Ash Ketchum’s Era Ends: A New Dawn for the Pokémon Anime

Ash Ketchum Finally Becomes the World’s Greatest Pokémon Trainer

Credit: Pokemon Ultimate Journeys: The Series

After 25 years of tireless efforts, Ash Ketchum has finally achieved his dream of becoming the world’s greatest Pokémon trainer. In a triumphant moment during an episode of Pokemon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, Ash won the Masters Eight Tournament of the Pokémon World Coronation Series, securing his place at the top.

This victory comes after a long history of near-misses and heartbreaks in championship leagues. While Ash has had his share of successes, such as defeating Drake in the Orange Islands, conquering the Battle Frontier, and becoming the first Champion of the Alola region, this win was the ultimate goal he had been chasing for decades.

A New Era for the Pokémon Anime

With Ash finally achieving his dream, it’s no surprise that the series is preparing to bid farewell to its iconic protagonist. The upcoming episodes will introduce two new protagonists, Liko and Roy (in the Japanese version), and feature the Pokémon Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. As for Ash, his journey will be wrapped up in eleven final episodes, with appearances from beloved characters like Brock, Misty, and Gary.

In retrospect, the adventures of Ash and Pikachu could have concluded earlier, as their storylines had grown somewhat stale due to limited character development. However, the series finally granting Ash his long-awaited victory as a Pokémon Master feels like a fitting end to his journey, even if it may be a bit overdue.

What to Expect from the New Protagonists

The introduction of two protagonists in the Pokémon anime is an intriguing change, offering a fresh start for the series. However, it’s important to remember that this show is still primarily aimed at children, so it’s unlikely that the storytelling will deviate too far from the familiar formula of gym battles, Team Rocket encounters, and other episodic adventures.

While I haven’t seen the new episodes yet, the new characters don’t appear to be drastically different from Ash in terms of personality. It’s likely that Ash will make guest appearances in the future, perhaps as an experienced trainer who challenges Liko and Roy on their journey to become champions.

A Fond Farewell to Ash and Pikachu

Despite my skepticism about the new direction of the series, I hope the creators can breathe new life into the Pokémon anime by deviating from the old formula. As for Ash, it’s heartwarming to see him finally achieve his dream and ride off into the sunset as the world’s greatest Pokémon trainer.

Pokémon has been a staple in the world of anime, and Ash’s journey has been a significant part of its success. It’s a fitting and rewarding conclusion to see him finally claim the ultimate prize and become the very best. The final chapter of Ash and Pikachu’s story is set to be released in Japan on January 13, 2023, with a North American release date yet to be confirmed.