One of the most shocking news Pokémon fans have ever received was the confirmation that, after 25 years of bringing joy to the world, Ash would no longer be the protagonist. With the hero achieving his dreams of becoming the best trainer there ever was by becoming the World Champion, the company behind the series decided it was time for a new generation to take over.
The latest series, Pokémon Horizons, has tried to prove itself as a worthy successor to the original, helping fans understand that the series has improved in various aspects without Ash present. Nonetheless, as expected from such a massive change, there are times in which fans have felt that Ash would greatly benefit the franchise if he were to ever come back.
10
Better Without: Ash Became the Best Trainer in the World
His Story Was Pleasantly Concluded
When Ash was first introduced in the first episode of the Indigo League anime, widely regarded as one of the best series in the franchise, he made his objective crystal clear. The hero dreamed of becoming a true Pokémon master, a trainer so successful that everyone in the world would know about him.
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The OG Pokémon Anime Is Great, But I Know Ash Ketchum’s Best Era Came Way Later
The Pokémon anime’s original seasons are classics, but the anime actually reached its peak in the Sinnoh era, where everything came to a head.
More than two decades after he left home with Pikachu, his dream came true when his signature partner defeated Leon’s Charizard in one of the best battles in the series. With the title of World Champion under his belt, there was not much left for the hero to do. Prolonging his stay as the protagonist would only serve to cheapen his momentous achievement.
9
Should Come Back: Ash’s Adventure Was Not Yet Over
Being a Pokémon Master Is a Never-Ending Job
For many fans, the controversial ending of the miniseries To Be a Pokémon Master did not mark the ending of Ash’s adventure. What was supposed to be a tear-jerking goodbye for the hero ended up being a regular, albeit nostalgic, temporary pause in Ash’s journey. A large majority of viewers agree that the open-ended finale was included on purpose to give the protagonist a reason to come back.
Although it would not make sense for the franchise to once again give him the role of main character, there is truly no reason why Ash should not be mentioned or depicted in the latest anime. Ash would never stop training to improve as a trainer, so seeing how powerful he has become over the years would be fascinating.
8
Better Without: The Franchise Needed a New Face
Ash No Longer Transmited the Same Joy
There is no denying that Ash is one of anime’s most popular characters, rivaling the likes of Goku and Naruto. He was the face of the franchise for more than two decades, as his face was synonymous with the series for a large majority of viewers. Lamentably, this also meant that, after so many years of seeing him, viewers believed it was time for something new.
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Pokémon Horizons’ Hero Proves She’s Ash’s True Successor With One Moment, & It’s Absolutely Brutal
Liko has suffered a devastating loss, but this experience may actually bring her closer to being Ash’s true successor than any victory would have.
Even though it is unlikely that Liko and Roy will ever achieve the same level of popularity Ash had during his peak, they have helped the franchise feel fresh. Some fans are still skeptical about their roles as the new main characters, but the promising trainers have quickly become a beloved part of the franchise without having to rely on nostalgia.
7
Should Come Back: Ash Is a Legend Among Trainers
Everyone in the World Must Know About Ketchum
In the world of Pokémon, the strongest trainers in history are far more than just the recognizable faces one comes across; they are bonified celebrities. Seeing how popular characters like Cynthia and Leon were in their respective regions proves the influence they hold on to the universe of the series. It would be ludicrous to assume that Ash does not share the spotlight with his fellow champions.
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The Pokémon Anime Will Bring Ash Back One Day, And the Comeback Must Do One Thing to Succeed
If Ash Ketchum is ever to return to the Pokémon anime, then it’s essential that his reappearance have changed the character since we last saw him.
As such, the idea that such a popular personality has suddenly vanished from the world is not a realistic expectation. It would make sense for Ash to be mentioned or make an appearance as the official World Champion. Moreover, there will be threats to the world that only an experienced trainer such as Ketchum will be able to handle.
6
Better Without: Liko and Roy Are Refreshing New Heroes
The New Heroes Are Exactly What the Series Needed
There is no denying the impact that Ash had on the anime industry, seeing as he was a constant part of its history for more than 25 years. Nevertheless, his continuous presence also caused his character to become less and less effective at alluring fans to the Pokémon franchise.
