Pokémon games and anime are part of childhood for many. 10-year-old Ash Ketchum and his faithful companion Pikachu were there from the start. Now, after more than 25 years, an era is coming to an end: in 2023 the last episodes with the well-known duo will be broadcast. We at MeinMMO show you how the Pokémon anime about Crimson and Crimson will continue.
In 1997, 10-year-old Ash Ketchum left his home in the quaint little village of Alabastia with one goal: to become the very best Pokémon trainer (like no one before him). Always by his side: the little yellow Electric Pokémon and franchise mascot, Pikachu.
After 25 seasons and countless adventures, the time had finally come: in the 132nd episode of the anime “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series”, Ash won the Eight Masters Tournament of the Coronation World Championships and finally became Pokémon Champion.
Many fans wondered how the series will continue. Now it’s clear: the anime will continue, but without Ash and Pikachu.
Pokémon from 2023 without Ash and Pikachu
What will become of the anime? As announced on December 16 via Twitter, Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series and with it the adventures of Ash and Pikachu will come to an end in 2023. However, the two do not disappear without a proper goodbye.
When are the new episodes coming? The final episodes featuring Ash and Pikachu are scheduled to air in Japan starting Friday, January 13, 2023. It is not yet known when the last chapter in the story of the two will also be shown in this country.
The episodes are said to be a collection of special episodes that explore Ash and Pikachu’s relationship and provide a glimpse into their future.
A new adventure awaits
Does this mean the end of the anime? no way. The same press release also announces a new series based on the 9th generation of the Pokémon franchise.
Who are the new protagonists? The new Pokémon protagonists are Riko and Roy from the Paldea region. Apart from their appearance, little is known about the two. However, they are accompanied by the 3 starters of the Paldea region – Felori, Krokel and Kwaks.
Also, the dazzling version of the legendary Pokémon Rayquaza seems to be getting a bigger role in the anime.
Whether Riko and Roy will permanently follow in Ash and Pikachu’s footsteps, or whether each region will have new protagonists like in the games, is not yet known.
When are the new episodes coming? The new series with Riko and Roy is scheduled to be broadcast from April 2023.
Bittersweet farewell for the fans
How are the reactions? A look at the comments on Twitter reveals that the reactions are quite divided. For many Pokémon fans, Ash and Pikachu are just a part of it, and it just won’t be the same without them.
Others welcome just that: they look forward to the new adventures and even hope that each new region in the future will also feature new protagonists (via Twitter).
If you want to bridge the time until the new Pokémon anime, you still have the games. In crimson and crimson, the Tera Raid with childhood favorite Charizard goes into the 2nd round today, December 16th. All information about the event can be found here:
In Pokémon Crimson & Crimson, the event is now running with Titan Charizard in Tera Raids – All information