Was Eevee Gary’s First Pokémon? Unraveling the Mystery of Gary Oak’s Starter
No, Eevee was not Gary Oak’s first Pokémon. While the anime presented compelling reasons to believe otherwise for a time, and the Pokémon Yellow game featured Blue (Gary’s game counterpart) starting with Eevee, the definitive answer, revealed in the anime episode “The Ties that Bind,” is that Gary’s starter Pokémon was Squirtle. This Squirtle ultimately evolved into his powerful Blastoise, a Pokémon he uses frequently and is considered his ace Pokémon. The narrative surrounding Gary and Eevee emerged from the game mechanics and early anime hints, creating a long-standing fan debate, but the canonical answer remains Squirtle.
The Great Eevee Misdirection: Why Fans Thought Eevee Was Gary’s Starter
For years, fans speculated about Gary’s starter Pokémon, fueled by a couple of key factors:
- Pokémon Yellow Connection: In Pokémon Yellow, the player character receives Pikachu, while Blue (Gary’s counterpart) begins his journey with Eevee. This parallel made many assume the anime would follow suit. The fact that Eevee is adaptable and has multiple evolutions also felt like a fitting choice for Gary, given his initial air of superiority and adaptability as a trainer.
- Anime Focus on Eevee/Umbreon: The anime prominently featured Gary’s Eevee evolving into Umbreon during his time in the Johto region. This spotlight, coupled with Umbreon’s cool and calculated demeanor, seemed to resonate with Gary’s personality, leading some to believe it was a Pokémon he held especially dear, implying a deeper, long-standing connection, which only a starter Pokémon relationship usually suggests.
However, these points were ultimately red herrings. The anime occasionally deviated from the games, and the focus on Umbreon served a different narrative purpose: showcasing Gary’s growth and his ability to raise a unique and powerful Pokémon.
The Blastoise Revelation: Concrete Evidence of Gary’s True Starter
The mystery was solved definitively in “The Ties that Bind.” In this episode, Gary confronts Ash with his fully-evolved Blastoise. The episode doesn’t just show Blastoise in battle, but it also implies that this is the Squirtle he got as a child from his grandfather, Professor Oak. This reveal effectively quashed the Eevee theories. Blastoise became Gary’s signature Pokémon, a symbol of his early success and ongoing strength as a trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gary Oak
Here are some frequently asked questions about Gary Oak:
1. What is Gary Oak’s full name?
Gary Oak’s full name in Japanese is オーキド・シゲル (Shigeru Okido).
2. Is Gary Oak based on a game character?
Yes, Gary Oak is based on Blue Oak from the Pokémon Red and Blue video games.
3. Who is Gary Oak’s grandfather?
Gary Oak’s grandfather is the renowned Professor Oak, a leading Pokémon researcher.
4. Does Gary have any siblings?
Yes, Gary has an older sister named Daisy Oak.
5. What is Gary’s relationship with Ash Ketchum?
Gary is Ash’s first major rival and they have a complex relationship that evolves throughout the series from antagonistic to more respectful and even friendly.
6. Did Gary ever become a Pokémon Professor like his grandfather?
Yes, Gary eventually follows in his grandfather’s footsteps and becomes a Pokémon researcher. He is seen assisting Professor Oak in later seasons.
7. Why is Gary sometimes portrayed as arrogant?
Gary’s initial arrogance stems from his early success as a trainer and his perceived superiority over Ash. He is talented and knowledgeable and this often results in him boasting, however he does mature into a more empathetic and driven character as the series progresses.
8. What is Gary’s favorite Pokémon type?
While not explicitly stated, Gary’s affinity for Water-type Pokémon, demonstrated by his starter Blastoise, is clear. He also shows an aptitude for raising Dark-type Pokémon as seen with his Umbreon.
9. How did Gary obtain his Eevee?
The anime does not explicitly detail how Gary obtained his Eevee. It’s reasonable to assume he caught it or received it as a gift sometime after beginning his journey with Squirtle.
10. Is Gary a better trainer than Ash?
This is a subject of much debate. Early on, Gary had a clear advantage. Later, Ash’s performance varied, and Ash’s determination and unique approach to Pokémon training ultimately led him to achieve success in major tournaments. This demonstrates a different type of strength that Gary initially did not focus on. The two became more equal in skill and ability as the series went on.
11. What is Gary’s role in the later Pokémon seasons?
In later seasons, Gary transitions from a rival to a supporting character, often providing Ash with valuable insights and assistance as a Pokémon researcher.
12. What is the significance of Gary’s Umbreon?
Gary’s Umbreon symbolizes his growth as a trainer. Evolving Eevee into Umbreon requires a strong bond and understanding of Pokémon, representing Gary’s maturation and his deepening connection with his Pokémon.
13. Did Gary participate in the Pokémon League tournaments?
Yes, Gary participated in the Pokémon League tournaments, though his performance varied. The tournaments highlight that while Gary is capable and intelligent, he is not always successful and this contributes to his growth as a character.
14. What lessons can be learned from Gary’s character?
Gary teaches us the importance of hard work, knowledge, and adaptability. He also demonstrates the value of respecting opponents and maturing as a person. As well, his transition to a research role highlights the diverse paths one can take in the world of Pokémon. Educators can even draw parallels with Gary’s approach to learning, highlighting the importance of understanding the mechanics (or “rules”) of a system, be it battling or classroom learning, for achieving mastery. This connection to education can be further explored at sites like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. Is Gary a popular character among Pokémon fans?
Yes, Gary Oak remains a popular character due to his iconic rivalry with Ash, his cool demeanor, and his overall development throughout the series. He is seen as an important element of the anime canon.
In conclusion, while the Eevee speculation made for an interesting theory for a time, the canon dictates that Gary’s first Pokémon was indeed Squirtle, making this Water-type his signature partner.