It seems bizarre that we would ever see this happen. Ash Ketchum, the protagonist and star of the “Pokémon” anime for 25 years, is hanging up his hat and pokéballs. Ash is the Pokémon World Champion. He’s achieved his goal of being the world’s best trainer. 2023 will see the rise new protagonists on a journey to catch ’em all. Still, it’s hard to imagine a Pokémon series without Ash and Pikachu.
The new series will premiere with brand new trainers Liko and Roy. The duo will travel the Paldea region from “Pokémon Scarlet” and “Violet“ with starters Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly. Their new adventure will premiere directly after the finale of Ash’s adventure in “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series.” Many of Ash’s old friends, rivals, and even past Pokemon will make appearances in the finale, ramping up the nostalgia to the max. More than likely, bittersweet tears will be shed.
Some of us were barely seven years old when we would scramble out of bed in the morning to try and catch episodes of Pokémon before school. We’ve grown up alongside Ash and watched him grow and succeed, defying odds, and meeting probably the most legendary Pokémon of any trainer in the world. Those are some big shoes to fill.
But it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll see the last of Ash. After all, what does it truly mean to become a Pokemon Master? The journey doesn’t end simply because you’ve reached the top of every tournament. It’s entirely possible Liko and Roy might stumble across a middle-aged Ash and his best pal Pikachu as they continue their journey together.
“Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series” will debut sometime in 2023.
