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Lance

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This article is about the Champion. For the member of Team Rocket whose Japanese name is Lance, see Proton.
Lance
ワタル Wataru
HeartGold SoulSilver Lance.png
Art from HeartGold and SoulSilver
Gender Male
Eye color Brown, Yellow*
Hair color Carmine
Hometown Blackthorn City (games, anime)
Viridian Forest (Adventures)
Region Johto
Relatives Clair (cousin), Master, Father*, Mother*
Trainer class Elite FourRBYFRLG
ChampionGSCHGSS
Pokémon TrainerB2W2
Generation I, II, III, IV, V
Games Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, FireRed, LeafGreen, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black 2, White 2, Stadium, Pokémon Stadium 2
Elite Four of Indigo Plateau
Champion of Indigo Plateau
Specializes in Dragon types
Game animation debut Pokémon Origins
English voice actor Kirk Thornton (Origins)
Ben Diskin (Generations)
Japanese voice actor Tokuyoshi Kawashima
Anime debut Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution
English voice actor Wayne Grayson
Japanese voice actor Susumu Chiba

Lance (Japanese: ワタル Wataru) is a Master Dragon-type Trainer, a member of the Kanto Elite Four in Generation I and Generation III and the Pokémon Champion of the Indigo Plateau in Generation II and Generation IV.

In the games

In Generation I and the Generation III remakes, Lance is the fourth and final member of the Elite Four. He must be defeated before facing Blue, the Pokémon League Champion. By the Generation II games, he has proceeded to become Pokémon League Champion, due to Red stepping down from his position to continue his training at Mt. Silver, and leaving Lance to take Red's place as Champion. He raises Dragon-type Pokémon, which are both hard to catch and raise. He prefers the superiority of Dragon-type Pokémon, believing them to be virtually indestructible.

Known as a cool and heroic Trainer, Lance has a large fan-following. Lance also seems to have a liking for capes, as he is often seen buying identical capes at the Celadon Department Store.

Lance's grandfather is the elder of a famous clan of Dragon Masters. Clair is his cousin, and his hometown is Blackthorn City.

In Generation II and their remakes, the player first encounters Lance at the Lake of Rage where he watches the player battle the Red Gyarados. Lance also appears in Mahogany Town to help the player fight Team Rocket at the Team Rocket HQ. Lance rewards the player with the Whirlpool HM for helping him put an end to Team Rocket's sinister plans.

Fame Checker

This is a list of the Fame Checker's information on Lance in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Pokémon League - Lance
  • What does this person do?
"I lead the Elite Four. You can call me Lance the dragon Trainer."
Pokémon League - Lance
  • Favorite kind of Pokémon?
"You know that dragons are mythical Pokémon. They're hard to catch and raise, but their powers are superior. They're virtually indestructible. There's no being clever with them."
Saffron City - Woman
  • What is this person like?
"He stands for justice! He's cool, and yet passionate!
He's the greatest, Lance!"
Celadon Dept. Store - Girl
  • "We have a customer, Lance, who occasionally comes. He always buys capes.
I wonder... Does he have many identical capes at home?"
Indigo Plateau - Pokémon Journal
  • Family and friends?
"Lance's grandfather is thought to be the elder of a famous clan of dragon masters."
Indigo Plateau - Kid
  • Family and friends?
"From what I've heard, Lance has a cousin who's a Gym Leader somewhere far away."
Message from Lance
  • From: Lance
  • To: [Player]
"I'm considering going back to my hometown. I want to retrain my Dragon-type Pokémon and strengthen them.
I'd like to invite you to my hometown someday."

Pokémon

This listing is for Lance's Pokémon in the video games in which he has appeared.

Pokémon Red and Blue



Pokémon Yellow



Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal



Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

First battle



Rematch



Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Multi Battle with player

Lance battles alongside player against Ariana and a Team Rocket Grunt in the Team Rocket HQ.



First battle



Rematch



Multi Battle with Clair



Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Pokémon World Tournament

Lance uses three of these Pokémon in Single Battles, four in Double and Rotation Battles, and all six in Triple Battles. Outside of the event-exclusive tournament, he will always lead with his signature Pokémon, Dragonite.

Champions Tournament



Challenge the Champion Lance!



Pokémon Stadium

Round 1



Round 2



Pokémon Stadium 2

Round 1



Round 2



Quotes

Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow

  • Before battle
"Ah! I heard about you, <player>! I lead the Elite Four! You can call me Lance the dragon trainer! You know that dragons are mythical Pokémon! They’re hard to catch and raise, but their powers are superior! They’re virtually indestructible! Well, are you ready to lose? Your League challenge ends with me, <player>!"
  • Being defeated
"That’s it! I hate to admit it, but you are a Pokémon master!"
  • After being defeated
"I still can’t believe my dragons lost to you, <player>! You’re now the Pokémon League champion! …Or, you would have been, but you have one more challenge ahead. You have to face another trainer! His name is… <rival>! He beat the Elite Four before you. He is the real Pokémon League champion!"

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal

Lake of Rage

"This lake is full of Gyarados but nothing else… So the Magikarp are being forced to evolve… Did you come here because of the rumors? You're <player>? I'm Lance, a trainer like you. I heard some rumors, so I came to investigate… I saw the way you battled earlier, <player>. I can tell that you're a trainer with considerable skill. If you don't mind, could you help me investigate?"
Yes:"Excellent! It seems that the Lake's Magikarp are being forced to evolve. A mysterious radio broadcast coming from Mahogany is the cause. I'll be waiting for you, <player>.
No:"Oh… Well, if you change your mind, please help me."
  • If talked to again after answering no
"Hm? Are you going to help me?"

Mahogany Town

  • After answering yes at Lake of Rage
"Dragonite, Hyper Beam."
"What took you, <player>? Just as I thought, that strange radio signal is coming from here."
"The stairs are right here."
"<Player>, we should split up to check this place. I'll go first."

