Johto Times

Johto Times is a Pokémon-centered Substack offering opinion pieces, interviews, personal collections, and memories from long-time fan Darren. The newsletter intertwines nostalgic recollections with insights from notable community members, frequently touching on the series' impact and developments over time. Johto Times emphasizes connecting fans and preserving Pokémon history.

Nostalgic Memories Interviews Personal Collections Pokémon Community Insights Game and Event News Accessibility Historical Preservation

The hottest Substack posts of Johto Times

And their main takeaways

Vol. 2, Issue 29 - Interview with Serebii.net

239 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24

Serebii.net has been a key source of Pokémon news for 25 years and is trusted by the community. Joe Merrick, the founder, has dedicated his life to keeping it updated and relevant.
Joe started the site out of boredom and a love for Pokémon, growing it through word of mouth and focusing on content that other sites missed about the Japanese side of Pokémon.
He believes that while fans have strong opinions, developers know best about what works for the game. Joe actively engages with the community but maintains his independence to share his honest views.

Vol. 2, Issue 32 - Carrie's Pokémon Memories

119 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24

🎭️ Culture Games Memories Nostalgia Entertainment Fan culture

Carrie had a memorable Pokémon-themed birthday party in 1999, where everything was decorated with Pokémon. She had a blast with her friends and even got some cool Pokémon gifts, including cards and games.
The Pokémon series played a big role in Carrie's childhood, helping her make friends and enjoy fun experiences like playing video games and trading cards. She has many happy memories that she cherishes.
Even as an adult, Carrie still loves Pokémon and continues to play the games. The franchise has remained a positive and nostalgic part of her life throughout the years.

Vol. 2, Issue 35 - Kimberley’s Pokémon Day Memories

39 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24

🎭️ Culture Entertainment Community Gaming Nostalgia Events

Kimberley shared her fun memories from the Pokémon Day event at Walibi World in 2008. She and her family enjoyed activities like searching for inflatable Poké Balls and took home cool merchandise.
The Pokémon Company is preparing for exciting new releases. A new trading card expansion called 'Surging Sparks' is coming soon, along with a special Pokémon GO season called 'Max Out'.
Pokémon has made a big impact on Kimberley's life, helping her to connect with others and build a large collection. She feels grateful for the friends and experiences she has gained through her love for Pokémon.

Vol. 2, Issue 28 - What Iwata did for Pokémon

139 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Media Entertainment Tribute Technology

Satoru Iwata played a huge role in making Pokémon successful. He helped bring Pokémon games to the West and was involved in the development of many classic titles.
Iwata created important tools that improved the Pokémon games. His work made it easier for developers to create engaging experiences for players.
Even during tough times, like when he was sick, Iwata continued to work on projects like Pokémon GO. His dedication left a lasting impact on fans and the gaming community.

Vol. 2, Issue 34 - A Tribute to Rachael Lillis

39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24

🎭️ Culture Entertainment Anime Comics Media Tribute

Rachael Lillis was a talented voice actress known for bringing characters like Misty and Jessie to life in the Pokémon anime. Many fans have fond memories of her performances, which shaped their childhood experiences.
She sadly passed away on August 10, 2024, after battling breast cancer, and her loss is deeply felt in the Pokémon community. People are sharing their love and tributes to celebrate her contributions.
The 2024 Pokémon World Championships took place recently, showcasing new champions and announcements for upcoming games. Fans can look forward to more exciting Pokémon content in the future.

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Vol. 2, Issue 33 - Interview with Carol Monahan (Wizards of the Coast)

39 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Interviews Entertainment Pop culture Collectibles

Carol Monahan was a key figure at Wizards of the Coast when they got the Pokémon Trading Card Game license. She helped ensure products were shipped to stores, which was crucial during the game's early success.
Wizards of the Coast faced many challenges as they quickly expanded, especially when the Pokémon TCG became popular. They had to manage large shipments and secure enough resources to meet the demand.
The sale of Wizards to Hasbro changed things, but at first, Pokémon continued to thrive. However, over time, Hasbro struggled to maintain their relationship with the Pokémon brand.

