Ash's Unforgettable Pokémon Journey Triumphs Beyond all Expectations

In 2023, Ash Ketchum's journey in the Pokémon anime came to a conclusion that sparked some controversy among fans. Many felt that the open-ended nature of the ending was not to their liking. However, for those seeking a more satisfying resolution to the story, The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga's epilogue provides just that. It skillfully ties up many of the loose ends left by the anime, while still maintaining the open ending that fans have come to expect.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga is an adaptation of the first two seasons of the Pokémon anime, with a particular focus on the Indigo League and Orange Islands arcs that played a significant role in the series' early stages. All the beloved characters from the anime, such as Misty, Brock, Gary, and Team Rocket, make appearances in the manga. While it loosely follows the plots of certain episodes, it also takes the opportunity to tell its own unique stories. The manga's art style and tone differ from the anime, offering a fresh and arguably more "realistic" take on classic Pokémon designs. Additionally, the humor in the series has a slightly more mature tone, targeting a teenage audience rather than the younger children that the anime primarily caters to.

Ash's Manga Finale is Every Fanboy's Dream Ending

The manga's ending provides a sense of closure for those who have fond memories of the first two seasons of Pokémon. In the epilogue, Ash writes a letter to his mother, which is delivered by James of Team Rocket, whom Ash now considers a friend. Jessie and James are revealed to be married and have left Team Rocket, with a baby on the way. Ash and Gary's mutual respect has grown, and they now travel together as proper friends, something that was not explored in the anime. Ash reflects on his encounter with Lugia, describing it as a transformative experience, and even hints at a romantic relationship with Misty.

While The Electric Tale of Pikachu deviates from the anime's storyline when it reaches the Johto region, it offers a fitting ending for the characters at that time. The manga concludes right after Ash's victory in the Orange Islands League, which was a significant milestone in his journey, even in the anime. In contrast, the anime's ending leaves Ash and Pikachu continuing to travel on their own, with Team Rocket persistently pursuing Pikachu. Ash's parting with Misty in the anime is also portrayed as casual. Both endings depict Ash's ongoing adventures, but the manga provides a more satisfying resolution to certain character arcs, such as Ash's relationships with Gary and Misty, as well as Jessie and James' own relationship.

The Pokémon anime aimed to conclude in a way that would allow for the possibility of Ash Ketchum making a comeback in the future. As a result, they were hesitant to stray too far from the show's usual format, resulting in a disappointing ending. However, The Electric Tale of Pikachu didn't face this issue as it had a definitive conclusion, which allowed for more creative liberties such as character pairings. It is highly recommended for long-time Pokémon anime fans to explore The Electric Tale of Pikachu, if only to read the epilogue and bid a heartfelt farewell to their beloved characters.