Rocket Hideout

  • B2F
"Are you all right? Your Pokémon are hurt and tired. Here, give them some of my medicine."
"<Player>, let's give it our best for Pokémon."
  • After entering the generator room
"Hey! Don't be so selfish. Spread the fun around."
  • After defeating Ariana
"That did it. We defeated all the Rockets here. But I'm concerned about the young guy I battled in the process… Sorry, <player>. I saw how well you were doing, so I just hung back. Now all there is left to do is to turn off that odd radio signal. It's this machine that's causing all the problems. I don't see a switch on it… We have no choice. We have to make all the Electrode faint. That should stop this machine from transmitting that strange signal. It's no fault of the Pokémon, so it makes me feel guilty. <Player>, let's split the job."
  • If player tries to leave their side
"Leave this side to me."
  • After defeating all Electrode
"That odd signal has finally stopped. The Lake should be back to normal. You're the hero! Let me thank you on behalf of all the Pokémon. Oh, yes. You should take this. I found it here, but I don't have any need for it. That's Whirlpool. Teach it to a Pokémon to get across wild water. But keep this in mind. You can use that out of battle only with the Badge from Mahogany Gym. <player>… The journey to becoming the Pokémon Master is long and difficult. Knowing that, will you keep going? … I see. No, you're right. If you would give up that easily, you would have never chased that dream in the first place. I look forward to seeing you again!"
  • B3F
"It takes two password to get into the boss's quarters. Those passwords are known only to a few Rockets. That Rocket there very graciously told me so. <Player>, let's go get the passwords."
Indigo Plateau
  • Before battle
"I’ve been waiting for you. <Player>! I knew that you, with your skills, would eventually reach me here. There's no need for words now. We will battle to determine who is the stronger of the two of us. As the most powerful trainer and as the Pokémon League Champion… I, Lance the dragon master, accept your challenge!"
  • Being defeated
"…It's over. But it's an odd feeling. I’m not angry that I lost. In fact, I feel happy. Happy that I witnessed the rise of a great new Champion!"
  • After being defeated
"…Whew. You have become truly powerful, <player>. Your Pokémon have responded to your strong and upstanding nature. As a trainer, you will continue to grow strong with your Pokémon."
"This is getting to be a bit too noisy… <Player>, could you come with me?"

Hall of Fame

"It's been a long time since I last came here. This is where we honor the League Champions for all eternity. Their courageous Pokémon are also inducted. Here today, we witnessed the rise of a new League Champion--a trainer who feels compassion for, and trust toward, all Pokémon. A trainer who succeeded through perseverance and determination. The new League Champion who has all the makings of greatness! <Player>, allow me to register you and your partners as Champions!

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

  • Before battle
"Ah! I've heard about you, <player>/So, you've returned, <player>! I lead the Elite Four. You can call me Lance the dragon Trainer. You know that dragons are mythical Pokémon. They’re hard to catch and raise, but their powers are superior. They’re virtually indestructible. There's no being clever with them. Well, are you ready to lose? Your League challenge ends with me, <player>!"
  • Being defeated
"That’s it! I hate to admit it, but you are a Pokémon master!"
  • After being defeated
"I still can’t believe my dragons lost to you, <player>. You are now the Pokémon League Champion! …Or, you would have been, but you have one more challenge left. There is one more Trainer to face! His name is… <rival>! He beat the Elite Four before you. He is the real Pokémon League Champion."

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Lake of Rage

"That red Gyarados wasn't acting right. As I feared, somebody must have forced it to evolve… Did you come here because of the wild tales? You're <player>? I'm Lance, a Trainer like you. I heard some rumblings, so I came to investigate… I saw the way you battled earlier, <player>. I can tell that you're a Trainer with considerable skill. If you don't mind, could you help me investigate?"
Yes: "Excellent! It seems that the Lake of Rage's Magikarp are being forced to evolve. A mysterious radio broadcast coming from Mahogany is probably the cause. And that suspicious souvenir shop… I'll be waiting for you in Mahogany, <player>."
No: "Oh… Well, if you change your mind, please help me."
  • If talked to again after answering no
"What do you think? Are you going to help me?"

Mahogany Town

  • After answering yes at Lake of Rage
"Dragonite, Hyper Beam."
"What took you so long, <player>? Just as I thought, that strange radio signal is coming from here."
"The stairs are right here."
"<Player>, we should split up to check this place. I'll go first."

Team Rocket HQ

  • B2F
"Are you all right? Your Pokémon are hurt and tired. Here, give them some of my medicine."
"<Player>, let's give our best for Pokémon."
  • Before Multi Battle with the player
"Hold it! A two-on-one battle? That is so unfair! Typical of Team Rocket to be so sneaky. Allow me to join the battle!"
  • After the battle
"Sorry, <player>. I saw how well you were doing, so I just hung back. Now all there is left to do is to turn off that odd radio signal."
  • After entering the transmission room
"It's this machine that's cauing all the problems. I don't see a switch on it… We have no choice. We have to make all the Electrode faint. That should stop this machine from transmitting that strange signal. It's no fault of the Electrode, so it makes me feel sad. <Player>, let's split the job."
  • If player tries to leave their side
"Leave this side to me."
  • After defeating all Electrode
"That odd signal has finally stopped. The lake should be back to normal. You're the best! Let me thank you on behalf of all the Pokémon. Oh, yes. You should take this. I found it here, but I don't have any need for it."
"That's Whirlpool. Teach it to get across wild water. But keep this in mind. You can use that out of battle only with the Badge from Mahogany Gym."
"<Player>… The journey to becoming the Pokémon Champion is long and difficult. Knowing that, will you keep going? ………………… I see. No, you're right. If you would give up that easily, you would have never chased that dream in the first place. I look forward to seeing you again!"
  • B3F
"<Player>! In order to unlock the door to the radio transmitter, you need the voice of a certain person. The name of the person is Petrel, the Team Rocket Executive! I have found out he is hiding in their leader's office! Unfortunately though, that room is also protected with a password… <Player>! We need the password to their leader's office first!"
Indigo Plateau
  • Before battle
"I've been waiting for you. <Player>! I knew that you, with your skills, would eventually reach me here. There's no need for words now. We will battle to determine who is the stronger of the two of us. As the most powerful Trainer and as the Pokémon League Champion… I, Lance the dragon master, accept your challenge!"
  • After sending out last Pokémon
"All right! I thought this would never happen!"
  • When last Pokémon is at critical health
"I never give up, no matter what. You must be the same?"
  • Being defeated
"…It's over. But it’s an odd feeling. I'm not angry that I lost. In fact, I feel happy. Happy that I witnessed the rise of a great new Champion!"
  • After being defeated
"…Whew. You have become truly powerful, <player>. Your Pokémon have responded to your strong and upstanding nature. As a Trainer, you will continue to grow strong with your Pokémon."
"This is getting to be a bit too noisy… <Player>, could you come with me?"

