Lt. Surge

Lt. Surge マチス Matisse
"The Lightning Lieutenant!"
Art from Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! by Megumi Mizutani
Age	Unknown
Gender	Male
Eye color	Blue*, Black*
Hair color	Blond
Hometown	Vermilion City (original hometown unknown)
Region	Kanto (originally stated to have been born in America)
Trainer class	Gym LeaderRBYGSCFRLGHGSSPE Pokémon TrainerB2W2
Generation	I, II, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, IX
Counterpart(s)	Lt. Surge (Masters)
Games	Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, FireRed, LeafGreen, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black 2, White 2, Let's Go, Pikachu!, Let's Go, Eevee! Stadium, Stadium 2, Masters EX
English voice actor	Patrick Seitz (Masters EX)
Japanese voice actor	Taketora (Masters EX)
Member of	Indigo League
Rank	Gym Leader
Leader of	Vermilion Gym
Badge	Thunder Badge
Specializes in	Electric types
Animated series	Pokémon the Series Pokémon Origins
Debut	Electric Shock Showdown (Pokémon the Series) File 2: Cubone (Pokémon Origins)
English voice actor	Maddie Blaustein (Pokémon the Series) N/A (Pokémon Origins)
Japanese voice actor	Fumihiko Tachiki (Pokémon the Series) N/A (Pokémon Origins)
Manga series	Pokémon Adventures
Debut	Danger: High Voltorb
Member of	Team Rocket
Rank	Admin

Lt. Surge (Japanese: マチス Matisse) is the Gym Leader of Vermilion City's Gym, known officially as the Vermilion Gym. He hands out the Thunder Badge to Trainers who defeat him in battle. He specializes in Electric-type Pokémon.

In the core series games

Lt. Surge is known as the "Lightning Lieutenant". Apparently, he is or was a soldier who fought in at least one war, during which Electric-type Pokémon saved his life. As a member of the army, Surge was a strict CO, and was rather cautious. He was a pilot as well, and used Electric-type Pokémon to power his planes, a practice that in at least one occasion saved his life. Also, Surge saved the life of one of the Trainers in his Gym who was in the army at the same time. A little paranoid, Lt. Surge installed a series of traps in the Gym. He takes a liking to Trainers with a lot of guts.

In addition to the Thunder Badge, Lt. Surge gives out TM24^RBY/TM36^PE (Thunderbolt) in the Generation I games and Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. In FireRed, LeafGreen, HeartGold, and SoulSilver he gives out TM34 (Shock Wave). In Gold, Silver, and Crystal, he doesn't give out a TM. Also, in HeartGold and SoulSilver, he trades a foreign Pikachu with the player for another Pikachu. In Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, in addition to the Thunder Badge and the reward TM, he also gives the player his Autograph as a reward for defeating him.

In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, he will be outside of the Power Plant between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. This only occurs after the player has captured, not defeated, Zapdos. If the player defeated Zapdos, they will need to battle the Elite Four again for Zapdos to reappear. If the player arrives walking with a Pikachu, he will happily give his Pokégear number out, and if called on Friday morning, will be at the Fighting Dojo for a rematch. After the player gets his Pokégear number, he will be at the Magnet Train station in Saffron City. There he'll offer to trade his French (English in non-English-language versions) Pikachu, nicknamed Volty, for the player's Pikachu that he saw at the Power Plant (though it need not be the same one). She will be at the same level as the Pikachu traded, will know the moves appropriate for that level, and be holding a Yellow Shard.

In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Lt. Surge participates in the Pokémon World Tournament. He and the other Gym Leaders of Kanto participate in the Kanto Leaders Tournament, while also participating in the Type Expert and World Leaders Tournaments with the Gym Leaders from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova.

Fame Checker

This is a list of the Fame Checker’s information on Lt. Surge in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Vermilion City - Sign

• What does this person do?

"Vermilion City Pokémon Gym

Leader: Lt. Surge

The Lightning American!"

Vermilion Gym - Lt. Surge

• Favorite kind of Pokémon?

"I tell you, kid, electric Pokémon saved me during the war!"

Vermilion Gym - Gentleman Tucker

• What is this person like?

"When I was in the Army, Lt. Surge was my strict CO.

He was a hard taskmaster."

Vermilion Gym - Gentleman Tucker

• What is this person like?

"Lt. Surge was always famous for his cautious nature in the Army."

Vermilion Gym - Sailor Dwayne

• What is this person like?

"Lt. Surge installed the traps in the Gym himself.

He set up double locks everywhere."

Vermilion City - Pokémon Journal*

• There’s a rumor...

"Lt. Surge is rumored to have been a pilot while home in America.

He used the electricity generated by Pokémon to power his plane."

Message from Lt. Surge

• From: Lt. Surge
• To: [Player]

"Hey kid!

You electrified me in our battle!

I didn’t know that there were gutsy trainers like you.

It made me change my mind about you!"

Pokémon

Pokémon Red and Blue

Lt. Surge has one X Speed per Pokémon, using it randomly 25% of the time.

Lt. Surge Vermilion Gym Red, Green, and Blue Reward: $2376

Type: Electric Unknown Voltorb Lv.21 Tackle Normal   --       Screech Normal   --       SonicBoom Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --       Type: Electric Unknown Pikachu Lv.18 ThunderShock Electric   --       Growl Normal   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       Quick Attack Normal   --       Type: Electric Unknown Raichu Lv.24 ThunderShock Electric   --       Growl Normal   --       Thunderbolt Electric   --       Struggle Normal   --

Pokémon Yellow

Lt. Surge has an X Speed, using it randomly 25% of the time.

