Pokemon Anime (Sun & Moon + Generations)

AfroSamurai

So lets talk about the new Pokemon anime. Nobody ever talks about the anime, but the recent season and the current one have made it discussion worthy! XYZ had slick art and animation, while Sun and Moon seems to have changed up the art for better or for worse, with amazing animation that's reminiscent of Mob Psycho. What's more, it's changing up the plot somewhat, and Team Rocket's been blessed with a decent pokemon within the first 3 episodes!

Also, I'm fed up of having to tread carefully through the game discussion thread while looking to talk about Generations,
Episode 4 spoiler

! and can we all agree that anime Rowlet is the cutest thing ever? It's cuteness is off the charts.. I want it.

Try to keep game spoilers to a minimum in the first month of discussion or so, Europeans like me haven't quite had the chance to play the games fully afterall!

Needless to say, discuss unsubbed episodes with spoiler tags, most people don't watch the anime until it's subbed.

Shift

Sure does seem possible that

! Ash will get that Litten sometime too, if not Kiawe. It'll be interesting to see it face off against Meowth, at any rate.
I dunno, I pop in now and again to see how the teams are shaping up, but the show hasn't held my interest since BF. Maybe this season will be different enough to sway me back.

Generations, however, has been nothing but satisfyingly short and sweet.

Vermouth

I expect Team Rocket or Ash to capture Alolan Meowth.

Nekketsu

I for one welcome the new and more realistic facial reactions. They make the characters look really lively.

Cyclone_Baroness

Where is it available to watch? I didn't see it listed on crunchyroll.

Kaizou 10

What do you guys predict Ash's roster going to be for this anime series? 3 out of 6 are already being confirmed (Pikachu-Rowlet-Litten) and I don't think Rotom really considered to be one of Ash's roster.

Robby

Someone in the group is going to have to get an aloan form of something…. and it ain't going to be surfer Raichu. ANd given that the leads don't typically get dark types, won't be Rattata. (Though maybe Rocket could get one.)

I dunno. Out of the 10 Aloan families none of them really fit Ash... so probably something will go to a companion.

Usually Ash getting Pikapek would be a shoo in as he almost always gets the token bird... though having the bird starter probably negates that. Cutiefly will be something for the girls. Maybe Rockruff? I could even see Ash and Rocket getting one to show the split evolution path, ala Beutifly/Dustox. i could see Rocket getting Wimpod.

One of the companions will probably get Togedemaru.

King Cannon

@Robby:

Someone in the group is going to have to get an aloan form of something…. and it ain't going to be surfer Raichu. ANd given that the leads don't typically get dark types, won't be Rattata. (Though maybe Rocket could get one.)

I dunno. Out of the 10 Aloan families none of them really fit Ash... so probably something will go to a companion.

Usually Ash getting Pikapek would be a shoo in as he almost always gets the token bird... though having the bird starter probably negates that. Cutiefly will be something for the girls. Maybe Rockruff? I could even see Ash and Rocket getting one to show the split evolution path, ala Beutifly/Dustox. i could see Rocket getting Wimpod.

One of the companions will probably get Togedemaru.

Sophocles already has one, no?

Robby

@King:

Sophocles already has one, no?

I have no idea who that is. I haven't watched it. But pretty much proves the point.

King Cannon

@Robby:

I have no idea who that is. I haven't watched it. But pretty much proves the point.

Fat, electric kid. Trial Captain in the games.

By the way, I could see Ash getting an Alola Sandshrew or Vulpix. He doesn't have much ice-steel-fairy types.

Kaizou 10

@King:

By the way, I could see Ash getting an Alola Sandshrew or Vulpix. He doesn't have much ice-steel-fairy types.

I heard that people are predicting Lillie going to have Alola Vulpix.

Cyclone_Baroness

I was able to find the first episode. But. Man has Ash always had massive ADHD?

AfroSamurai

@Cyclone_Baroness:

Where is it available to watch? I didn't see it listed on crunchyroll.

I'm gonna get lambasted for this, but might have some luck on Youtube… :ninja: or wait for the official release of course

I'm going to guess Alolan Sandshrew, seems like the type of cool pokemon that would fit Ash's team. Also, I reckon he'll get a Kom'mo by the end of the series, similarly to how he got Goodra last season.

