Haunter (Pokémon)

Haunter (/ˈhɔːntər/ ^ⓘ), known in Japan as Ghost (Japanese: ゴースト, Hepburn: Gōsuto), is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. First introduced in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue, it has since appeared in multiple games including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. In media related to the franchise, Haunter has been voiced by various voice actors, including Toshiyuki Morikawa, Ted Lewis, and Casey Mongillo.

Classified as a Ghost- and Poison-type Pokémon, Haunter evolves from Gastly, and can evolve into Gengar when traded to another Pokémon Trainer. Haunter appears as a large, purple floating head with spikes protruding from the sides and back of it, and it has two disembodied hands for limbs. Haunter's mouth is wide and features a long tongue that can induce seizures in a target if it licks them.

Haunter has received a primarily positive response since its introduction, being highlighted for its design and appearance. Its characterization in the manga Pokémon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu has been highlighted for its unique take on the species as well as Ghost-type Pokémon as a whole. Haunter's design has also been compared to Gengar, with several outlets stating their preference for Haunter due to how well it reflected the concept of a ghost, with some of these aspects being lost when it evolves into Gengar.