Lance
Lance is a renowned Dragon-type Trainer, a member of the Indigo Elite Four in Kanto region, Generations I, III, and VII. Renowned for his mastery of Dragon-type Pokémon, he presents a formidable challenge to Trainers aiming to conquer the Pokémon League.
In Generations II and IV, Lance ascends to the prestigious position of Pokémon Champion of the Indigo Plateau. As the pinnacle of success in the Pokémon world, he stands as the ultimate test for aspiring Champions.
Core series appearence
Lance is often depicted as a formidable and enigmatic Trainer, exuding an aura of strength and authority. His calm and composed demeanor belies his fierce determination to uphold the honor of Dragon-type Pokémon. Lance is admired by many as a courageous and valiant Trainer, boasting a substantial fan base.
He hails from the esteemed Blackthorn City. Lance’s grandfather holds the esteemed position of elder within a renowned clan of Dragon Masters. Clair, the Gym Leader of Blackthorn City’s Gym is his cousin.
In Generations I, III, and VII, Lance is the formidable fourth and final member of the Kanto Elite Four. Defeating him is a prerequisite to challenging the Pokémon League Champion, Blue/Trace. In Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, he unveils his Key Stone and Charizardite X, utilizing them in rematches against the player post-Championship. By Generations II and IV, he ascends to the esteemed role of Pokémon League Champion.
Lance’s expertise lies in Dragon-type Pokémon, known for their rarity and power. He strategically employs iconic Dragon-type Pokémon such as Dragonite, Gyarados, and Aerodactyl, showcasing his formidable skills in battle.
In the Generation II games and their remakes, the player initially encounters Lance at the Lake of Rage, observing the battle against the Red Gyarados. He later aids in battling Team Rocket at their HQ in Mahogany Town, rewarding the player with the HM for Whirlpool. In the remakes, he joins the player in a Multi Battle against Ariana. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, he and Clair engage in another Multi Battle at Dragon’s Den in the post-game.
In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Lance represents Johto in the Pokémon World Tournament, competing in the Champions Tournament.
In Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, Professor Kukui mentions challenging Lance, who was the Indigo League Champion. The outcome of their battle remains undisclosed.
Lance also appeares in:
The side series games
- Pokémon Stadium – In Pokémon Stadium’s Gym Leader Castle, Lance emerges as the ultimate Elite Four member. Remarkably, this is the sole game where he doesn’t deploy his powerful Dragonite.
- Pokémon Stadium 2 – Lance makes a comeback in this installment, acting as the ultimate challenge in the Johto Gym Leader Castle. Victory against him grants access to the prestigious Kanto Gym Leader Castle.
The spin-off games
- Pokémon Puzzle Challenge – Lance makes an appearance as an opponent utilizing a Dragonite in battle.
- Pokémon Masters EX – Lance forms a sync pair with Dragonite, Gyarados, and Dragonair.
Anime appearences
Lance is a familiar face in the anime, first appearing in “Talkin’ ‘Bout an Evolution” to help pacify the Red Gyarados at the Lake of Rage. He reemerged during the Team Aqua and Team Magma arc in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, and later participated in the Masters Eight Tournament in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Lance also appeares in Pokémon Origins mini-series (He was challenged and ultimately defeated by Red) and in Pokémon Generations (The first instance of Lance is discussing Blue. Subsequently, he stood as the final obstacle for Blue among the Elite Four challengers.).
Manga appearances
Lance appears in several Pokémon manga series.
Pokémon Adventures
Red, Green & Blue arc – Lance made a brief appearance in “A Charizard…and a Champion,” standing alongside his fellow Elite Four members as they observed the finals.
Yellow arc – Lance makes his debut appearance in Vermilion City just prior to the commencement of the Vermilion City Surfing Competition.
Lance went missing for a period, dedicating his efforts to investigating Lugia and operating discreetly. In a flashback depicted in “Returning Pupitar,” he provided Silver with guidance on thwarting Team Rocket in Johto, along with a Pupitar.
Gold, Silver & Crystal arc – After Silver regained consciousness, he returned Lance’s Pupitar, now evolved into Tyranitar. With Lance’s guidance, Silver worked to combat the Masked Man. Once their mission was accomplished, Lance was briefly spotted flying on his Aerodactyl while observing the horizon during Professor Oak’s radio broadcast.
FireRed & LeafGreen arc – In “Secrets from Sneasel,” Lance delved into Silver’s Sneasel’s mind seeking clues about Silver’s origins, but found none.
HeartGold & SoulSilver arc – Lance warns Professor Oak about Team Rocket’s plan to capture Arceus and asks for assistance. Gold is sent to meet Lance, but Lance doesn’t appear, and his Dragonite attacks in distress. Gold defeats Dragonite and learns from Lance that he was ambushed. Lance advises Gold to connect with his Pokémon before facing Arceus, then seeks allies to combat Arceus’s creations. Eventually, Lance, Giovanni, and Pryce join forces to stop the impending disaster, and Giovanni entrusts Silver’s training to Lance and Pryce.
In this manga Lance’s Pokémon team consist of Dratini which evolves into Dragonair, and later Dragonite, Magikarp which evolves into Gyarados, Dragonair, Aerodactyl, Pupitar which evolves into Tyranitar, Dragonite, Lugia (released), Horsea.
Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō’s Big Adventure
Lance encounters Jō during the chaos caused by the Red Gyarados at the Lake of Rage and aids him in subduing the rampaging Pokémon. Discovering Ariana and Petrel’s involvement, Lance joins forces with Jō for a Tag Battle against them, emerging victorious. Later, Lance faces Jō as the Pokémon League Champion, but Jō emerges triumphant with Totodile, defeating Lance in a remarkable solo effort.
In this manga Lance’s Pokémon team consist of Dragonite and Charizard.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
Lance is featured in “Space Havoc!!” as a typical Elite Four member, encountering Red during his cosmic journey. In “The Final Battle!!”, Lance resurfaces, but this time wreaks havoc by destroying a village.
In this manga Lance’s Pokémon team consist of Gyarados, Aerodactyl and Dragonite.
Pokémon Zensho
In the ninth and final chapter of the Pokémon Zensho manga, PZ10, Lance, the ultimate Elite Four member, faced Satoshi in battle. His Dragonite clashed with Satoshi’s Charizard, leading to Satoshi’s victory and a final showdown with his rival, Shigeru.
Summary
In Generation VII, Lance notably utilizes the fewest Pokémon of his specialty type among Elite Four members, relying solely on his Dragonite. Throughout various games, except for Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Lance ensures at least one of his Pokémon knows Hyper Beam in both initial battles and rematches.
Overall, Lance stands as an iconic figure in the Pokémon series, revered for his mastery of Dragon-type Pokémon and his formidable presence as both an Elite Four member and Pokémon Champion. His battles and contributions to the Pokémon world make him a memorable and influential character in the franchise.