Lastly... maybe Crabrawler? Training episodes where Ash learns to Box with his pokemon sounds fun, and Incenroar vs Crabrawler could be exciting. Like a friendly rivalry of sorts

kaizoku_Chopper

here you can get to watch the series up to date :

[http://kissanime.to/Anime/Pokemon-Sun-Moon

I](http://kissanime.to/Anime/Pokemon-Sun-Mooni) believe its going to be a good anime cause now we got more main characters then usual

so far its was fan to watch

Shift

@Kaizou:

What do you guys predict Ash's roster going to be for this anime series? 3 out of 6 are already being confirmed (Pikachu-Rowlet-Litten) and I don't think Rotom really considered to be one of Ash's roster.

Where has Litten been confirmed? As far as I've seen, it's only been hinted that this particular Litten will be caught, although like I said, I do think it's likely to go to Ash.

As for other choices, I'd say the most likely ones would be Mudbray, Komala, Passimian or Crabrawler. No Alonlan variants seem likely for him.

Kaizou 10

@Shift:

Where has Litten been confirmed?

There was preview for upcoming 3 episodes on this week, and one of them focuses on Ash and Litten (this is pretty obvious that Ash going to capture it).

Shift

Oh, that explains it; the videos I watched had no previews.

Cyclone_Baroness

I saw episode 4. Seemed more of a Rowlet centric episode. And Inhad no interest in Rowlet before. But omg it's adorable in the anime.

Shift

I skimmed through the dub, and aside from Ash and Prof. Oak sounding as obnoxious as ever, a lot of the cast seems really fun to listen to. Kiawe's actor is perfect, and the rest of the captains and Kukui sound great too. Lillie, however, was a bit grating at times. It's also nice they gave Samson Oak a different actor, as I can barely tolerate Jimmy Zoppi as two Oaks, let alone three. The Pokemon themselves are hit and miss; Litten, Popplio and Bounsweet are fine, but Tapu Koko sounds ridiculous, and Bewear just coos in both versions, so why try to replicate it? Badly? All in all, it seems as fine as any other season, so maybe I'll watch a bit more and see how they handle Rotomdex and Rowlet.

Cyclone_Baroness

Episode 5 was alright. Although I feel dumb for just now realizing all the kids in the class represent types except for Lillie.

Also Mimikyu's Japanese voice is very creepy…

MetaMario

I actually thought Samson Oak was something the anime came up with to have that "hey Ash, Delia, and Pikachu are in Alola….better have an Oak!" angle, but nope, he's in the game too lol.

onemoment

So I haven't really followed this series since the first season, where I realized that this was kinda going nowhere, but I pick it up every now and then to see something interesting. One time was those Team Rocket flashbacks happened, and another was when Ash needed his pokedex to identify a koffing. Now I see Mimikyu is a Team Rocket pokemon. I don't know how to feel about this. On the one hand, I like seeing him smack Pikachu around (and i don't even really hate the mascot, but heck he can afford the abuse) but considering that Jesse's Lickitung once almost sweeped Ash's team I'm not sure how long this crazy lil' beast will be a threat.

On the other hand, I'm liking what they're doing with Bewear so far. He's a weird and funny running gag, but that's this show so far. It's weird. I'm not sure how the dub will handle it, since it seems much more…anime then previous seasons.

KageKageKing

@Cyclone_Baroness:

Episode 5 was alright. Although I feel dumb for just now realizing all the kids in the class represent types except for Lillie.

They KINDA are Gym Leaders in the game.
EDIT:

AfroSamurai

I just watched episode 5, and that Bewear cameo had me in stitches. I don't even care that they didn't blast off. Bewear made it amazing, and made the anime 1000% less predictable.

I feel like the animators no longer care to give us an accurate portrayal of pokemon in an anime format, like they did in XY. Now it's just a fun slice of life with insane and cute pokemon doing stuff in the background. And I'm loving it.

maxterdexter

If sun is not going to exist , I'd wish Hau to be the champion.

KageKageKing

Hau is an idiot.

maxterdexter

@KageKageKing:

Hau is an idiot.

Hau is a ray of sunshine that grows into a fine trainer, and deserves being the champion more than Ash.

