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I’ve had a long-standing bond with Pokemon, dating back to when Ash chose Pikachu, the incident involving Misty’s bike on her journey to become a Pokemon Master, and the whimsical tale of Pikachu falling in love with a ketchup bottle. This captivating universe nurtured my creativity, guided me as I ventured into the expanding realm of gaming, and marked the beginning of countless hours engrossed in video games, trading card games, and anime. Today, it even helps support my lifestyle. With this extensive history, it’s difficult for me to acknowledge that, after almost thirty years, I’ve come to realize that Ash Ketchum was not a compelling character.

For many fans like us, Ash Ketchum is synonymous with the world of Pokemon. We felt a sense of loss when he left the animated series and were hesitant about the new characters who stepped into his role. Yet, as Liko and her team embarked on their adventures, I discovered that Horizons: The Series was providing something I’d long desired from Ash – character development. These fresh, multi-dimensional characters were woven into a harmonious world that wasn’t fragmented by episodes. Instead, it was an integrated tapestry. This new cast allowed me to appreciate the show on a deeper level, even though it brought some sadness knowing Ash couldn’t reach these heights. It prompted me to reconsider this cherished series from a more discerning perspective.

Ash Is Really Only as Good as His Friends

It’s generally acknowledged by many Pokemon enthusiasts that Ash’s abilities aren’t what truly define him; instead, they often reflect the strength and dynamics of his companions. This might seem harsh, but since Ash is a fixed character, the impact of events on him tends to be influenced significantly by those who journey alongside him.

For instance, during the Indigo League, Ash often appears impulsive, clumsy, and boisterous due to frequent conflicts with Misty. Despite this, he possesses a strong sense of morality and values his friends highly. However, he is frequently criticized for being overly bold and reckless, as he consistently pushes Pokémon and companions to their limits in pursuit of his ambitions.

In the video games Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Ash is quite difficult to tolerate in his team-up with May and Max. This version of him, without a doubt, ranks among his most unpleasant portrayals, appearing arrogant, moody, and impulsive. Interestingly, May, who shares many of the same characteristics, seems to encourage rather than curb his behavior. I recall attempting to follow these story arcs as a young teenager and finding myself strongly disliking him as a character.

By the point when we got to “Pokemon Black and White”, I had grown detached from the anime. Dawn seemed like a more hesitant version of May, with some of Misty’s fiery temper added in. The reappearance of Brock and his typical, awkward old friend persona just made the episodes uncomfortable to watch. It was also tiresome to see Ash go through the same fundamental character development every time – being an excellent trainer from the start, displaying a unique bond with his team, losing a few battles, losing confidence, regaining it, and then failing to defeat the Elite Four or Champion in each new era. It became monotonous and repetitive.

After that, we arrived at XYZ. Without a doubt, this was one of Ash Ketchum’s finest moments, not due to a sudden improvement in his character, but rather thanks to the arrival of Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie. These additions greatly impacted Ash’s persona. Among them, Serena stands out as the most impressive female character in the series. She undergoes a significant character development, evolving from a timid, doubtful individual into an ambitious and determined Pokémon trainer with aspirations. This transformation serves to soften Ash’s rather rigid demeanor, making his outbursts seem less stubborn and more carefree and clueless.

Clemont plays an essential role by encouraging Ash’s competitive spirit through his own ambition to become a better trainer. Unlike some of the other male side characters in the Pokemon anime, Clemont avoids stereotypes. He is dedicated to his job as a Gym Leader, maintains impeccable manners, and deeply cherishes his younger sister. Among Ash’s traveling companions, Clemont seems the most relatable. His growth into a more emotionally engaged Gym Leader moved me to tears.

Regrettably, the insights gained from XYZ were discarded, as Sun and Moon introduced a repugnant art design, weak, insubstantial characters, and another rendition of Ash Ketchum who appeared to have forgotten all prior lessons. This was the Ash we would conclude with. A clumsy, fortuitously lucky, infuriatingly ignorant character with no genuine appeal. These characteristics were carried over to Pokemon Journeys, where I squirmed and winced my way through his and Goh’s escapades. I yearned so much to appreciate the final seasons, but honestly…I found myself rooting for Leon in the climactic battle, and was genuinely sad when he lost.

