After 25 years of following Ash Ketchum and his electrical pal Pikachu, Pokémon has introduced their journey will likely be coming to an finish in 2023. Following an 11-episode story arc targeted on the pair, the favored animated franchise will proceed with a concentrate on new characters, in line with a video announcement.
The primary of the ultimate 11 episodes of "Pokémon Final Journeys: The Collection" specializing in Ash and Pikachu's journey will air in Japan on January 13, 2023. Whereas the long-lasting duo's journey is in its remaining chapter, followers can have new characters and Pokémon to observe.
The present's Twitter account teased an "all-new" sequence and confirmed what seemed to be two new characters and three "starter Pokémon."
The announcement got here as a shock to followers worldwide.
Sarah Natochenny, who has been the English voice actor taking part in Ash for the final 17 years, wrote a farewell message that learn partly: "It doesn't matter what lies past his remaining chapter, he'll stay endlessly within the hearts of many generations to come back. I will preserve him current for all of us in each method I can."
Veronica Taylor, who equipped the unique English voices of Ash and several other different characters till 2006, wrote that she was "shocked" by the announcement and that it marked an finish to a "joyful period."
"An unbelievable 25 yr journey like no different! That is actually the top of a really joyful period. Ash and Pikachu are the guts of Pokémon. Ash might not age, however now we have all grown up with their friendship and adventures," she wrote.