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Lt. Surge

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Lt. Surge
マチス Matis
"The Lightning American!"
HeartGold SoulSilver Lt Surge.png
Art from HeartGold and SoulSilver
Gender Male
Eye color Blue*, Black*
Hair color Blond
Hometown Vermilion City
(born in America)
Region Kanto
Relatives None
Trainer class Gym LeaderRBYGSCFRLGHGSS
Pokémon TrainerB2W2
Generation I, II, III, IV, V
Games Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, FireRed, LeafGreen, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black 2, White 2, Stadium, Stadium 2
Leader of Vermilion Gym
Badge Thunder Badge
Specializes in Electric types
Anime debut Electric Shock Showdown
English voice actor Adam Blaustein
Japanese voice actor Fumihiko Tachiki

Lt. Surge (Japanese: マチス Matis) 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. He specializes in Electric-type Pokémon.

In the games

Lt. Surge is known as The Lightning American. Apparently, he is or was an American 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 (Thunderbolt), in Pokémon Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow. 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 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, he or she 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 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.

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



Pokémon Yellow



Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal



Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen



Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Gym battle



Rematch



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 Pikachu Pikachu ♀ Volty* VOLTY* Yellow Shard 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



Type Expert/World Leaders Tournament



Pokémon Stadium

Round 1



Round 2



Pokémon Stadium 2

Round 1



Round 2



Quotes

Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow

  • Before battle
"Hey, kid! What do you think you're doing here? You won't live long in combat! That's for sure! I tell you kid, electric Pokémon saved me during the war! They zapped my enemies into paralysis! The same as I'll do to you!"RB
"Ten-hut! Welcome to Vermilion Gym! Will you look at that, a pint-size challenger! Hahaha! You've got big and brassy nerves to take me on with your puny power! A Pokémon battle is war! I'll show you civilian! I'll shock you into surrender!"Y
  • Being defeated
"Whoa! You're the real deal, kid! Fine then, take the ThunderBadge!"
  • After being defeated
"The ThunderBadge cranks up your Pokémon's speed. It also lets your Pokémon<sc> <sc>fly any timeRB/anytimeY, kid! You're special, kid! Take this!"
"TM24 contains Thunderbolt! Teach it to an electric Pokémon!"
"A little word of advice, kid! Electricity is sure powerful! But, it's useless against ground-type Pokémon!"
  • If the player doesn't have room for items
"Yo, kid! Make room in your pack!"

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal

  • Before battle
"Hey, you little tyke! I have to hand it to you. It may not be very smart to challenge me, but it takes guts! When it comes to electric Pokémon, I'm number one! I've never lost on the battlefield. I'll zap you just like I did my enemies in war!"
  • Being defeated
"Arrrgh! You are strong! OK, boyGS/kidC. You get ThunderBadge!"
  • After being defeated
"ThunderBadge increases Pokémon's speed. Consider it proof that you defeated me. You wear it proudly, hear?"
"Hey, kid! Still slugging and chugging away? My Pokémon and I are still at it!"

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

  • Before battle
"Hey, kid! What do you think you're doing here? You won't live long in combat! Not with your puny power! I tell you, kid, electric Pokémon saved me during the war! They zapped my enemies into paralysis! The same as I'll do to you!"
  • Being defeated
"Now that's a shocker! You're the real deal, kid! Fine, then, take the ThunderBadge!"
  • After being defeated
"The ThunderBadge cranks up your Pokémon's speed. It also lets your Pokémon fly lightning-quick any-time, kid! You're special, kid! Take this!"
"TM34 contains Shock Wave! Teach it to an electric Pokémon!"

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Vermilion Gym

  • Before battle
"Hey, you little tyke! It may not be very smart to challenge me, but it takes guts! When it comes to Electric-type Pokémon, I'm number one! I've never lost on the battlefield. I'll zap you just like I do all my enemies in battle!"
  • After sending out last Pokémon
"It's not over yet. It's just beginning!"
  • When last Pokémon is at a critical health
"Oh, last one! Never give up!"
  • Being defeated
"My electric trick..."
  • After being defeated
"Aaargh! You are strong! OK, kid. You get the Thunder Badge!"
"That Thunder Badge suits those who've defeated me! Take good care of it, OK? There is something else. Here is a great TM for you!"
"That TM contains Shock Wave... Zzzap! Use it to go like lightning! When you go north, you will see a big city called Saffron!"