Hall of Fame

"It's been a long time since I last came here. This is where we commemorate the League Champion for all eternity. Their courageous Pokémon are also inducted. Here today, we witnessed the rise of a new League Champion--a Trainer who feels compassion for, and trust toward, all Pokémon. A trainer who succeeded through perseverance and determination. The new League Champion who has all the makings of greatness! <Player>, allow me to register you and your partners as Champions!
Post-Game

Dragon's Den

  • Before battle
"Hi, <player>! And…you. We met at the Team Rocket hideout."
"Calm down. I was in a bit of a hurry then. Sorry for that. But…I always welcome challengers! Hey! How about a Double Battle?"
"Come on. A Double Battle is really not bad. <Player>, you'll be on my side!"
  • Being defeated
"Did you see that, Clair?"
  • After being defeated
"Just as I expected. You two make quite a team… Going solo is certainly one way to aim for the top… But that's not all there is to Pokémon battle. Although I don't feel it's necessary to remind you guys. See you, <player>, another time!"

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Pokémon World Tournament
  • Before battle (first round)
"I, Lance the Dragon-type master, accept your challenge!"
  • Before battle (second round)
"You are brimming with love and trust toward Pokémon. I think we will be able to have a fantastic battle!"
  • Before battle (final round)
"There's no need for words now. We will battle to determine who is the stronger of the two of us. I, Lance the Dragon-type master, accept your challenge!"
  • Being defeated
...It's over."
  • If the player is defeated
"I never give up, no matter what. You must be the same?"
  • After being defeated
"But it's an odd feeling. I'm not angry that I lost. In fact, I feel happy. Happy that I witnessed the rise of a great new Champion!"
  • After winning
"Your Pokémon have responded to your strong and upstanding nature. As a Trainer, you will continue to grow strong with your Pokémon."
  • In the lobby, after the tournament
"I'm sure you already know this, but dragons are sacred and legendary creatures! That's why I won't lose next time!"

Pokémon Puzzle Challenge

050Diglett.png This article is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Quotes seem to vary, perhaps depending on how well the player did.
  • Hard
"I've been waiting! I knew one with your skill would eventually reach me. There is nothing to say! We must battle to determine who is stronger! The dragon master is here!"
"It's over. But I feel strange... I lost, but the battle was so good, I don't feel let down. I am actually happy. Hmm... You have become powerful. Will we battle again? let us both improve, then meet again..."
  • Super Hard
"I've been waiting! I knew that with your skill, you'd eventually get here. There is nothing to say! We must battle to determine who is stronger! The dragon master is here!"
"It's over. But I feel strange... The pride of having fought a good match is greater than the anger of losing. Hmm... You have become powerful. Will we ever fight again? Let us both improve, then meet again..."
  • Intense
"I've been waiting! I knew one with your skill would eventually get here. There is nothing to say! We must battle to determine who is stronger! The dragon master is here!"
"It's over. But I feel strange... The pride of having fought a good match is greater than the anger of losing. You have become powerful. Will we ever fight again? Let us both improve, then meet again..."

Pokémon Stadium 2

"It looks like even the Elite Four couldn't stop you. I'm your last opponent in the Johto Castle!"
  • Before battle
"I am still the Champion. I won't hold anything back."
"I've been waiting for you. Allow me to test your skill."
"I thought that you would be able to get this far. Let's get this started."
  • Sending out first Pokémon
"I'll lead with <Pokémon>!"
  • Sending out a new Pokémon
"Fine, <Pokémon>!"
"Okay, <Pokémon>!"
"<Pokémon> for the win!"
"Then <Pokémon> will go!"
"<Pokémon>, I'm pulling you back!"
"That's it. Come back!"
"Excellent showing!"
  • Own Pokémon faints
"It's all over!"
"Ow, bad news!"
  • Player's Pokémon faints
"That's right! That's what I want!"
"Critical hit! Nice one!"
  • Player's Pokémon lands a critical hit
"Ow, a critical hit... Not bad..."
"Critical hit! Nice one!"
"Yes! We own this match now!"
"Ugh... Um..."
"Hyper Beam!"
  • If the player is defeated
"Gotcha!"
  • After being defeated
"This is the emergence of a new Champion."
"You got me. You are magneficent!"
"I never expected another trainer to beat me... I'm surprised."
  • After winning
"I successfully defended my Championship."
"That was close. Want to try again?"
"It's not that you are weak. Don't let it bother you."
  • If the battle ended in a draw
"That was an intense battle."
  • If the player runs from the battle
"I never expected you to do that."
  • Post-battle, if the player won
"I concede defeat. You might have what it takes to prevail over Kanto's Gym Leaders."

