The Pokemon anime will still have Pikachu in a starring role - sort of
The Pokemon Company isn’t ditching Pikachu in the Pokemon anime after all, though it’s not Ash’s favorite friend this time. The internet collectively mourned the passing of an age when the Pokemon anime finally brought Ash’s journey to a close, but a new Pikachu is set to take center stage – Captain Pikachu, that is.
The Pokemon Company revealed Captain Pikachu’s existence on Twitter and their companion ane new protagonist, Friede. Friede is a young adult with white hair and captain’s goggles (naturally), and, in another tie-in with Ash, he wears a bomber jacket with a Charizard motif. Whether he’s just a fan or also travels with a Charizard isn’t certain, as The Pokemon Company didn’t reveal any more information about the new hero.
We’re giving you a first look at two new characters from the upcoming, all-new Pokémon animated series!
Introducing Friede and his partner Pokémon, Captain Pikachu, who accompany our protagonists during their adventures!
Stay tuned, Trainers—more info will be coming soon! pic.twitter.com/U7oAMVs7CL
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) February 24, 2023
Fan reactions were mixed between pleasure at seeing Pikachu return, and with a hat no less, and a few who wanted a different Pokemon to take center stage. Other fans pointed out that’s not likely to happen. Pikachu is the face of the franchise, they said, and it makes sense to keep them around.
My boy Pikachu with the undisputed job security pic.twitter.com/8uRAp5nyRI
— SimplyMocha (@MochaCloud) February 24, 2023
This is actually Ash in disguise living his best life in retirement. You can’t convince me otherwise
— VideogameShay Emote Artist (@videogameshay) February 24, 2023
The Pokemon Company’s tease comes just days before a new Pokemon Direct, set for Feb. 27, 2023, where plans for the franchise’s next 12 months should be more clear. While it seems evident a new Pokemon anime announcement is almost guaranteed, there’s little indication what else might be in store. Rumors point to anything from Scarlet and Violet DLC to a new Detective Pikachu, or perhaps even another Pokemon Mystery Dungeon remake.
Written by Josh Broadwell on behalf of GLHF