Last month, it’s been a long time Pokémon anime protagonist Ash Ketchum has finally become the world’s top coach after defeating Galar Champion Leon in the Masters Eight Tournament. It was the culmination of a 25-year arc for the anime, with Ash and his Pokémon partner Pikachu finally being crowned champions after years of crushing defeat. Now that Ash has accomplished what he set out to do in the first episode in 1997, what’s next for him and Pikachu? It sounds like a walk in the sunset, as it was just announced for the next season of Pokémon the anime will introduce two brand new main characters in his stead.
Ash’s story will end with 11 special episodes next year, which will also end the current season Pokémon Journey: Series. The episodes will premiere January 13 in Japan and will feature returning friends and familiar faces like Brock and Misty, friends who originally accompanied Ash in the series. the first seasons of the show. All of this will give way to the next season, starring new main characters, called Riko and Roy in the Japanese version. Not much is known about these new characters, but they will come along Pokémon Scarlet and Violet beginners Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly.
Follow longtime Ash voice actor news Rica Matsumoto and Sarah Natochenny posted their own tributes to the character online, with Natochenny saying, “No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he will live on in the hearts of generations to come. .”
While it may be a good thing for Pokémon anime to shake things up after more than two decades following Ash and Pikachu around the world, man, this is heartbreaking. Having these two characters is a long time fix in Pokémon has made them the standard for all fans, young and old. We even saw people care about how Ash became a champion when it happened, as fans who stopped watching the anime long ago send a congratulation about how proud they are of the 10-year-old who never gets old. But now that he’s a Pokémon master, there’s not much left to do with his story. So maybe now the Pokémon anime can target new stories that help it explore the world in a new context.
That seems to be an overarching theme of Pokémon right now, because even the games have changed stories about aspects of the universe that extend beyond competitive sport. Both Legendary Pokémon: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet there are stories that aren’t so focused on being a Pokémon League champion, and they’re much more engaging for that. So sad to say goodbye, maybe Ash needs to complete his goal so the anime can find new ones.