Artwork

File:LanceGenI.jpg FireRed LeafGreen Lance.png
Official artwork from
Red and Blue 		Official artwork from
FireRed and LeafGreen

Sprites

Spr RG Lance.png Spr Y Lance.png Spr GS Lance.png Spr FRLG Lance.png Spr HGSS Lance.png Spr B2W2 Lance.png HGSS Lance Back.png VSLance.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 		Back sprite from
HeartGold and SoulSilver 		VS sprite from
HeartGold and SoulSilver
Lance I OD.png Lance II OD.png Lance III OD.png Lance IV OD.png Lance OD.png S2 Champion Lance.pngS2 Champion Lance alt.pngS2 Champion Lance alt2.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 		Portraits from
Stadium and Stadium 2

In the anime

In the main series

Lance in the anime

Lance is the Champion of the Indigo Elite Four. He is a member of an organization called the Pokémon G-Men.

Lance's first appeared in Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution. When Team Rocket started up an evil scheme at the Lake of Rage, Lance showed up to investigate. He met Ash, Misty and Brock there, saving the children from some formidable Team Rocket Grunts. Ash wanted to help Lance in his mission, but Lance said it was too dangerous.

Lance disguised as a Team Rocket Grunt

Team Rocket was trying to investigate the properties of a Red Gyarados so that they could learn how to force Pokémon to evolve. Lance was able to destroy Team Rocket's machine and blow up their laboratory. Lance also battled against TRTyson ([[{{{2}}} (move)|{{{2}}}]]) and his two Fearow. Despite being an elite member of Team Rocket, his Fearow were no match for Lance's Dragonite.

Ash was able to calm the Red Gyarados at first, but it continued to go berserk. Finally, Lance caught it to keep it from destroying Mahogany Town. Before leaving, Lance promised Ash that he would take care of Gyarados.

He was seen in a flashback in Beauty is Skin Deep.

Lance later appeared again in Gaining Groudon and The Scuffle of Legends, where he helped stop the rampage of Kyogre and Groudon. Lance infiltrated Team Magma's submarine and confronted Shelly, who suspected that he wasn't really a Team Magma Grunt. Shortly after, he freed Ash, who had been captured after Pikachu absorbed the Red Orb that controls Groudon. Lance’s Pokémon were later sent into battle to help try to calm the two feuding Legendary Pokémon.

He made a cameo in Marina's fantasy in The Legend of Thunder!.

Pokémon

This is a list of Lance's known Pokémon in the Pokémon anime:

Dragonite
Lance's Dragonite
Debut The Legend of Thunder!
Voice actors
Japanese Katsuyuki Konishi
English Katsuyuki Konishi
Main article: Lance's Dragonite

Dragonite is Lance's main Pokémon. In addition to battling, he also uses it to fly around. In Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution and Rage of Innocence, Dragonite helped Lance stop Team Rocket. It was also used to help him battle against TRTyson ([[{{{2}}} (move)|{{{2}}}]])'s two Fearow at the same time, as well as to help Lance capture the Red Gyarados that was on a rampage at Mahogany Town.

It also appeared in The Scuffle of Legends where it helped Lance and Ash and his friends to stop the Legendary battle between Kyogre and Groudon.

Gyarados
Lance's Gyarados

Not much is known about Lance's regular Gyarados. Its only appearance was in Marina's fantasy in The Legend of Thunder!.

Gyarados ShinyVIStar.png
Lance's Red Gyarados
Debut Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution
Voice actors
Japanese Unshō Ishizuka
English Unshō Ishizuka
Main article: Red Gyarados

After being forced to evolve by an experiment of Team Rocket, this Gyarados went rampage around until Lance managed to capture it. It was later used to stop the battle between Kyogre and Groudon.

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 千葉進歩 Susumu Chiba
English Wayne Grayson
Danish Mathias Klenske
Finnish Tommi Haapaniemi
Hebrew Ido Moseri
Polish Aleksander Gawek
Brazilian Portuguese Francisco Freitas (EP235-EP236)
Celso Alves (AG097-AG098)
Spanish Latin America Enzo Fortuny (EP235-EP236)
Víctor Ugarte (AG097)
Héctor Emmanuel Gómez (AG098)
Spain Jorge Saudinós (EP235-EP236)
Miguel Ángel Garzón (AG097-AG098)


In Pokémon Origins

Lance in Pokémon Origins

Lance appeared briefly in the Pokémon Origins episode File 4: Charizard. He was seen being challenged and defeated by Red, allowing Red move on to challenge Blue.

Pokémon

Dragonite
Lance's Dragonite
Main article: Lance's Dragonite

Dragonite is Lance's only known Pokémon. It was used to battle against Red's Lapras, eventually being defeated by a super effective Ice Beam, winning the battle for Red.

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 川島得愛 Tokuyoshi Kawashima
English Kirk Thornton
European Spanish Antonio Cremades


In Pokémon Generations

Lance in Pokémon Generations

Lance appeared in the Pokémon Generations episode The Challenger. He was seen being challenged and defeated by Blue, making Blue the Pokémon League Champion.

Pokémon

Dragonite
Lance's Dragonite
Main article: Lance's Dragonite

Dragonite is Lance's only known Pokémon. It was used to battle against Blue's Blastoise, eventually being defeated off-screen.

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese
English Ben Diskin
European Spanish Paco Gázquez


In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Lance on his Aerodactyl

Lance is primarily a villain in Pokémon Adventures. As the leader of the Elite Four, he wishes to exterminate the human race, save for a few people who he deems to be kind enough to Pokémon. Apparently also from Viridian Forest, Lance was blessed with the powers of the Viridian Forest, just like Yellow was. He has the power to telepathically communicate with Pokémon, as well as heal their wounds. Lance also has the ability to control or brainwash any Dragon-type Pokémon, as well as most Pokémon similar to Dragons (such as Aerodactyl or Tyranitar).

