The world is coming to an end, or at least it is for a majority of Pokemon fans (especially the ones who grew up in the 90s). The legendary duo and face of the franchise- Ash Ketchum and Pikachu- are finally bound to depart from the popular Japanese TV series as the main characters after almost more than two decades of adventures.
It is certainly no doubt that the franchise has grown into a massive media franchise ever since the release of Pokemon Red & Blue in 1996. Now, it’s about to lose two pop-culture icons that defined the franchise for a long time, and Ash Ketchum voice actor Sarah Natochenny’s tribute will get you all teary-eyed this morning.
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Sarah Natochenny’s Tribute To Pokemon’s Ash Ketchum And Pikachu
Just yesterday, The Pokemon Company made an announcement that would freeze millions of fans of the media franchise for a good minute. Ash Ketchum and his trusty partner Pikachu would officially be leaving the franchise’s TV series as main characters after 25 long years in that position.
The childhood star of many kids around the world will have his final storyline available for watching with 11 episodes to conclude the 25th season of the Pokemon anime series- Ultimate Journeys. The pair will be replaced by two new characters- Riko and Roy.
Fans were saddened upon hearing the news, and Ash Ketchum voice actor Sarah Natochenny’s heartfelt tribute to the character she voiced for so long will give fans more of a reason to let those tears flow down like a river! Natochenny penned a small message regarding the whole news in a tweet, saying-
“It’s been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years. No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come. Cheers to new beginnings!”
Fans Get Teary-Eyed At Sarah Natochenny’s Pokemon Tribute
The last 24 hours have been a messy affair for Pokemon fans all around the world. Seeing your childhood hero and idol being shown the door isn’t an easy task, but after 25 long years, it was time for a change.
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Sarah Natochenny’s emotional yet short message for Ash Ketchum and Pikachu wasn’t helping either, and fans have reacted wildly to all that is transpiring-
No. This is not okay. I’m serious you’re all making a bad mistake.
— Zach Thomas (@itsdarealR3D) December 16, 2022
Maybe give it a try? –
Ain’t no way the new series is going to sell without Ash or Pikachu just isnt possible them to new characters look so generic it’s not even funny
— Paweeze33 (@Fellowmeman11) December 16, 2022
Thanks to you –
17 years. You have been an amazing voice for Ash since DP! Even though I stopped watching Pokemon for a long time, I’ll always cherish some of the memories I’ve had with it.
So thank you Sarah for all your hard work to becoming the Pokemon Master!— Blank Space (@Blanked__Space) December 16, 2022
Strange, isn’t it? –
I'm crying. It's like saying goodbye to an old friend. 😢
— Ash (@Deoxy360) December 16, 2022
For real-
Got me shedding tears shit pic.twitter.com/TMFjLxC9XS
— the heavenly demon (@isealtoosaucy) December 16, 2022
Hopeful for better times ahead-
And a job well done, thank you for keeping our childhood alive all these times! Cheers for the future! 🥂
— PureLighter (@PureLighterGO) December 16, 2022
Ash Ketchum and Pikachu will still be a very vivid memory in the minds of all the kids that grew up with the legendary duo, and their legacy is unmatched.
Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series is currently available for streaming on Netflix and Roku.
Source: Twitter
