The world of Pokémon anime undeniably marks a pivotal moment in pop culture history, enchanting millions of fans since its premiere in the late 1990s. Ash Ketchum’s journey has resonated deeply with a diverse audience, making this series a cornerstone of children’s anime and storytelling.
As the narrative has unfolded over the years, fans have developed widespread consensus regarding many aspects of the show. However, several opinions within the fandom remain contentious and deserve a closer examination. Below, we delve into some of the most debated topics surrounding the Pokémon anime, bringing to light both popular sentiments and less accepted views.
10
The Alolan Redesigns Are Over-Hated
The New Art Style Is Nowhere Near as Bad as Imagined
After his thrilling victory at the Kalos League, Ash and Pikachu set off on an exciting new journey through the Alolan Islands, accompanied by a noticeable change in the anime’s artistic direction. The revamped, more cartoonish art style received a mixed reception, with many fans expressing dissatisfaction over Ash’s new appearance.
Reflecting on the Sun and Moon era nearly a decade later, it’s essential to acknowledge that the changes are not as detrimental as previously claimed. The new aesthetics align with the lighthearted and comedic tone of this phase, making Ash appear more age-appropriate as a 10-year-old rather than a young teenager, a representation more consistent with his character’s intended age.
9
Iris Is Not a Bad Companion
She Is a Sweet and Powerful Trainer
The Black and White series, often regarded as one of the lower points in Pokémon history, attempted to provide a fresh start for Ash Ketchum. This rebranding led to discontent among fans, impacting characters like Iris, Ash’s Dragon-type trainer companion, who faced undue criticism.
Despite claims that she was annoying or overly harsh on Ash, their relationship was more akin to playful sibling banter. Furthermore, Iris is among the strongest trainers in the series, making her disparagement by fans unfounded and unjust.
8
Lusamine Is Not an Effective Villain
She Should Not Have Been Depicted as an Antagonist
The portrayal of Lusamine in the anime diverges significantly from her original depiction as a sinister yet compelling villain in the games. The animated version of Lusamine showcases a nurturing but overly controlling mother, diminishing her multi-dimensional character.
Ironically, she becomes one of the principal antagonists without adequate justification, leading to a character arc that feels out of place and misrepresented. Instead of an underwhelming villain, Lusamine deserves recognition as a tragic figure, ultimately seeking redemption through her family bonds.
7
Ash Should Have Won the Kalos League
His Loss Was Extremely Unfair
The conclusion of the Kalos Pokémon League prompted considerable debate among fans, especially regarding Ash’s loss to Alain in the finals. Over time, many fans have rationalized Ash’s defeat within the narrative context, yet the circumstances surrounding this loss continue to feel unjust.
|
Pokémon |
Type |
|---|---|
|
Greninja |
Dark/Water |
|
Pikachu |
Electric |
|
Hawlucha |
Fighting/Flying |
|
Noivern |
Dragon/Flying |
|
Talonflame |
Fire/Flying |
|
Goodra |
Dragon |
Equipped with one of his strongest teams, which included a fully evolved Greninja, Ash benefited from significant advantages against Alain’s Charizard. Nevertheless, the unexpected loss, shrouded in ambiguity, left many fans disappointed and puzzled.
6
Tobias Is Not an Interesting Character
His Introduction Does Not Make Sense
The Diamond and Pearl series yielded a controversial ending featuring Tobias, who thwarted Ash during the Sinnoh League using a team comprised entirely of Legendary Pokémon. His abrupt introduction and lack of compelling backstory have left many viewers unsatisfied and puzzled.
While fans may recognize a sense of intrigue surrounding Tobias’ character, his primary role appears to be serving as a roadblock to Ash’s victory in the League. Subsequent to his triumph over Ash, Tobias fades from significance, resulting in his character feeling underdeveloped and disproportionately utilized.
5
The Alolan League Was Far Easier Than Others
Ash Deserved a Better Challenge
A defining moment of the Sun and Moon anime era was Ash’s monumental win in his first-ever official Pokémon League, a feat fans had eagerly awaited for nearly two decades.
While this victory is celebrated, it’s vital to recognize that the competitive level of the Alolan League didn’t parallel that of previous leagues. A noticeable portion of the trainers lacked experience compared to Ash, many of whom just began their journey after Ash’s arrival. Effectively, Ash’s hardest battle in this arc was against Professor Kukui, who was not even a contestant in the tournament.
4
Paul Did Not Deserve Redemption
He Is Truly Despicable
Paul stands out as one of Ash’s most formidable rivals, recognized for his exceptional battling capabilities. Enthusiasts appreciate his intelligence and his challenging Ash to grow. However, Paul also embodies some of the most reprehensible traits in the series.
His methods of training were harsh, bordering on abusive, as evidenced by his abandonment of Chimchar due to its perceived weakness—a moment among the most heart-wrenching in the anime. Despite a supposed character growth moment during his battles with Ash, his redemption arc feels undeserved, as Paul never fully confronted the consequences of his actions.
3
Liko Is Not a Bad Protagonist
Reliable, Kind, and Strong
The transition from Ash Ketchum as the lead protagonist after over 25 years has sparked polarized reactions among fans. Many expressed skepticism toward the new character, Liko, doubting her ability to resonate with audiences as Ash did.
However, as seen in Pokémon Horizons: Mega Voltage, Liko has proven to be a reliable and compassionate hero, demonstrating kindness and ambition on her journey. Despite being early in her training, she shows promise, evoking parallels with Ash as she helps Pokémon grow, reflecting the potential for evolution in her character.
2
Goh Is a Great Character
He Is an Incredible Companion
In his journeys, Ash has encountered many remarkable companions, contributing significantly to his growth. Among his recent partners, Goh’s introduction during the Journeys era elicits mixed reviews, as some fans perceived him as socially awkward and ill-fitting next to Ash.
Critics also derided his audacious aim of capturing every Legendary Pokémon, viewing it as a shallow marketing tactic. However, Goh stands out as one of the most enchanting characters, embodying a genuine desire to learn and develop. His partnership with Ash fosters mutual growth, enabling both characters to evolve in their unique journeys.
1
Ash Should Have Aged
His Growth Would Have Been More Noticeable
Throughout his epic journey, Ash has remarkably maintained the same age of 10 years, mathematically challenging for fans trying to reconcile the extensive timeline of events. While this debate was once a source of contention, it has gradually diminished in newer episodes.
Nonetheless, allowing Ash to age and develop over time could have enhanced the narrative richness. His growth would clarify the timeline accuracy while making his journey even more engaging by showcasing a character maturing through experiences.