Lt. Surge Vermilion Gym Yellow Reward: $2772
Type: Electric Unknown Raichu Lv.28 Thunderbolt Electric   --       Mega Punch Normal   --       Mega Kick Normal   --       Growl Normal   --

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal

Lt. Surge has a Hyper Potion.

Leader Lt. Surge Vermilion Gym Gold, Silver, and Crystal Reward: $4600

Type: Electric Unknown Held item: None Raichu♂ Lv.44 Thunderbolt Electric   --       Thunder Electric   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       Quick Attack Normal   --       Type: Electric Unknown Held item: None Electrode Lv.40 Screech Normal   --       Double Team Normal   --       Swift Normal   --       Explosion Normal   --       Type: Electric Unknown Held item: None Electrode Lv.40 Screech Normal   --       Double Team Normal   --       Swift Normal   --       Explosion Normal   --       Types: Electric Steel Held item: None Magneton Lv.40 Zap Cannon Electric   --       Lock-On Normal   --       Double Team Normal   --       Swift Normal   --       Type: Electric Unknown Held item: None Electabuzz♂ Lv.46 ThunderPunch Electric   --       Thunder Electric   --       Light Screen Psychic   --       Quick Attack Normal   --

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

Lt. Surge has a Super Potion and a Full Heal.

Leader Lt. Surge Vermilion Gym FireRed and LeafGreen Reward: $2400

Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Soundproof Held item: None Voltorb Lv.21 Shock Wave Electric   --       Tackle Normal   --       Screech Normal   --       SonicBoom Normal   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: None Pikachu♂ Lv.18 Shock Wave Electric   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       Quick Attack Normal   --       Double Team Normal   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: None Raichu♂ Lv.24 Shock Wave Electric   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       Quick Attack Normal   --       Double Team Normal   --

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Gym battle

Leader Lt. Surge Vermilion Gym HeartGold and SoulSilver Reward: $6360

Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: None Raichu♂ Lv.51 Thunder Wave Electric Status   --       Shock Wave Electric Special   --       Quick Attack Normal Physical   --       Double Team Normal Status   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: None Electrode Lv.47 Thunder Wave Electric Status   --       Double Team Normal Status   --       Shock Wave Electric Special   --       Light Screen Psychic Status   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: None Electrode Lv.47 Screech Normal Status   --       Double Team Normal Status   --       Selfdestruct Normal Physical   --       Charge Beam Electric Special   --       Types: Electric Steel Ability: Sturdy Held item: None Magneton Lv.47 Supersonic Normal Status   --       Double Team Normal Status   --       Shock Wave Electric Special   --       Mirror Shot Steel Special   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: Sitrus Berry Electabuzz♂ Lv.53 Quick Attack Normal Physical   --       Shock Wave Electric Special   --       Light Screen Psychic Status   --       Low Kick Fighting Physical   --

Rematch

Leader Lt. Surge Fighting Dojo HeartGold and SoulSilver Reward: $6720

Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: None Raichu♂ Lv.60 Thunderbolt Electric Special   --       Grass Knot Grass Special   --       Quick Attack Normal Physical   --       Thunder Wave Electric Status   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: Pinap Berry Manectric♂ Lv.52 Natural Gift Grass Physical   --       Discharge Electric Special   --       Thunder Wave Electric Status   --       Overheat Fire Special   --       Types: Electric Steel Ability: Magnet Pull Held item: None Magnezone Lv.52 Thunderbolt Electric Special   --       Magnet Rise Electric Status   --       Double Team Normal Status   --       Mirror Shot Steel Special   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: None Electrode Lv.52 Thunder Wave Electric Status   --       Double Team Normal Status   --       Thunderbolt Electric Special   --       Explosion Normal Physical   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Pickup Held item: None Pachirisu♂ Lv.58 Quick Attack Normal Physical   --       Sweet Kiss Normal Status   --       Super Fang Normal Physical   --       Discharge Electric Special   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Motor Drive Held item: Sitrus Berry Electivire♂ Lv.56 Thunderbolt Electric Special   --       Ice Punch Ice Physical   --       Cross Chop Fighting Physical   --       Earthquake Ground Physical   --

Traded to the player

HeartGold and SoulSilver
Location Player's Pokémon Traded Pokémon English nickname Japanese nickname Item Ability Nature English OT Japanese OT ID IVs Saffron City Pikachu Pikachu ♀ Volty* VOLTY* Yellow Shard Static Jolly Surge ♂ マチス 33038 20/25/18/25/13/31

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Pokémon World Tournament

Lt. Surge uses three of these Pokémon in Single Battles, four in Double and Rotation Battles and all six in Triple Battles. Lt. Surge will always lead with his signature Pokémon, Raichu.

Kanto Leaders Tournament

PKMN Trainer Lt. Surge Pokémon World Tournament Black 2 and White 2 Reward: 1BP

Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: Electric Gem Raichu♂/♀ Lv.50 Thunder Wave Electric Status   --       Thunderbolt Electric Special   --       Focus Blast Fighting Special   --       Signal Beam Bug Special   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Soundproof or Static Held item: Lum Berry Electrode Lv.50 Rain Dance Water Status   --       Mirror Coat Psychic Special   --       Magnet Rise Electric Status   --       Thunder Electric Special   --       Types: Electric Steel Ability: Magnet Pull or Sturdy Held item: Air Balloon Magnezone Lv.50 Discharge Electric Special   --       Flash Cannon Steel Special   --       Barrier Psychic Status   --       Signal Beam Bug Special   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Motor Drive Held item: Liechi Berry Electivire♂/♀ Lv.50 Wild Charge Electric Physical   --       Low Kick Fighting Physical   --       Rock Tomb Rock Physical   --       Fire Punch Fire Physical   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Volt Absorb Held item: Shuca Berry Jolteon♂/♀ Lv.50 Rain Dance Water Status   --       Shadow Ball Ghost Special   --       Thunder Electric Special   --       Signal Beam Bug Special   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: Petaya Berry Ampharos♂/♀ Lv.50 Charge Electric Status   --       Discharge Electric Special   --       Cotton Guard Grass Status   --       Power Gem Rock Special   --

