Are Ash and Pikachu Ending?

Are Ash and Pikachu ending their journey in the Pokémon series after 25 years, with the iconic duo’s final episode airing and a new anime, Pokémon Horizons: The Series, set to continue the series with new characters, marking the end of an era for Ash Ketchum and Pikachu. The conclusion of Ash and Pikachu’s journey is a significant milestone, as it brings to a close a lifelong ambition that was met last year when Ash became an official World Champion and “the very best, like no one ever was”.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions

1. Is the Pokémon series ending?: No, the Pokémon series will continue with a new anime, Pokémon Horizons: The Series, but the conclusion of Ash and Pikachu’s journey marks the end of an era.
2. Is Pokémon Journeys the end of Ash?: Yes, Pokémon Journeys confirms the end of Ash Ketchum’s journey as the final episode of the original Pokémon anime aired in Japan.
3. Are Ash and Pikachu leaving Pokémon after 25 years?: Yes, Ash Ketchum and Pikachu are leaving the show after 25 years, following Ash’s fulfillment of his dream to “be the very best, like no one ever was” and becoming the top trainer in the world.

New Characters and Anime

4. Who is replacing Ash Ketchum?: The female protagonist in the new Pokémon anime series is Liko, and the male protagonist is Roy, who will be joined on their journeys by a Pokémon Professor named Friede and Captain Pikachu.
5. What is the new Pokémon anime series?: The new Pokémon anime series is Pokémon Horizons: The Series, which will feature Liko and Roy as the main characters.

Ash’s Future

6. Will Ash ever return to Pokémon?: While Ash may no longer be on Pokémon each week, he’s still out there adventuring, and the show will catch back up with him someday, leaving the door open for his return.
7. Will Ash return in Gen 9?: There is no official confirmation on Ash’s return in Gen 9, but the possibility remains, given that his story is not entirely closed.

Behind the Scenes

8. Why are they retiring Ash Ketchum?: Ash Ketchum and Pikachu are retiring to make way for new generations, following Ash’s achievement of becoming a Pokémon Master.
9. Why does Ash look younger now?: Ash’s younger appearance is due to the series’ requirement for him to be so, as the previous animations would not suit the more detailed battles and Z-Moves in the Sun & Moon series.

Relationships and Characters

10. Who is Ash’s future wife?: According to some interpretations, Serena is Ash’s true love in the Pokémon anime, although this is not explicitly confirmed.
11. Does Ash have a crush on Misty?: Ash returns feelings only for Misty, to whom he is always very fond of, as shown by his attitudes and conversations about her.
12. Does Ash have a son or daughter?: Some fans speculate that Riko may be the daughter of Ash Ketchum, although this is not officially confirmed.

Pokémon and Battles

13. Who is Ash’s strongest Pokémon?: Pikachu has proven to be Ash’s strongest Pokémon, having partnered with him since the beginning of his journey in the Kanto region.
14. Will Pikachu retire?: Pikachu is indeed leaving the Pokémon anime series with Ash, following their achievement of becoming the very best, like no one ever was.
15. Will Ash bring back Charizard?: In one episode, Ash asks Charizard to rejoin him on his journey, and Charizard agrees, reunited with Ash once again, demonstrating the strong bond between Ash and his Pokémon.