Pokémon fans are sobbing – rather than balling – over the news that the animated series’ protagonists Ash Ketchum and Pikachu are poised to leave the program after 25 years.
On Friday, the famous Japanese franchise revealed “the final chapter” for the aspiring Pokémon master and his legendary electric creature, stating the pair will bow out in a series of special episodes to conclude the current season of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series.
The final chapter to air starting Friday 13 January 2023
“The final chapter in Ash and Pikachu’s story: 11 episodes to air starting Friday 13 January 2023 in Japan,” according to a video posted to the official Pokémon YouTube page.
It comes after Ash became “the very best like no one ever was” and was declared global champion in a recent episode.
“The forthcoming special episodes not only celebrate our hero’s monumental achievement, but they also serve as an expression of gratitude from Pokémon to all the fans who have joined Ash and Pikachu along the way,” Pokémon said in a news release.
Information on what’s coming next has also been teased by the company, which has told fans to “get ready for the premiere of a brand-new animated series featuring an original story and characters, including a girl and a boy, as they set off on action-packed adventures across the Pokémon world.”
According to various outlets, including the BBC, the two new faces will be called Liko and Roy and will be accompanied by three Paldea beginning Pokémon.
That series will premiere in “2023 and beyond,” with the BBC stating that it would begin in April 2023.
Reaction from English voice artists of Pokémon
“It’s been an extraordinary privilege to be the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years,” said Sarah Natochenny, who has been the English voice actor for Ash since 2006.
“No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live eternally in the hearts of many generations to come. I’ll keep him present for all of us in whatever way I can.”
Her predecessor, Veronica Taylor, tweeted: “An incredible 25-year journey like no other! This is truly the end of a very joyful era. Ash and Pikachu are the heart of Pokémon. Ash may not age, but we have all grown up with their friendship and adventures.”
One Twitter user wrote: “Not me crying at my desk over Ash and Pikachu’s journey coming to an end. It just hit me like a ton of BRICKS.”
“With Ash/Pikachu journey finally coming towards an end that means my childhood is officially [sic] over,” cried another.
And just like that, many people’s childhood memories turned to Ash…