Vol. 2, Issue 26 - Interview with Poké-Amph

79 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Community Internet Media Nostalgia

Poké-Amph was a popular fan site for Pokémon that ran from 1999 to 2014. It was created by Ryan, who shared his love for Pokémon and helped fans enjoy the games and shows better.
Ryan enjoyed creating video game guides on the site, which helped visitors learn more about Pokémon games. He also learned a lot about web design and programming while managing Poké-Amph.
Despite still loving Pokémon from his childhood, Ryan isn't impressed with recent games. He hopes to keep the old Poké-Amph site as a piece of internet history, even if he won't update it anymore.

Vol. 2, Issue 30 - Interview with Lycanroc.Net

39 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Fan Communities Web Development Media Interviews

Lycanroc.Net is a fan website that started in 2003 and shares various Pokémon content, along with other interests of its creator, Cat. It has been visited over 8 million times.
Cat's work includes running an online community called Victory Road for eleven years, which had about 1,500 members at its peak. Even after its closure, he values the importance of keeping the community's history online.
Cat's passion for Pokémon has shifted over time, and he now enjoys birdwatching, where he tries to capture photos of as many species as possible, keeping a 'BirdDex' instead of a Pokédex.

Vol. 2, Issue 24 - Interview with We All Live In A Pokémon World

59 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24

🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media Fan culture Internet culture Gaming

The website 'We All Live In A Pokémon World...' defended Pokémon from unfair rumors and misconceptions, emphasizing the positive themes of friendship and kindness in the franchise.
Pokémon has grown significantly over the years, with new generations creating a sense of community among fans who share their love for the franchise with their families.
Despite facing various issues and criticisms, the Pokémon brand has maintained its popularity by focusing on the joy and connection it brings to fans worldwide.

Vol. 2, Issue 27 - Interview with Pokémon Forever

39 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24

🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Fan culture Gaming Interviews

Pokémon Forever was an important fan site that provided detailed information about the early Pokémon games. It helped fans understand game mechanics and offered tools for deeper insights.
The creator, Chris Fritz, used the site to learn web development and programming, which significantly shaped his career. He also made notable contributions to Pokémon terminology that fans still use today.
Despite closing in 2005, Pokémon Forever left a legacy in the community. Chris reflected positively on his experiences and encouraged new fans to explore technology through their interests.

Vol. 2, Issue 31 - The Legacy of Pokémon - Part 6 (Generation VI)

19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Nostalgia Fan culture Media Community

Generation VI of Pokémon introduced exciting features like Mega Evolutions and the mobile game Pokémon GO, which brought new life to the franchise.
The remake Pokémon Omega Ruby received praise for its added story elements and nostalgia, while some felt that Pokémon Y lacked depth and polish.
Playing Pokémon GO created fun and memorable experiences, improving social interactions and physical activity, as well as providing a positive impact on mental well-being.

Vol. 2, Issue 12 - My Pokémon Collection (Part 5)

119 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24

🎭️ Culture Pop culture Music Gaming Collectibles Entertainment

The author has a passion for Pokémon music and enjoys collecting soundtrack albums from the games. Each album reminds them of fond memories associated with the games.
New Pokémon Trading Card Game sets and distribution events for in-game items are coming soon, keeping the community engaged with fresh content.
Physical soundtracks for recent Pokémon games have been announced, and the author is excited to add those to their collection.

Vol. 2, Issue 21 - Aiden's Parting Pokémon Gift

59 implied HN points • 23 May 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Comics Art Collecting Memories

Aiden shares a touching memory about a special Pokémon card gifted to him by his friend Seojin before she moved away. It shows how friendships can leave lasting impressions, even if they become distant.
The Pokémon community continues to grow, with new card sets and events being announced regularly. It's exciting for fans to stay updated and connect over their shared interests.
Nostalgia plays a big role in Aiden's journey with Pokémon, as he takes a break from gaming and later returns to reignite his passion. This shows that interests can come back to life at any moment.

