Raikou is a quadrupedal tiger-like Pokémon with a striking yellow coat and black stripes. It's built lean and muscular, with white fur dominating its face and a distinctive light blue "X"-shaped muzzle. A black faceplate covers its forehead, nose, and ears, giving it an intimidating look that's only enhanced by two prominent fangs—think saber-toothed cat vibes. Its claws are large and sharp, permanently extended into single points. Extra fur tufts hang across its front legs, and running along its back is a mane that looks like dark purple storm clouds. The tail is thin and angular with a spark-like tip, and its red eyes are piercing.
About 150 years ago, Brass Tower in Johto was struck by lightning and burned down before a sudden rainstorm put out the flames. Three ordinary Pokémon died in the fire, but a Legendary Pokémon resurrected them with new forms. Raikou was one of them—literally born from the lightning that had ignited the now-ruined tower. According to legend, Raikou descended from the sky riding that very bolt.
True to its mythical origins, Raikou is basically lightning incarnate. It can fly by summoning storm clouds and is said to move at the speed of lightning itself. The Pokémon shows up during thunderstorms, especially when Electric-types are in trouble, and tends to race across grasslands letting out barks that sound like thunder. Its cries can even send shockwaves through the air hard enough to shake the ground. That said, Raikou doesn't trust humans easily—though it may warm up to those who actually help it, as shown in The Legend of Thunder!. It can control storm clouds at will, making it a force of nature in every sense.
Sleep-wise, Raikou's breathing rumbles like distant thunder when it's resting. The moment it wakes up, it tears across the land with a roar that sounds like crashing thunder. The Pokémon has three documented sleep styles: Energy-Storing Sleep, Meditative Sleep, and Lightning Sleep. As for food, it apparently loves Raikou Treats and Raikou Biscuits—there's even a special incense named after it that can lure Raikou to a spot.
Interestingly, Raging Bolt bears a resemblance to Raikou. According to Occulture, it might actually be Raikou's ancestor.
Content compiled by AnimeList.moe from publicly available sources.