Fighting Dojo

  • Before battle
"Hey! The promise we made! Let's battle again!"
  • After being defeated
"Oh no! You are very strong! But I will repay my debt someday."

Pokégear registering (Route 10)

"Oh! What are the chances of seeing you at a place like this? I can feel electric power around the Power Plant. You may want to catch a Pikachu in the Viridian Forest and bring it here!"
With Pikachu: "Oh, yay! You have the Pokémon I love best: Pikachu! Excellent! I will give you my telephone number!"
Yes: "Give me a call on Friday morning! We can have an electrifying battle!"
No: "Oh no! How disappointing!"
"Aha! Now you want to know my telephone number, don't you?"

Pokégear Phone

  • Calling him
"Hello? What's up? I'm doing great! My free time? I'm usually available Friday mornings. Try calling me again then!"
  • On Friday
"Hello? What's up? I'm doing great! Hey, you! Battle me again! What do you say?"
No: "I see... You must be pretty busy."
Yes: "All right! I'll be waiting for you in Saffron City's Fighting Dojo. Don't be late!"

Saffron City

"Oh! I never expected to see you at a place like this! What a coincidence! I can feel great electric power around the Magnet Train station! You had a Pikachu, didn’t you? How about trading it for my French Pikachu?"
No: "Shocking! I want to share my feelings for Pikachu with you! I’m ready anytime, so just bring a Pikachu, OK?"
Yes: "Wow! Electrifying! Let’s trade em now!"
  • After trade
"Yeah! I'm so ecstatic! I'll see you around. Good-bye!"

Route 39

"Hey, you! Don't you want a good memory of us together? How about taking a picture with me?"
Yes: "OK! OK! Show me a very good smile! Wow! This turned out to be a really good one! We root for Route 39!"
No: "That's OK... Let me know if you change your mind."

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Pokémon World Tournament

  • Before battle (first round)
"The name's Lt. Surge! When it comes to Electric-type Pokémon, I'm number one!"
  • Before battle (second round)
"The name's Lt. Surge! When it comes to Electric-type Pokémon, I'm number one! I'm gonna zap your Pokémon!"
  • Before battle (final round)
"The name's Lt. Surge! When it comes to Electric-type Pokémon, I'm number one! You've got guts to challenge me! I'm gonna zap you!"
  • Being defeated
"Arrrgh! You are strong!"
  • If the player is defeated
"Oh yeah! I'm strong!"
  • After being defeated
"Even my electric tricks lost. You're excellent! Keep goin' like lightning!"
  • After winning
"Oh yeah! When it comes to Electric-type Pokémon, I'm number one in the world!"
  • In the lobby, after the tournament
"You are very strong! You're the victor! I'm not gonna lose! I'll train hard and be number one in Pokémon battling!"

Pokémon Puzzle League

  • Before battle
"Well, what do we have here? It looks like a little baby. Hey, baby, do you think you have the courage to try and take my Thunder Badge? Ha, ha, ha, a little baby like you can't defeat me! I'll put this baby to rest, then I will challenge the Puzzle Master! Ready when you are!"

Pokémon Stadium 2

  • Before battle
"Ten-hut! I'm Surge! So you want to battle?"
"Electric Pokémon are the best! Do you still want to try me?"
"Okay! So you want to be electrified?"
  • Sending out first Pokémon
"Go, <Pokémon>!"
  • Sending out a new Pokémon
"Fry 'em, <Pokémon>!"
"<Pokémon>, take charge!"
"This one's in the bag!"
"Change over to <Pokémon>!"
"<Pokémon>, draw back!"
"<Pokémon>, time to go home!"
"<Pokémon>, drop back!"
"At ease, <Pokémon>!"
  • Own Pokémon faints
"Oh, no!"
"Oh! That's no good."
"Pinpoint strike on the weak spot! Wonderful!"
  • Player's Pokémon lands a critical hit
"No! That's an emphatic, “No!” Not the weak spot!"
"That could be heavy."
"Ha! That one shorted out!"
"Fine! Fine!"
  • If the player is defeated
"Boo-hah! Excellent!"
  • After being defeated
"This must be a bad dream."
"I don't believe this! I've been defeated?"
"Okay! I'll have to go back to camp and brush up on my training."
  • After winning
"Hey, wasn't that electrifying?"
"Nice one! My Pokémon have become even mightier!"
"Thank you for a good battle!"
  • If the battle ended in a draw
"A draw? No! Come on. Battle me again!"
  • If the player runs from the battle
"Surrender? I don't know the meaning of the word!"