Vol. 2, Issue 13 - Memories of Pokétour 1999

99 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24

🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media History Nostalgia

The PokéTour 1999 was a big Pokémon event in Australia where fans could get their own Mew and try out the Pokémon Trading Card Game for the first time. It was super exciting for all the kids who attended.
Attendees received special goodies, like exclusive Pokémon cards and cool merchandise, but many didn't realize how valuable those cards would become later.
With the upcoming discontinuation of online services for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, fans should be aware that some Pokémon games might lose their online features soon.

Vol. 2, Issue 19 - Interview with Tsukasa Hosono

59 implied HN points • 09 May 24

🎭️ Culture Pop culture Gaming Interviews Collectibles Media

Tsukasa Hosono won a special Pokémon Snap photo contest in 1999, receiving unique Pokémon cards featuring his Charmander picture. These cards are very rare and hold significant value today.
Pokémon GO is hosting a new event called 'Catching Wonders', offering bonuses for catches and spins. There’s also a long-term challenge with a Master Ball as a reward for dedicated players.
The Pokémon trading card game has seen a rise in the value of cards, prompting collectors to take extra steps for safekeeping, like using fireproof safes.

Vol. 2, Issue 15 - Dazz's Pokémon Memories

79 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Memories Community Pop culture Events

Dazz has been a big Pokémon fan since childhood, starting with Pokémon Red and Blue. He loved the games and anime, which helped him make friends after moving to a new school.
His passion for Pokémon led him to create and contribute content for popular websites like The Spriters Resource and Did You Know Gaming. This allowed him to share his knowledge and connect with other fans.
Dazz believes that Pokémon has been more than just a game for him; it has helped him grow and feel empowered. It played a big role in shaping who he is today.

Vol. 2, Issue 11 - Interview with Pokémon Zeo!

99 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Community Nostalgia Art Interviews

Pokémon Zeo was a community where fans could create their own fake Pokémon cards. It had resources like templates and tutorials to help everyone get started.
The website was not just about cards; it built a friendly community. Many people found a positive space there, making lasting friendships.
Even though Pokémon Zeo closed down in 2014, the memories and connections still live on through social media and gatherings among former members.

Vol. 2, Issue 10 - Interview with Dave Hillenbrand

99 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24

🎭️ Culture Pop culture Entertainment Interviews Retail Branding

Dave Hillenbrand managed the Pokémon Center NYC, creating a fun shopping experience for kids. He wanted to make it as memorable as places like Disney.
The opening of the store was a huge event just after 9/11, helping bring joy back to New York City. It involved a big marketing push and many excited Pokémon fans.
Working with diverse teams taught Dave the importance of adapting to new challenges. He learned a lot about blending different cultures and teamwork to make things successful.

Vol. 2, Issue 17 - Interview with Nick Roberts (Pokémon World Magazine)

59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24

🎭️ Culture Pop culture Media Entertainment Gaming Community

Pokémon World Magazine, which later became Pocket World, ran from 2000 to 2015 and was the first dedicated magazine for Pokémon fans in the UK. It included news, fan-created content, and community involvement, making it a special part of many childhoods.
The magazine changed its name due to pressure from The Pokémon Company after they learned about it, causing sales to drop significantly. Fans wanted the magazine to focus on Pokémon only, but it had to cover other games to stay afloat.
Nick Roberts, the former editor, emphasized the importance of supporting magazines and fan content because they are created by people who need to pay their bills. It's a reminder that content isn't really free as someone is always behind it.

