Pokémon Already Confirmed Ash’s Return… But There’s One Big Caveat

Summary

• Ash and Pikachu will likely return to
  Pokémon
  eventually, but when it happens, Ash will still be portrayed as a 10-year-old.
• Other characters from the original
  Pokémon
  series could appear in
  Pokémon Horizons
  before Ash returns.
• There is a risk of Ash and Pikachu overshadowing new characters in
  Pokémon Horizons
  upon their return; the creators need to be cautious to not make the show revolve solely around Ash.

The Pokémon anime has been in its closing episodes in recent weeks, preparing to send Ash off and introduce a new generation of trainers aiming to be a Pokémon Master. However, even before he’s out the door, there’s word that Ash won’t be gone for good.

According to an interview in the Japanese magazine Otomedia, as picked up by comicbook.com, executive director of the Pokémon anime Kunihiko Yuyuama suggested that it was only “a matter of time” before Ash and Pikachu appear in Pokémon again following their departure.

Yuyuama also stated that he sees Ash as being “forever 10 years old,” implying that should Ash appear again, fans should expect to see him more or less as he’s always been, rather than as an adult.

Pokémon Still Refuses to Age-Up Ash

Quashing Several Fan Theories bout His Return

It may seem premature to discuss Ash’s return, but even the possibility raises some interesting points. Firstly, it confirms that Pokémon Horizons is set in the same world as the original, meaning that many other characters besides Ash (for example, Pokémon’s Team Rocket) could appear, possibly well before Ash does.

Yuyuama’s comment on Ash being “forever 10 years old” also quashes a number of fan theories about Horizons protagonists Liko and Roy potentially being the children of Ash or other characters, or of Ash being an older role model in the series, similar to other anime sequel series like Boruto or Yashahime. If Ash interacts with Liko and Roy, it will be on the same level as them, just one young trainer to another.

Of course, these statements are not promises or indications of anything solid; it’s simply a general insight into the mindset of the Pokémon anime’s creators. It’s likely that Ash won’t appear in Horizons for quite some time. Ash’s appearance in the Pokemon Horizons anime would overshadow the new protagonists, which is absolutely not what the creators would want when these characters are still being established. Whenever he does finally appear, though, fans can expect his return to be quite a big deal.

How Long Should Pokémon Wait Before Bringing Ash Back?

What are the Benefits of Bringing Ash Back Sooner or Later?

Ash still holds a place close to the hearts of many fans, and there’s no shortage of posts online wondering when or if Ash will return. Before Ash himself could appear in the series, there would have to be a reason to justify his inclusion; simply encountering Ash on the road wouldn’t be very interesting or satisfying.

It also seems likely that the creators will want to give Ash some time to rest, which gives time for hype to build around his possible return. It may be well over a year, or perhaps even two, before there’s a real possibility of Ash’s return to the Pokémon anime.

Ash’s Return to Pokémon Has Tremendous Potential (But Could Be Difficult)

Even if Ash remains the same age as he always has been, Ash does occupy a spot that really hasn’t been used much in Pokémon Horizons: that of a battle specialist. As World Champion, Ash’s skills in battle are absolutely unmatched by any character in Horizons, and Liko and Roy would certainly benefit from his guidance, as their progress in battling has been slow, to say the least. While they’re not exactly on a badge-collecting quest like Ash was, neither Liko nor Roy has yet to successfully defeat a gym leader, despite having the opportunities.

Ash has already been a mentor to Goh in Journeys, so seeing him fill that role more fully in Horizons would be very fitting. However, bringing Ash back comes with a lot of risk; how does one make sure that Ash and Pikachu don’t steal the show? At the same time, it should be more than a glorified cameo, too. Ash’s return would need to be handled very carefully, and giving Liko and Roy a lot of time to establish themselves before Ash comes back is absolutely crucial. Even with Horizons already having run for some time now, it still feels too early to discuss Ash’s future appearances.

Ash’s return will surely be a major event for long-time fans, so using an anniversary special to reintroduce him feels fitting

At the moment, it’s simply too risky to have Ash appear again, but that won’t be the case forever. Perhaps an anniversary, such as the franchise’s upcoming 30th anniversary in 2026, would be the ideal time to have Liko and Roy meet Ash. If it goes well, then Ash could be considered for a recurring role, where he would appear from time to time, keeping him from overshadowing the new cast too much. Ash’s return will surely be a major event for long-time fans, so using an anniversary special to reintroduce him feels fitting.

Pokémon’s Best Solution For Bringing Ash Into Horizons Is Staring Fans Right In The Face

A Movie Could Be The Best Opportunity For Ash To Pass The Torch

Though bringing Ash back to the Pokémon anime for Horizons has more than a few difficulties, it’s possible that the right move is to save the iconic hero’s return for something larger scale. The Yu-Gi-Oh! anime, for instance, had the protagonists of its first three series all meet in 2010’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Bonds Beyond Time. Not only did this give fans more Yugi after the original Yu-Gi-Oh! anime’s ending, but it also gave characters from each series a chance to interact.

A movie would also mean that the timeline could basically be ignored, making it possible for Liko and Roy to meet an Ash who is more on their level.

While fans may want to see Ash return on a more permanent basis, a crossover movie has some benefits. Given the fact that movies are mostly treated as non-canon, Ash meeting Liko and Roy in a movie would mean that Horizons wouldn’t have to interrupt its storyline for the sake of fan service. A movie would also mean that the timeline could basically be ignored, making it possible for Liko and Roy to meet an Ash who is more on their level.

Even outside of story concerns, one of the biggest benefits of giving Ash his own crossover movie with the Horizons cast would be the potential for spectacle. Regardless of how fans feel about the numerous Pokémon movies that have been released, the animation on display is generally a step above a normal episode of the TV show. Movies also have an opportunity to tell larger-scale stories with bigger consequences. The box office potential to appeal to nostalgic fans is also difficult to ignore. But a movie return can only work if Ash stays gone for some time, meaning patience is key.

As fans say goodbye to the classic Pokémon anime and Ash and Pikachu along with it, knowing that the door is open for Ash’s return may make that farewell a little easier. Ash may no longer be on Pokémon each week, but he’s still out there adventuring, and the show will catch back up with him someday.

Source: Comicbook.com