Larry
Pokémon character
Artwork of Larry from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
First appearancePokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022)

Larry, known as Aoki (Japanese: アオキ) in Japan, is a fictional character in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. Introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, he serves as both a Gym Leader and an Elite Four member in the game's setting, specializing in Normal and Flying-type Pokémon. He is resembled to depict a stereotypical Japanese salaryman, and is known for his expressionless dialogue and personality. Since his introduction, Larry has received highly positive critical response, being highlighted as relatable,[1][2] and has been described as a breakout character.[3]

Appearances

Larry is a Gym Leader in Medali, a town in the Paldea region in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. He is described as a Japanese salaryman, and has a bland and deadpan personality.[4] He specializes in Normal-type Pokémon in the first battle, and serves as the third Elite Four member specializing in Flying-type Pokémon.[1][2] He can later be rematched once more in the postgame, once again using his Normal-type team.

Larry made a brief cameo in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, eating at a restaurant in Medali. He also briefly appears in the music video for Biri-Biri, where he is seen defeating Anna in a Pokémon battle.

Reception

Jenni Lada of Siliconera praised Larry, stating how expressive and distinct he is from other Pokémon characters: "However, while he isn't as immediately flashy or memorable at a glance, the character development surrounding him is extraordinary. There's so much personality there, even with as few interactions as a person gets, and it makes him one of the best characters in the game." She opined that characters like Larry do not need to be "flashy" to be well received, describing how they provide a comforting feeling.[1] TheGamer's Ben Sledge posited similar ideas, citing Larry as a relatable character.[2]

Kotaku's Kenneth Shepard stated that "The work/life balance conversation woven throughout Larry’s story is the single most pronounced example of an ongoing thread throughout Scarlet and Violet," citing that, "Where in other Pokémon regions like Galar gym leaders are treated with a hint of celebrity, or like professional athletes, the Paldea region seems to undervalue their contributions... Larry's outright disdain for the whole capitalist process has made him analogous to characters like Squidward from Spongebob Squarepants, and fans have taken the comparison and run with it." He further states that "Larry's disgruntled worker persona has made him a bridge between Pokémon fans young and old. Where the kids find him a silly guy who gives them a challenging fight, adult fans familiar with the soul-crushing weight of the daily grind have found a kindred spirit. Who among us doesn't know what it’s like to hate their job, hate their boss, but still suck it up and do what we’re paid for so we can just go home and enjoy a little peace amid this capitalist hellscape? He is, as the kids say, "just like me, for real."[3] Destructoid's Timothy Monbleau named Larry his favorite character of 2022, citing Larry as a highlight for adult fans of the series, and praising his relatability.[5]

Larry's similarities to millennials and Gen Z has been highlighted as a part of his appeal.[6] His blandness and lack of uniqueness have also been popular, with GameRant citing that "Larry is a brilliant example of how to create an iconic Pokemon Gym Leader without the need for pompous outfits or unrealistic exchanges, instead leaning into real-world tropes to tell a subtle story that many players wish they couldn't relate to as much as they do."[7]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Lada, Jenni (2022-11-27). "Larry May Be the Best New Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Character". Siliconera. Archived from the original on 2023-11-03. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
  2. 1 2 3 Sledge, Ben (2022-11-22). "Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's Larry Is My Spirit Animal". TheGamer. Archived from the original on 2023-06-04. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
  3. 1 2 Shepard, Kenneth (2023-03-06). "Pokémon Fans Love This Gym Leader Because He's Just Like You, FR". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2023-11-20. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
  4. ↑ Cryer, Hirun (2022-11-21). "Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's most popular character is an apathetic gym leader called Larry". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 2023-03-05. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
  5. ↑ Monbleau, Timothy (2023-01-06). "Check out Destructoid's favorite new video game characters of 2022". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 2023-06-04. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  6. ↑ Mauerman, Katy (2022-12-10). "Why Millennials Are Relating to One Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Gym Leader". CBR. Archived from the original on 2023-06-04. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
  7. ↑ Greatorex, Thomas (2022-11-21). "Why Larry is Subtly The Best Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Gym Leader". Game Rant. Archived from the original on 2023-06-04. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
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