He first appears in Vermilion City before the start of the Vermilion City Surfing Competition. He took control of the Dragonair that was to be offered as a prize to the winner. He then attacked Vermilion City and destroyed it, saying he was looking for something. When Yellow came after him he tried to capture Pika to please Agatha and Lorelei but once Pikachu learned Surf he too failed. Before the battle could continue, he mysteriously disappeared.

He next appeared on Cerise Island battling Blaine and Yellow. When Blaine released Mewtwo, Blaine and Yellow were able to gain the upper hand against Lance's Aerodactyl and his two Dragonair. However, due to Blaine's link with Mewtwo they could only battle together for about three minutes and with time running out Blaine decided to target Lance's Poké Balls so he couldn't call out any other Pokémon and would have to battle with his weakened Pokémon that were already out. He succeeded in destroying the balls only for Blaine to be knocked unconscious due to Mewtwo's time out being too long. Lance then chuckled to himself, revealing that he had called his Pokémon out of their balls before the battle even began.

Lance during the ninth chapter

During Lance's battle with Yellow both of them were equally matched, Lance luring the battle out onto the top of Cerise Island, a volcano. Lance then once again gained the upper hand by having his Gyarados and Dragonair make green, red, and blue bubbles so they could not be detected in sunlight. Just when it seemed when Yellow was about to lose, Giovanni arrived and helped subdue Lance, using his Rhyhorn to create a sandstorm to make the bubbles visible. But this capturing only proved to be part of his plan, as he needed Giovanni's Badge since it was the last Badge he needed for the Badge Energy Amplifier to summon Lugia, so he lured Giovanni to the middle of the island so the Earth Badge would be automatically ripped from him and the Amplifier would automatically activate, summoning Lugia. Lance wanted Lugia to help accomplish his goals, but Yellow's Pokémon were able to drive Lugia away once they evolved and Yellow was able to channel their power into Pika's Megavolt. This interested Lance, as he wanted to find out who Lugia's real owner was. It wasn't often that he lost control of dragon-like Pokémon.

Lance disappeared for a while, investigating Lugia and working behind the scenes. He gave Silver advice on how to defeat Team Rocket in Johto, as well as a Tyranitar (which Silver promptly returned after awakening from his comatose state following the incident at the Lake of Rage). Working through Silver, Lance tried to help defeat the Masked Man. After this was fulfilled, Lance is briefly seen flying on his Aerodactyl watching the horizon during part of Professor Oak's speech on the radio.

In the HeartGold & SoulSilver arc, Lance calls Professor Oak to tell him about the newly revived Team Rocket's plan to obtain the Mythical Pokémon, Arceus. He requests that a Pokédex holder be sent to meet him at the Pokéathlon Dome, so Professor Oak sends Gold, as he was out of available people. Although he arrives there, Lance never shows up, but his Dragonite attacks the area in an injured frenzy. Gold manages to defeat Dragonite and sets off to find out what happened to its Trainer.

After chasing Arceus to the Ruins of Alph, Gold encounters an injured Lance there. Lance reveals that he was ambushed by someone earlier and wasn't able to meet with him. When Gold tries to calm the rampaging Alpha Pokémon, Lance tells him that Arceus is angry at humanity and will only be stopped by someone who can open their heart to it. Because of this, Lance states that Gold will not be able to connect with Arceus until he is able to connect with his own Pokémon. Annoyed, Gold sets off to face Arceus anyway and has Bugsy take care of Lance in the meantime. Before Togebo leaves, Lance hands it a Shiny Stone, just in case. He also reveals that Gold hadn't connected with his Togebo.

As Gold continues to battle Arceus, Lance sets off to find someone else who can help with the battle. Later, he returns with Giovanni and Pryce to combat the Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina that were created on the Mystri Stage. There, Lance faces Palkia while Giovanni battles Giratina, and Pryce battles Dialga. With his Dragonite's ability to redirect its Hyper Beam, Palkia's ability to manipulate space is rendered useless as all redirected attacks are sent back to its original target.

It is later revealed that when Lance went to go find help, he arrived at the Ilex Forest, where he heard the voice of Pryce, who was trapped in the crack in time. Upon arriving, he found Giovanni, who was attacking Pryce in a fit of rage. He asks the two men to put aside their differences and help him stop the destruction of Johto. After the battle had ended, Gold asks how Lance was defeated by a coward like Petrel. Lance reveals that Petrel defeated him by disguising himself as Yellow, the person with the same powers and birthplace as him. At the end of the chapter, Giovanni entrusts the training of Silver to Lance and Pryce, his two former teachers, so that he can one day face his son.

Pokémon

This listing is for Lance's Pokémon in the Pokémon Adventures manga:

On hand
Dratini → Dragonair → Dragonite
Lance's Dragonite
Main article: Lance's Dragonite

Dragonite was raised as a Dragonair that evolved from a Dratini, which he owned since childhood. It is considered to be Lance's strongest Pokémon, and boasts a hide so thick that it can withstand continued exposure to the heat of lava (and regular attacks are all ineffective).

Magikarp → Gyarados
Lance's Magikarp
Lance's Gyarados

Gyarados was used to shield Lance from the lava on Cerise Island using its bubbles. It evolved from a Magikarp.

Gyarados's known moves are BubbleBeam and Hyper Beam.

Dragonair (×2) ♂
Lance's Dragonair

These Dragonair are Lance's mainly-used ones in his Dragonair army. One of them first appeared in a Surfing Contest as a prize. During the contest, Lance brainwashes the Dragonair and it starts launching Whirlpools at the surfers, bringing them down to the sea. Yellow finds out that Lance was responsible for this and battles his Dragonair and loses. Lance used these Dragonair to shield himself from the lava on Cerise Island by using bubbles. Yellow is once again in his clutches as they, along with Gyarados were responsible for the shaking of the mountain. The two Dragonair have four unique abilities: the first is to cross the seas and skies, the second is changing the direction of energy blasts, the third is controlling the weather (which is used in Lance's first fight against Yellow), and the fourth is combining their attacks. Lance usually uses only the first two when fighting opponents, the third against stronger ones, and all four only a few times.