Artwork

Sugimorisurgeoriginal.png Red Blue Lt Surge.png FireRed LeafGreen Lt Surge.png KuchibaCityGymDeck.jpg
Headshot from
Red and Blue 		Official artwork from
Generation I 		Official artwork from
Generation III 		Artwork from the
Kuchiba City Gym Theme Deck

Sprites

Spr RG Lt Surge.png Spr Y Lt Surge.png Spr GS Lt Surge.png Spr FRLG Lt Surge.png Spr HGSS Lt Surge.png Spr B2W2 Lt Surge.png VSLt Surge.png
Sprite from
Red and Blue 		Sprite from
Yellow 		Sprite from
Generation II 		Sprite from
FireRed and LeafGreen 		Sprite from
HeartGold and SoulSilver 		Sprite from
Black 2 and White 2 		VS sprite from
HeartGold and SoulSilver
Juggler I OD.png Lt Surge II OD.png Lt Surge III OD.png Lt Surge IV OD.png Lt Surge OD.png Lt. Surge Stadium.png File:S2 Leader Lieutenant Surge.png
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 		Portrait from
Stadium 		Portrait from
Stadium 2

In the anime

In the main series

Lt. Surge in the anime

Lt. Surge made his only anime appearance in Electric Shock Showdown. He also reappeared in a flashback in Pika and Goliath!.

Lt. Surge is an extremely large and muscular man, and seems to be the show's tallest human character. He is arrogant, loud, and crude, and refers to all Trainers as "babies" until they manage to defeat him. Lt. Surge generally looks down on unevolved Pokémon, preferring to evolve them as soon as possible, though he was proven wrong when Pikachu managed to defeat him. He also seems to be an extremely brutal battler, as nearly every Trainer that faced him ended up with their Pokémon seriously injured, including Ash's Pikachu on his first attempt, resulting in at least 17 Surge-related ER visits within a single month before Surge was defeated on the second attempt, including Pikachu.

His Raichu shares many of his personality traits, also appearing to be rather tough. Lt. Surge's main weakness was that he evolved his Pikachu into a Raichu too quickly without taking the time to teach it speedy attacks. Even though he managed to defeat Ash and his Pikachu once with pure power, Pikachu was able to use speed-altering moves like Agility to get the best of Raichu and defeat it, making Lt. Surge the first Gym Leader Ash actually beats in battle and not just receiving the Gym Badge out of gratitude.

Pokémon

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

Pikachu → Raichu
Lt. Surge's Raichu
Debut Electric Shock Showdown
Voice actors
Japanese Urara Takano
English Urara Takano
Main article: Lt. Surge's Raichu

Raichu made its appearance in Electric Shock Showdown, when Surge used it to battle Ash's Pikachu.

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 立木文彦 Fumihiko Tachiki
English Adam Blaustein
Czech Radovan Vaculík
Danish Peter Aude
Finnish Arto Nieminen
Italian Riccardo Lombardo (Mediaset)
Claudio Moneta (K2)
Norwegian Trond Teigen
Polish Grzegorz Pawlak
Brazilian Portuguese Affonso Amajones
Spanish Latin America Gerardo Vásquez
Spain Juan Luis Rovira


In Pokémon Origins

Lt. Surge in Pokémon Origins

Lt. Surge appeared briefly in the Pokémon Origins episode File 2 - Cubone. He was shown facing Red at the Vermilion Gym and eventually getting defeated, earning Red the Thunder Badge.

Pokémon

Raichu
Lt. Surge's Raichu
Main article: Lt. Surge's Raichu

Raichu is Lt. Surge's only known Pokémon. It appeared briefly during Red and Surge's Gym battle, but was defeated off-screen.

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

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

Lt. Surge is one of the evil sub-leaders of Team Rocket. In his debut round, 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.

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.

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 Red 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.

