'Pokémon' Really Is Saying Goodbye To Ash, Set To Reboot Anime In Paldea Region

December 16th, 2022 - 12:12 PM EST by Adam Downer

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ash and pikachu

One month ago, Ash Ketchum became the best trainer in the world after a grueling, 25-year journey (for fans at least, he was 10 the whole time). In a few months from now, Ash Ketchum will leave the Pokémon anime.


In an extremely bittersweet announcement made this morning, the Pokémon Company announced Ash would get one final arc starting in January before a new Pokémon journey starring new characters and set in the Paldea region (the home of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet) begins.

Ash's final arc appears to be centered around his quest to become a true "Pokémon Master," apparently the step beyond world champion.

Pokémon has long been synonymous with Ash Ketchum and Pikachu, and the news that the world would soon have to say goodbye to the iconic duo led to an outpouring of tributes online from fans today.


To pour salt in the wound, the latest episode of Pokémon had Ash reunite with his famous Butterfree, bringing full circle a now two-decade-old emotional heartbreaker of an episode where Ash set his little guy free.


It seems Pokémon is set on twisting the knife in the heartstrings of its longest fans as they get ready to reboot the anime. So far, it seems like they're doing a terrific job.



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