Dragonair's known moves are Agility, Wrap, BubbleBeam, Slam, and Hyper Beam.

Aerodactyl
Lance's Aerodactyl

Lance's Aerodactyl is mostly used for air transportation. It was used in the final battle against Yellow's Pokémon, mostly for carrying Lance while he issued commands to the rest of his Pokémon.

Aerodactyl's known moves are Hyper Beam, Supersonic, and Wing Attack.

Pupitar → Tyranitar ♂
Lance's Pupitar
Lance's Tyranitar

Lance gave his Tyranitar to Silver when it was a Pupitar. Tyranitar made its first official appearance when it was battling Gold and easily defeating Gold's entire team until it got subdued by Togebo's Double-Edge. After battling Lugia at the Whirl Islands, Tyranitar was returned to Lance as Silver was not able to fully control it.

Tyranitar's only known move is Sandstorm, its Ability is Sand Stream, and it has a Quirky nature.

Dragonair (multiple)
Lance's other Dragonair

These Dragonair are Lance's Dragon army that are used to attack the mainlands of Kanto. They are first seen attacking Cinnabar Gym while Miles and Evan are inside.

None of Dragonair's moves are known.

Dragonite
Lance's other Dragonite

This Dragonite was in charge of commanding Lance's Dragon army that are used to attack the mainlands of Kanto. They are first seen attacking Cinnabar Gym while Miles and Evan are inside.

None of Dragonite's moves are known.

Aerodactyl (multiple)
Lance's other Aerodactyl

These Aerodactyl are Lance's Dragon army that are used to attack the mainlands of Kanto. They are first seen attacking Cinnabar Gym while Miles and Evan are inside.

None of Aerodactyl's moves are known.

Released
Lugia
Lance's Lugia

Lance summoned Lugia to complete his plans of creating a utopia for Pokémon where humans that abuse Pokémon or destroy their habitats would be no more. However, this plan did not work as Lance was eventually beaten, and the Badge Amplifier energy Lugia had absorbed transferred to the soils of mainland Kanto, where it would spread life instead of bringing about death. As a result, it fled from Lance.

It was seen again in the Whirl Islands where it was on a rampage after being controlled by the Masked Man, who caught it just as Gold, Silver, and Crystal were about to. Using its Aeroblast with Ho-Oh's Sacred Fire to demolish the league, the two remained nearly unstoppable until Suicune, Entei, and Raikou appeared alongside their new Trainers to fight the villain and free them. Eventually, after much turmoil, Lugia once again fled along with Ho-Oh.

Lugia's known moves are Whirlpool, Psychic, and Aeroblast.

Status unknown
Horsea
Lance's Horsea

Horsea was seen in a flashback of Lance's and Clair's childhood.

None of Horsea's moves are known.

In the Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure manga

Lance in Jō's Big Adventure

Lance meets Jō when he was witnessing the Red Gyarados go on a rampage in the Lake of Rage. He assists Jō in fighting the Red Gyarados. After finding out that Ariana and Petrel were responsible for the incident in the Lake of Rage, Lance has a Tag Battle with them with Jō as his partner. Lance and Jō manage to defeat them with Dragonite's Twister. Lance is revealed to become the Champion of the Pokémon League and battles Jō. Jō single-handedly defeats him with Totodile.

Pokémon

Dragonite
Lance's Dragonite
Main article: Lance's Dragonite

Dragonite first appeared while Jō was at the Lake of Rage. Later, it was the second Pokémon used in the Pokémon League.

Charizard
Lance's Charizard

Lance's Charizard appeared in the Pokémon League. It battled against Jō's Totodile and lost to its Aqua Tail.

Charizard's known moves are Air Slash, Shadow Claw, and Dragon Claw.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Lance in Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Lance appears in Space Havoc!! as a regular Elite Four member. Red meets him while on his trip in outer space. Lance gives Red three tests for him to handle. While Red did well on the first two, Lance managed to get on the space shuttle while Red and the gang was on. After the shuttle got destroyed, Lance flew away on his Dragonite while Clefairy had to deal with an upset Professor Oak.

Lance reappeared in The Final Battle!! where he destroyed a village. The villagers ask Red and his Pokémon to defeat Lance. During the match, Clefairy was still no match for his Dragonite, even the weapons that he threw at it. However, when Lance was about to get beaten, Dragonite reveals its story about how he met Lance. However, the story is later found out to be a lie, and Lance ran off with his Dragonite, with Red and his Pokémon chasing him from behind.

Pokémon

Gyarados
Lance's Gyarados

Gyarados was the first test that Red and the gang had to handle. It popped out of a pool of water when Lance commanded it to do so. Gyarados was proven to be a challenge when it kept on hiding in the water and used its tail at one point to slap Clefairy. Clefairy tied Red's Pikachu to a fishing line and threw him to the pool of water to find Gyarados. After Pikachu went inside Gyarados's mouth, Pikachu shocked it, defeating Gyarados.

Aerodactyl
Lance's Aerodactyl

Aerodactyl was the second test that Red and the gang had to handle. It appeared when Red went inside a museum. It slapped Clefairy using its wing which sent him bouncing around. Aerodactyl was very fast as it evaded an attack coming from Clefairy. Clefairy decided to trick Aerodactyl by luring it into a buffet. After Aerodactyl got full, it was unable to fly. One punch coming from Clefairy sent it packing afterwards.

Dragonite
Lance's Dragonite
Main article: Lance's Dragonite

Dragonite is Lance's toughest Pokémon.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

Lance in Pokémon Zensho

Lance appeared in Indigo Plateau as the final Elite Four member whom Satoshi battled. Lance used his Dragonite, which was eventually defeated by Satoshi's Charizard, allowing Satoshi to face his rival, Shigeru, in one final battle.

