Squirtle Gang – The Story of the Legendary Pokémon Team

The Squirtle Gang, also known as the Squirtle Brigade or Squirtle Squad, is one of the most recognizable and beloved Pokémon groups in anime history. This group of unruly water Pokémon with their distinctive sunglasses captured the hearts of fans worldwide, becoming an iconic part of the series. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Squirtle Gang, their adventures, their evolution from a group of mischief-makers to a respected firefighting team, and their cultural impact.

The Origins of the Squirtle Gang – Sunglasses

The Squirtle Gang debuted in episode 12 of the original Pokémon anime series, titled “Here Comes the Squirtle Squad” (“Enter the Zenigame Squad!” in the Japanese version). The group consisted of five Squirtle who were abandoned by their Trainers and subsequently formed a gang that terrorized a small town in the Kanto region.

Each member wore distinctive sunglasses, which became their trademark. The gang leader was distinguished by special, rounded glasses that gave him the appearance of a true leader. This visual feature helped make the Squirtle Gang one of the most recognizable groups in the entire series.

First Encounter with Ash

In their debut episode, the gang was tricked by Meowth of Team Rocket, who convinced them that Jessie and James were his “pets.” On Meowth’s orders, the Squirtle Gang captured Ash and his friends so they could take Pikachu. During the chase, Pikachu was seriously injured by a wild Goldeen.

To help Pikachu recover, Ash convinced the Squirtle Gang to let him retrieve a Super Potion. However, they set a condition: if he didn’t return by noon the next day, they would threaten to dye Misty’s hair purple (in the original Japanese version, the threat was much more serious). When Ash returned, Team Rocket decided to bomb the Squirtle Gang, causing a forest fire.

A Breakthrough Moment – Saving the Leader

During the fire, everyone sought refuge in the Squirtle Gang’s cave, but the group’s leader was stuck on his back, forcing Ash to return and rescue him. This moment proved to be a turning point in the relationship between Ash and the Squirtle Gang leader. Ash shielded Squirtle’s body with his own during the bombing, telling him to save himself.

Moved by Ash’s loyalty, the Squirtle Gang leader tearfully carried Ash to the cave and then defeated Team Rocket with his Water Gun attack. The entire gang then worked together to extinguish the forest fire. For their good work, they were awarded the title of “City Firefighters” by Sergeant Jenny.

However, the Squirtle Gang leader decided he preferred traveling with Ash rather than fighting fires with his group. He wanted to repay Ash for saving his life during the bombing and joined his team, becoming one of his most loyal Pokémon.

Ash’s Squirtle – A New Chapter

The Squirtle that joined Ash quickly became an important member of his team. Although he no longer wore his sunglasses regularly, he would don them on special occasions, especially when the situation called for his “gangster” personality. His personality evolved from a rebellious gang leader into a loyal friend and powerful fighter.

Ash’s Squirtle demonstrated remarkable skill in many battles, including at the Silver Conference, where he defeated Trainer Macy’s Electabuzz and Quilava despite a type disadvantage. Its ability to perform powerful Water-based moves like Hydro Pump and Skull Bash made it a valuable member of Ash’s team.

Return to the Squirtle Gang

In the Gold and Silver episode “The Fire-ing Squad!”, Ash’s Squirtle reunited with the rest of the Squirtle Gang during a firefighting competition in the Johto region. The gang competed against Team Wartortle, a group Ash’s Squirtle had previously encountered in the Orange Islands.

After the competition, Squirtle decided to rejoin the Squirtle Gang and continued serving as a firefighter with them, except for a few occasions, such as the Silver Conference and the final battle with Brandon, when he temporarily returned to help Ash.

Later Appearances of the Squirtle Gang

The Squirtle Gang reappeared in the episode “A Squad’s Worth of Passion!” (JN141), where it was discovered that Team Rocket had become their manager, using their fame to make money through firefighting demonstrations and merchandise sales. When Team Rocket prevented Ash from meeting Squirtle, Ash misinterpreted Ash’s departure as a lack of concern for him and became despondent.

