Throughout the Pokémon world, most creatures maintain consistent strength, move sets, and reputations across video games, anime, and manga. With the right care from Trainers, they reach their full potential and become as powerful as possible.
However, some Pokémon that look impressive and fierce in the anime are surprisingly downplayed in the Pokémon Adventures manga, where the author doesn’t hesitate to make them look weak.
Despite their fame, the six Pokémon below have very disappointing records in the manga.
1. Raticate
The final evolution of Rattata, one of the first Pokémon players can catch in Kanto, Raticate is portrayed in the anime as a fast, aggressive, and tough early-stage fighter.
In the manga, Raticate is reduced to an insignificant weakling. Early on, Red’s team easily defeats it without effort. Instead of a useful early companion like in the anime, Raticate in the manga is basically a punching bag for new Trainers to grind experience.
2. Rhydon
Known for its massive size and rugged appearance, Rhydon is a terrifying Ground/Rock type in the anime with devastating physical power, a valuable asset to any top-tier team.
In the manga, Rhydon’s physical dominance disappears. It often appears as a Team Rocket lackey, serving as muscle but is repeatedly defeated by other Trainers, especially Red, who relies more on strategy than brute strength.
3. Arbok
Alongside Weezing, Arbok is a signature Pokémon of Team Rocket, especially under Jessie’s command. Despite Team Rocket’s frequent defeats, Arbok is shown in the anime as a formidable fighter with potent poison attacks and relentless spirit.
In the manga, despite its fierce look, Arbok is sidelined and rarely wins battles. It becomes a forgettable Pokémon with almost no chance to shine in major fights.
4. Machamp
The ultimate Fighting-type, Machamp’s four arms and muscular build let it overwhelm opponents with rapid punches at close range. In the anime, it symbolizes raw physical power.
In the manga, although still strong, Machamp often loses to opponents with better tactics. Its reliance on straightforward physical attacks makes it predictable and vulnerable to counters, sometimes unable to land a hit.
5. Onix
Onix is one of the most memorable early Gym defenders, famously crushing Ash’s wild Pikachu in the anime. It serves as Brock’s Gym boss with diamond-hard defense.
In the manga, Onix’s fatal flaws are slow movement and poor accuracy. Against skilled Trainers, its huge size turns it into an easy target. Its attacks are predictable, rendering its defense ineffective.
6. Pidgeot
Pidgeot is one of Ash’s trusted early partners, fighting alongside him through many tournaments. Beyond its emotional value, the anime shows Pidgeot pulling off dramatic comebacks thanks to courage and loyalty.
In the manga, Pidgeot barely appears in the main storyline. Flying-type moves are easily countered by other types using clever strategies, leaving Pidgeot no chance to showcase its true strength and sadly forgotten.