Pokémon

Lance Dragonite Zensho.png
Dragonite


In the TCG

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

Lance'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 #
Lance's Charizard Fire       Pokémon VS Common 097/141
Lance's Gyarados Water       Pokémon VS Common 098/141
Lance's Aerodactyl Fighting       Pokémon VS Common 099/141
Lance's Dragonite Colorless       Pokémon VS Common 100/141
Lance's Ampharos Lightning       Pokémon VS Common 101/141
Lance's Kingdra Water       Pokémon VS Common 102/141
Other related cards
Card Type English
Expansion 		Rarity # Japanese
Expansion 		Rarity #
Lance's TM 01 T [TM]       Pokémon VS Uncommon 128/141
Lance's TM 02 T [TM]       Pokémon VS Uncommon 129/141
 


Trivia

Lance's Dragonite using Barrier in Red, Green, and Blue
Lance's Aerodactyl using Rock Slide in Gold, Silver, and Crystal
Lance disguised as a Team Magma Grunt
  • In the games, Lance is depicted as being from Blackthorn City, but the Pokémon Adventures manga depicts Lance as being from Viridian Forest (albeit of Blackthorn descent).
  • Lance has two Pokémon with moves they cannot normally learn: the Dragonite that knows Barrier that he uses in Red, Green, and Blue, as well as the Aerodactyl that knows Rock Slide that he uses in Gold, Silver, and Crystal.
    • In 2016, a Dragonite with Barrier was released to participants of the "Kanto Classic" Wi-Fi tournament to commemorate this.
  • Starting in Pokémon Yellow, Lance has red hair, while a card depicting him in Monopoly: Pokémon Edition shows artwork of him with purple hair. This is probably due to the fact that the board game was made before Yellow was released.
  • Though his type theme is Dragon Pokémon, in Generation II, only three of his Pokémon are actually of the Dragon type, all of them Dragonite.
    • Additionally, the non-Dragon-type Pokémon used by Lance in the main series (Gyarados, Aerodactyl and Charizard) are all part Flying-type, as well as partially or fully resembling dragons.
  • In Generations II and IV, Lance's Dragonite are under level 55 when the player battles him the first time. The player cannot obtain a Dragonite lower than 55 through in-game gameplay except from distribution events.
  • Lance is the only member of the Johto Elite Four who, on the second time through, still does not have a team of only his type, with Charizard and Gyarados not being Dragon types.
  • In the anime, Lance has disguised himself as a member of a villainous team twice, as a Team Rocket Grunt in Talkin' Bout an Evolution, and later as a Team Magma Grunt in Gaining Groudon.
  • Lance is the only Trainer the player can battle with in a Double Battle (Team Rocket HQ), against in a Double Battle (Dragon's Den), and against in a Single Battle (as Champion) so far. Furthermore, the Multi Battle with him against Ariana and a Grunt can be seen parallel to the Multi Battle the player has with Steven Stone in Pokémon Emerald against Maxie and Tabitha.
  • Despite taking place three years later, Lance's Pokémon are at a lower level in Generation II than they were in Generation I. The same thing occurs with Bruno.
  • Lance appears as an opponent in Pokémon Puzzle Challenge. He uses a Dragonite in battle.
  • From Generations I to III, all of his Pokémon know Hyper Beam.
  • Although Lance is the Champion in all Johto-based games, he does not use any Generation II Pokémon in these games.
  • Lance's Gyarados, Charizard and Dragonite can appear to level down, if the player decides to battle him and Clair in Dragon's Den before collecting all 16 Badges and the Elite Four upgrading their teams in HeartGold and SoulSilver, as they are levels 68-75 in the Multi Battle and are levels 48-50 when re-challenged at the Indigo League.
  • In HeartGold and SoulSilver, in the Mahogany Town souvenir store, Lance commands his Dragonite to use Hyper Beam, yet the attack Dragonite uses more closely resembles Giga Impact.
  • In the manga, Lance and the Elite Four's motivations are similar to the plans of N and Team Plasma. Both pretend to summon a Legendary Pokémon (Lugia or Reshiram and Zekrom respectively) in order to create an utopia for Pokémon.
  • In Generation IV, all of his Pokémon except Aerodactyl suffer double weakness. Salamence, Altaria, Garchomp, and Dragonite suffer double weakness against Ice type, Gyarados for Electric type, and Charizard with Rock type.
  • Lance is the only character that appears in the Pokémon World Tournament who is or used to be an Elite Four member.

Names

Language Name Origin
Japanese ワタル Wataru From 綿 wata, cotton. 渡る wataru means crossing.
English, Italian, Spanish Lance Possibly from a lance, used by knights, who fought dragons in legends and fairy tales.
French Peter Could be derived from petard, a medieval weapon.
German Siegfried Reference to a Nordic hero that killed a dragon called Fafnir.
Korean 목호 Mokho Possibly from 목 (冒) mok (risk, brave, dare) and 호 (虎) ho (tiger).
Chinese (Taiwan) 渡 Dù* From 渡る wataru. Means "to cross"
小渡 Xiǎo Dù* From 渡る wataru.
華達爾 Huádá'ěr* Transliteration of his Japanese name. Also from 華 huá, magnificent.
彌 Mí* From 彌 wataru. Means "full", "extensive", or "complete".
Chinese (Mainland China) 渡 Dù From 渡る wataru.
Thai วาตารุ Wataru Transliteration of his Japanese name.
Vietnamese Wataru Transliteration of his Japanese name.