Vol. 2, Issue 20 - Interview with Joey & Jolty's Home

39 implied HN points • 16 May 24

🎭️ Culture Fan Communities Pop culture Interviews Media Coverage Online Culture

Joey & Jolty's Home was a fun Pokémon fan website created in 2003, where people shared art and stories about their favorite Pokémon. It had a friendly vibe that appealed to kids and fans alike.
The site featured various content like games, quizzes, and fan creations. It built a small community of friends who still keep in touch today, showing how special these web projects can be.
While the website hasn't been updated in years, its creator cherishes the memories and friendships made through it. He believes that even if projects change, the joy they bring can last a lifetime.

Vol. 2, Issue 8 - Pokémon Legends Celebi: A Concept

79 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Entertainment Media Fan culture

A new Pokémon game idea called 'Pokémon Legends: Celebi' blends elements from previous successful games, set in ancient Johto. Players explore the rich backstory while engaging with new and classic Pokémon.
The game features exciting gameplay where players calm rampaging Pokémon and face off against a villainous group, drawing on the history and legends of the Johto region.
Puzzles and quests sprinkled throughout the game encourage exploration and problem-solving, enhancing player experience and connecting players to Pokémon lore.

Vol. 1, Issue 46 - Interview with Michael Haigney

119 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23

🎭️ Culture Anime Podcasts Interviews Television

Michael Haigney was the voice director for the English adaptation of the Pokémon anime and voiced many beloved characters like Charmander and Psyduck.
Adapting the anime involved a lot of fast-paced script writing and scheduling challenges, especially to keep up with tight deadlines.
Attending conventions and meeting fans has been a rewarding part of his journey, revealing how much the show means to many people.

Vol. 2, Issue 18 - Memories of Pokemon TCG East Coast Super Trainer Showdown

39 implied HN points • 02 May 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Events Community Memories

The Pokémon TCG East Coast Super Trainer Showdown took place in June 2001, where players of different age groups competed in tournaments. It was a big event for Pokémon fans on the East Coast.
The event became memorable for many fans because it was a chance to meet online friends in person for the first time. Many attendees connected over their shared passion for Pokémon.
A notable moment from the event was the banning of the Sneasel card due to its overpowering nature. This was a significant change in the game's rules that made the event unique.

Vol. 2, Issue 6 - A Pokémon fan in Japan: SteC (Part 2)

79 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24

🎭️ Culture Pop culture Entertainment Merchandising Travel

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet have sold over 24 million copies, making them one of the top three best-selling Pokémon games ever. This shows how popular Pokémon games still are today.
In Japan, there are many Pokémon Centers that offer unique merchandise and special items, like trading cards and cleaning products. Fans can find all sorts of fun Pokémon goodies there.
Some Pokémon items, like promo cards and themed products, are being made available in limited quantities at stores. It's important for fans to get these items before they sell out.

Vol. 2, Issue 25 - Being a Pokémon Cheater

19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24

🎭️ Culture Gaming Nostalgia Art Community Storytelling

Using cheat devices in Pokémon can make the game more accessible and fun in the short term, but it can also lessen the overall enjoyment and sense of achievement. Many players find more fulfillment in playing the game legitimately.
The rise of AI-generated artwork has affected competitions like the Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest, leading to concerns about fairness and integrity among artists.
Sharing your creations or stories, like in Pokémon mailbags, helps build community and keeps the spirit of the game alive, allowing fans to connect over shared experiences and creativity.

Vol. 1, Issue 48 - Johto Times End of Year Feature 2023

99 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23

🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Media Community Interviews Gaming

The Johto Times newsletter started in February 2023 and quickly grew to over 500 subscribers. It aims to share nostalgic content about Pokémon, especially from the late 90s and early 2000s.
The author values preserving Pokémon history and has conducted many interviews with fans and creators from that era. They also formed a group called Project R.O.A.R to uncover and share lost media.
Looking forward, the newsletter plans to use social media more for connection and is considering creating a dedicated website. They want to continue sharing memories and exploring the rich history of Pokémon.

