For over two decades, Ash Ketchum has been the face of the Pokémon anime, journeying through various regions with Pikachu by his side. However, when The Pokémon Company made the bold decision to retire Ash and introduce a new set of protagonists, the reaction was mixed. While some fans welcomed the change, others felt a deep sense of loss. Now, with the anime struggling to maintain viewership, discussions about Ash's return have surfaced, but bringing him back may not be as simple as some hope.

The decision to end Ash’s story was not made lightly, according to @CentroLeaks on X. Internal discussions at The Pokémon Company, Game Freak, and ShoPro reveal a carefully considered transition, weighing the necessity of refreshing the franchise against the risks of alienating long-time viewers. These discussions highlight why bringing Ash back would be a complex and delicate move that could either rejuvenate or disrupt the anime’s current trajectory.

Ash’s Departure Was Inevitable, But Risky

Why Pokémon Said Goodbye to Its Iconic Hero

The Pokémon anime had a longstanding issue with Ash’s character: he could no longer be "reset." In the early years, Ash’s journey followed a familiar formula, where he would start fresh in each new region, gradually improving and learning alongside his audience. However, after decades of development, Ash had become too accomplished to believably restart his journey. As a result, younger audiences, who were expected to see themselves in the protagonist, found it harder to connect with Ash's story.

The Pokémon Company recognized this issue and sought to introduce a fresh protagonist with a more defined growth arc. According to internal discussions, ShoPro proposed a new three-year story cycle where characters could develop both emotionally and physically, offering a structured sense of progression. The idea was to create a new adventure that children could relate to, while Ash would be left to enjoy his "eternal summer vacation." But this shift came with a significant risk, because long-time fans had grown up with Ash and expected to see him reach his ultimate goal of becoming a Pokémon Master.

Ultimately, the decision to retire Ash was made at an executive level after years of internal debate. The Pokémon Company felt it was necessary to move forward, but concerns lingered about how this shift would be received. It was a calculated gamble, but one that had the potential to revitalize the anime or backfire spectacularly.

Viewership Struggles & The Pressure to Bring Ash Back

Would Bringing Ash Back Solve Anything?

Since Ash's departure, the Pokémon anime has faced declining ratings, despite efforts to bolster online distribution through YouTube and streaming services. While these strategies have helped to some degree, the main issue is that the new protagonists have yet to establish the same level of emotional connection with audiences that Ash and Pikachu did.

Sponsors and executives recognize that the Pokémon anime still relies heavily on traditional television broadcasting, and declining ratings could have broader repercussions on the brand, from merchandise sales to video game launches. Internal discussions even touched on the potential for backlash, including fan petitions and online outrage. Some executives feared extreme reactions, such as public protests or even acts of vandalism, showing just how sensitive Ash’s departure was to certain segments of the fandom.

As a result, there is a growing debate within the company about whether reintroducing Ash, even in a limited capacity, could help stabilize the anime’s popularity. However, simply bringing him back would not necessarily solve the deeper storytelling challenges that led to his departure in the first place. Would his return undo the progress made by the new protagonists? Would it mean another reset, or would it acknowledge his previous achievements? These questions make his potential comeback anything but straightforward.

What Would an Ash Return Look Like?

Is Pokémon Bringing Ash Back Worth It?

If Ash were to return in the Mega Voltage series, The Pokémon Company would have to carefully consider the narrative implications. One approach could involve Ash returning not as the main protagonist, but as a mentor figure, guiding new trainers while continuing his own journey. This would allow the series to introduce fresh characters while still maintaining the legacy of its most iconic hero. Another possibility is that Ash’s story could be explored through special episodes or limited-run series, revisiting him at key moments to provide closure without overshadowing the new protagonists.

However, there is also the risk that bringing Ash back would overshadow the progress the new series is trying to make.

However, there is also the risk that bringing Ash back would overshadow the progress the new series is trying to make. If the transition away from Ash was meant to create a new generational experience, reintroducing him too soon could send mixed messages about the show’s direction. The Pokémon Company has to strike a careful balance between honoring Ash’s legacy while also making sure that the franchise continues to evolve in a meaningful way.

Ultimately, the decision would need to reflect not only fan expectations but also the overarching vision for the Pokémon brand. Ash’s return could be an amazing nostalgia-fueled moment of excitement, but if executed poorly, it could undermine the franchise’s long-term efforts to refresh its story and potentially ruin Mega Voltage. Whether as a brief guest appearance or a more sustained presence, his comeback would need to feel earned and purposeful rather than reactionary.

A Difficult but Inevitable Decision

The Future of Pokémon With Or Without Ash

Bringing Ash Ketchum back to the Pokémon anime is not as simple as reversing a decision. While his departure left a void in the hearts of many fans, it was a necessary step in evolving the series for a new generation. The internal discussions at The Pokémon Company show just how carefully this transition was planned, as well as the ongoing struggles to maintain audience engagement without him.

If Ash were to return, it would have to be in a way that respects both the narrative and the fanbase. Simply reinstating him as the lead protagonist would undo the progress made with the new series, but ignoring his legacy entirely would be equally damaging. Whether through special episodes, guest appearances, or a long-term mentorship role, Ash’s presence in the Pokémon world is too significant to be forgotten.

Ultimately, Pokémon is more than just one character; it is a universe of adventure, growth, and discovery. But for many fans, Ash Ketchum represents the heart of that journey. Whether or not he returns, his impact on the franchise is undeniable, and his story will always be a cornerstone of Pokémon history.

Source: @CentroLeaks/X