Final month, long-time Pokémon anime protagonist Ash Ketchum lastly grew to become the highest coach on the planet after defeating Galar Champion Leon within the Masters Eight Match. It was the fruits of a 25-year arc for the anime, with Ash and his associate Pokémon Pikachu lastly being topped the champion after years of crushing defeats. Now that Ash has completed what he got down to do in that first episode again in 1997, what’s subsequent for him and Pikachu? It feels like a stroll into the sundown, because it’s simply been introduced the subsequent season of the Pokémon anime will introduce two model new central protagonists in his stead.
Ash’s story will conclude with 11 particular episodes subsequent yr, that may also cap off the present Pokémon Journeys: The Sequence. These episodes will begin rolling out on January 13 in Japan, and can characteristic returning buddies and acquainted faces like Brock and Misty, the unique buddies who accompanied Ash within the early seasons of the present. All of this may make manner for the subsequent season, starring new protagonists, referred to as Liko and Roy within the Japanese model. Not a lot is understood about these new characters, however they’ll be accompanied by Pokémon Scarlet and Violet starters Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.
Following the information, long-time Ash voice actors Rica Matsumoto and Sarah Natochenny posted their very own tributes to the character on-line, with Natochenny saying, “It doesn’t matter what lies past his last chapter, he’ll stay perpetually within the hearts of many generations to return.”
Whereas it’s in all probability a great factor for the Pokémon anime to shake issues up after over 20 years of following Ash and Pikachu around the globe, man, this hurts. Having these two characters be a long-time fixture in Pokémon has made them a touchstone for each fan, younger and outdated. We even noticed how a lot individuals cared about Ash’s rise to champion when it occurred, as followers who had lengthy stopped watching the anime had been posting congratulatory statements about how proud they had been of the never-aging 10-year-old. However now that he’s a Pokémon grasp, there’s not a lot left to do together with his story. So perhaps now the Pokémon anime can set its sights on new tales that assist it discover the world in a brand new context.
That appears to be an overarching theme of Pokémon proper now, as even the video games have shifted their tales to elements of the universe that transcend aggressive sport. Each Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet had tales that weren’t so fixated on being a Pokémon League champion, they usually had been rather more compelling for it. In order unhappy as it’s to say goodbye, perhaps Ash wanted to perform his targets so the anime might discover new ones.