If my math is correct, there are now 72 Gym Leaders, and 36 Elite Four members. But, we´re also counting champions, so make that 45 (or 42, because Lance, Bruno and Koga feature double (Koga as a Gym Leader)). I´m probably forgetting some things as well, so feel free to correct me.
A lot of those characters have been forgotten by most, because they weren´t very memorable and got lost in the mass. But some others are still remembered for different reasons, like good character development/writing, high difficulty, or just all-round awesomeness.
My favourite is still good old Blue. The reason for this is that he still makes for the most personal champion, but also one that you take very serious. When the music drops in and the champion turns out to be Blue, the guy that denied you a town-map at the start of your journey, and constantly popped up at the worst moments to clean out your weakened/poisoned team, you feel the importance and almost want to walk back to train some more.
I also like the character development. In Gen 2 he reflects on how nothing lasts and thinks about what the point is on a desolated Cinnabar island. The gym battle that follows is very different from the champion battle in Pokémon Red/Blue. He is now a likeable person that is at rest, and winning isn´t that much of a priority for him anymore. He gives you the badge with a smile, which makes him much more of a champion than he ever was in the original games.
Emeralds Noland is imo by far the scariest Pokemon boss and most versatile as he can have any set of Pokemon and has expert ai and advanced move sets.
He is my favorite for that reason as every other NPC can be easily beaten with batman prep time. Noland is really the only one who will check the players knowledge and skill
I love many, like Sabrina for example, but nobody comes close to this man. Evil Gym leader + mob boss with a powerful aura? Giovanni is so iconic. I love the design too
I like the character design with the hair braids that look like wings (or antlers maybe? Maybe its because its festive looking) and that the personality seems shy and unassuming, shes actually a steel type gym leader who used to be a rock type trainer.
pryce is a close runner up but it has to be misty!! i related a lot to her. she’s spunky, tomboyish, loves water pokemon, has a huge chip on her shoulder from being the youngest sister she’s my girl!!
Surge is cool. There’s a level of mystery to him, but he’s also larger than life. STILL waiting for a physical FA card…
Also, Karen is a favorite, and it’s because again, mystery, and she was the Dark elite four member… interesting. I do appreciate the white haired version in G/S more than the updated blue hair. Vance is of course, the OG badass, but it seems a little easy.
I have a collection of custom trainer cards in traditional JP garb, so I made one with AI Slop. Figured I’d share it here. =) HOpefully, we get a REAL piece of artwork for Surge in physical cards, but the Pocket card was a very welcome treat!
she’s my girl!!