Type Expert/World Leaders Tournament

PKMN Trainer Lt. Surge Pokémon World Tournament Black 2 and White 2 Reward: 1BP

Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Static Held item: Life Orb Raichu♂/♀ Lv.50 Thunder Wave Electric Status   --       Volt Tackle Electric Physical   --       Focus Punch Fighting Physical   --       Fake Out Normal Physical   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Soundproof or Static Held item: Focus Sash Electrode Lv.50 Double Team Normal Status   --       Signal Beam Bug Special   --       Thunder Wave Electric Status   --       Electro Ball Electric Special   --       Types: Electric Steel Ability: Magnet Pull or Sturdy Held item: Air Balloon Magnezone Lv.50 Discharge Electric Special   --       Flash Cannon Steel Special   --       Magnet Rise Electric Status   --       Signal Beam Bug Special   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Motor Drive Held item: Expert Belt Electivire♂/♀ Lv.50 Wild Charge Electric Physical   --       Cross Chop Fighting Physical   --       Earthquake Ground Physical   --       Ice Punch Ice Physical   --       Type: Electric Unknown Ability: Volt Absorb Held item: Shuca Berry Jolteon♂/♀ Lv.50 Iron Tail Steel Physical   --       Quick Attack Normal Physical   --       Volt Switch Electric Special   --       Double Team Normal Status   --       Types: Water Electric Ability: Volt Absorb or Illuminate Held item: Wide Lens Lanturn♂/♀ Lv.50 Hydro Pump Water Special   --       Thunder Electric Special   --       Blizzard Ice Special   --       Signal Beam Bug Special   --

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

Gym battle

Gym Leader Lt. Surge Vermilion Gym Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! Reward: $4,160

Type: Electric Unknown Mega Stone: None Voltorb Lv.25 Thunderbolt Electric Special   --       Swift Normal Special   --       Light Screen Psychic Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Types: Electric Steel Mega Stone: None Magnemite Lv.25 Thunderbolt Electric Special   --       Sonic Boom Normal Special   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Type: Electric Unknown Mega Stone: None Raichu♂ Lv.26 Thunderbolt Electric Special   --       Quick Attack Normal Physical   --       Double Kick Fighting Physical   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

Rematch

Gym Leader Lt. Surge Vermilion Gym Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! Reward: $13,680

Type: Electric Unknown Mega Stone: None Electrode Lv.56 Mirror Coat Psychic Special   --       Explosion Normal Physical   --       Thunderbolt Electric Special   --       Foul Play Dark Physical   --       Type: Electric Unknown Mega Stone: None Jolteon♀ Lv.56 Thunder Electric Special   --       Shadow Ball Ghost Special   --       Reflect Psychic Status   --       Quick Attack Normal Physical   --       Type: Electric Unknown Mega Stone: None Electabuzz♂ Lv.56 Thunder Punch Electric Physical   --       Ice Punch Ice Physical   --       Fire Punch Fire Physical   --       Brick Break Fighting Physical   --       Types: Electric Steel Mega Stone: None Magneton Lv.56 Thunder Electric Special   --       Flash Cannon Steel Special   --       Tri Attack Normal Special   --       Hyper Beam Normal Special   --       Type: Electric Unknown Mega Stone: None Raichu♂ Lv.57 Thunder Punch Electric Physical   --       Iron Tail Steel Physical   --       Brick Break Fighting Physical   --       Quick Attack Normal Physical   --

In the side series games

Pokémon Stadium

Lt. Surge appears in Pokémon Stadium as the third Gym Leader the player faces during the Gym Leader Castle challenge. During Round 2, he also uses Pokémon outside his specialty type to counter any Ground-type Pokémon used against him.

Pokémon

Round 1

Surge Gym Leader Castle Stadium

Type: Electric Unknown Raichu Lv.50-100 Thunder Electric   --       Surf Water   --       Body Slam Normal   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       Type: Electric Unknown Voltorb Lv.50-100 Thunder Electric   --       Explosion Normal   --       SonicBoom Normal   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       Type: Electric Unknown Electrode Lv.50-100 SonicBoom Normal   --       Selfdestruct Normal   --       Swift Normal   --       Thunder Electric   --       Type: Electric Unknown Pikachu Lv.50-100 Seismic Toss Fighting   --       Agility Psychic   --       Double Team Normal   --       Surf Water   --       Type: Electric Unknown Magnemite Lv.50-100 Supersonic Normal   --       Bide Normal   --       Thunderbolt Electric   --       Thunder Electric   --       Type: Electric Unknown Magneton Lv.50-100 Thunderbolt Electric   --       Take Down Normal   --       Reflect Psychic   --       Hyper Beam Normal   --

Round 2

Surge Gym Leader Castle Stadium

Type: Electric Unknown Raichu Lv.50-100 Thunderbolt Electric   --       Surf Water   --       Body Slam Normal   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       Type: Grass Unknown Tangela Lv.50-100 Mega Drain Grass   --       Sleep Powder Grass   --       Bind Normal   --       Body Slam Normal   --       Types: Water Fighting Poliwrath Lv.50-100 Amnesia Psychic   --       Ice Beam Ice   --       Psychic Psychic   --       Submission Fighting   --       Type: Normal Unknown Lickitung Lv.50-100 Blizzard Ice   --       Earthquake Ground   --       Thunderbolt Electric   --       Double-Edge Normal   --       Type: Electric Unknown Electabuzz Lv.50-100 Toxic Poison   --       ThunderPunch Electric   --       Seismic Toss Fighting   --       Psychic Psychic   --       Type: Electric Unknown Electrode Lv.50-100 SonicBoom Normal   --       Explosion Normal   --       Swift Normal   --       Thunder Electric   --

Pokémon Stadium 2

Lt. Surge returns in Pokémon Stadium 2 as part of the Kanto Gym Leader Castle.

