The newest episode for Pokemon Journeys’ Masters Eight Event 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 change into a Champion within the different tournaments when he traversed in different areas (aside from Alola). It’s nearly laborious to imagine 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 dwelling at Pallet City to change into a Pokemon Grasp—to be the easiest like nobody ever was. From there, the anime has been by means of dozens of iterations. Tales from the Pokemon video games had been set in each area and even lined a couple of unique 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 always. 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 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 transform after releasing a brand new Pokemon sport.
We skilled a tender reboot in Black and White—shedding Brock in favor of a completely new forged. Then, in Pokemon XY, they retooled the collection, giving it a extra shonen look. As soon as we acquired to Solar and Moon (Alola), the collection grew to become 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 an alternative of being based mostly solely 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 major 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 straightforward to assume that this milestone might spell the tip of his journey.
In accordance 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 Received to Meet You.’ Now, if you happen to 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 appears 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 price 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 everything 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 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. Almost certainly, the collection will begin with a clean slate, with a brand new protagonist, a brand new forged of characters (Staff Rocket should 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 identified what Ash’s future shall be like, however no matter new period (or area) lies forward, you possibly can 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 on the lookout for in an ideal worker: a 10-year-old with 25 years of expertise.