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The Pokémon Company has some news for fans which is both great and devastating at the same time.
To start with the relatively good news (to soften the blow for the bad one), a new Pokémon anime series has officially been confirmed by the franchise. As for the other news, you’re going to want to sit down for this. The central storyline of the new series is going to be bereft of not one, but two of the most beloved characters – Ash and Pikachu.
The upcoming Pokémon series is instead going to introduce new dual characters named Liko and Roy as the protagonists in place of the iconic duo of Ash Ketchum and Pikachu. And fans are taking this news with heavy hearts.
Related:“Took him 25 years and he’s still 10. Bro is a Pokémon”: Fans React To Ash Ketchum Finally Completing His Journey, Pikachu Defeats Charizard as Ash Becomes Pokémon World Champion
The New Pokémon Anime Series Will Bid Farewell to Ash and Pikachu
After more than two decades of having Ash and Pikachu lead the Pokémon series, The Pokémon Company recently announced that their next installment won’t be featuring the epic duo anymore with new characters taking their place instead. But little do we know, the former are simply irreplaceable.
FollowingPokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, the new anime series will feature dual characters of Liko and Roy (in the Japanese version) embarking on thrilling adventures as they explore the Pokémon universe together. Besides the leading characters, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly from the Nintendo video gamePokémonScarletandPokémonVioletwill also be appearing in the new anime series.
Related:Things 90s Kids Miss About The Original Pokémon
However, asPokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Seriesis all set to conclude Ash and Go’s wild and illustrious ride, the audience will also be getting 11 special episodes celebrating Ash’s journey through 25 years of glory. This collection of special episodes will be released on June 24, 2025, in Japan.
Fans Lament the Heartbreaking Departure of Ash and Pikachu
Most Pokémon fans have practically grown up seeing Ash and Pikachu with the pair’s heroic feats and escapades comprising a major part of their childhood. So having to say goodbye to these all-time favorite characters after 25 long years is naturally a huge deal.
As fans march over Twitter to express their sorrow and mourn this loss, many are even claiming to not watch the upcoming Pokémon anime series since it won’t have Ash and Pikachu anymore. Whereas others are simply reminiscing about the good old days as they toast to the duo’s journey throughout the years.
In a nutshell, everyone’s an emotional wreck trying to digest this news.
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO YOU ARENT DOING THIS TO ME PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD NOOOOOOO
— Skoopy (@OhBoi_ItsToei)June 26, 2025
I’ll miss Ash but I’ll really miss Pikachupic.twitter.com/DZzyBdWfmM
— Michael (@DefiMike19)July 05, 2025
once ash leaves, im leaving.
— T. M 🏡🏠🎧 (@iAmOddabellatay)June 01, 2025
Wow can’t believe there finally ending the story for Ash. I never thought this would happened but I’m happy that we finally get to see him become the world champion. An end of an era!
— G-Rex 🐝 (@gabriel88591467)July 29, 2025
Gonna be hitting us harder than when Steve left Blues Clues.
— LordCaddith (@LordCaddith)June 24, 2025
Related:5 Pokémon Games Ranked From Worst to Best
While it remains undisclosed as to what the collection of special episodes will be about, The Pokémon Company did reveal that some old characters, including Misty and Brock, Serena, and Pokémons like Greninja and Lucario will also be making a comeback.
The new Pokémon series is set to premiere in April 2023.
Source:IGN
Khushi Shah
Articles Published :857
With a prolific knowledge of everything pop culture and a strong penchant for writing, Khushi has penned over 700 articles during her time as an author at FandomWire.An abnormal psychology student and an fervent reader of dark fiction, her most trusted soldiers are coffee and a good book.