During the game's end credits, Lt. Surge is seen having a battle with Morty at the Ecruteak Gym.

Pokémon

Round 1

Gym Leader Lt. Surge Kanto Gym Leader Castle Stadium 2

Type: Electric Unknown Held item: MiracleBerry Raichu♂ Lv.50-100 Thunderbolt Electric   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       Seismic Toss Fighting   --       Surf Water   --       Types: Water Electric Held item: Scope Lens Lanturn♀ Lv.50-100 Surf Water   --       Take Down Normal   --       Spark Electric   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       Type: Electric Unknown Held item: Quick Claw Electabuzz♂ Lv.50-100 Thunderbolt Electric   --       Psychic Psychic   --       Strength Normal   --       Ice Punch Ice   --       Type: Electric Unknown Held item: King's Rock Electrode Lv.50-100 Thunder Electric   --       Rollout Rock   --       Mirror Coat Psychic   --       Explosion Normal   --       Type: Normal Unknown Held item: PRZCureBerry Porygon Lv.50-100 Psybeam Psychic   --       Conversion Normal   --       Tri Attack Normal   --       Hidden Power Ice   --       Types: Electric Steel Held item: Focus Band Magneton Lv.50-100 Thunder Electric   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       SonicBoom Normal   --       Sleep Talk Normal   --

Round 2

Gym Leader Lt. Surge Kanto Gym Leader Castle Stadium 2

Type: Electric Unknown Held item: Focus Band Raichu♂ Lv.50-100 Surf Water   --       Reversal Fighting   --       Thunderbolt Electric   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --       Types: Grass Poison Held item: MiracleBerry Victreebel♀ Lv.50-100 Body Slam Normal   --       Razor Leaf Grass   --       Stun Spore Grass   --       Sludge Bomb Poison   --       Type: Normal Unknown Held item: Quick Claw Porygon2 Lv.50-100 Psychic Psychic   --       Blizzard Ice   --       Tri Attack Normal   --       Conversion 2 Normal   --       Types: Water Ground Held item: BrightPowder Quagsire♀ Lv.50-100 Surf Water   --       Ice Beam Ice   --       Earthquake Ground   --       AncientPower Rock   --       Types: Normal Flying Held item: Scope Lens Dodrio♀ Lv.50-100 Pursuit Dark   --       Drill Peck Flying   --       Steel Wing Steel   --       Tri Attack Normal   --       Type: Electric Unknown Held item: King's Rock Jolteon♂ Lv.50-100 Roar Normal   --       Hidden Power Ice   --       Thunderbolt Electric   --       Thunder Wave Electric   --

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Puzzle League

In Pokémon Puzzle League, Lt. Surge is one of the opponents in the 1P Stadium mode, and one of the characters available in the 2P Stadium mode.

Pokémon

Raichu

Jolteon

Magneton

Pokémon Masters EX

Main article: Lt. Surge (Masters)

Lt. Surge, in his Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver design, forms a sync pair with Voltorb and its evolved form Electrode, along with Raichu in Pokémon Masters EX. Lt. Surge became a playable sync pair since the game's release.

Dex	Trainer		NDex	Pokémon		Type	Weakness	Role	EX role	Base potential	Availability
#004		Lt. Surge	#0101		Voltorb → Electrode	Electric	Ground			★★★☆☆☆EX	Sync Pair Scout
#004		Lt. Surge	#0026		Raichu♂	Electric	Ground			★★★★☆☆EX	Battle Points

Gallery

Artwork

Headshot from Red and Green	Artwork from Red and Blue	Artwork from Yellow	Artwork from FireRed and LeafGreen	Artwork from HeartGold and SoulSilver	Concept art from Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

Sprites and models

In the core series

Sprite from Red and Blue	Sprite from Yellow	Sprite from Generation II	Sprite from FireRed and LeafGreen	Sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver	VS sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver	Sprite from Black 2 and White 2	VS model from Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Overworld sprite from Generation I		Overworld sprite from Generation II	Overworld sprite from FireRed and LeafGreen	Overworld sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver		Overworld sprite from Black 2 and White 2	Overworld model from Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

In other games

Portrait from Stadium	Portraits from Stadium 2	Portrait from the credits in Stadium 2

Quotes

Main article: Lt. Surge/Quotes

In the anime

Main series

Lt. Surge in the anime

History

Original series

Lt. Surge appeared in Electric Shock Showdown. He was quick to show off his powerful Raichu upon Ash's arrival at the Vermilion Gym. Lt. Surge then laughed at the sight of Pikachu and mocked him for his apparent weakness, though he eventually agreed to battle Ash. Pikachu was quickly overwhelmed and defeated by Raichu's onslaught of attacks.

