For more than two decades, Ash Ketchum was the beloved protagonist of the world-famous Pokemon anime series. His amazing journey to become the best trainer in the world brought joy to countless children and adults alike, including myself. On November 11, 2022, his dream of becoming a World Champion came true in one of the series' most acclaimed episodes, putting an end to his time as the main character.
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While his exit from the series was undoubtedly divisive, as he spent decades entertaining fans, time has proven that this was the right choice to make. While Ash will forever be one of Pokemon’s best trainers and the face of the franchise for many, his adventure was not as significant for younger audiences. The new anime show, Pokémon Horizons, still holds the same charms as the original did, welcoming a new generation of fans to this treasured anime.
Ash’s Ending Was Beyond Perfect For His Character
The Protagonist Achieved His Life's Dream
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When the original Pokemon anime began airing in April of 1997, Ash was introduced to the world as an aspiring trainer who wished to be the best. Although he lacked many of the skills necessary to achieve success at first, his determination and love for his companions helped him rise to the top quicker than anyone else. His journey took him across the entire world, meeting amazing friends and capturing some of the most iconic Pokemon in the franchise. Along with his inseparable friend Pikachu, Ash challenged the most powerful trainers and learned from them.
After an adventure that fans followed excitedly for more than two decades, the protagonist became the world champion in the Coronation Series after fiercely battling the most elite warriors in the world. The finale of Pokemon Ultimate Journey: The Series, one of the most beloved seasons in the franchise, gave fans a satisfying and emotive ending. It was the perfect moment for the series to end, allowing Ash to fulfill his dreams after decades of hard work. Extending the series beyond that point would have lessened the impact of his achievements until that point.
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There would have been no point in making Ash reach the finals of the world tournament to have him lose against Leon. The protagonist proved throughout the Journey series that he had nothing more to learn about being a trainer, and the series strongly hinted at it being the finale. As such, giving Ash the chance to finish his story as the best trainer in the world felt like an appropriate place to say goodbye.
A New Series For A New Generation
Younger Pokemon Fans Did Not Feel as Attached To Ash
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Ash is undoubtedly one of the most iconic anime characters in existence, as his adventures were a part of millions of fans’ lives. Older Pokemon fans remember fondly the first episodes of the Indigo League season, accompanying the heroes as they explored the world. Nonetheless, as the series progressed, newer fans began feeling less and less fond of Ash, since many were not born by the time the series began. Younger fans began enjoying the series mostly for its incredibly complex and intense battles, as well as for the amazing new creature designs.
Finishing Ash’s story opened the door for a new series that could entice younger audiences to give the franchise a try while giving them newer heroes whom they can relate to. Liko and Roy, the protagonists of the recent Pokemon: Horizons anime, will become the face of this beloved series just like Ash was for older audiences. This should not be seen as something negative, as the anime should adapt to the interests and needs of younger audiences. The latest Pokemon anime was not created with the original fans in mind, as it is time for new trainers to join the fandom.
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Liko and Roy Embody Ash’s Best Qualities
Both Are Passionate and Promising Trainers
As the Pokemon: Horizons anime has progressed, fans have gotten a chance to know the new protagonists deeply. Liko and Roy have proven themselves as competent trainers who share Ash’s ideals and passion. Neither of them is trying to become a replacement for the iconic original protagonist, as they both have completely different motivations and goals. Liko is a young woman searching for her call in life, working alongside her Pokemon and learning from them during their combats. Roy is a natural-born adventurer who is brave and selfless.
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They might not bring the same energy that Ash used to do for older fans, but they have become an emblematic part of the franchise for new followers. Best of all, Liko and Roy are keeping Ketchum’s spirit alive, teaching the new generation what it means to be a true Pokemon master. The series has also made it clear that their purpose is much more complex than Ash’s. Liko, for example, was introduced as a pivotal character to the story, destined to protect a special pendant that ended up becoming the legendary Terapagos. This proves that Pokémon Horizons also has a strong overarching plot, something that the original series mostly lacked but today's fans will appreciate.
Ash Is Still Adventuring Somewhere In The World
The Ending of The Original Series Left His Future Ambigous
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Ash might no longer be the protagonist of the Pokemon anime, but that does not mean that he will never come back. During episode #147 of the Journeys series, Ketchum and his Pikachu were last seen walking towards a new unknown adventure. What his next steps as world champion were, the anime never explained, leaving fans wondering if he would ever be seen again. So far, the Pokemon Horizons anime has not indicated that Ash will be featured at any point soon.
This decision was likely made to allow the new protagonists to have their time under the spotlight, without any interference from past seasons. Nevertheless, the possibility of Liko and Roy encountering Ash somewhere along their journey cannot be discarded. The protagonist could come back to the anime on a special occasion, either an anniversary or another entry in the long and outstanding list of Pokemon films. Even if this does not occur, Ash’s adventure will never be forgotten, as he endured as the face of the franchise for many decades.
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Saying goodbye to a character who accompanied them for more than twenty years is understandably not easy for us Pokemon fans. Still, it is time for a new generation to take over, as younger trainers prepare to follow Liko and Roy in their adventure. Thankfully, something that will never change is the love and appreciation we fans have for the franchise, something that will continue for years to come.
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Pokémon Horizons
Action
Adventure
Animation
Pokémon Horizons is the sequel series to the 1997 original series. It follows the adventures of Liko and Roy, two aspiring Pokémon trainers from different backgrounds, as they explore the Paldea region. Equipped with new gadgets and strategies, they encounter a variety of Pokémon and face challenges that test their skills and courage. With each discovery and battle, Liko and Roy learn about the vast world of Pokémon and strive to make their mark in the Pokémon leagues.
- Cast
- Alejandra Reynoso , Crispin Freeman , Anjali Kunapaneni , Mara Junot , Michael Allan Schneider
- Release Date
- April 14, 2023
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
- Writers
- Dai Sato
- Main Genre
- Adventure
