The Pokemon series has spawned some bizarre legends and rumors — from spooky cartridges to in-game music said to drive young players crazy. While Pokemon Lost Silver is a cleverly constructed fangame, and “Lavender Town Syndrome” is a legend based on an infamous episode of the Pokemon anime, there’s one enduring Pokemon story that’s impossible to prove or debunk: The Legend of Gary’s Dead Raticate.

Gary Oak is the most popular name for the player's rival in Pokemon Red/Blue for the Game Boy. He goes by a number of names, including Blue or whatever custom name the player gives him at the start of the game (possibly a swear word). Gary is infamous in the Pokemon fandom for always being one step ahead of the player. For example, if you choose Charmander as your starter Pokémon, he will automatically choose Squirtle, giving him a permanent tactical advantage over you, as water-type Pokémon trump fire-types.

Gary is arrogant, but kind. That may be why the Pokemon fandom is still puzzled by the disappearance of one of Gary's Pokemon, even going so far as to question whether the player character (Ash or Red, depending on the name you choose) is responsible for its death.

The player character will encounter and battle Gary several times during their journey. Since Pokémon is a game about catching and training Pokémon, both characters' Pokémon stables will grow as the game progresses. However, every Pokémon trainer has favorites, and Gary is no exception. His lineup changes very little in Pokémon Red/Blue, with one exception.