After Pikachu recovered at the local Pokemon Center, Ash had a rematch with Lt. Surge. When Pikachu was able to use his Agility to evade Raichu's attacks, Lt. Surge had Raichu use Thunderbolt to destroy the Gym's lights and glass windows. However, Pikachu didn't sustain any damage after he grounded himself with his tail, while Raichu exhausted all of its electrical power. Pikachu then used the opportunity to defeat Raichu, earning Ash his third Badge, the Thunder Badge.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

He reappeared in a flashback in Pika and Goliath!.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

In Destination: Coronation!, it was revealed that Surge left the Gym in the care of Visquez and left on his own journey to become a better Electric-type Trainer. It was also revealed that he trained the Raichu that Visquez owns, and Ash's fame had grown amongst the Trainers at the Gym.

Character

Lt. Surge in Pokémon Journeys: The Series

An intimidating person, Lt. Surge surrounds himself with other tough-looking Trainers. He is arrogant, loud, and crude; and refers to all challengers as "babies" until they manage to defeat him. Lt. Surge generally looks down on unevolved Pokémon, preferring to evolve them as soon as possible. He also seems to be an extremely brutal battler, as nearly every Trainer that faced him ended up with their Pokémon being seriously injured.

In spite of his preference for evolved Pokémon, Lt. Surge does not take into account any advantages an unevolved Pokémon may have over their evolved forms. Though he managed to defeat Ash and Pikachu once with pure power, Pikachu was able to use speed-altering moves like Agility, which Raichu couldn't learn, to outrun and defeat it. Surge and Raichu came to respect Ash and Pikachu's tenacity after this defeat, and, as shown in Destination: Coronation!, tells his Gym Trainers stories about their rematch to this day.

Pokémon

This listing is of Lt. Surge's known Pokémon in the anime:

On hand

Pikachu → Raichu

Trained

Raichu ♂

Debut	Destination: Coronation!
Voice actors
Japanese	Fumiko Takekuma
English	Fumiko Takekuma

According to Lt. Surge's trainee Visquez, her Raichu was trained by Surge himself. Visquez uses him in Gym battles during her role as stand-in Gym Leader while Surge is away, and in World Coronation Series battles.

Raichu's known moves are Volt Tackle, Thunderbolt, and Reflect.

Voice actors

Language Voice actor Japanese 立木文彦 Fumihiko Tachiki English Maddie Blaustein Arabic عادل أبو حسون Adel Abo Hassoon Czech Radovan Vaculík Danish Peter Aude Finnish Arto Nieminen Italian Riccardo Lombardo (Mediaset) Ivo De Palma (K2) Norwegian Trond Teigen Polish Grzegorz Pawlak Brazilian Portuguese Affonso Amajones Spanish Latin America Gerardo Vásquez Spain Juan Luis Rovira

Pokémon Origins

Lt. Surge in Pokémon Origins

Lt. Surge appeared briefly in File 2: Cubone. He was shown facing Red at the Vermilion Gym during a Gym battle and eventually getting defeated, earning Red the Thunder Badge.

Pokémon

Raichu

GOTCHA!

Lt. Surge briefly appeared in GOTCHA!.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Lt. Surge and his Raichu with Sabrina and her Mr. Mime

History

Red, Green & Blue arc

Lt. Surge is one of the evil sub-leaders of Team Rocket. In his debut chapter, Danger: High Voltorb, he used the S.S. Anne in Vermilion City to transport captured Pokémon illegally. He tried to kill Red, but was bested after Red's Poliwhirl evolved into Poliwrath.

Lt. Surge captured Zapdos at the abandoned Power Plant under Giovanni's orders. He then fought Red at Silph Co. with an Electrode bazooka and Magneton shield all powered by his newly caught Zapdos. He also had an electrocution suit on so he couldn't be shocked by Zapdos' power. Red waits for him to make Zapdos use its full power and makes Saur cut up the power cords to his machines and his suit so he gets electrocuted instead. However, he, along with the rest of Team Rocket, was dispersed when the chimera made from the legendary Pokémon was defeated by Red, Blue, and Green in Saffron City.

Yellow arc

Some time later, the Elite Four tried to destroy humanity. Team Rocket's admins joined up with Blue, Green and Yellow to stop them. During the battle against the Elite Four on Cerise Island, Lt. Surge was paired with Red according to Sabrina's Spoons of Destiny. However, with Red absent due to injuries, Lt. Surge had to choose Bill as his partner instead, whose Spoon had not bent due to the fact that he was accompanying Green and Yellow, thus not intending to battle in the first place. When Red arrived the moment that Bill and Lt. Surge were about to lose, Lt. Surge's spoon bent, revealing Red as his true partner. Red then resumed his battle with Bruno. When it finished, Lt. Surge became fed up and pushed Bill into the acidic waters below, though Bill was saved by Red.

Gold, Silver & Crystal arc

In Johto, Lt. Surge owned and captained the new luxury liner, S.S. Aqua. He was first seen driving out of the Union Cave in a submarine. His Magnemite accidentally captured Crystal, who later freed his submarine by capturing the Corsola that were keeping it stuck. He repaid her by taking her to Olivine City free of charge. He then went to Mahogany Town to investigate the rise of Team Rocket under a different leader, since Koga and Giovanni disappeared and Sabrina was busy healing her wounds. He confronted the Masked Man, but lost and barely managed to escape with his life. He then stumbled upon Silver's Gyarados while exploring the Lake of Rage.

