Further Thoughts on "Aim to Be a Pokémon Master" and the 2023 anime.

Now that I’ve had time to let it sit (and as someone who’s almost finished with the subs of Journeys); I give you further thoughts on the “Aim to Be a Pokémon Master” miniseries and the 2023 anime.

Having seen the first two episodes (with a third out this Friday), my early impressions of the OVA are quite positive. I think it does a good job at honoring the vast legacy of the anime while also putting its own spin on it. Even that match over a Clauncher was a neat homage to “The Totodile Duel.” With the miniseries bringing in both monsters and characters from across the 25-year history of the series; it should definitely prove a good way to close out Pokémon Journeys.

On that note, let’s talk a bit more about the 2023 series. I still have my reservations about that one, especially in regards to new leads Roy and Riko. The theory that the latter was Ash’s daughter (and the idea of Ash marrying and having children at all) was effectively debunked by Rica Matsumoto in an interview. Now, there are some who claim she’s connected to the Orbeetle line; given how her hair clip resembles one of its antennae. Honestly continue to be amazed at how much speculation there can be over minute details like that; since I tend to prefer to only talk about concrete details. At this stage, there still aren’t a whole lot of those other than the facts that the anime will be based on “Pokémon Scarlet and Violet” and will be focusing on new characters (though ones from past series are said to show up).

As I have mentioned before, this is the first time in decades I don’t have any clear idea of what to expect from the next generation. If it works, it certainly is a fictional universe that can support more than one “anchor” to have as a franchise lead. However, if audiences don’t respond to Riko and Roy, that could raise questions about what’s next (if they had to find a new lead, still would have preferred Florian and Juliana; with Nemona, Arven and Penny in supporting roles). Bottom line- the skeptic in me is concerned about the 2023 anime, but the optimist in me is hoping they'll make it work (especially as heavy hints have been dropped about legacy characters showing up as well).

Overall, it’s nice to know that the series is still resonating with people nearly 25 years after it first came stateside. It’s a textbook counterargument to the idea that every video game adaptation is a disaster (a mindset which is thankfully becoming less common now). I will most likely continue analyzing it going forward; since I still find new ways to talk about its past and new material for the future. I think “The Distant Blue Sky” special would be good to address further on February 27th.

As mentioned before, I don’t plan on formally reviewing the miniseries or addressing the 2023 reboot until I have more details; especially not before they receive English dubs. That will be all for now, take care.