TV Special
Description
Iris’s Axew is a small, tusk-bearing Dragon-type Pokémon and the primary partner of the trainer Iris. He was entrusted to Iris as a newly hatched Pokémon by the elder of the Dragon Village, a community dedicated to the raising and training of Dragon-types. Her assigned mission was to journey with Axew and raise him to one day evolve into a powerful Haxorus.
In terms of personality, Axew is generally friendly and possesses a strong, determined dream of evolving to his final form. Despite his determination, he begins his journey with a notably timid disposition, particularly in battle. He is prone to crying when struck by attacks and initially struggles with controlling his own powerful moves. He shares a deep bond with Iris, often riding in her hair instead of staying inside a Poké Ball, a habit that provides him comfort and a place to retreat. His innocence and playful nature allow him to bond quickly with other Pokémon, establishing a brotherly relationship with Ash’s Scraggy and a close friendship with Pikachu.
Within the specific context of the Mewtwo prologue, Axew serves as one of the Pokémon present during the encounter with the powerful, artificial Legendary Pokémon. He accompanies Iris, Ash, and Cilan when they become entangled in the conflict between Mewtwo and the Genesect army. In a key scene, Mewtwo directly protects both Axew and Pikachu from harm, demonstrating that even a being as aloof as Mewtwo acknowledges the innocence of young Pokémon. Axew’s presence in the narrative highlights his vulnerability in the face of overwhelming legendary forces, reinforcing his role as a young companion who still requires significant protection and training.
Regarding key relationships, his bond with Iris is the central one of his existence; she is his trainer and caretaker, and their connection is strong enough that he is able to sense her fears, such as a shared phobia of Ice-types. He looks up to other powerful Dragon-types he encounters, such as Cynthia’s Garchomp, and uses these experiences to fuel his own training. While he is loyal and obedient to Iris, a contrast is drawn with some of her other Pokémon, like her powerful but stubborn Excadrill, which has a history of disobedience.
Axew undergoes notable development throughout his appearances. Initially unable to control the powerful move Dragon Rage, his attempts often result in small, uncontrolled explosions nicknamed the Dragon Sneeze by Ash and Cilan. Through continuous travel and battles, he eventually masters this move. A significant turning point occurs during a tournament battle against a Golett, where Axew learns the powerful Dragon-type move Outrage in the midst of combat, securing a victory and showcasing his growing battle instincts. His development culminates off-screen between major series, where he successfully achieves his lifelong dream by first evolving into Fraxure and later into the powerful and imposing Haxorus. As a Haxorus, he takes on a more serious demeanor, becoming a powerhouse capable of defeating champions’ Pokémon like Cynthia’s Milotic, though he still shows emotional vulnerability after intense losses.
In terms of notable abilities, Axew’s move set includes Fury Swipes, Dragon Rage, Outrage, and later Giga Impact and Psycho Cut as a Haxorus. His early mastery of Dragon Rage, despite its initial unreliability, demonstrates a significant latent power. His ability to learn Outrage mid-battle illustrates a capacity for rapid growth under pressure. As a fully evolved Haxorus, he combines raw physical power with the speed and technique necessary to compete at the Champion level of the World Coronation Series.
In terms of personality, Axew is generally friendly and possesses a strong, determined dream of evolving to his final form. Despite his determination, he begins his journey with a notably timid disposition, particularly in battle. He is prone to crying when struck by attacks and initially struggles with controlling his own powerful moves. He shares a deep bond with Iris, often riding in her hair instead of staying inside a Poké Ball, a habit that provides him comfort and a place to retreat. His innocence and playful nature allow him to bond quickly with other Pokémon, establishing a brotherly relationship with Ash’s Scraggy and a close friendship with Pikachu.
Within the specific context of the Mewtwo prologue, Axew serves as one of the Pokémon present during the encounter with the powerful, artificial Legendary Pokémon. He accompanies Iris, Ash, and Cilan when they become entangled in the conflict between Mewtwo and the Genesect army. In a key scene, Mewtwo directly protects both Axew and Pikachu from harm, demonstrating that even a being as aloof as Mewtwo acknowledges the innocence of young Pokémon. Axew’s presence in the narrative highlights his vulnerability in the face of overwhelming legendary forces, reinforcing his role as a young companion who still requires significant protection and training.
Regarding key relationships, his bond with Iris is the central one of his existence; she is his trainer and caretaker, and their connection is strong enough that he is able to sense her fears, such as a shared phobia of Ice-types. He looks up to other powerful Dragon-types he encounters, such as Cynthia’s Garchomp, and uses these experiences to fuel his own training. While he is loyal and obedient to Iris, a contrast is drawn with some of her other Pokémon, like her powerful but stubborn Excadrill, which has a history of disobedience.
Axew undergoes notable development throughout his appearances. Initially unable to control the powerful move Dragon Rage, his attempts often result in small, uncontrolled explosions nicknamed the Dragon Sneeze by Ash and Cilan. Through continuous travel and battles, he eventually masters this move. A significant turning point occurs during a tournament battle against a Golett, where Axew learns the powerful Dragon-type move Outrage in the midst of combat, securing a victory and showcasing his growing battle instincts. His development culminates off-screen between major series, where he successfully achieves his lifelong dream by first evolving into Fraxure and later into the powerful and imposing Haxorus. As a Haxorus, he takes on a more serious demeanor, becoming a powerhouse capable of defeating champions’ Pokémon like Cynthia’s Milotic, though he still shows emotional vulnerability after intense losses.
In terms of notable abilities, Axew’s move set includes Fury Swipes, Dragon Rage, Outrage, and later Giga Impact and Psycho Cut as a Haxorus. His early mastery of Dragon Rage, despite its initial unreliability, demonstrates a significant latent power. His ability to learn Outrage mid-battle illustrates a capacity for rapid growth under pressure. As a fully evolved Haxorus, he combines raw physical power with the speed and technique necessary to compete at the Champion level of the World Coronation Series.