Lt. Surge
Lt. Surge is a formidable Gym Leader based in Vermilion City’s Gym, specializing in Electric-type Pokémon. Trainers who defeat him in battle earn the Thunder Badge.
Gender: | Male |
Region: | |
Position: | Gym Leader |
Generation Appearance: | Generations I, II, III, IV and VII |
Debut Game | Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green Version |
Core series appearence
Lt. Surge’s appearance is characterized by his military attire, suggesting a background in the armed forces. In the games, he is depicted as a stern and imposing figure, reflecting his disciplined and strict nature. He is known for his strong sense of duty and honor, which he carries over from his military background. Lt. Surge, a former pilot, relied on Electric-type Pokémon to power his planes, a decision that once saved his life. He also rescued a Gym Trainer who served in the army alongside him.
In battles, Lt. Surge employs Electric-type Pokémon such as Raichu, Magneton, and Voltorb, showcasing his expertise in harnessing the power of electricity.
Lt. Surge awards the Thunder Badge and TM24/TM36 (Thunderbolt) in Generation I and Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!. In FireRed, LeafGreen, HeartGold, and SoulSilver, he grants TM34 (Shock Wave). In Gold, Silver, and Crystal, Lt. Surge does not give out a TM as a reward for defeating him.
In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Lt. Surge joins the Pokémon World Tournament along with other Kanto Gym Leaders. He competes in the Kanto Leaders Tournament and also takes part in the Type Expert and World Leaders Tournaments alongside Gym Leaders from various regions.
Lt. Surge also appeares in:
The side series games
- Pokémon Stadium – He is the third Gym Leader confronted by players in Pokémon Stadium’s Gym Leader Castle challenge.
- Pokémon Stadium 2 – Lt. Surge makes a comeback in this game, featured in the Kanto Gym Leader Castle.
The spin-off games
Anime appearences
In the Pokémon anime, Lt. Surge is portrayed as a tough and experienced Electric-type Pokémon Trainer. He serves as the Gym Leader of Vermilion City’s Gym, specializing in Electric-type Pokémon.
Lt. Surge is depicted as a strict and disciplined individual, often referring to his Pokémon as soldiers. He first appears in the episode “Electric Shock Showdown”, where he battles Ash Ketchum for the Thunder Badge. Despite his tough exterior, he respects strong Trainers and ultimately awards Ash the badge after a hard-fought battle.
Throughout the series, Lt. Surge makes occasional appearances. Lt. Surge made a flashback appearance in the episode “Pika and Goliath!”. Later, in “Destination: Coronation!”, it’s disclosed that Surge entrusted Vermilion Gym to Visquez, embarking on his quest to enhance his Electric-type skills. He also trained Visquez’s Raichu, while Ash’s reputation flourished among Gym Trainers.
He embodies the military theme of his Gym, and his Electric-type Pokémon reflect his formidable battle prowess.
Lt. Surge appeares also in Pokémon Origins mini-series, where he was shown being challenged to a Gym battle by Red, who later defeated her off-screen, earning the young Pokémon Trainer the Thunder Badge.
Manga appearances
Lt. Surge appears in several Pokémon manga series.
Pokémon Adventures
Lt. Surge favors maritime travel, captaining ships and piloting a submarine. He’s even seen riding an energy platform created by his Magneton. In battles, his Electabuzz is a mainstay, while he employs Electric-types like Magneton for distractions with moves like Selfdestruct.
Red, Green & Blue arc – Lt. Surge is portrayed as one of the sinister sub-leaders of Team Rocket. In his introductory chapter, “Danger: High Voltorb,” he illicitly transported captured Pokémon using the S.S. Anne in Vermilion City. Attempting to eliminate Red, he faced defeat when Red’s Poliwhirl evolved into Poliwrath.
Yellow arc – Following Team Rocket’s alliance with Blue, Green, and Yellow to combat the Elite Four’s plot to eradicate humanity, Lt. Surge was partnered with Red during the confrontation on Cerise Island, as determined by Sabrina’s Spoons of Destiny.
Gold, Silver & Crystal arc – In Johto, Lt. Surge took ownership of the luxurious S.S. Aqua liner and served as its captain. His first appearance involved piloting a submarine out of Union Cave.
In this manga Lt. Surge’s Pokémon team consist of Electabuzz, Magneton, Magnemite, Voltorb, Electrode, Raichu, Zapdos and Raikou (released) and Gyarados (as temporary).
Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō’s Big Adventure – In the fifth chapter of this manga, JBA5, Lt. Surge was depicted as a silhouette alongside his Raichu and the other Kanto Gym Leaders.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series – Lt. Surge made a cameo in a flashback during the episode “Destination: Coronation!”.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters – Lt. Surge makes his debut appearance in “The Big Activity In The Mountains And The Oceans!!” where he is spotted aboard the S.S. Anne. In this manga Lt. Surge’s Pokémon team consist of Voltorb which evolves into Electrode, Poliwhirl and Kingler, and majority of Water-type Pokémon (released).
Pokémon Zensho – In the third chapter of this manga, PZ04, Lt. Surge made his debute challenging Satoshi to a Gym battle. Satoshi cleverly defeated his Electabuzz by using the environment, earning the Thunder Badge. Later, Lt. Surge, a friend of the S.S. Anne captain, congratulated Satoshi and awarded him HM01 (Cut). In this manga Lt. Surge’s Pokémon team consist of Electabuzz, Voltorb which evolves into Electrode, Magnemite and Magneton.
Summary
In conclusion, Lt. Surge, the formidable Gym Leader of Vermilion City, stands out as an iconic character in the Pokémon world. With his Electric-type Pokémon and military background, Surge adds depth to the Pokémon universe. Whether in battles or aiding trainers, his presence leaves a lasting impact on fans worldwide.