The Pokémon Company has some news for fans which is both great and devastating at the same time.
To start with the relatively good news (to soften the blow for the bad one), a new Pokémon anime series has officially been confirmed by the franchise. As for the other news, you’re going to want to sit down for this. The central storyline of the new series is going to be bereft of not one, but two of the most beloved characters – Ash and Pikachu.
The upcoming Pokémon series is instead going to introduce new dual characters named Liko and Roy as the protagonists in place of the iconic duo of Ash Ketchum and Pikachu. And fans are taking this news with heavy hearts.
The New Pokémon Anime Series Will Bid Farewell to Ash and Pikachu
After more than two decades of having Ash and Pikachu lead the Pokémon series, The Pokémon Company recently announced that their next installment won’t be featuring the epic duo anymore with new characters taking their place instead. But little do we know, the former are simply irreplaceable.
Following Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, the new anime series will feature dual characters of Liko and Roy (in the Japanese version) embarking on thrilling adventures as they explore the Pokémon universe together. Besides the leading characters, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly from the Nintendo video game Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet will also be appearing in the new anime series.
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However, as Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series is all set to conclude Ash and Go’s wild and illustrious ride, the audience will also be getting 11 special episodes celebrating Ash’s journey through 25 years of glory. This collection of special episodes will be released on January 13, 2023, in Japan.
Fans Lament the Heartbreaking Departure of Ash and Pikachu
Most Pokémon fans have practically grown up seeing Ash and Pikachu with the pair’s heroic feats and escapades comprising a major part of their childhood. So having to say goodbye to these all-time favorite characters after 25 long years is naturally a huge deal.
As fans march over Twitter to express their sorrow and mourn this loss, many are even claiming to not watch the upcoming Pokémon anime series since it won’t have Ash and Pikachu anymore. Whereas others are simply reminiscing about the good old days as they toast to the duo’s journey throughout the years.
In a nutshell, everyone’s an emotional wreck trying to digest this news.
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO YOU ARENT DOING THIS TO ME PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD NOOOOOOO
— SnowyToei #BABBLESWEEP 🎁🎄 (@OhBoi_ItsToei) December 16, 2022
I'll miss Ash but I'll really miss Pikachu pic.twitter.com/DZzyBdWfmM
— Michael (@DefiMike19) December 16, 2022
once ash leaves, im leaving.
— Todd Milhouse🌳⛽️⚓️ (@iAmOddabellatay) December 16, 2022
Wow can't believe there finally ending the story for Ash. I never thought this would happened but I'm happy that we finally get to see him become the world champion. An end of an era!
— G-Rex 🐝 (@gabriel88591467) December 16, 2022
Gonna be hitting us harder than when Steve left Blues Clues.
— LordCaddith (@LordCaddith) December 16, 2022
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While it remains undisclosed as to what the collection of special episodes will be about, The Pokémon Company did reveal that some old characters, including Misty and Brock, Serena, and Pokémons like Greninja and Lucario will also be making a comeback.
The new Pokémon series is set to premiere in April 2023.
Source: IGN
