I usually pick the fire type, and I plan to in D/P without knowing what it looks like... But I changed my mind, I don't like that monkey thing... I'll just pick Pocchama; I like Penguins. ^^
Generation 2 being the only exception, I have always picked the grass starter first. Bulbasaur because I was told he would make for an easy game, and Treecko because Sceptile appealed to me.
I'm leaning toward grass because it looks like a Koopa Troopa and also looks like it could evolve into something very cool. That is if I even get the game, lol