Gary Oak
Gary Oak, Ash Ketchum‘s a childhood friend and rival, is known for his confident and aloof demeanor.
Gender: | Male |
Region: | |
Position: | Pokémon Researcher Pokémon Trainer (formerly) |
Generation Appearance: | Generation I |
Debut Appearence | Pokémon – I Choose You! |
He hails from Pallet Town and is the grandson of Professor Oak. Initially, Gary appears as a skilled and seasoned Pokémon Trainer, often one step ahead of Ash. In Pokémon Journeys: The Series anime, Gary assumes the role of Goh’s rival in Project Mew.
Anime appearances
Pre-series
Gary originates from Pallet Town, sharing the same hometown as Ash. Gary and Ash have been neighbors since childhood.
In “Lights, Camerupt, Action!”, it was revealed that Ash and Gary were once friends who enjoyed watching movies together. In “The Ties That Bind” Ash recalled a moment from his past where he and Gary found an old Poké Ball before starting their Pokémon journeys. They argued over ownership but ultimately decided to split it in half, each keeping a piece as a reminder of their friendship.
Original series
In the first episode of Pokémon anime, ”Pokémon – I Choose You!’‘, Gary received his first Pokémon, a Squirtle, from Professor Oak, marking the beginning of his quest to become a Pokémon Master. His rival, Ash, was late so he didn’t have a chance to choose, he got the remaining Pokémon. Despite their friendly rivalry, Gary’s competitive nature sometimes led to clashes with Ash, fueling their ongoing rivalry.
Upon selecting his initial Pokémon companion, he departed from Pallet Town.
He swiftly conquered the Pewter and Cerulean Gyms before encountering Ash in “Showdown in Pewter City” and “The Water Flowers of Cerulean City”. Additionally, he triumphed over Samurai in “Challenge of the Samurai”. Gary briefly appeared in “Here Comes the Squirtle Squad”. Professor Oak disclosed in “Mystery at the Lighthouse” that Gary had captured 45 Pokémon, surpassing Ash’s team of seven. He joined other Trainers in aiding the foreman against Diglett issues at Gaiva Dam in “Dig Those Diglett!”, and in “Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon”, he embarked on a Fossil excavation in Grampa Canyon.
In “Riddle Me This”, Gary opts for vacation instead of challenging the Cinnabar Gym. He discloses to Ash that the Gym hasn’t existed for years. Later, Gary encounters Ash and offers food in exchange for a favor. However, they both fall asleep due to Jigglypuff’s song, annoying the Balloon Pokémon. In “The Battle of the Badg,” Gary disclosed he had ten Badges and challenged Giovanni at the Viridian Gym. Despite a strong start, he ultimately lost. Later, he observed Ash’s battle against Team Rocket, then returned to Pallet Town in “Showdown at the Po-ké Corral”.
In “All Fired Up!” Gary joins the Pokémon League but leaves after a loss. He later congratulates Ash on his Orange League victory in “A Tent Situation” and defeats Ash in a subsequent battle before embarking on a journey through Johto.
In “Illusion Confusion!” Gary advises Ash to catch a Hoothoot to navigate a confusing forest. Later, in “Power Play” he defeats a Trainer with his Umbreon. When a power plant is attacked, Gary helps Ash and friends fend off Team Rocket. In “Extreme Pokémon!” Gary competes in a race against Ash, ultimately losing by a narrow margin.
In “A Claim to Flame!” Gary competes in the Silver Conference. He battles Ash in “The Ties That Bind” and “Can’t Beat the Heat!” and Ash emerges victorious.
In “Johto Photo Finish” Gary opts to transition from Pokémon training to research, following in his grandfather’s footsteps. When Ash meets him in “Gotta Catch Ya Later” Gary’s new path inspires Ash to set off for Hoenn.
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire appearences
In Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire Gary Oak’s absence is notable, as the narrative primarily revolves around Ash Ketchum‘s journey through the Hoenn region.
In “Lights, Camerupt, Action!” Gary was featured in a flashback to Ash’s childhood. Later, in “Putting the Air Back in Aerodactyl!” he was revealed to be working as a Fossil researcher on Sayda Island. There, he revived an Aerodactyl and gained its trust.
