New Delhi: The renowned anime series 'Pokemon' will go on without its main character Ash Ketchum and his devoted electric mouse Pikachu, according to an announcement made by the show's creators on Friday. Since the show's premiere 25 years ago, the characters have been an integral part of it. According to the Pokemon official website, the new-look series will feature well-known Pokemon including the original partners Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly from the video games 'Pokemon Scarlet' and 'Pokemon Violet'.
The new-look series will begin in April 2023 as reported by BBC. Actress Sarah Natochenny, who has provided the English voice for Ketchum and various other characters since 2006, took to Twitter and said told that it had been an "extraordinary privilege".
She said, "It’s been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years. No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come. I'll keep him present for all of us in every way I can."
Netizens were emotional as the characters had been a part of their childhood. One of them said, "I've been a fan of this anime since it came to the US when I was in fifth grade. As a lifelong fan, I am truly grateful for your dedication to a character that defines many of our childhoods. Thank you for being such an excellent role model", while another person commented, "You've given life to a character that has touched more lives than anyone can count, with more skill and heart than could have been asked. Definitely one of the greatest of all time"
The introduction of two new trainers, Liko and Roy, as well as the three starter Pokémon from the games Scarlet and Violet in a new series set in the Paldea area, will give fans someone fresh to root for. According to a promo, Brock and Misty will appear in the eleven special episodes that wrap up Ash Ketchum's narrative and premiere in Japan on January 13.
The company claims that as 'Pokemon Ultimate Journeys: The Series' comes to an end, fans will be able to commemorate Ash's journey with a selection of special episodes that will give them a glimpse of what the protagonist's future might hold following his historic victory as Pokemon World Champion, which marks the conclusion of his adventures spanning 25 seasons.
"The forthcoming special episodes not only celebrate our hero's monumental achievement, but they also serve as an expression of gratitude from Pokemon to all the fans who have joined Ash and Pikachu along the way," the company stated.