Writing And Growth Are Important

It turns out that I’m not alone in my opinion, as Mizuki on Twitter put it: “Pokemon Horizons surpasses the Ash series in terms of storytelling and character growth.

In comparison, the writing and character development in Pokemon Horizons surpasses all Ash series (with the potential exception being the Sun and Moon series).

— Mizuki (@MizukiAlola) May 20, 2025

Why is that, though? What sets Pokemon Horizons apart from others? Here are my top three hypotheses regarding this assertion. Initially, I believe it lies in the way the episodes unfold.

In the original Pokemon anime, you didn’t necessarily need to watch the seasons in sequence as each episode generally followed a consistent pattern. The main issue would be resolved by the end, whether it was helping Meowth overcome a fever or resolving a dispute between Ash and Pikachu that might have even threatened a colony. Each episode was self-contained, wrapping up within twenty-five minutes, often introducing a new side character along the way. The success of XYZ stemmed from its innovative approach to storytelling, as it was one of the first in the series to develop plotlines that could span more than just a few episodes.

The comeback of Malamar formed an ominous storyline spanning multiple arcs, Squishy’s past and relationship with Bonnie consumed an entire season, and Professor Sycamore’s path to Mega Evolution was skillfully integrated into Ash’s travels across the region. Although the narrative was fundamental, it drew players into a universe that surpassed Ash’s ambition to become a Pokémon Master. It stirred our emotions towards the world and its inhabitants beyond just Ash.

Pokemon Horizons seized this enhanced narrative style and ran with it, as the creators crafted a rich, intricate plot laced with enigmatic mysteries that unfold across episodes, fostering curiosity about Liko’s quest and personal growth. Each character is pivotal, making viewers emotionally invested in their individual stories.

The crucial aspect I want to highlight is the importance of time progression for characters. We’ve certainly exhausted the “Ash remains 10” topic, but it’s vital that characters age within their own storyline. If there’s no passage of time, a character doesn’t benefit from their experiences. This dilemma results in Ash appearing as a fresh, yet empty character with each new era. To maintain his youthful charm, relatability, and iconic status, they had to forgo any possibility of him maturing through his adventures. On the other hand, Liko isn’t encumbered by this issue; she can grow, gain wisdom, and evolve into a more refined and distinct character. This development is a richer and more captivating evolution compared to Serena, who seems much older than Ash at the end of XYZ, and even more so in her appearance in Journeys.

In simpler terms, For years, the main characters in Pokemon have been stereotypical or formulaic, like Brock as the “ladies man,” Ash as the “loveable hero,” and Gary as the “haughty rival.” These one-dimensional characters don’t allow for much audience connection because people are complex. We want to see ourselves reflected in the heroes we admire. By Pokemon Journeys, Ash had become a character we could no longer connect with. He seemed more like a creation of our collective imagination, pieced together from decades of characters, and so unrecognizable that many of us felt a sense of nostalgia loss when he left the anime. Ash is around my age, and it’s time for him to grow up and find his way in life.

In watching “Pokemon Horizons”, I came to a realization that Ash, despite my hopes, was never as skilled as I’d imagined. Moreover, by focusing on him, the creators of the Pokemon series were limited in their ability to venture into fresh and intriguing storylines. It’s a relief Ash is gone now. I’m thrilled about what “Horizons” might bring, and I can’t help but feel elated about re-engaging with the anime once more.

Instead of Liko becoming similar to Ash, I prefer her to be the trailblazer for a multitude of captivating, well-developed characters with compelling growth arcs. I’m eagerly anticipating how the Pokemon series will continue to push boundaries and introduce even more relatable and engaging characters in the future. Although Ash played a significant role in igniting my passion for Pokemon during my childhood, it will be characters like Liko who spark that love for my kids, as well as generations of fans yet to come.

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2025-05-21 00:52