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 ♂
Lt. Surge's Electabuzz

Electabuzz is one of Lt. Surge's most powerful Pokémon and it's noted that it is disobedient and Surge couldn't even get it in a Poké Ball. It was first seen on the S.S. Anne, where Surge sent it out to fight against Red and his Poliwhirl. It 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. It 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 it helped battle Bruno, but was not able to damage his Pokémon due to their evasiveness. During the Gym Leader Tournament in Johto, it fought against Morty's Gastly and Misdreavus, who almost defeated it before Surge switched it with Magnemite.

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

Magneton (multiple)
Lt. Surge's Magneton

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)
Lt. Surge's Magnemite

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)
Lt. Surge's Voltorb and Electrode

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 and Electrode's known moves are Thunder Wave and Self-Destruct.

Raichu ♂
Lt. Surge's Raichu
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, it 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 it was trying to free Silver.

Released
Zapdos
Lt. Surge's 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.

Zapdos's known moves are Thunder Shock and Thunder, and its Ability is Pressure.

Raikou
Lt. Surge's 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 Salon Maiden Anabel in Johto and became her major powerhouse.

Gyarados ♂
Silver's Gyarados
Main article: Red 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 it to Silver afterwards.

In the Pocket Monsters HGSS Jou's Big Adventure manga

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

Lt. Surge only appeared in a flashback in Pocket Monsters HGSS Jou's Big Adventure along with his Raichu and the other Kanto Gym Leaders.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Lt. Surge in Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Lt. Surge first appears in The Big Activity In The Mountains And The Oceans!! 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
Lt. Surge's Voltorb
Lt. Surge's Electrode

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
Lt. Surge's Poliwhirl and Kingler

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
Lt. Surge's Water-type Pokémon

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.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

Lt. Surge in Pokémon Zensho

Lt. Surge first appeared in Vermilion City and challenged Satoshi to a Gym battle.

Pokémon

Electabuzz
Lt. Surge's Electabuzz

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.

Voltorb → Electrode
Lt. Surge's Electrode

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
Lt. Surge's Magnemite and Magneton

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.

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.jpg Lt.-Surges-Treaty.jpg Lt.-Surges-Secret-Plan.jpg Secret-Mission.jpg LtSurgeVS.png
Lt. Surge and the Thunder Badge Lt. Surge negotiates Lt. Surge plots 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 Lightning Gym Heroes Rare Holo 6/132 Leaders' Stadium Rare Holo  
Lt. Surge's Fearow Colorless Gym Heroes Rare Holo 7/132 Leaders' Stadium Rare Holo  
Lt. Surge's Magneton Lightning Gym Heroes Rare Holo 8/132 Leaders' Stadium Rare Holo  
Lt. Surge's Electabuzz Lightning Gym Heroes Rare 27/132 Kuchiba City Gym    
      Unnumbered Promotional cards    
Lt. Surge's Raichu Lightning Gym Heroes Rare 28/132 Kuchiba City Gym    
Lt. Surge's Magnemite Lightning Gym Heroes Uncommon 50/132 Leaders' Stadium Uncommon  
Lt. Surge's Raticate Colorless Gym Heroes Uncommon 51/132 Kuchiba City Gym    
Lt. Surge's Spearow Colorless Gym Heroes Uncommon 52/132 Kuchiba City Gym    
Lt. Surge's Magnemite Lightning Gym Heroes Common 80/132 Leaders' Stadium Common  
Lt. Surge's Pikachu Lightning Gym Heroes Common 81/132 Kuchiba City Gym    
Lt. Surge's Rattata Colorless Gym Heroes Common 82/132 Kuchiba City Gym    
Lt. Surge's Spearow Colorless Gym Heroes Common 83/132 Leaders' Stadium Common  
Lt. Surge's Voltorb Lightning Gym Heroes Common 84/132 Leaders' Stadium Common  
Lt. Surge's Raichu Lightning Gym Challenge Rare Holo 11/132 Challenge from the Darkness Rare Holo  
Lt. Surge's Jolteon Lightning Gym Challenge Rare 28/132 Leaders' Stadium Rare  
      Unnumbered Promotional cards    
Lt. Surge's Eevee Colorless Gym Challenge Uncommon 51/132 Leaders' Stadium Uncommon  
Lt. Surge's Electrode Lightning Gym Challenge Uncommon 52/132 Kuchiba City Gym    
Lt. Surge's Raticate Colorless Gym Challenge Uncommon 53/132 Leaders' Stadium Uncommon  
Lt. Surge's Pikachu Lightning Gym Challenge Common 84/132 Leaders' Stadium Common  
Lt. Surge's Rattata Colorless Gym Challenge Common 85/132 Leaders' Stadium Common  
Lt. Surge's Voltorb Lightning Gym Challenge Common 86/132 Kuchiba City Gym    
Lt. Surge's Raichu Lightning       Pokémon VS Common 053/141
Lt. Surge's Lanturn Lightning       Pokémon VS Common 054/141
Other related cards
Card Type English
Expansion 		Rarity # Japanese
Expansion 		Rarity #
Lt. Surge T Gym Heroes Rare Holo 17/132 Kuchiba City Gym    
Gym Heroes Rare 101/132 Leaders' Stadium Rare  
Lt. Surge's Treaty T Gym Heroes Uncommon 112/132 Leaders' Stadium Uncommon  
Secret Mission T Gym Heroes Uncommon 118/132 Leaders' Stadium Uncommon  
Vermilion City Gym T [St] Gym Heroes Uncommon 120/132 Leaders' Stadium Uncommon  
Lt. Surge's Secret Plan T Gym Challenge Rare 107/132 Leaders' Stadium Rare  
 


