Smeargle

Biodata

Power Progression

No numerical levels or ranked power stages are documented; Smeargle’s combat development is shown through move acquisition and practical experience.

Background / History

From Trainer Partner to Manga Artist

Smeargle was already Ritsu’s partner when Ritsu awoke in Celadon City after transmigrating. Ritsu initially planned to challenge Gyms and compete at the Indigo Plateau Conference, but Smeargle showed little enthusiasm for training. He repeatedly interrupted exercise to draw, once abandoning a running assignment to make a self-portrait beneath a tree 2.

Their defeat against a boy’s Rattata exposed the gap between Ritsu’s game knowledge and practical Pokémon training. With money running short and his job search unsuccessful, Ritsu returned to drawing. Smeargle transformed his crude sketch of Luffy into a polished illustration, revealing the talent that redirected their lives 2.

Ritsu proposed becoming the world’s greatest manga artists together. Their division of labor became clear: Ritsu supplied the plot, character concepts, dialogue, and panel layouts, while Smeargle produced the finished artwork. Smeargle could translate simple sketches and spoken descriptions into convincing scenes, although unfamiliar objects and fictional powers required further explanation 3.

Creating *Pokémon Adventures*

By the opening chapter, the pair were serializing Pokémon Adventures and working through demanding deadlines. Their collaboration grew more efficient over time, with brief exchanges eventually replacing lengthy discussions over individual storyboards 1 9.

Smeargle developed a particular preference for powerful Pokémon action scenes. As the manga gained popularity, he began studying paneling and move effects on his own initiative rather than concentrating only on attractive drawings. He also learned numerous type matchups to keep the illustrated battles consistent with Ritsu’s tactical requirements 9 15.

His artwork extended beyond serialized pages. The publisher selected his illustration of Red and his Pokémon outside Pallet Town for the first collected volume’s cover. He later prepared commemorative artwork and practiced signing sketches for the Celadon City book signing 10 24.

Gym Leader Portraits and Reference Work

Smeargle initially worsened Sabrina’s confrontation with Ritsu by drawing her in a Team Rocket uniform, complete with an “R” emblem and Rocket members in the background. His subsequent portraits were more successful: one depicted her usual cold expression, while another imagined her smiling. Sabrina accepted both and repeatedly praised his talent 1 5 6.

A heroic portrait of Lt. Surge and Raichu earned a place in Vermilion Gym’s lounge, though it did not immediately settle Surge’s objections to the manga. Smeargle later drew Raichu at the signing and attended a training demonstration, producing detailed studies of Agility, Iron Tail, and Thunderbolt 13 32 34.

Koga likewise admired his action drawings. During Koga’s visit to the studio, Smeargle turned the discussion of terrain, powders, and concealment into several sets of storyboards 35 36.

A Larger Studio and New Reference Material

Growing manga income brought the pair closer to their shared goal of a larger home with a dedicated studio. When Maho suggested hiring an assistant for backgrounds and related tasks, Smeargle imagined a spacious upstairs workspace filled with premium supplies—and an assistant drawing the backgrounds beside him 37 39.

They eventually reserved a quiet two-story house in northwestern Celadon City. Ritsu paid a deposit, leaving the inspection and formal purchase contract for later 40.

After Ash’s defeat at Saffron Gym, Ritsu and Smeargle joined Ash, Misty, and Brock on the journey to Lavender Town. Their planned reference subjects included Pokémon Tower, Ghost Pokémon, and possible comedy-manga material. Along the road, Brock reviewed Smeargle’s sketches and offered advice on his Quick Attack training 46 48 49.

Appearance

• Coloration and headwear: Cream-white body and a red beret 2.
• Tail: Its tip is coated in green paint, which he uses for drawing and occasionally for pranks 2 9.
• Signing outfit: Wears a small bow tie and carries a backpack filled with art supplies 31.
• Other accessories: Uses an athletic headband for training and wears a sun hat while house-hunting 28 40.

Personality

Smeargle loves drawing above almost everything else. He eagerly accepts new artistic subjects, takes pride in his finished work, and becomes especially animated when someone praises his skill. His preferences are pronounced: fast, forceful action excites him, while machinery, pipes, buildings, and other complicated backgrounds often provoke resistance 5 9 35 36.

He is also an assertive working partner. He negotiates extra compensation, asks for overtime pay, objects to unnecessary redraws, and has strong opinions about paper and paint quality. His arguments with Ritsu can produce practical compromises, such as simplifying background-heavy sequences without losing their atmosphere 1 6 9 13.

