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 towards 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 grow to be a Champion within the different tournaments when he traversed in different areas (aside from Alola). It’s nearly onerous to consider that it’s been over 25 years because the 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 house at Pallet City to grow to be a Pokemon Grasp—to be the easiest like nobody ever was. From there, the anime has been via dozens of iterations. Tales from the Pokemon video games have been set in each area and even coated just a few authentic areas (Orange Islands, anybody?).
It’s difficult to remain related in a realm the place anime traits come and go, and as such, the collection needed to reinvent the wheel always. Arguably essentially the most vital 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 substitute 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 might 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—dropping Brock in favor of a wholly new solid. Then, in Pokemon XY, they retooled the collection, giving it a extra shonen look. As soon as we obtained to Solar and Moon (Alola), the collection grew to become extra comedic and had a wildly totally different artwork type that gained criticism from many viewers. Lastly, when Journey landed, it broke the sample but once more. As a substitute of being based mostly completely in Pokemon Sword and Protect’s Galar area, Journeys grew to become a globe-trotting journey that takes inspiration from Pokemon Go. And as a substitute of getting two facet characters with Ash, we solely have one: Goh.
Might This Be the Finish?
Over its 25-year run, the Pokemon anime collection has had dozens of principal 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 suppose that this milestone could spell the top of his journey.
In line with The Gamer, there are solely three episodes left of Pokemon Final Journeys; ‘Seize the Future’ and ‘Mission Mew’ is sure to wrap up Goh’s storyline, however the last 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 Acquired to Meet You.’ Now, in the event you take 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 learn about you guys, however this all feels like a full circle second. Till the final three episodes are out, I can’t inform if this may spell the top 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 might sign that the whole thing of Pokemon Journeys was at all times meant to be Ash Ketchum’s final hurrah.
Life Goes On
Ash’s time as the principle 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 following torchbearer of the franchise.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are nearing their launch date; apart from new Pokemon, it additionally brings us the Paldea area. More than likely, the collection will begin with a clean slate, with a brand new protagonist, a brand new solid of characters (Crew Rocket should be there, although), and a recent take a look at the Pokemon world. Ash will not be part of the gig anymore, however he nonetheless can seem in movies and even do cameos. It’s not but identified 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 grew to become what each supervisor is searching for in an ideal worker: a 10-year-old with 25 years of expertise.