AfroSamurai

Episode six was a dissappointment. Nothing happened other than a small showcase of Togedamaru, and Ash proving himself to be seriously dumb. Oh, and Mimikyu remains terrifying.

Next episode, Litten joins the team it seems. Hoping it's good, but I'm starting to lose a bit of faith in the series as anything other than a generic slice of life.

Cyclone_Baroness

I was getting pretty irriated with Ash being unable to take care of himself in the simplest ways. But then I remembered he's pretty much always had someone take care of him even on the road.

Hiroy

Hmm. I'm really enjoying this, but I kinda feel the slapsticks with Ash comically flying/jumping/triping/slaming his face into things and or on the ground is starting to wear thin since it happens too very often.

KageKageKing

And Pikachu got another Buneary.

luffink

@AfroSamurai:

Episode six was a dissappointment. Nothing happened other than a small showcase of Togedamaru, and Ash proving himself to be seriously dumb. Oh, and Mimikyu remains terrifying.

Next episode, Litten joins the team it seems. Hoping it's good, but I'm starting to lose a bit of faith in the series as anything other than a generic slice of life.

Team Rocket are going to be the real heroes of the season when they warm Mimikyu's heart, turning him from the psychopathic hate monster that he is to the adorable "I want to be loved" pokemon that the game sells you

Md-Martin

KageKageKing

Don't tell me they're gonna make a movie about the entire first season of Pokemon.

MetaMario

20 years of the anime, and that means….wow 20 years of Rica Matsumoto and Ikue Otani being the stars. Could be a Origins-style retelling of the first season, or something different....?

Finally seeing Ho-Oh??????

AfroSamurai

Episode 7 fangasming:

! Goddamn it that episode was the perfect mix of adorable, tragic and entertaining. I adore Litten. It's so cute! The kawaii rawr is just too much for me to handle! That fireball practicing, the bond with the Stoutland, the nightmares, the constant food stealing for a good cause… the feels!
! Major props to ash for being a great MC this episode. Responsible, genuine, helpful, kind, funny, understanding... he hit all the right notes. Now if only the writers found a fitting way of having Litten join the team... I NEED that Litten-Rowlet combo in my life. Food stealing Shenanigans and all...
! Maybe when Ash finally leaves the school, he can bring Litten along? I'd like that. Just don't evolve him past second Evo Ash, I don't want to see cute Kitten become a hulking wrestler any time soon.

JulieYBM

Guess who's coming back for two episodes?!

!
! Kasumi and Takeshi have Mega Pokemon, too! Word is Episodes #42-43 will also show off Satoshi's old Pokemon, too, so I'm definitely looking forward to that. I hope we get reunions with the other companions, too, especially Hikari, Iris and Serena.

Galaxy 9000

Here's the translation for that, from Serebii.

! > Satoshi is returning to his hometown that appeared in the movie?! Satoshi is reuniting with his friends in his hometown?! Is his journey in Alola already over?!

It can't be?! Is his journey towards becoming a Pokémon Master over?! Of course it isn't! He's come to the Kanto region as part of an extracurricular class at the Pokémon School!

His friends and Pokémon from the Kanto region appear!! He'll meet the friends and Pokémon he competed against in the past, too! (blurb: They're both Nassy, but they look THIS extremely different)

Takeshi: Satoshi's friend, whose goal it is to become a Pokémon Doctor.

Kasumi: A girl whose specialty is Water Pokémon!

Satoshi: Currently on an adventure with a dream of befriending every single Pokémon!!

The journey is far from over! And next issue, we'll present new developments!!

This story will air September 14th and 21st! (broadcast date and time varies depending on area)

AfroSamurai

Lol misty looks so derpy, brock's face looks so long.

MetaMario

these translations crack me up
"this is satoshi's friend [brock], he's going to be a pokemon doctor!!!"
vs.
"this is [misty], some girl that likes water pokemon i guess"

KageKageKing

Why did they never changed Misty to her Generation 2 design?

MetaMario

@KageKageKing:

Why did they never changed Misty to her Generation 2 design?

I think(?) in one episode of Pokemon Chronicles she did? I know there she was taking on more of her gym leader role, whereas the game one for Pewter City (Brock) lets his kid brother take over.

