Giant Lugia Plush

You massive fans will probably know all about this plush, it's the limited edition Pokémon Center Lugia plush that was taken off the shelves shortly after it's appearence in 2001. Most of the old Lugia fans should also remember the Blue Forest at http://calicougar.com/lugia/, and the Lugia merchandise section there that informed everyone about this lovely item. Unfortunatly the page no longer exists but it originally had giant Lugia photos and the owner's name beside them (who kindly took the pics for the site back when it was made in 2002 or so.)

This is one of few Lugia plushies where the American and Japanese versions differ from each other, meaning that there are actually two versions of this plush out there, both as rare as each other.

Here is a comparison pic I put together, please click the image for full size:

Japanese Version

The Japanese version has a disproportionately long neck compared with other Lugia plushes and official Lugia art, the beak is also somewhat longer and thinner than it should be, probably one of the reasons it was re-made in America. The overall build is slim and long-winged.

American Version

The American version of this plush has some slight improvements to the original, however some modifactions also made it slightly less desireable in certain areas. They managed to correct the overly long neck and beak, they also made the whole body much fatter and plushier (could be seen as a good or bad thing). However as a result of the body being changed, the characteristic slim legs of Lugia are no longer visible and you just get feet attached to knees instead! They also rounded the head a little too much but it does give it a very cute image.

Please click the thumbnails for full size images:

How I Obtained the Giant Lugia Plush

After endless searches I was wondering if I'd ever find one of these plushies to buy for myself. One evening while I searched for the exact phrase "Lugia plush" on google, I ended up on a site that seemed to be a mirror of the original Blue Forest page in French, some of the original text was still attached to the giant Lugia pictures and I could read the owners name. So I had a bright idea!

"What if he still owns that plush?" I thought to myself and decided to search his name for contact details. Fifteen minutes later I found an email address and decided to send a message. In my mind I believed he would have already sold it or wouldn't want to give it away so I really didn't get my hopes up too much. But lo and behold, I got a reply saying he DID still have it and WAS willing to sell! I just couldn't believe my luck, I immediately began saving with the help of my bestest friend ever, Lugia.
After two months or so I finally had enough money for the plush so I went ahead and bought it!

An extremely long month later and parcel force delivered the giant Lugia to my door at around 8.50am, the night before I was unable to sleep! The box was absolutely massive and some freebies had been placed in too, including a twelve-inch poseable Lugia plush and a blue, Japanese Lugia magnet!! Everything was in MINT condition! Giant Lugia even still had his tag attached!! Needless to say I was completely blown away by the act of generosity.

The total cost of the plush was £130 (including customs charge), that's roughly $200; the owner was kind enough to discount me. Giant Lugia now sits in the corner of my newly decorated "Lugia Bedroom" along with all my other Lugia plushies ^v^

Those of you who visited the Pokémon Center online while the plush was still available, you'll probably remember the "Discontinued" title on the description. The reason for this was because of the supposed dangers to young children. Yes it really is quite heavy for a plush being 11lbs and thirty-three inches tall. It has a wingspan of around forty-three inches! You wouldn't believe how soft it is even after all these years. Softer than ANY other Lugia plush out there (trust me I have felt nearly all of them) and really nice to cuddle up with at night time.

The original Pokemon Center price was $125 or so.

If you happen to be in England, you're more than welcome to come over and hug/cuddle or take photos of the plush!