Pokémon trainers Misty and Brock return for Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s final journey.
As reported by Crunchyroll, plot details have emerged surrounding the first three episodes of Pokémon: Aim to Be a Pokémon Master. The special anime series, which premieres its first episode on Jan. 13, wraps up Ash and Pikachu’s storyline before the anime brings in two new protagonists. In the short trailer for the upcoming segment, the boy from Pallet Town will reunite with Misty in the second episode and Brock and Cilan in the third. For those unfamiliar, Cilan made his debut as a Gym Leader in Pokémon the Series: Black & White.
Pokémon Ventures Into Nostalgic Territory
In addition to bringing back Brock and Misty, the Pokémon anime recently continued the age-old tradition of Ash’s absent father. In the special titled Pokémon: The Distant Blue Sky, Ash returns to Pallet Town to meet up with his parents, but Ash’s father is a no-show. Instead, Ash’s unidentified father gifts him the trainer’s hat from the original series. It’s unclear if the anime will ever reveal Ash’s dad’s identity.
On Dec. 16, The Pokémon Company announced Ash and Pikachu’s adventures would soon come to an end. Consequently, the anime introduced two new protagonists, Riko and Roy, for the upcoming series based on Scarlet and Violet’s Spain-inspired Paldea region. Following the reveal of Riko, the female trainer, some speculated the new protagonist could be Ash’s daughter based on her appearance and accessory choices. As seen in the short teaser, the unnamed anime features the three Paldean starter Pokémon, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, in addition to a shiny Rayquaza.
Ash’s Exit Follows Him Accomplishing His Life’s Dream
Before The Pokémon Company officially confirmed Ash’s exit, many fans feared the longtime protagonist would soon leave the franchise. Twenty-five years after the original anime premiered, Ash became World Champion in a four-episode showdown against Leon during the Masters Eight Tournament. Prior to his most recent accomplishment, the trainer became the first official Pokémon League Champion of the Alola region at the Manalo Conference. Additionally, Episode 135, “Pokémon, I’m Glad I Chose You! references the original anime’s first episode, “Pokémon – I Choose You!”
Following the massive bombshell of Ash’s impending departure, fans worldwide reacted to the anime’s huge development. Sarah Natochenny, the English dub voice actor behind Ash, also posted a heartwarming tribute to her character. “No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come,” she wrote. In 2006, Natochenny replaced Veronica Taylor starting with the anime’s ninth season.
Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series is available to stream on Netflix.
Source: Crunchyroll
Leave a Reply