Vol. 2, Issue 4 - Interview with Pokémon Rebirth

79 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24

🎭️ Culture Media Fan culture Literature Art Entertainment

Pokémon Rebirth was a fan-made project that ran for nearly 20 years, featuring stories about Pokémon characters and original characters. It was a creative outlet for exploring ideas about the Pokémon universe.
The creator, Gemma, took inspiration from all types of Pokémon media and created a unique world called Tatto, based on the UK. This shows how fan fiction can expand on existing stories in fun ways.
The project fostered a supportive community where fans could interact and even submit their own art. It highlights the importance of community and fan engagement in creative projects.

Vol. 2, Issue 16 - Interview with Universal Pokémon Network

39 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24

🎭️ Culture Pop culture Fan Communities Anime Gaming Websites

The Universal Pokémon Network was a popular fan site in the late 90s and early 2000s, offering news and a community for Pokémon fans. It became well-known for its clip archive and forum, where fans could connect and discuss.
Running UPNetwork was expensive, especially during the dot-com bubble, and it ultimately shut down when financial support dwindled. Despite this, it peaked at 5.4 million pageviews in a single day, showcasing its popularity.
Jaxel, the webmaster, reflects on the joy of sharing a passion for Pokémon and encourages others to spread that joy. He believes that enjoying and sharing the connections from the past is what truly matters.

Vol. 2, Issue 23 - Interview with Tim Street (Pokémon Official Magazine)

19 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24

🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Pop culture Gaming Interviews

Pokémon Official Magazine was a short-lived magazine that ran for only two issues in the UK in late 2004. It was the first official Pokémon magazine there, created around the launch of new games.
The magazine faced challenges in sales and was ultimately canceled due to low advertising revenue and high costs. It sold around 12,000 to 15,000 copies when 25,000 were printed.
Despite its short life, Pokémon continues to thrive and remains popular, showing that the love for it crosses generations.

Vol. 1, Issue 28 - Pokémon Photography: A Game Boy Camera Project

139 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23

🎭️ Culture Photography Video Games Art Hobbies Community

Using a Game Boy Camera can be a fun way to explore photography, especially with themes like Pokémon. It inspires creativity even with its low-quality images.
Adventure and trial-and-error are key to getting better photos with limited equipment. Finding the right lighting and settings can lead to surprising results.
Joining communities like the Game Boy Camera Club helps share tips and get support from others who love this unique photography style.

Vol. 1, Issue 1 - Introductions

279 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23

🎭️ Culture Gaming Nostalgia Community Personal Story Entertainment

The author, Darren, has been a Pokémon fan since he first discovered it in 1999. His love for Pokémon started with the anime and trading card game, and he got his first Pokémon game, Blue, in 2001.
Darren has a strong connection to Pokémon through his favorite game, Crystal, and his top Pokémon, Rowlet. He enjoys collecting Pokémon items, including games and toys, showcasing his passion.
Darren has used his love for Pokémon to create meaningful experiences, like producing a story-driven album for charity and fostering community through an online Pokémon website. Pokémon has been a positive influence in his life for many years.

Welcome to the Johto Times

279 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23

🎭️ Culture Entertainment Community Nostalgia Fandom Media

A new Pokémon newsletter called Johto Times aims to connect fans around the world and share experiences and insights about Pokémon.
The creator, Darren, has been a Pokémon fan since 1999 and wants to share nostalgic memories while also collaborating with other fans and contributors.
Johto Times will publish posts every Thursday, providing fun and interesting Pokémon content that readers can enjoy during breaks.

Vol. 2, Issue 22 - Interview with The Pokémon Tower

19 implied HN points • 30 May 24

🎭️ Culture Fan culture Digital Media Creative Writing Nostalgia Community

The Pokémon Tower is one of the longest-running fan sites, starting in 1998 and hosting a ton of fan works like stories and art. It's a special place for fans to share their creativity.
The site has a friendly approach to submissions, allowing almost all content as long as it doesn't contain inappropriate material. This openness helped create a big community of contributors.
Even though the site isn't updated anymore, the owner still pays for hosting because he wants to keep the site's history alive for fans. He believes it's important to preserve the creativity that was shared there.