He is then led to several items of Gold and Silver's including one of their Pokédexes and goes to Morty so he can use them to locate the lost boys, who tells him that they are at the Whirl Islands. He is able to return their stuff and watches the Johto Pokédex holders battle against Lugia before a message is sent to him stating that he is being summoned to a Gym Leader tournament at Indigo Plateau that would pit the Kanto Gym Leaders against the Johto Gym Leaders. Lt. Surge is fatefully pitted against Morty for the competition, but their match ends in a draw due to Morty's Misdreavus using Destiny Bond just as his Magnemite beats it. Soon, the Masked Man struck. Using his latest recruitment, Raikou, Lt. Surge separated the two coaches of the Magnet Train and returned it to Indigo Plateau before challenging the Masked Man (along with Misty and Blaine) and losing to him. The excess electricity fed to the Magnet Train proved useful later on.

Character

Lt. Surge prefers to travel by sea, as he captains two ships and drives a submarine. He can also fly through the air by having four of his Magneton create an energy platform for him to ride on.

In battle, Lt. Surge generally prefers to use his Electabuzz to zap anything that gets in his way. He also uses other Electric-type Pokémon to provide distractions with Selfdestruct.

Pokémon

This listing is of Lt. Surge's Pokémon in the Pokémon Adventures manga.

Electabuzz ♂

Debut	Buzz Off, Electabuzz!

Electabuzz is one of Lt. Surge's most powerful Pokémon and he noted that he is disobedient and Surge couldn't even get it in a Poké Ball. He was first seen on the S.S. Anne, where Surge sent him out to fight against Red and his Poliwhirl. He seemingly had the upper hand until the Water-type Pokémon evolved into a Poliwrath after being pushed off the side of the ship, which resulted in Red defeating Surge and Electabuzz. He was used to fight against Red again during the battle at Silph Co.. Two years later, Electabuzz was used in the battle of Cerise Island, where he helped battle Bruno, but was not able to damage his Pokémon due to their evasiveness. During the Gym Leader Tournament in Johto, he fought against Morty's Gastly and Misdreavus, who almost defeated him before Surge switched him with Magnemite.

Electabuzz's known moves are Thunder Punch, Thunderbolt, Thunder Shock, and Thunder, and his Ability is Static.

Magneton (multiple)

Debut	Buzz Off, Electabuzz!

Lt. Surge owns many Magneton and uses them for aerial transportation by having them create an energy platform using their magnetic charge. He has carried (and sometimes trapped) many people using this ability, from allies like Bill and Gold and enemies such as Red.

Magneton's known moves are Supersonic, Sonic Boom, Flash, and Thunderbolt.

Magnemite (multiple)

Debut	Danger: High Voltorb

Lt. Surge owns many Magnemite that first appeared acting somewhat like guards of the S.S. Anne. In Johto, Surge used one in the Gym Leader Tournament, where it defeated Morty's Misdreavus before it fainted from the effect of Destiny Bond, resulting in a tie between the two Gym Leaders.

Magnemite's known moves are Protect and Zap Cannon.

Voltorb and Electrode (multiple)

Debut	Danger: High Voltorb

The main bulk of Lt. Surge's force resides in the power of his Voltorb and Electrode's Selfdestructs, and he has many of them on his team. This strategy was particularly instrumental in the defeat of Bruno when one of Surge's Electrodes used its Selfdestruct on Bill's Exeggcute's Egg Bomb, resulting in an explosion that took down Bruno's Onix, which was being used as a platform for the battle. They also later proved handy when their combined Selfdestruct attacks aided in his narrow escape from the Masked Man.

Voltorb's only known move is Thunder Wave.

Electrode's only known move is Self-Destruct.

Raichu ♂

Debut	Go for the Golbat

Main article: Lt. Surge's Raichu

Lt. Surge's Raichu was very briefly seen at Silph Co. but didn't participate in battle until Surge went to Johto. There, he was used to battle the Masked Man's Houndour and to very briefly fight against the Red Gyarados before he realized that he wasn't the enemy, as he was trying to free Silver.

Released

Zapdos

Debut	Go for the Golbat

Main article: Legendary birds (Adventures) → Zapdos

Zapdos was used as an experiment from Team Rocket. He took control of it prior to Zap! Zap! Zapdos. Around the end of the battle against Red, it ended up shocking Lt. Surge with its tremendous Thunder attack after Saur's Razor Leaf tore up his insulating underwear, rendering it useless and nearly killing him. As a result, Red earned his Badge and stole his electric-proof gloves. While he was knocked out cold, Zapdos was called upon by Sabrina's Kadabra and was merged into Thu-Fi-Zer, the Rockets' ultimate creation. After its defeat, it flew away alongside its fellow legendary birds and was later recaught by Green.

Raikou

Debut	Slugging it out with Slugma

Main article: Legendary beasts (Adventures) → Raikou

Raikou was partnered up with Lt. Surge in the battle against the Masked Man. After Surge was rendered inoperative by the villain, it partnered up with Gold instead, and went back to the wild when everything had been resolved. Much later, it was recaught by Anabel in Johto and became her major powerhouse.

Temporary

Gyarados ♂

Debut	Raise the Red Gyarados

Main article: Silver's Gyarados

Lt. Surge found this special Gyarados after being frozen in the Lake of Rage in Do-Si-Do with Dodrio. This happened during Gold and Silver's battle with the Masked Man. He returned him to Silver afterwards.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Lt. Surge in Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Lt. Surge first appears in The Big Activity In The Mountains And The Oceans!!, where he is seen on the S.S. Anne.

He shouts out a speech to the fishermen who showed no interest and threw rocks at him, due to the fact that he was responsible for the theft of a whole bunch of Water-type Pokémon. Red goes onboard and meets him. While on board, Red challenges him to a Pokémon battle with Lt. Surge using Voltorb. Red pits Clefairy against the Poké Ball-shaped object. Voltorb attacks Clefairy but Clefairy uses a deflector to negate the attack. During the battle, the fisherman boo him whenever he got the upperhand.