Indigo League
Generations I, III, and VII
VSLorelei PE.png
Elite Four
Lorelei
VSBruno PE.png
Elite Four
Bruno
VSAgatha PE.png
Elite Four
Agatha
VSLance PE.png
Elite Four
Lance
Blue Trace
Champion
Blue Trace
Generations II and IV
VSWill.png
Elite Four
Will
VSKoga.png
Elite Four
Koga
VSBruno.png
Elite Four
Bruno
VSKaren.png
Elite Four
Karen
VSLance.png
Champion
Lance


Pokémon Champions
Core series Blue • Lance • Red • Steven • Wallace • Cynthia • Alder • Iris • Diantha • Trace • Leon • Mustard • Peony • Nemona • Geeta • Kieran • Drayton • Most player characters
Masters EX Blue • Lance • Red • Steven • Cynthia • Alder • Iris • Diantha • Leon • Scottie • Bettie • Ash • Nemona • Geeta • Calem • Serena • Hop • Marnie • Bede • Leaf • Nate • Rosa • Silver • Cheren • Bianca
Other
spin-offs 		Ronald (TCG GB) • Mark (TCG GB) • Mint (TCG GB) • Glenn (Pokkén) • Master Rosé (Duel)
Animated series Lance • Cynthia • Wallace • Alder • Diantha • Steven • Ash Ketchum • Leon • Iris • Nemona • Geeta
Other animation Blue (Origins) • Red (Origins) • Calem (Generations) • Celestine (PttP) • Edgar Troy (PttP) • Ava (PttP)
Adventures Professor Oak • Red • Sidney • Phoebe • Glacia • Drake • Steven • Wallace • Cynthia • Alder • Iris • Diantha • Leon • Mustard • Peony • Nemona
Other manga Shigeru (Zensho) • Satoshi (Zensho) • Rald (Battle Frontier)



Pokémon the Series characters
Protagonists Ash Ketchum (Pikachu) • Misty (Togetic) • Brock • Tracey Sketchit • May • Max • Dawn (Piplup) • Iris (Haxorus) • Cilan • Serena • Clemont • Bonnie (Dedenne) • Lana • Kiawe • Lillie • Sophocles • Mallow • Rotom Pokédex • Goh (Grookey)
Rivals Gary • Ritchie • Harrison • Drew • Harley • Morrison • Tyson • Solidad • Paul • Nando • Zoey • Kenny • Conway • Barry • Ursula • Trip • Bianca • Burgundy • Stephan • Georgia • Cameron • Aria • Alain • Miette • Tierno • Shauna • Trevor • Nini • Sawyer • Gladion • Horacio • Hau • Leon • Raihan • Horace • Bea • League Conference participants • Coordinators • Performers • World Coronation Series participants
Antagonists Jessie (Wobbuffet) • James • Meowth • Giovanni • Butch • Cassidy • Dr. Namba • Matori • Pierce • Dr. Zager • Gozu • Tabitha • Maxie • Shelly • Archie • Hunter J • Saturn • Cyrus • Mars • Jupiter • Charon • Colress • Aldith • Ghetsis • Barret • Malamar • Lysandre • Mable • Celosia • Aliana • Xerosic • Bryony • Tupp • Zipp • Rapp • Plumeria • Guzma • Viren • Rose • Oleana
Professors Professor Oak • Professor Ivy • Professor Elm • Professor Birch • Professor Rowan • Professor Carolina • Professor Juniper • Dr. Fennel • Cedric Juniper • Professor Sycamore • Professor Kukui • Professor Burnet • Professor Cerise • Professor Magnolia • Sonia • Professor Amaranth
Relatives Delia Ketchum • Daisy • Violet • Lily • James's parents • Flint • Lola • Forrest • Brock's siblings • Norman • Caroline • Johanna • Chili • Cress • Grace • Meyer • Lana's father • Lana's mother • Harper and Sarah • Rango • Sima • Mimo • Kiawe's grandfather • Mohn • Lusamine • Gladion • Sophocles's parents • Molayne • Abe • Mallow's mother • Ulu • Walker • Camille • Halta
Supporting Officer Jenny • Nurse Joy • Magikarp salesman • Todd Snap • Charles Goodshow • Casey • Liza • Sakura • Lance • Clair • Raoul Contesta • Mr. Sukizo • Steven Stone • Vivian Meridian • Robert • Scott • Lilian Meridian • Solana • Brandon • Marian • Yuzo • Rhonda • Cynthia • Reggie • Angie • Looker • Izzy and Cara • Lyra • Khoury • Tobias • Don George • Elder • Alder • Luke • Freddy O'Martian • Ingo • Emmet • Jervis • Virgil • N • Anthea and Concordia • Porter • Alexa • Sophie • Cosette • Clembot • Sanpei • Mairin • Astrid • Diantha • Korrina • Gurkinn • Monsieur Pierre • Palermo • Keanan • Malva • Samson Oak • Anela • Hobbes • Nina • Anna • Laki • Dana • Yansu • Wicke • Faba • Ilima • Acerola • Dia • Chloe • Chrysa • Ren • Parker • Talia • Lei • Danika • Quillon • Hop • Gym Leaders • Elite Four • Frontier Brains • Island kahunas • Many temporary characters
Supporting Pokémon Fearow • Ho-Oh • Squirtle Squad • Pink Butterfree • Haunter • Jigglypuff • Mewtwo • Mimey • Lapras herd • Granbull • Pichu Brothers • Lugia • Silver • Delibird • Wynaut • Larvitar • Kyogre and Groudon • Articuno • Deoxys • Lake guardians • Forces of nature • Meloetta • Reshiram • Super-ancient Pokémon • Wooper • Florges • Squishy • Z2 • Guardian deities • Bewear • Toucannon's flock • Stoutland • Oranguru • Nebby • Stufful • Ultra Beasts • Grandpa Forest • Necrozma • Lunala • Shaymin • Mew • Rotom Phones • Pelipper • Thievul trio • Eternatus • Drone Rotom • Legendary heroes • Latias • Recurring wild Pokémon
See also: Pokémon Horizons characters


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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