A mischievous sense of humor runs through his personal comics. He caricatures Ritsu’s frightening encounters with Gym Leaders, imagines him being turned into a doll, and once smears green paint across his face during an argument. Nevertheless, he is affectionate and protective: when Ritsu fears unwanted attention, Smeargle draws them as a formidable bodyguard duo and volunteers to protect him 7 9 20 37.

Although initially inclined to avoid exercise, he becomes enthusiastic about battling after learning Quick Attack. His first victory leaves him delighted despite his exhaustion, and he agrees to regular training—until Ritsu reminds him that manga deadlines still apply 2 28 30.

Abilities & Skills

Manga Illustration

Smeargle produces finished manga artwork from Ritsu’s rough layouts and explanations, with particular strength in expressive characters and Pokémon combat 3 5.

• Captures proportions, expressions, clothing folds, reflections, and detailed movement 3 5.
• Depicts invented effects convincingly once Ritsu explains their intended appearance 3.
• Adjusts paneling to emphasize speed, impact, and simultaneous attacks 15.
• Draws independent four-panel gag comics based on daily events 7 37.
• Needs additional explanation for subjects he has never encountered; his comprehension of written language is below a human’s 3 35.

Observation and Motion Study

His practiced eye allows him to break Pokémon movements into useful visual references 28 34.

• Studies actions frame by frame in his sketchbook 28.
• Records subtle details such as Raichu shifting its center of gravity and using its tail for balance 34.
• Completes four or five action sketches in just over ten seconds during Raichu’s demonstration 34.
• Transfers this observational skill into combat by anticipating Butterfree’s wing movements and attack timing 29 30.

Sketch

Sketch allows Smeargle to permanently learn a move another Pokémon has used, provided he successfully targets it at the appropriate moment 2 28.

• Successfully copies Tackle from Rattata and Quick Attack from Pidgeotto 2 28.
• Cannot learn a move merely by watching its movements or drawing it on paper 28.
• Each successful use consumes the currently known Sketch and replaces it with the copied move 28.
• Is limited to four moves at once and must obtain another opportunity to use Sketch before copying again 28.
• Learning a move does not guarantee the fitness or proficiency needed to use it effectively 2 28.

Quick Attack

Quick Attack gives Smeargle a short burst of speed for closing distance, repositioning, and striking 28 29.

• Escapes through a gap in Butterfree’s String Shot encirclement 29.
• Intercepts Butterfree before Stun Spore can spread effectively and before it can regain altitude 30.
• Repeated use rapidly drains his stamina; braking and directional control remain weaknesses 29 30 49.
• His attempt to draw while using Quick Attack produces an uncontrolled green streak rather than the intended lines 28.

Tackle

Tackle is Smeargle’s first documented copied attack, learned during the battle with Rattata 2.

• His initial use is easily dodged because it lacks sufficient speed and strength 2.
• Its later retention is not established; Ritsu describes Quick Attack as his only move during the Butterfree battle 29.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Brushes and pencils — Used alongside his paint-coated tail for sketches, portraits, and finished manga pages 2 3 5.
• Sketchbook, drawing board, and paper — Carries materials for recording references and drawing spontaneous illustrations 27 28 30.
• Art backpack/bag — Holds drawing tools during events, training outings, and travel 23 27 31 40.
• Premium paints and paper — Values specific colors and smooth drawing surfaces; later shops for high-grade brushes and supplies as their income increases 9 39.

Relationships

• Shiraishi Ritsu / Masuda Senbei — Trainer, creative partner, and manga writer. Their affectionate partnership includes frequent arguments over revisions, workload, and artistic choices 3 6 9 30.
• Kikkawa Maho — Their editor; arranges publishing and signing activities and proposes an assistant to reduce Smeargle’s workload 13 24 39.
• Sabrina — Portrait subject and admirer of his artwork. Initially frightens him, but her praise and acceptance of his portraits make him more comfortable around her 1 5 6 48.
• Lt. Surge and Raichu — Portrait subjects and valuable sources of battle reference. Surge praises Smeargle’s observational accuracy and invites the pair to visit Vermilion Gym again 13 32 34.
• Koga — Admires his ninja-action drawings and supplies practical combat discussion that Smeargle develops into storyboards 35 36.
• Kaori and Pidgeotto — Help him learn Quick Attack through repeated demonstrations and a successful use of Sketch 28.
• Ashu and Butterfree — Opponents in his first victorious friendly battle. Smeargle gives Ashu a commemorative illustration afterward 29 30.
• Ash, Misty, and Brock — Traveling companions on the Lavender Town reference trip; Brock additionally advises Ritsu on Smeargle’s movement training 48 49.