Farewell, Ash & Pikachu
Their 25 year adventure is coming to a close
The world of Pokémon has been a captivating one ever since it was introduced in the late 1990s. It has been loved by children and adults alike, and it has become an iconic part of popular culture.
But now, after 25 years adventuring together, the time has come for one of the most beloved characters in the series to say goodbye: Ash Ketchum and his pal Pikachu. The upcoming Pokémon anime season will be the pair's last as central protagonists.
Introduction to Ash and Pikachu
For those who don't know (or have been living under a rock for the past 25 years), Ash Ketchum and Pikachu are the two main characters in the Pokémon anime series.
Pikachu is a small, yellow creature that has been described as a "mouse-like" Pokémon. He is Ash's loyal companion, and has been at his side since the very beginning of the journey.
Ash is a young boy from Pallet Town who has a strong desire to become a Pokémon Master. He is determined and courageous, and his journey has taken him all over the world as he battles various Pokémon trainers. As of the writing of this story, Ash has achieved his long-time dream of becoming a Pokémon Master after winning the championship battle against Leon of the Galar region.
The 25 Year Adventure
Ash and Pikachu's journey has spanned over 25 years. They have been through many adventures in that time, and faced a wide variety of challenges (from battling powerful rivals to incredibly dangerous Pokémon, they've come out stronger every time). Remember their first encounter with legendary Pokémon Mewtwo? Or their first feature-length film? Or their epic battles with the Elite Four members across the various regions?
They have also, of course, made a lot of friends along the way, like Misty, Brock, Gary, Kiawe, Dawn, Goh, and potential love interest Serena (rumored to be in the upcoming season).
The New Pokémon Anime Season
The new Pokémon anime season is set to be the series' 25th. Beginning January 13th 2023, the 11 episodes will mark the end of Ash and Pikachu's journey. Following that, a new story will kick off (rumor has it that it will star Ash and Serena's daughter Liko and her companion Roy). The new season will revolve around the recently-released Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games.
Wherever the Pokémon anime goes from here, Ash and Pikachu have an unforgettable legacy that will continue to live on. While they will no longer be the stars of the show, we're still likely to see them make appearances within Liko's adventure from time to time. Either way - and to quote Rachel and Monica from Friends - "It's the end of an era!"