One of the most common cave Pokémon is up to bat today: it's Zubat! I'm back with the puns, if you couldn't tell. I hope they don't drive you batty! Hah! But without further ado, let's get into it!

(Note: Since Crobat was not introduced in Generation I, I won't be considering that Pokémon in this guide... which is really unfortunate, because I really love Crobat!)

Type Factor: 

Zubat has an interesting type combination, and it might be one of the most interesting that we've had in this guide so far! This Pokémon is both a flying and poison type, which changes things up quite a bit for Zubat. 

If it were just a flying or poison type, the advantages and disadvantages would be a lot different. But as it stands, Zubat has strengths over grass, fighting, and bug types. It has weaknesses to rock, electric, psychic, and ice types, but is completely immune to ground type moves. The addition of the flying type gave Zubat more weaknesses, but it also gave it more advantages, and an immunity as well! Not too bad, if you ask me!

Design Factor: 

I don't know if this is going to be an unpopular opinion or not... but I think Zubat is ADORABLE!

It has a tiny little body, cute fangs, and an adorable face! The color scheme is fitting, too, with soft yet dark colors that show that Zubat is a sweetie, but it belongs in the darkness. I think it's a really good balance! When Zubat turns into Golbat, it loses a little bit of that cute factor, but the design is still enjoyable. It even gains eyes! Overall, this Pokémon has a nice design, in my opinion!

Lore factor: 

Zubat's Pokédex information is pretty interesting. Since it has no eyes, it relies on its ultrasonic cries in order to navigate. Which makes sense, since Zubat is based on, well, a bat! 

As for Golbat, the Pokédex information is a little scarier. This Pokémon will attack its prey and can drink up to ten ounces of blood at a time. Strangely enough, its blood type will then match the blood of its prey. It will drink so much of its victim's blood that it can become too heavy to fly! Basically, you don't want to run into Golbat unless you plan on donating a LOT of blood.

Stats Factor: 

Golbat's stats aren't wildly impressive, but they certainly aren't bad. The highest stat is its speed by quite a margin, whereas the lowest stat is its special attack. I think that a high speed is pretty suitable for a Pokémon like Golbat, so make the most of it!

Evolutionary Factor: 

I find this evolutionary line to be fairly interesting. The change from Zubat to Golbat is enough to shake things up (like gaining eyes, for heaven's sake), but at the same time, the changes are subtle enough that it still feels consistent. 

I'll admit that I might like this line even better if they altered something in Golbat's color scheme, just a little. The addition of another color might give this evolutionary line some spice!

Conclusion: 

When it comes down to it, the Zubat line is an underrated one. Most people complain when they come across this Pokémon, but I really enjoy it! I think it has a cute design, some good lore, and decent stats. Overall, this Pokémon could make a really good partner for anyone! 

To my fellow researchers: 

What do you think about Zubat? Is it a common annoyance, or a hidden gem?