Ash attempted to greet him later at the hotel, but the meeting ended only in an argument with Bulbasaur and Charizard. When the warehouse caught fire, Squirtle led the Squirtle Gang to the scene. By fighting the fire together, Ash and Squirtle managed to reconcile and extinguish the flames.

It turned out that Team Rocket had taken the Squirtle Gang without Officer Jenny’s permission, and she took them back under her care, though not before Squirtle shared another heartfelt hug with Ash.

Squirtle Gang in Other Media

Book “Return of the Squirtle Gang”

Tracey West wrote a book titled “Return of the Squirtle Squad,” the eighth book in the Pokémon Chapter Books series. The book focuses on Ash’s Squirtle and includes flashbacks to the episodes “Here Comes the Squirtle Squad,” “Tentacool & Tentacruel,” and “Beach Blank-Out Blastoise.”

The book’s plot revolves around a strange sleeping spell cast on the island of turtle Pokémon, where Ash’s Squirtle must save the day. The book also recounts how Squirtle was the leader of a mischievous gang before becoming Ash’s friend, and how now he might need more than just his Water Gun attack to help his new team.

The book was published in April 2000 by Scholastic and is 87 pages long. It received positive reviews from readers, who praised its moral values ​​of leadership and showing gratitude to those around us.

Video Games

The Squirtle Gang has also appeared in Pokémon-related video games. In the GameCube game “The Pokémon Channel,” a mini-game called “Stop N’ Squirtle” was hosted by the Squirtle Gang, allowing players to upgrade and customize their homes to increase Pikachu’s favor.

The most recent Squirtle Gang tie-in was in the mobile game “Pokémon GO,” where, for Community Day on July 8, 2018, players could catch Squirtle wearing sunglasses, a nod to the iconic group. If players chose to evolve members of the Squirtle Gang, the resulting Wartortle and Blastoise retained their distinctive sunglasses after transformation.

The Cultural Impact of the Squirtle Gang

The Squirtle Gang has become a cultural phenomenon among Pokémon fans. Their distinctive sunglasses have become an iconic element, instantly recognizable even to those unfamiliar with the series. The group has appeared in countless fan works, internet memes, and official merchandise.

The Squirtle Gang’s popularity has led to the creation of a variety of collectibles, such as figurines, plush toys, T-shirts, and other items featuring the gang. High-quality items depicting the gang members in their distinctive sunglasses are particularly sought after.

Squirtle Gang Trivia

• The episode “Here Comes the Squirtle Squad” is the third and final episode of a three-part arc in which Ash captures each of the original Pokémon from Kanto.
• In the English dub of this episode, Ash mentions that with his “own” Squirtle, he can defeat Gary, suggesting that Gary chose Squirtle as his first Pokémon partner.
• The Squirtle Gang appeared in a total of seven episodes of the anime, which are considered the “turtleliest” episodes of the series.
• The glasses worn by the leader of the Squirtle Gang (later Ash’s Squirtle) differ from those worn by the rest of the gang – they are rounder and larger.
• In the episode “A Squad’s Worth of Passion!”, Squirtle also appears in the “Who is that Pokémon” section.

Summary

The Squirtle Gang underwent a remarkable transformation – from a group of mischief-makers terrorizing a small town to a respected firefighting team saving lives. Their story is a prime example of character development in the Pokémon series, showing how even seemingly “bad” Pokémon can find their place and purpose in life.

The gang leader, who became Ash’s Pokémon, underwent an even more dramatic transformation, becoming one of his most loyal companions. His decision to eventually return to the Squirtle Gang and continue his work as a firefighter demonstrates his maturity and sense of responsibility.

The Squirtle Gang remains one of the most recognizable and beloved groups in the entire Pokémon franchise, and their legacy lives on through various media, from anime to games and books. Their distinctive sunglasses have become an iconic symbol that instantly evokes this remarkable group of water Pokémon who have found their purpose and place in the world.