Raffy

Satoshi is returning to his hometown that appeared in the movie?!
Satoshi is reuniting with his friends in his hometown?! Is his journey in Alola already over?!It can't be?! Is his journey towards becoming a Pokémon Master over?! Of course it isn't! He's come to the Kanto region as part of an extracurricular class at the Pokémon School!
His friends and Pokémon from the Kanto region appear!!

"He's come to the Kanto region" : the Kanto region that appeared in the movie or the one that appeared in the series? apparently they're different …

JulieYBM

@Raffy:

"He's come to the Kanto region" : the Kanto region that appeared in the movie or the one that appeared in the series? apparently they're different …

Not really, they're just trying to synergize.

Anyway, I hope that episode that Kameda Yoshimichi was working on back in May winds up being one of these two. It'll be nuts to see him try and top what he did for the Opening animation.

Robby

@KageKageKing:

Why did they never changed Misty to her Generation 2 design?

She had a different design later, but only for a handful of episodes and specials. It was a hideous thing. They're sticking to her most iconic look for this obvious anniversary tie in. Same with Brock who had several different outfits but is also back in his original look.

(And with both of them its an apology for cutting them out of the new movie.)

There was also a DP outfit she had for one episode that was better before the switched to the ugly thing.

JulieYBM

Word on the street is that #42-43 were storyboarded by Asada Yuuji, so I'm really looking forward to them now. Asada is the longest-serving storyboard artist and episode director, having been around since the first series' Episode #3. Asada storyboards all of the important episodes now, especially since he's become so damned good ever since Diamond & Pearl. Asada is felt so passionately about Diamond & Pearl that he personally storyboarded and directed five of the last twenty episodes (#172, #177, #187, #188, and #191) of Diamond & Pearl (all key animated entirely by Iwane Masa'aki), which is pretty inhuman. He earned a series director credit for Episodes #171-191 for the feat. I'm thinking the schedule was somehow worked around so that Iwane could work on these two episodes despite having just solo key animated Episode #39, so I think we'll be in for some cool battle scenes, too.

JulieYBM

Takeshi! Fushigidane! And more!

We also get some new flashbacks to the first series, although they look like they're just stills.

Lord Starfish

So this is gonna be only two episodes, right? Because I feel like that's an awful lot of stuff to cram into a mere 42 minutes…

JulieYBM

Iwane Masa'aki posted examples of the various new facial expressions he's created for Satoshi during Sun & Moon.

@Lord:

So this is gonna be only two episodes, right? Because I feel like that's an awful lot of stuff to cram into a mere 42 minutes…

Insofar as we know. We may yet get more, hopefully with the other companions.

JulieYBM

Pocket Monster (2019) Episode #109 featured Satoshi finally entering the 'Masters Eight'—the top eight ranked trainers in the Pokemon World Championships—and among them are some familiar faces!

It's really nice to see Shirona is the #2 ranked trainer in the world. I hope Satoshi finally gets to face her after all these years! She's a trainer that he has wanted to face ever since Pocket Monster: Diamond & Pearl Episode #40 back in 2007!

What a lot of fans are most interested in, I imagine, is the return of Alan! Alan defeated Satoshi in the final round of the Kalos League to much fan upheaval. Alan definitely deserved the win and I'm glad he got it but hopefully not Satoshi will have a dramatic arc strong enough for him to deserve to defeat Alan in a rematch.

I'm a bit disappointed that Shinji will not be a member of the Masters Eight. Shinji appears in the current opening animation, which is quite exciting for me as a fan of his. I wonder what role he is going to play given that we have not seen him since Satoshi defeated him in the franchise's first three-episode-long battle at the end of Diamond & Pearl?

With Iwane Masaaki having not provided key animation for episodes since Episode #95 my hope is that Iwane was allowed to skip the regular rotation so as to animate two episodes at the same time, either for Shinji or for Alan. Iwane trusted handling many of the episodes focusing on those two during their original runs as Satoshi's main rival. After solo key animating the four episodes of the Arceus storyline for Amazon Prime as well as Episode #95 (and also providing animation for Episode #96) I'm really pulling for the production schedule to be strong enough for Iwane to be heavily involved with the production of the many upcoming and exciting battles that I've waited years to see unfold. Finger's crossed that either Iwane or other good animators can go all-out!