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). Actually, 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 nearly arduous 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 a long time 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 have been set in each area and even coated a number of authentic areas (Orange Islands, anybody?).
It’s difficult to remain related in a realm the place anime developments come and go, and as such, the collection needed to reinvent the wheel continuously. Arguably probably 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 change 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 could set a precedent that the established order would transform after releasing a brand new Pokemon recreation.
We skilled a gentle reboot in Black and White—dropping 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 grew to become extra comedic and had a wildly completely different artwork fashion that gained criticism from many viewers. Lastly, when Journey landed, it broke the sample but once more. As an alternative of being primarily based completely in Pokemon Sword and Defend’s Galar area, Journeys grew to become a globe-trotting journey that takes inspiration from Pokemon Go. And as an alternative 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 essential characters, had stand-alone reveals, 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 might 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 ‘Challenge Mew’ is certain to wrap up Goh’s storyline, however the ultimate 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, for those who 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 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 can 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 primary protagonist might 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 turning into the subsequent torchbearer of the franchise.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are nearing their launch date; in addition to new Pokemon, it additionally brings us the Paldea area. Most definitely, the collection will begin with a clean slate, with a brand new protagonist, a brand new solid of characters (Staff Rocket should still be there, although), and a recent have 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 recognized what Ash’s future will likely be like, however no matter new period (or area) lies forward, you’ll be able to guess 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.