He wants to be the very best, like no one ever was. A series that started with what was considered a mind-blowing 151 collectible monsters has exploded into hundreds upon hundreds with each new set of games. Ash Ketchum was one representation of the starting character of the games and would start off as a manga and become an anime. So how does someone go on to become the very best like no one ever was? Let’s find out!
Ash Ketchum was just your average ten year old when the power went out in his home. Discovering that the cause of the power outage was a Pikachu, one of many kinds of monsters (Pokémon) that live in Ash’s world instead of the animals we’re familiar with, an electric mouse that had been chewing on the wires for the electricity that Ash would have to catch to get the power back on. Using his cleverness, Ash was able to capture the Pikachu and this would begin a whole new life for Ash and this Pikachu. When Ash’s neighbor and long time rival, Gary Oak, announced that he was now a licensed Pokémon Trainer and made fun of Ash for not having his license yet. Spite being one of the most powerful fuel sources in existence, Ash would get his license, take along his new Pokémon, Pikachu, and begin his adventures as a Pokémon Trainer.
Ash and Pikachu would begin their journey and struggle through their first few encounters with wild Pokémon that would eventually ally themselves with Ash as he traveled far and wide. Unlike most Pokémon, Pikachu wouldn’t hang out in his Pokéball for safekeeping and travel, he would stay out with Ash and at first, disobey his commands. Through their time together, looking out for one another, their bond would grow and they would come to love and respect one another. Ash’s connection with Pokémon and people was very empathetic, he was more willing to throw a fight or risk his own life if it meant another life was in danger.
Like other Trainers before him, Ash would go through the process of showing his skill by defeating Gym Leaders, unlike other Trainers, Ash would often befriend the Gym Leaders he would confront and even adventure with them. Along the way, Ash would confront extremely rare, some even believed no more than myth, Pokémon, even capturing some of them. One of Ash’s greatest threats was the organization, Team Rocket, whose goal were to exploit people and Pokémon as much as possible. Ash would prove to be a constant thorn in their side, often running across their latest schemes and using his team to take them down.
Similarly to Pikachu, many of Ash’s other Pokémon would also have rebellious independent streaks. Some of them would be to deadly degrees, such as when Ash’s Charizard nearly murdered another Charizard in combat, Ash would have to forfeit the fight to get him to stop. This would cost him his chance to further in the Pokémon League tournament but he felt it was entirely worth it. Ash would go beyond his own home country’s Pokemon League and continue on to others to find new Pokémon, go up against other Trainers, and dangers.
There you have it! Pokémon has been a world-wide phenomenon for over 20 years and doesn’t show signs of slowing down anytime soon. It’s been many video games, several animated series and mini-series, many films, including a live action one. Ash Ketchum is just one of several interpretations of the first character to be playable in the series. Pikachu is is Ash’s main companion in his adventures. What will the future bring for these two? We’ll have to wait and see for more Pokémon. See you next time!
Suggested Reading
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
Dr. Bustos
drbustos@comicattack.net
