Pocket Monsters or Pokémon as it is referred to here in North America, is both a video game and a television show - © 1995-2002 Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK, Inc. Held dear in the hearts of most children, young adults and some adults as well. Whether you were hit by "Pokéfever" or someone near and dear to you was most people have heard at least a little bit about Pokémon.

Although the Pocket Monsters copyright begins in 1995 creator Satoshi Tajiri said when interviewed "It was around April 1984 when I started to think about "Pokemon"." (Quote taken from interview).

The technicalities out of the way I would like to bring your attention to something rather mysterious that I uncovered after purchasing and viewing the Curse III: Blood Sacrifice.

Cures III: Blood Sacrifice came out in 1990 and is a Christopher Coy production, it stars such wonderful actors as Christopher Lee, Jenilee Harrison and Henry Cele (as Mletch).

"A powerful family...A tribal witch doctor...and a curse that can only be paid back in blood.

Deep in the heart of seductively spiritual Africa, young, beautiful Elizabeth Armstrong makes her home among the warring tribes.

Trying to bring civilization to the local people, she oversteps her bounds challenging the powerful tribal witch doctor - making her first mistake. Ignoring his curse will be her last.

Between the unknown and the unstoppable lies a young woman trying to escape from the wrath of the Panga - a deadly machete that strikes into the heart of terror." - Back of movie case

Now what does this have to do with Pokémon? By the sounds of it there are no cute little Pokémon, no young children running around trying to "catch 'em all". But I bring you attention to the image below.

Who is this peculiar man? The one up front with his face painted. Why it's the witch doctor of course. But lo, what is that around his neck?

Here let's take a closer look. Oh, my can you see it? No you still can't. Alright I'll point it out for you.

Now do you see it. And look there's an image of a Pokéball right beside it. Can you see the similarities?

Is this coincidence? Did someone rip someone off? I do not know these answers. Perhaps this is the biggest mystery of the ages. And while Ash has his Pikachu the witch doctor has...

Him!! Perhaps the witch doctor and Misty should get together.

I am using the North American names because more people know these than their Japanese names.