In the middle of the battle, Voltorb evolves into an Electrode and Red's Pikachu teams up with Clefairy to defeat the Electrode. Electrode is defeated when Clefairy fires a beam at it. The Electrode gets sent to one of the cannons which caused an explosion which destroyed the ship. Lt. Surge becomes upset when a whole bunch of his Water-type Pokémon become free.

Unlike other media, Lt. Surge has more Pokémon that is not the type he specializes in.

Pokémon

This is a listing of Lt. Surge's known Pokémon in the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga:

Voltorb → Electrode

Debut	The Big Activity In The Mountains And The Oceans!!

Lt. Surge's Voltorb took on Clefairy. Seeing that Voltorb is a tough opponent, Red's Pikachu also volunteered in the battle. Voltorb evolved into an Electrode during the middle of their challenge. However, it was beaten by Clefairy and Pikachu.

None of Electrode's moves are known.

Poliwhirl and Kingler

Debut	The Big Activity In The Mountains And The Oceans!!

While Lt. Surge was laughing at Clefairy, both Poliwhirl and Kingler were also laughing at Clefairy.

None of their moves are known.

Released

Water-type Pokémon

Debut	The Big Activity In The Mountains And The Oceans!!

After the ship exploded due to Electrode's collision, a majority of Water-type Pokémon that were taken end up swimming away, with a Horsea and Seel being one of them.

None of their move's are known.

Pokémon Zensho

Lt. Surge in Pokémon Zensho

Lt. Surge first appeared in PZ04 and challenged Satoshi to a Gym battle. Satoshi eventually defeated his Electabuzz by tying it up with the barbed-wire fence surrounding the battlefield, earning Satoshi the Thunder Badge. Afterwards, it was revealed that Lt. Surge was a friend of the captain of the S.S. Anne, who came to congratulate Satoshi of his victory and gave him HM01 (Cut).

Pokémon

Electabuzz

Debut	Vermilion City

Electabuzz is Lt. Surge's only used Pokémon. It went up against Satoshi's Charmeleon and lost due to Charmeleon taking advantage of a barb-wired fence.

None of Electabuzz's moves are known.

Voltorb → Electrode

Debut	Vermilion City

As Satoshi was wondering which Pokémon Lt. Surge was going to use, the Captain tells him that he has an Electrode on the team. However, it was not used in the Gym battle and it was revealed that Electrode evolved from a Voltorb when Lt. Surge was telling Satoshi the time he was in the navy and a Voltorb crashes to a tree and the tree fell down.

None of Electrode's moves are known.

Magnemite and Magneton

Debut	Vermilion City

As Satoshi was wondering which Pokémon Lt. Surge was going to use, the Captain told him that he has a Magnemite and Magneton on the team. However, they were not used in the Gym battle.

None of Magnemite or Magneton's moves are known.

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

Lt. Surge in Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

Lt. Surge appeared as a silhouette in JBA5 alongside his Raichu and the other Kanto Gym Leaders.

Pokémon

This is a listing of Lt. Surge's known Pokémon in the Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure manga:

Raichu

Debut	JBA5

Main article: Lt. Surge's Raichu

Raichu is Lt. Surge's only known Pokémon. It only appeared as a silhouette.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Lt. Surge in Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Lt. Surge appeared in a flashback in Destination: Coronation!.

Pokémon

This is a listing of Lt. Surge's known Pokémon in the Pokémon Journeys: The Series manga:

Raichu

Debut	Destination: Coronation!

Main article: Lt. Surge's Raichu

Raichu is Lt. Surge's only known Pokémon. It appeared with him in a flashback.

In the TCG

Lt. Surge has an eponymous Theme Deck in the Gym Heroes expansion. Its Japanese counterpart is based on the Vermilion Gym.

Artwork

Artwork from the cards:

	Lt. Surge and the Thunder Badge	Lt. Surge negotiates	Lt. Surge plots
Artwork from the Kuchiba City Gym Theme Deck	Lt. Surge and his Raichu	Lt. Surge's updated VS art

Cards

This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Lt. Surge or his Pokémon in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Lt. Surge's Pokémon Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format. Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card	Type	English Expansion	Rarity	#	Japanese Expansion	Rarity	#
Lt. Surge's Electabuzz		Gym Heroes		6/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Fearow		Gym Heroes		7/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Magneton		Gym Heroes		8/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Electabuzz		Gym Heroes		27/132	Kuchiba City Gym
					Unnumbered Promotional cards
Lt. Surge's Raichu		Gym Heroes		28/132	Kuchiba City Gym
Lt. Surge's Magnemite		Gym Heroes		50/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Raticate		Gym Heroes		51/132	Kuchiba City Gym
Lt. Surge's Spearow		Gym Heroes		52/132	Kuchiba City Gym
Lt. Surge's Magnemite		Gym Heroes		80/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Pikachu		Gym Heroes		81/132	Kuchiba City Gym
Lt. Surge's Rattata		Gym Heroes		82/132	Kuchiba City Gym
Lt. Surge's Spearow		Gym Heroes		83/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Voltorb		Gym Heroes		84/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Raichu		Gym Challenge		11/132	Challenge from the Darkness
Lt. Surge's Jolteon		Gym Challenge		28/132	Leaders' Stadium
					Unnumbered Promotional cards
Lt. Surge's Eevee		Gym Challenge		51/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Electrode		Gym Challenge		52/132	Kuchiba City Gym
Lt. Surge's Raticate		Gym Challenge		53/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Pikachu		Gym Challenge		84/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Rattata		Gym Challenge		85/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Voltorb		Gym Challenge		86/132	Kuchiba City Gym
Lt. Surge's Raichu					Pokémon VS		053/141
Lt. Surge's Lanturn					Pokémon VS		054/141
Magnemite		Cosmic Eclipse		242/236	Dream League		055/049
Other related cards
Card	Type	English Expansion	Rarity	#	Japanese Expansion	Rarity	#
Lt. Surge	T	Gym Heroes		17/132	Kuchiba City Gym
		Gym Heroes		101/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Treaty	T	Gym Heroes		112/132	Leaders' Stadium
Secret Mission	T	Gym Heroes		118/132	Leaders' Stadium
Vermilion City Gym	T [St]	Gym Heroes		120/132	Leaders' Stadium
Lt. Surge's Secret Plan	T	Gym Challenge		107/132	Leaders' Stadium
Gym Badge	I	XY Black Star Promos		XY205	XY-P Promotional cards
Lt. Surge's Strategy	Su	Unbroken Bonds		178/214	Night Unison		051/055
		Hidden Fates		60/68

