Gary Oak isn't even IN Pokemon Red and Blue. That would be Blue (or Green if in Japanese)
Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak are completely different characters made for the anime based off of Red
and Blue
They even have different personalities. Red is a lot less naive than Ash and is actually a talented trainer who can think on his feet. He knocks out a Team Rocket member, takes his uniform, then sneaks into Team Rockets base to get a look at Mewtwo being created. Pretty epic.
Blue unlike Gary, isn't a spoiled brat. He's more of a strong silent type with a lot of knowledge about battling.
Btw you guys should totally read Pokemon Adventures (the manga) It's a an awesome take on the series and Pokemon creator Satoshi Tajiri said it is the most representative of the world he was trying to create.
I love the artwork :p