Trivia

Lt. Surge's incredible height
  • His Japanese Leader title is イナズマ　アメリカン！.
  • He uses several English phrases such as "Goddamn" in the Japanese anime and the games.
  • Due to his team in Pokémon Yellow consisting solely of a Raichu (to mimic the anime), that battle against him is the only one against any Gym Leader in the games to consist of only one opposing Pokémon.
  • As a member of the United States Army, Lt. Surge is one of two Gym Leaders known to have taken residence outside the Pokémon nation; the other is Fantina.
  • 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 is from America, and the Unova region is based on New York City, USA.


Names

Language Name Origin
Japanese マチス Matis From Clematis. Alternative names for this flower includes kazaguruma and tessen.
English, Italian, Spanish Lt. Surge Surge as in electrical surge. "Lt." is short for "Lieutenant", his military rank.
French, German Major Bob Bob is a stereotypical American name.
Korean 마티스 Matiseu Transliteration of Matis.
Chinese (Mandarin) 馬志士/马志士* Măzhìshì
馬奇/马奇* Mǎqí
麥奇* Màiqí 		Transliteration of his Japanese name. In addition, 士 (shì) can refer to soldier or a military rank below junior officers (such as sergeant or corporal).
Indonesian Letnan Surya Surya means sun. Letnan means lieutenant. Corruption of his English name.
Polish Porucznik Surge The same as English name


Rocket-logo.png Team Rocket Rocket-logo.png
Rocket Game Corner • Team Rocket Hideout • Viridian Gym • Team Rocket HQ • Rocket Warehouse
Boss Admins
VSGiovanni Classic Masters.png VSArcher Masters.png VSAriana Masters.png VSPetrel Masters.png VSProton Masters.png
Giovanni
(Masters • Pocket Monsters) 		Archer
(Masters) 		Ariana
(Masters) 		Petrel
(Masters) 		Proton
(Masters)
Other members
Jessie (Masters) • James (Masters) • Meowth • Team Rocket Grunts (Rocket Siblings) • Scientists (Gideon)
Grey (Golden Boys) • Kaede (How I Became a Pokémon Card)


Gym Leaders of the Kanto region
Pewter Gym Boulder Badge
Brock OD.png
Brock
Cerulean Gym Cascade Badge
Misty OD.png
Misty
Vermilion Gym Thunder Badge
Lt Surge OD.png
Lt. Surge
Celadon Gym Rainbow Badge
Erika OD.png
Erika
Fuchsia Gym Soul Badge
Koga OD.png Janine OD.png
Koga Janine
Saffron Gym Marsh Badge
Sabrina OD.png
Sabrina
Cinnabar Gym Volcano Badge
Blaine OD.png
Blaine
Viridian Gym Earth Badge
Giovanni OD.png Blue
Giovanni Blue



Project CharacterDex logo.png 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.
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