In the TFG

Lt. Surge was slated to be released as a Trainer figure in the Unnamed Third Set of the Pokémon Trading Figure Game.

Trivia

Lt. Surge's height in the anime

• Lt. Surge's Japanese Gym Leader title is ライトニング タフガイ. Prior to Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, his title was イナズマ　アメリカン！.
• In the Japanese, French, German, and Chinese localizations, Surge's rank is Major. In the English, Spanish, and Italian localizations, his rank is Lieutenant.
• Lt. Surge uses several English phrases such as "Goddamn" in the Japanese anime and games.
• The battle against Lt. Surge in Pokémon Yellow is the only time a Gym Leader will only use one opposing Pokémon. This is due to the games mimicking the anime.
• In Pokémon Stadium 2, Lt. Surge has a Raichu that knows Surf and Reversal. It is impossible to obtain such a Raichu in the games, as Surf is an event move for Pikachu while Reversal is an Egg Move.
• As in HeartGold and SoulSilver, Lt. Surge's Trainer ID number is 33038.
• In the Pokémon World Tournament, the man who describes all of the World Leaders questions if Lt. Surge is from Unova. This is probably because Lt. Surge was originally stated to be from America, and the Unova region is based on New York City.
  • It is also mentioned in Unova's history that they have been at war, which Lt. Surge also mentions in the Generation I games and their remakes.
• In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the player has an autograph in their room identical to the one that Lt. Surge gives to the player in Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.
• In the Chuang Yi translation of Pokémon Pocket Monsters, he is called "Matisse".
• In the anime, Lt. Surge is depicted as being among the tallest human characters, being at least twice Ash, Misty, and Brock's height.

Names

Language	Name	Origin
Japanese	マチス Matisse	From the genus Clematis
English, Italian Dutch	Lt. Surge	From lieutenant, lightning, electrical surge, and possibly sarge (informal form of sergeant)
German, French	Major Bob	From Bob, a stereotypical American name, and possibly a reference to Platoon
Spanish	Teniente Surge* Lt. Surge*	From his English name Same as his English name
Korean	마티스 Matisse	Transcription of his Japanese name
Chinese (Mandarin)	馬志士 / 马志士 Măzhìshì*	Transcription of his Japanese name and 士兵 shìbīng (soldier)
	馬奇 / 马奇 Mǎqí* 麥奇 Màiqí*	Partial transcription of his Japanese name
Chinese (Cantonese)	馬志士 Máhjisih*	Transcription of his Japanese name and 士兵 sihbīng (soldier)
	麥奇 Maahkkèih*	Mandarin-based transcription of his Japanese name
Czech	Poručík Surge	From his English name
Indonesian	Letnan Surya* Letnan Serj*	Similar to his English name. Literally "Lieutenant Sun" From letnan (lieutenant) and his English name
Norwegian	Løytnant Surge	From his English name
Polish	Porucznik Surge	From his English name
Brazilian Portuguese	Ten. Surge* Tenente Surge* Lt. Surge*	From his English name From his English name Same as his English name
European Portuguese	Tenente Surge	From his English name
Russian	Лейтенант Серж Leytenant Serzh	From his English name
Swedish	Löjtnant Surge	From his English name
Thai	แมททิส Maetthit	Transcription of his Japanese name
Turkish	Teğmen Surge	From his English name
Vietnamese	Matis	Transcription of his Japanese name

Related articles

Gym Leaders of the Kanto region
Pewter Gym Brock	Cerulean Gym Misty	Vermilion Gym Lt. Surge	Celadon Gym Erika
Fuchsia Gym Koga Janine	Saffron Gym Sabrina	Cinnabar Gym Blaine	Viridian Gym Giovanni Blue

Lt. Surge's Pokémon
On hand:	Raichu
Adventures only:	Electabuzz	Magnemite	Magneton	Voltorb	Electrode	Zapdos
	Raikou
Pocket Monsters only:	Kingler	Poliwhirl	Horsea	Seel

Team Rocket in Pokémon Adventures Boss: Giovanni • Masked Man (formerly) Executives: Carl • Sham • Archer • Ariana • Petrel • Proton Notable members: Ken, Al, and Harry • Carr • Orm Lower members: Team Rocket Grunts Former members: Koga • Sabrina • Lt. Surge • Blaine Will • Karen • Sird Locations: Rocket Game Corner • Team Rocket Hideout Silph Co. • Viridian Gym • Team Rocket HQ Rocket Warehouse • Trainer Tower • Cliff Cave Related: Neo Team Rocket • Team Rocket airship See also: Games • Pokémon the Series

This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.