Eventually, Gary moved to Sinnoh for his research, sending Ash a postcard in “The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing!” to inspire him. In “Home Is Where The Start Is!” Gary reunited with Ash, battling him and winning with his Electivire.
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl appearences
In Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Gary Oak is depicted as a Pokémon researcher conducting his studies, particularly in the Sinnoh region.
In Sinnoh, Gary took on the role of Professor Rowan’s assistant, focusing his research on rare Pokémon like Fossil and Legendary species. He displayed greater maturity and respect, notably towards Ash. Dawn mistook him for a poet, reminiscent of his grandfather.
In “Ill-Will Hunting!”, Gary and Ash united to protect Shieldon from J, a Pokémon hunter, and her minions. Despite initial reluctance, their teamwork saved the day. In “Fighting Fear With Fear!”, Gary aided Ash by providing a Razor Fang, leading to Gligar’s evolution. He also pursued rumors of Azelf at Lake Valor. Gary also followed Ash to the Lily of the Valley Conference, focusing on his battle against Paul.
In “The Needs of the Three!” and “The Battle Finale of Legend!”, Gary worked with Professor Rowan to protect Azelf from Team Galactic. Despite efforts, he couldn’t defeat Saturn. Later, he collected Orbs with Rowan after Ash and Cynthia dealt with Team Galactic.
Pokémon the Series: Black & White appearences
In Pokémon the Series: Black & White, Gary made a cameo in a fantasy sequence during the episode “The Dream Continues!”.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series appearences
In Pokémon Journeys: The Series Gary Oak serves as Goh’s rival in Project Mew.
Gary makes a significant return in “Advice to Goh!” when he rescues Ash and Goh from an Onix. He shares that he’s embarked on a global Pokémon research journey and is seeking the Legendary Pokémon Moltres. Alongside Ash and Goh, they confront Moltres, leading to a fierce battle. Despite Moltres’s retreat, Gary retrieves a burning feather as proof. It’s revealed he’s part of Project Mew, and after completing his mission, he departs to continue his research.
Gary makes a comeback in “Leaping Toward the Dream!” where he encounters Ash and Goh in Sinnoh. In “Battling in the Freezing Raid!”, he joins a Raid Battle with them against Articuno, showcasing his Pokémon prowess. Despite Articuno’s escape, Gary gains tokens for the mission and shares valuable advice with Goh about the demeanor of a Challenger.
In “Narrowing the Chaser Chase!”, Gary completes his mission led by Quillon and emerges as the top-ranked Challenger in Project Mew. In “Chasing to the Finish!”, he aids Goh in their final Trial Mission, capturing Regieleki and Regidrago. Gary then joins the Project Mew team in Slateport City for their ultimate expedition, offering support to Goh during Ash’s tournament. In the subsequent episodes, Gary ventures with Project Mew to Faraway Island, ultimately locating Mew and concluding their mission.
In “This Could be the Start of Something Big!”, Gary and Horace are welcomed by Professor Oak at the lab entrance. Later, in “The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!”, Gary reunites with Ash, celebrates Ash’s World Coronation Series victory, and embarks on a new journey with Umbreon.
About Gary Oak
Gary Oak is characterized as a highly competitive and ambitious individual, driven by a desire to become the best Pokémon Trainer. From his childhood, he exhibited a confident and sometimes arrogant demeanor, often seen flaunting his achievements and prowess as a Trainer. However, beneath his brash exterior lies a deep passion for Pokémon and a genuine dedication to his goals.
Throughout his journey, Gary undergoes significant character development, evolving from a cocky rival to a more mature and respectful individual. He learns to acknowledge Ash’s strengths and achievements, gradually forming a more amicable relationship with him. Despite their rivalry, Gary demonstrates moments of camaraderie and support for Ash, especially during challenging situations.
As a Pokémon researcher, Gary showcases his intellect and expertise in the field, contributing valuable insights and discoveries. He is portrayed as diligent and committed to expanding his knowledge of Pokémon, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Professor Oak. Gary’s transition from a Trainer to a researcher reflects his growth and evolving aspirations.
Despite his competitive nature, Gary also exhibits compassion and empathy towards Pokémon and other Trainers. He is willing to lend assistance and guidance when needed, showcasing a sense of responsibility and integrity. Gary’s multifaceted character traits contribute to his complexity and make him a compelling figure in the Pokémon universe.
