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Pokemon franchise to RETIRE Ash and Pikachu after 25 years, to introduce two new protagonists Liko and Roy

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will have three new Gen 9 starters -- grass-type Sprigatito, fire-type Fuecoco and water-type Quaxly

The Pokémon franchise has announced that Ash and Pikachu’s 25-year run will end in January. One of the most successful anime series in history will see their protagonists 10-year-old Satoshi, also known as Ash Ketchum, moving on with his life after bagging the ‘first international title win’ and becoming a World Champion Pokemon Trainer. He achieved this by defeating Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Leon in the Pokemon World Coronation Series. Many fans were anticipating the beginning of the end, as they couldn’t see what was left for him to achieve.

The company shared the news that the 11-episode epilogue series, beginning, on January 13, 2023, will tell the ‘final chapter’ in Ash and Pikachu’s story in what is known as Pocket Monsters in Japan, and simply Pokemon in the West. He will be seen contemplating what it means for him after achieving success in his quest to become the Pokemon Master the world has ever seen. The Pokemon franchise also revealed that in April, a brand-new Pokemon series will be introduced. It will have two new protagonists, a young girl named Liko and a boy named Roy in Japan, along with three starter Pokemon of the Paldea region, introduced in the recent Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet games—grass type Sprigatito, fire type Fuecoco, and water type Quaxly.

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“It’s been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years,” said Sarah Natochenny, the current English voice actress for Ash, in a statement released on social media. “No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come.” This is almost a complete overhaul for a franchise that has preferred to stick to its old-school approach for almost two-and-a-half decades, be it the ‘video and card games,’ or even the fact that they have continued with Ash as its lead character since Pokémon’s animated adventures were launched first, reports Gizmodo.

Slowly though, they have moved towards evolution, starting from the card game, as they added layers of mechanical complexion, and Scarlet, Violet, and this year’s spinoff Legends: Arceus. Fans have started reacting to the news since it was made official, one wrote, “I've been a fan of this anime since it came to the US when I was in fifth grade. As a lifelong fan, I am truly grateful for your dedication to a character that defines many of our childhoods. Thank you for being such an excellent role model.” The second said, “It’s finally time to Ash to ascend an take his spot atop Mt. Silver. As much as we joke about Ash never growing up, it’s gonna be sad seeing his story finally conclude.

He’s come a long way from Pallet Town to being a Pokemon Master.” The other got nostalgic about not being able to see old characters anymore, “The realization that most of the past characters most likely won't ever appear again including Team Rocket.”

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