In the latest series announcement, Pokémon fans won’t be catching anything with the legendary characters Ash Ketchum and his companion Pikachu.
That’s right, from 2023, there will be no more “Pika, Pika.” Instead, the new series will focus on the new protagonists called Liko and Roy.
The three new starter Pokémon from the Paldea region - Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly - will also be reappearing from the 2022 series.
Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series will conclude trainers Ash and Go’s journey together with Ash receiving his biggest storyline in 25 years.
"Ash and Pikachu have had many encounters, many battles, and many exciting and memorable times," a trailer confirming Ash's departure stated. "Every adventure is another step on the long path to becoming a Pokémon Master, a dream that never ends.
The trailer ends with a girl in a blue coat and a boy in a red hat, assumingly the new characters, confirming a “new dream and adventure is about to begin.”
Ash's final 11 episodes will begin airing in Japan in January 2023, wrapping up the Pokémon Trainer from Pallet Town's decades-long journey.
In the latest episode, the Kanto native was crowned the world’s best trainer after defeating all of his opponents in the Pokémon World Coronation Series Masters Eight Tournament.
It tops many memorable moments for beloved characters Ash and Pikachu over the years.
“In April 1997, Ash and his Pikachu jumped out of Pallet Town and embarked on their journey meeting many Pokémon, many people, made new friends and headed on to another town,” read an open letter to fans from the animation team.
“Fortunately, we have been able to watch over the adventure and growth of Ash and his Pikachu until today, and this is all thanks to you all, the supporting fans. We would like to express our sincere gratitude.”
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Ever since its inception in 1996, Pokémon has gone on to become the biggest franchise in the world - and a lot of that success can be attributed to the charm and lovability of Ash and Pikachu.
Still, it is not the last time we will ever see the dynamic duo again.
The creators confirmed that there will be a series of special episodes dedicated to their journey with cameos from classic characters such as Misty and Brock. It also promises to indicate ‘what the future may hold’ in their final chapter.
It’s a fitting end for a kid and his Pokemon who set out to become the very best, like no one ever was.