Gary Oak's Pokémon team
Gary Oak’s Pokémon team varies throughout the Pokémon series, reflecting his journey as a Trainer and researcher.
Right from the onset of his journey, Gary has displayed remarkable prowess as a Pokémon Trainer, swiftly capturing and nurturing a diverse array of powerful Pokémon within a short span. Rarely tasting defeat, he maintains excellent care for his extensive roster, showcasing his dedication to each Pokémon’s well-being.
During his Johto journey, Gary concentrated his training efforts on select team members like Umbreon and Arcanine. Despite leaving most of his Pokémon with his grandfather, he later reunited with some of them, utilizing their strengths for tasks and research endeavors.
By the time of “Showdown at the Po-ké Corral” Gary had amassed over 200 Pokémon from 60 species. His role as a researcher took him to regions like Sinnoh and Galar, where he strategically added new Pokémon to his team, like Electivire and Hatterene, for specific purposes rather than random captures.
Gary’s Pokémon team evolves over time as he continues his journey as a Trainer and researcher, reflecting his growth and development in the Pokémon world.
Core series games appearances
Gary Oak, known as Blue in the core series games, is a prominent character. He is the grandson of Professor Oak and a rival to the player character.
In Pokémon Red, Blue, Green, FireRed, and LeafGreen, he serves as the player’s primary rival, often seen as a talented and experienced Trainer. He chooses the starter Pokémon that has a type advantage over the player’s choice. Throughout the game, he appears at various points to challenge the player to battles, showcasing his strong team and competitive nature. In later games, he becomes the Viridian City Gym Leader, specializing in diverse Pokémon types, representing his growth as a Trainer.
Spin-off games appearances
Pokémon Puzzle League – Gary is a playable character in the 2P Stadium mode and can also be encountered as a hidden boss.
Pokémon Zany Cards – Gary is featured as one of the opponents in the Pokémon Zany Cards game, offering players a challenging matchup.
Manga appearances
Ash & Pikachu
In the sixteenth chapter of this manga, “One Half Of A Poké Ball”, Gary squared off against Ash in a heated battle during the Silver Conference.
Gary Oak’s Pokémon team in this manga consists of Blastoise, Nidoqueen, Magmar, Arcanine, Scizor and Nidoking.
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
In “The Electric Tale of Pikachu” manga, Gary is Ash’s childhood friend and rival, often appearing when Ash messes up. He’s initially arrogant but respects Ash sooner than in the anime. Defeated by Ritchie at the Pokémon League, he later reconciles with Ash and they travel together.
Gary Oak’s Pokémon team in this manga consists of Arcanine, Rhydon, Gyarados, Venusaur, Pidgeot and Slowpoke which evolves into Slowbro.
Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution
In this manga adaptation of the movie of the same name, Gary suffered defeat against Giovanni in their Gym battle, echoing events from the original movie.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
In the twentieth chapter of this manga, “Advice to Goh!”, Gary made an appearance.
Pokémon Newspaper Strip
Gary is a recurring character in the Pokémon Newspaper Strip, often seen showcasing his Pokémon prowess. In one strip, his Rapidash faced off against Ash’s Metapod and lost. Another strip featured a battle between Gary’s Beedrill and Brock’s Vulpix. Later, Gary challenged Ash to a duel, but the match was disrupted when Ash became trapped under his Snorlax.
Gary Oak’s Pokémon team in this manga consists of Rapidash, Beedrill and Charizard.
Summary
In the Pokémon anime, Gary is unique as his game counterpart becomes a Champion, a title he hasn’t achieved in the show. He’s also notable for competing in multiple League Conferences. Gary stands out as the first rival to capture a Legendary Pokémon, Regidrago.
Gary Oak stands as a significant figure in the Pokémon universe, renowned for his exceptional skills as a Trainer and his evolving relationship with Ash Ketchum. From his early days as a confident and ambitious rival to his later role as a seasoned Pokémon researcher, Gary’s journey reflects growth, maturity, and a deep passion for understanding Pokémon. Despite his competitive nature, Gary’s interactions with Ash underscore themes of friendship, camaraderie, and mutual respect.
Whether as a formidable opponent in battles or a trusted ally in times of need, Gary’s presence leaves an indelible mark on the Pokémon world, showcasing the diverse paths and aspirations that enrich the Trainer’s journey.