The most recent episode for Pokemon Journeys’ Masters Eight Match aired on November 12 in Japan and featured the closing moments of the grand finals between Ash and Galar Area Champion Leon. After a nail-biting battle, Ash emerged victorious in opposition to the undefeatable Leon and was topped the world champion (within the Pokemon anime collection). Truthfully, I can’t assist however get a bit teary-eyed on this event, particularly because it’s a hard-won victory for Ash after a few years of failing to develop into a Champion within the different tournaments when he traversed in different areas (apart from Alola). It’s virtually exhausting to consider that it’s been over 25 years for the reason that Pokemon anime collection debuted. Most of us who tuned in on the present are grown adults now. It took Ash two and a half many years of our life, however he’s lastly acknowledged as a Pokemon Grasp.
From Humble Beginnings to Grandiose Adventures
The start of Ash’s journey was as humble as a slice of pie. The coach set off from his residence at Pallet City to develop into a Pokemon Grasp—to be the perfect like nobody ever was. From there, the anime has been by way of dozens of iterations. Tales from the Pokemon video games had been set in each area and even lined a number of authentic areas (Orange Islands, anybody?).
It’s difficult to remain related in a realm the place anime tendencies come and go, and as such, the collection needed to reinvent the wheel continually. Arguably essentially the most important change that the Pokemon anime skilled was when the present determined to ditch Misty when Ash went to the Hoenn area. The present would then exchange Ash’s new companions from the Hoenn area as soon as extra earlier than the introduction of Sinnoh. Little did we all know that this is able to set a precedent that the established order would seriously change after releasing a brand new Pokemon sport.
We skilled a delicate reboot in Black and White—shedding Brock in favor of a completely new solid. Then, in Pokemon XY, they retooled the collection, giving it a extra shonen look. As soon as we bought to Solar and Moon (Alola), the collection turned extra comedic and had a wildly totally different artwork fashion that gained criticism from many viewers. Lastly, when Journey landed, it broke the sample but once more. As a substitute of being based mostly solely in Pokemon Sword and Protect’s Galar area, Journeys turned a globe-trotting journey that takes inspiration from Pokemon Go. And as a substitute of getting two aspect characters with Ash, we solely have one: Goh.
May This Be the Finish?
Over its 25-year run, the Pokemon anime collection has had dozens of major characters, had stand-alone exhibits, and rotated round a number of lead writers. It took Ash greater than 1,000 episodes to lastly obtain his dream. With that in thoughts, it’s simple to assume that this milestone could spell the tip of his journey.
Based on The Gamer, there are solely three episodes left of Pokemon Final Journeys; ‘Seize the Future’ and ‘Challenge Mew’ is sure to wrap up Goh’s storyline, however the closing episode’s title is what followers are worrying about. The title from Japanese to English roughly interprets as ‘Pokemon – I’m Glad I Selected You’ or ‘Pokemon – I’m Glad I Bought to Meet You.’ Now, when you have a look at the title of the primary episode of Pokemon, you’ll see it’s referred to as ‘Pokemon – I Select You.’ I don’t find out about you guys, however this all feels like a full circle second. Till the final three episodes are out, I can’t inform if it will spell the tip of Ash’s journey. Nonetheless, it’s value noting that in Ash’s victory, the present referenced each Pokemon he’s caught (we lastly have justice for Butterfree and Pidgeot), which may sign that everything of Pokemon Journeys was all the time meant to be Ash Ketchum’s final hurrah.
Life Goes On
Ash’s time as the primary protagonist could finish, however that doesn’t imply the Pokemon anime is over. We nonetheless have the likes of Goh, Ash’s most up-to-date companion. And regardless of being a considerably controversial determine with some present watchers, there’s nonetheless that chance of him changing into the subsequent torchbearer of the franchise.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are nearing their launch date; moreover new Pokemon, it additionally brings us the Paldea area. Probably, the collection will begin with a clean slate, with a brand new protagonist, a brand new solid of characters (Group Rocket should be there, although), and a contemporary have a look at the Pokemon world. Ash is probably not part of the gig anymore, however he nonetheless can seem in movies and even do cameos. It’s not but recognized what Ash’s future will likely be like, however no matter new period (or area) lies forward, you may wager your Poke Balls that the anime will proceed with or with out him.
Not seeing the character weekly anymore makes me melancholic, if not a bit teary-eyed, contemplating that most individuals my age grew up along with the man. Funnily sufficient, Ash Ketchum turned what each supervisor is searching for in an ideal worker: a 10-year-old with 25 years of expertise.
