Torchic, known in Japan as Achamo, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, it first appeared in the video games Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise.
The name Torchic is a portmanteau of the words torch, a flame or light used to see in darkness, and chick, a common name for infant chickens. The Japanese name for Torchic, Achamo, is a portmanteau of aka, a term for baby, and shamo, a breed of Japanese bird, originally bred for fighting or hunting. The name Torchic refers to both the overall species, and to individual Torchic within the games, anime and manga series. Torchic, known as the Chick Pokémon, are small, clumsy birds with yellowish feathers and orange bodies. Torchic dislike darkness because it prevents them from seeing their surroundings, regardless of their proficiency with fire techniques which can illuminate the dark. Before Torchic's legs develop fully, they stay with their Pokémon trainer, following behind with unsteady, hopping steps while they learn to walk properly. They also have a sac filled with churning fire deep within their stomach, allowing them to give literal "warm hugs" to their trainers. This powerful fire also serves as their "ammunition" in battles; when attacked, they retaliate by spitting fire, at temperatures of over 1,800 degrees.
In the anime, May chooses a playful Torchic as her starter Pokémon because she considers it to be cute. She often uses it in battles, but avoids using it in Pokémon Contests until it evolves. It evolved into Combusken in A Shroomish Skirmish to protect Ash's Corphish. Combusken evolves into a Blaziken during the break of a Pokémon Contest when they were trying to stop Team Rocket from stealing Pikachu and other Pokémon. May then used Blaziken in the Battle Phase against Ash's Sceptile.