Vol. 2, Issue 5 - The Time I Almost Lost My Charizard

59 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24

🎭️ Culture Entertainment Collectibles Nostalgia Gaming Literature

Owning a Charizard card was a big deal, and the author really valued it as a kid. It was popular among friends, making it even more special.
A childhood friend stole the Charizard card, showing how trust can be broken by those we least expect.
Even after getting the card back, it was bent, leaving a lasting reminder of that betrayal and changing how the author views trust and possessions.

Vol. 1, Issue 12 - Interview with Danior Snyder

199 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23

🎭️ Culture Gaming Disability Access Interviews Community

The newsletter is changing to include featured content directly in emails. This way, subscribers can see more without clicking to another link.
Danior Snyder, a Pokémon fan with a rare eye condition, shares his challenges accessing games. This highlights the need for better accessibility in gaming.
Danior suggests that companies like Nintendo should add text-to-speech features and sound cues to help those with vision impairments enjoy games more easily.

Vol. 1, Issue 45 - Interview with The Pokémon Factory

79 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23

🎭️ Culture Video Games Art Internet History Nostalgia

The Pokémon Factory is a fan website that started in 1998, focusing on creating fake Pokémon. It's been a creative place for people to share their ideas and art.
The community has had ups and downs over the years, but it still holds a special place in Pokémon history. Many artists and fans continue to celebrate and contribute to it.
As they approach their 25th anniversary, the site's legacy shows how online communities can inspire creativity and connection among fans.

Vol. 1, Issue 23 - How to spot fake Pokémon games

139 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23

🎭️ Culture Gaming Collecting Hobbies Media Online Communities

Know what real Pokémon games look like before you buy. Research and compare labels online to make sure you're getting the real deal.
Pay attention to the quality of the game cartridge. Look for things like crisp print, correct colors, and legitimate logos to spot fakes easily.
Always buy from trusted sellers and feel free to ask them questions. If something seems off or too cheap, it's better to walk away.

Vol. 1, Issue 43 - Interview with Johto

79 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23

🎶 Music Interviews Bands Soundtracks Music Industry Pop culture

The band Johto created popular songs for the Pokémon anime and soundtracks, helping to shape a big part of Pokémon's musical identity.
Their audition experience was unique, with most members being chosen quickly and getting to work together to produce fun, catchy tracks.
Despite their success, plans for a tour didn't happen, but all members continue to cherish their time together and their connections in the music world.

Vol. 1, Issue 34 - Miles's Pokemon Figure Collection

99 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23

🎭️ Culture Collecting Toys Fan culture Entertainment Gaming

Miles has a huge collection of Pokémon figures, including around 700 figures. He loves collecting because it brings him joy and reminds him of his childhood.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game Classic is coming out in November 2023, and it sold out quickly for pre-orders. Fans are excited about the new and rare cards included in the set.
Collecting can start at any age, and you don't need a huge collection to enjoy it. Whether it's figures, cards, or plushies, it's all about what makes you happy.

Vol. 1, Issue 14 - My Pokémon Collection - Part 3

159 implied HN points • 11 May 23

🎭️ Culture Pop culture Media Collectibles Nostalgia Gaming Entertainment

The author shares their personal Pokémon collection, focusing on classic VHS movies that are nostalgic for them. They have great memories connected to these movies and have kept them despite not having a VHS player.
Pokémon GO's monthly revenue has dropped significantly, and the game's company, Niantic, faced backlash after increasing prices and limiting features. They claim that changes have improved gameplay, but many players feel ignored.
The newsletter includes a mailbag segment where a reader asked about a pink Pikachu. While there's evidence of a temporary pink Pikachu in an anime episode, it’s not a permanent feature in the games.