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Pokémon Horizon’s New Protagonist Reached a Major Milestone
Pokémon Horizon’s Roy has finally achieved a major first for any Pokémon trainer, proving just how quickly the young trainer is growing now.
Furthermore, the fact that his personality remained the same for most of the series also made him feel quite stable by the ending. In contrast, Liko and Roy bring a sense of excitement and novelty. Their distinctive traits and unique character arcs gave fans the breath of fresh air they needed for many years.
5
Should Come Back: Liko and Roy Need a New Mentor
With Friede Gone, Ash Could Fill the Role
Recently, the first promotional images for the latest anime in the Pokémon franchise, Mega Voltage, were released. The few images uploaded to social media caused commotion among fans, as they hinted at a terrible fate befalling Friede due to Captain Pikachu wearing his broken googles around his body.
If the series is indeed determined to take away Liko and Roy’s current mentor, they will need a more powerful trainer to lead them once the first ever timeskip occurs. Having Ash as an occasional, or even full-time, teacher for the new heroes would be an amazing and surprising twist that could make almost all fans happy.
4
Better Without: Younger Fans Were Not as Attached to Ash
They Did Not Grow up Watching His Origins
Most anime fans who grew up watching anime in the 90s fondly remember the days when they would sit in front of their TVs to see Ash’s adventures. No matter how iconic the original protagonist might have been, nostalgia undoubtedly played a role in keeping him relevant. This was proven by newer generations, who did not feel as compelled to follow Ash’s quest as those who saw its beginnings.
The series needed to bring new protagonists, ones who would help bring younger viewers to the show. Liko and Roy filled this role perfectly, as newer audiences have been able to follow their journeys from the beginning, as well as see them grow and evolve with time. The new protagonists could become what Ash was for 90s kids to an entirely new generation.
3
Should Come Back: Fans Want To See an Older Ash
The Not-Aging Curse Might Be Broken
As the original Pokémon anime progressed, one of the few complaints most of the fanbase could agree on was how odd it felt for viewers that Ash would never grow older. From the day he began his adventure to the day he went back home as a champion, the hero was 10 years old. Fans were never allowed to see him grow, no matter how long it took him to become the best trainer.
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After Pokémon Ages Up Its Heroes, the Anime Can Have Ash Recreate One of the Game’s Iconic Moments
Ash’s return could recreate Pokémon’s iconic Mt. Silver battle, recreating a defining moment for the anime.
Mega Voltage has a unique chance to reintroduce the protagonist as an older trainer, giving fans something they have been asking to see for years. Ketchum would not even have to be a fully grown adult, as long as he and his companions were not as old as they were when they said goodbye.
2
Better Without: Fans Were Tired of the Same Formula
Fans Did Not Want To See Ash Lose Anymore
Ash’s journey will forever remain one of the most epic adventures in anime, but most fans agree that newer seasons did not feel as magical as the early days of the franchise. The main reason behind this change in perception is that the series seldom dared go outside the pre-established formula.
Whenever a new region was introduced, Ash would travel there, defeat the powerful Gym Leaders that resided there, participate in the Pokémon League, and lose. Although the villains and side adventures would never be the same, the main story remained almost identical for more than two decades. Viewers were tired of seeing the hero train hard only to lose it all during the final moments of the show, so a change was desperately needed.
1
Should Come Back: Ash Could Prevent Further Rating Drops
Ash’ Return Would Bring Back Fans in an Instant
Pokémon Horizons is by no means a bad anime, and most fans agree that it is a nice, refreshing take on this beloved franchise. Woefully, the ratings do not reflect this trend, as the show has not been able to accumulate the same views as its predecessors. The numbers obtained by the latest anime are nothing to scoff at, but they are far from reaching Ash’s peak.
As much as it might pain some viewers to admit it, Ash as a character was one of the main reasons why fans continued watching the anime for two decades. If Liko and Roy’s adventure keeps dropping in ratings, something that might seem unlikely, the original protagonist’s return might be the series’ final hope of regaining its former glory.
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