Bulbasaur is the best for Kanto wdym. It is super effective against the first two gyms (rock and water) and resists the third (electric), allowing you to catch more Pokémon for the next few gyms.

Bulbasaur is so cute. I’ve called it “Name” since the very beginning lol

And Saur means lizard in Latin.

^^^And then, what? Some of Erika's pokémon and Giovanni, if you try a Bulbasaur only run, Sabrina and Blaine are impossible

That's not the point... you can't get past Surge with just Squirtle.

Resisting electric is nothing, Bulbasaur is the only kanto starter that can't learn dig by tm

^^Again, TM Dig in digglet cave, you can solo Lt. Surge with it and Squirtle (or Wartortle by that point) can learn it by TM

Bruh so what? Dig doesn't even do that much damage anyway-

And you have to wait two turns, Bulbasaur is a special attacker, in Let's Go you can teach it Earth Power... Usefulness wise, Bulbasaur is infinitely better. And Venusaur is very bulky

It still helps Squirtle and Charmander, plus Defense isn't everything in a pokémon battle, so you can't just make Ivysaur be there and not attack, even if Ivysaur attack, it can't do much damage