The first Pokémon games were released in 1996, allowing people to catch, train, or trade over 150 different creatures. It was the dream of Satoshi Tajiri to let anyone who wished to become a Pokémon master.
Since the introduction of the game, numerous stories have been developed through TV shows, movies, and additional games which have helped to provide reference to the various Pokémon that can be caught and trained. Many Pokémon have been given a backstory that helps to give this universe added definition.
This includes Pokémon Go, which was released in 2016. In Pokémon Go, you can travel throughout your community to catch your own Pokémon to become a master in your own right.
One of the most consistently popular Pokémon is Cubone. In the Cubone Kangaskhan theory, there is a suggestion that there may be a different evolutionary path than the one that is published in the games, reference guides, and other materials that are associated with this universe.
The Secret to the Cubone Kangaskhan Theory
When you look at Cubone, the skull on his head sets him apart from other Pokémon. It is a unique characteristic that goes all the way back to the first generation of Pokémon.
In the original description that is offered for Cubone, it is said that this Pokémon wears the skull of its deceased mother. The reason why Cubone wears the skull is to “disguise his identity.”
Since this introduction, there have been several theories introduced as to why this Pokémon wears a skull and others do not. More mystery is added to the Pokémon cannon because Cubone is sometimes described as being the “lonely” Pokémon.
In the “Deluxe Essential Handbook” for Pokémon, the entry for Cubone says that “its tears leave stains on the skull that it wears.
In Pokémon Go, the cannon for Cubone states that it will evolve when it can finally understand the grief being experienced over the loss of its mother.
The Pokedex in virtually every evolution of the cannon references Cubone’s mother, yet Cubone’s mother is not present in the game at all.
This means we must look at the evolutionary path of Cubone. Under a standard cycle, Cubone will evolve into Marowak.
How Does Marowak Fit into the Cubone Kangaskhan Theory?
When looking at the handbook entry for Marowak, we find this summary: “After overcoming its grief and evolving, Marowak has become extremely tough. It’s spirit, tempered by adversity, can withstand just about anything.”
Marowak is listed as a “bone keeper” Pokémon. He does not have another evolve.
The Cubone Kangaskhan theory asks this question: what would happen if a Cubone did not experience the grief over the loss of its mother?
Would there be an alternative evolution for Cubone if its mother did not die?
This is where Kangaskhan comes into the theory. The handbook entry for Kangaskhan describes it as the “parent” Pokémon. In the cannon for Kangaskhan, it says that “a little Kangaskhan playing on its own should be left alone. The parent Pokémon always keeps careful watch and will attack any aggressor.”
When looking at the image of Kangaskhan, there is a “little” Kangaskhan in her pouch. This little one looks remarkably like a Cubone, but without the skull. In addition, the shape of the head for a Kangaskhan is like the shape of the skull that Cubone wears.
A New Release Provides Evidence of the Cubone Kangaskhan Theory
In 2017, the release of “Sun and Moon” offers evidence for the validity of the Cubone Kangaskhan theory. If you are in the wild and put out a call for help, a family member from the Pokémon making the call will arrive. When a player puts out a call as Cubone, it is a Kangaskhan that arrives to provide help.
This suggests that Cubone is the “little Kangaskhan” that is described in the cannon. It would also suggest that a little Kangaskhan would evolve into the parent Pokémon if the mother is not killed.
Evidence throughout every Pokémon release has helped to paint the picture of the Cubone Kangaskhan theory as well. In virtually every game, Kangaskhan and Cubone can be found together. In the second generation, you would find them in the rock tunnel. In the fifth generation, you’ll find them on Route 15.
Even the images of these two Pokémon in every reference guide that has been published are virtually identical when comparing Cubone to the “little” Kangaskhan.
In the Cubone Kangaskhan theory, we start with the young Kangaskhan Pokémon. If it loses its mother, it becomes Cubone, then evolves into Marowak. If not, it grows up or evolves into a big Kangaskhan. It is a unique story and theory for one of the most-loved games in the world today.