March 24, 2023, is the date that will forever change the history of Pokemon anime, marking the end of Ash Ketchum's adventure after 26 years. From the moment he partnered with Pikachu to the moment he defeated Leon and became the world champion, the whole world thought that this will be the end of Ash's never-ending quest to become a Pokemon master but sadly, all good things must come to an end.
As the world says goodbye to Ash and Pikachu's Pokemon journeys after 26 years in the telly, it's time for me to jot down my ten favorite moments from Ash and Pikachu's adventures.
HOLD IT! May contain the s-words so please binge-watch the entire series first!
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10) The beginning of the legend. Ash's encounter with Pikachu from the first Pokemon anime episode signaled the start of his dream. Normally, Ash would have picked one of the starters but because he arrived late, he got none until Pikachu came and an electric shock from Pikachu is a welcoming treat for Ash. The two struggle to get to know each other but after one mishap after another, well, this is the start of the legend. The story of Ash and Pikachu has begun.
9) Having lost to Vermillion Gym Leader Lt. Surge's Raichu, Ash has a choice. Will he evolve his Pikachu to a Raichu with the Thunder Stone and risk losing the Pikachu he loved? As a matter of fact, Ash's Pikachu wanted to stay like this and Ash agreed. Relying on Pikachu's strength, it appears the lesser one has trumped the greater one. Ash's Pikachu defeated Lt. Surge's Raichu.
8) The showdown for the spot at the Masters' Eight, Ash's Mega Lucario vs. Raihan's Gigantamax Duraludon is by no means one of the most memorable Pokemon battles in history. Using everything Ash learned from its old friend, Greninja, he's in sync with his Mega Lucario and performs the impossible to defeat the Dragon-type professional. Ash's Mega Lucario unleashed the biggest Aura Sphere ever witnessed and brought down the Gigantamax Duraludon with it. Ash wins and his spot at the Masters' Eight has been secured.
7) Sinnoh Pokemon League. Ash's Infernape vs. Paul's Electivire. One of the most memorable battles in Pokemon anime history. Just as we thought Ash's Infernape is defeated, all that taunting from Paul and Electivire caused Ash's Infernape to unleash its true power. With a final Flare Blitz gambit from Ash's Infernape, Paul's Electivire is down and Ash and Infernape won.
6) In the climax of Pokemon: The First Movie, the fighting between Pokemon and Mewtwo's clones grew fierce and when Ash tries to put a stop to this fighting, the conflict caused Ash to seal his fate in the line of duty. The shocking moment caused Ash's Pikachu to cry and its tears brought Ash back to life, putting an end to this meaningless conflict between Pokemon.
5) The episode where Ash said goodbye to his Butterfree is the saddest moment in Pokemon anime history as after saving a flock of Butterfree from the clutches of Team Rocket, Ash bid his Pokemon friend goodbye as his Butterfree is flying happily with the flock.
4) The showdown between Ash's Greninja and Alain's Mega Charizard X in the final round of the Kalos Pokemon League is what the fans called a close call. Both sides unleashed their finishing blows and in the end...victory goes to Alain.
3) The showdown between Ash and Gladion in the Alolan Pokemon League finals has reached its thrilling climax as both of their Lycanrocs unleashed everything in an all-or-nothing battle to decide who will be Alola's first champion. The fighting was fierce but thanks to Ash's Lycanroc's Counter, Ash miraculously defeated Gladion to become the champion of the Alola region.
2) The penultimate episode of the Sun and Moon saga brings the explosive finale to the ultimate showdown between Ash and Professor Kukui. With the legendary Tapu Koko fighting on the professor's behalf, it became what is known to be the true final battle. With their Z-Rings regained power thanks to Tapu Koko, the two unleashed a Z-Move finale with the Professor unleashing Tapu Koko's Guardian of Alola and Ash's Pikachu using 10,000,000-volt Thunderbolt. After an explosive Z-move finish, Ash and Pikachu won!
1) The final showdown between Ash's Pikachu and Leon's Charizard in the World Coronation Series will go down in history as the greatest battle in Pokemon anime history. Relying on their true strengths, both of their prized fighters throw everything they've got until one will be declared the world champion. As Ash's Pikachu faces defeat by Leon's Charizard, it had a dream. Pikachu dreamt that most of Ash's Pokemon friends are cheering, including Ash himself. That dream brought Pikachu back to the battle, unleashing its true power and ready to finish what it started. After the explosive coup de grace, it's official. Ash's Pikachu finally defeated Leon's Charizard and Ash became the world champion.
...and there you have it. My 10 greatest moments from Ash and Pikachu's adventures.
The end of Ash Ketchum's adventures does not mean the end of the Pokemon anime because starting next month, a new generation of Pokemon adventure begins. Two new heroes, Liko and Roy, will be taking over the protagonist role and although the adventure feels different, the legacy of the Pokemon anime series lives on.
A new legacy will soon begin...
