacle of Pokémon tournaments, the event invited players of several Pokémon to complete for more than £800,000 worth of prizes.
 
Players of the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokkén Tournament DX, Pokémon UNITE and Pokémon GO competed for the title of World Champion, as well as the chance to return at next year’s World’s Championships.

Caption: Cable cars were rebranded to represent the 18 different Pokémon types
 
The cable cars, which run between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks, were rebranded to represent the 18 different Pokémon types: Normal, Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, Steel and Fairy.
 
Fans were given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be transported over the River Thames with their favourite Pokémon, while the makeover extended to both cable car terminals, with plenty of Pokémon surprises and photo opportunities.
 
“It’s been a fun day for Pikachu getting to view some of London’s most exciting landmarks ahead of the Pokémon World Championships,” said Peter Murphy, senior director of marketing at The Pokémon Company International.
 
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with TfL on the London Cable Car so that our fans can enjoy another way to interact with the brand on the way to the Championships. Many of our fans have travelled far and wide, so we wanted to give them as many opportunities as possible to be immersed in the Pokémon world that they love. Now they get to do it whilst enjoying the amazing views of London.”
 
Josh Crompton, head of the London Cable Car for the TfL, added: “Follow in Pikachu’s footsteps and enjoy some Pokémon-themed surprises with a unique experience on the Cable Car to and from ExCeL London.
 
“The London Cable Car is an iconic London attraction, and we look forward to welcoming Pokémon fans from around the world.”