New Pokémon Anime Already Made Its Biggest Mistake (And It's Not Even Released Yet)
Is it a new completely new era or the beginning of an end for the iconic series?
On Friday, an all-new Pokémon series was announced as the story of Ash Ketchum and his dedicated friend Pikachu comes to an end.
The final chapter of Ash and Pikachu's long journey is set to wrap up after 11 episodes that will start airing in January. After that, Ash will apparently bow out as the series' main protagonist, making way for two new characters to spearhead the new series that will come out at some point in 2023.
Judging by the first promotional sneak peak at the two new heroes, the new series will have a female lead, whose name we are yet to know.
However, many fans believe that some things are just too iconic to ditch, and for Pokémon, bidding adieu to Ash will be the worst decision ever made.
"Gen 9 glitched out Ash, might be biased, sure am, but removing Ash is the worst movement that could possibly happen, unless it's for 1 generation only," Twitter user petrosdeli said.
Others echoed the sentiment, arguing that Pokémon was always a story of Ash and Pikachu, even though some of its implications have become increasingly bizarre over the years — like the fact that Ash doesn't age for well over two decades.
"There is no Pokemon anime without them. They will bring back Ash the moment they see the new anime fail to maintain popularity," Twitter user no_na_wa noted.
However, there are people who remain tentatively hopeful for the new series and believe that Ash's story needed some closure after all, and it's about time for his departure to happen. Besides, there is always a possibility to bring him back in other generations or in special episodes, so new heroes do not necessarily amount to ditching the icons.
Meanwhile, the moment is still sentimental for everyone involved in Ash's story. Sarah Natochenny, the actress who has been the English voice of Ash for almost two decades now, has already shared a touching message.
"It's been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years. No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he'll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come. I'll keep him present for all of us in every way I can," she tweeted.
The final chapter of Ash's story will start airing on January 13, 2023 in Japan.