Their goals are simple. To protect the world from devastation. To unite all peoples within their nation. To denounce the evils of truth and love. To extend their reach to the stars above. But what does any of that actually mean? What is Team Rocket? Let’s find out!
Team Rocket seeks out world domination through the use of Pokémon, plain and simple. They would start by collecting as many Pokémon as possible by any means necessary. They would gather them by force, steal them from others, help develop Poké Ball technology to capture them with no chance for failure, and more nefarious means.
Lead by the powerful, Giovanni, a man who could have lead his life as one of the Kanto regions Gym Leaders, he sought more power beyond the establishment. He had risen to the rank of Veridian City’s Gym Leader using Ground-Type predominantly but also his pet Persian. Bound by his word, Giovanni seeks to take over everyone and everything, with Pokémon leading the path for Team Rocket.
Force alone isn’t the only path that Team Rocket takes, though it is a popular one. They also use deception, such as with secret hideouts and cover businesses like Rocket Games Corner. This allows them to spread out their plans and commit to multiple plots to further their cause. Often finding themselves working with, funding, or threatening scientific research if it means they can get better Pokémon.
Two well known members of the team aren’t known for their success, but rather, for their infamy as failures. Jesse and James are seeking out an exceptionally powerful Pikachu that could prove useful for Team Rocket but repeatedly screw it up. They have a talking Meowth, an anomaly that is what keeps them as members of the team still.
While Team Rocket as a whole tends to have its lowest level members rob people of their Pokémon. Their criminal dealings help fund their efforts along with their legitimate businesses. They are just as likely to rob the very people they work with to further their other agendas. Having a massive roster of members means they can enforce their might and to Team Rocket, might makes right. Due to Giovanni’s views of honor, if someone were to challenge him or any other member of Team Rocket, and win, the entire organization would stand down.
There you have it! Team Rocket have been a threat to the world of Pokémon since its inception. They’ve been in the earliest comics threatening Red and Ash Ketchum with their own Pokémon. Jesse and James are an iconic duo for the Team despite their failed efforts, people love them for their zany antics and Meowth. Giovanni has become a returning character for remakes of the first games’ storyline. See you next time!
Suggested Reading
Pokémon
Dr. Bustos
drbustos@comicattack.net
