I keep being told bulbasuar was the right choice but many respond with “because he’s cute” and I would like to know if there’s an actual advantage to choosing bulbasuar.
Bulbasaur has type advantage against the first few gyms but has disadvantage against later gyms. By later gyms you’ll have other Pokémon with various types.
Bulbasaur has a strong type advantage against the first two gyms, making your start easier, and you'll have a type advantage for a chunk of the first two members of the Elite 4. It can also be a pretty scary 'mon to face with Razor Leaf, because Gen 1 is held together with prayer and those frequent crits can hurt.
It's also cute.
I've seen some people who like it because it gets the Powder line of moves(Poison, Stun, and Sleep) so it's easier to set-up a catch, but I personally prefer a Paras with Spore for that.
I usually chose Charmander and let me tell you; the early game is NOT fun with a fire-type as your main. Ember might be a cool move while you're still roasting bug-types along the way to the first gym, but Brock will kick your butt unless you grossly over-level or get a different Pokémon as your main damage dealer, as fire-types suck against rock-types. And guess what the super long next tunnel section is filled with ...
Seriously, as much as I love Charmander and its evolutions, Bulbasaur is the better choice for a first experience.
I don't think I would have recommended originals games to anyone starting their Pokemon journeys. That being said, if you're okay with the outdated ergonomics, that's good.
Also, the anime just closed its "Ash" chapter. 12 episodes in the new season and it feels like a reboot. No Team Rocket to break the rhythm of the episodes. So, now might be a good time to follow the anime.
So nice to see someone getting into it now. And to go start with blue of all things too. Good on you. I hope you have a wonderful journey. I look forward to seeing g your updates