Yes, 'Pokemon's Anime Is 21-Years-Old Now
Are you ready to feel just a bit older? Well, if you have been a fan of Pokemon since the [...]
Are you ready to feel just a bit older? Well, if you have been a fan of Pokemon since the beginning, you are in for a big reality check. Earlier this month, countless fans overlooked one very important milestone when April Fools' Day took over the web, and the Pokemon fandom is sending a reminder out to everyone in case they missed the memo.
Yes, the original Pokemon anime just turned 21, and fans are feeling really, really old.
On April 1, Pokemon turned the big 2-1 as its very first anime episode debuted on that day back in 1997. TV Tokyo premiered the ambitious anime project more than twenty years ago before it made its US debut in September 1998. The first season of Pokemon lasted for two years as Ash Ketch began his journey in the Indigo League, and his debut changed the anime game for good.
The first season of Pokemon follows Ash as the 10-year-old boy sets out to become the world's greatest Pokemon trainer. After selecting his first Pokemon from the Kanto region, Ash gets off to a rough start with Pikachu, but the pair eventually become best buds. Pokemon: Indigo League tracks Ash as he and Pikachu meet Misty at the Cerulean City Gym before inviting her to travel with him. Brook from the Pewter City Gym joins the trio soon after, and the gang goes on all sorts of adventures while Team Rocket and Gary Oak try to cramp Ash's style.
In the last 21 years, this first Pokemon outing has become a fan-favorite with audiences worldwide. The anime was a massive hit in Japan and continued to thrive once it hit the US. Since the series debuted, six full-on Pokemon shows have debuted and accumulated over 20 total seasons.
As you can see below, fans have a lot to say about the anime's milestone anniversary, and many fans are saying the debut season should get a drink on them now that its 21-years-old. This year, The Pokemon Company plans to celebrate the big milestone with new episodes of its on-going anime season and a new movie to boot. So, it seems like fans will have plenty of opportunities to cheer on Ash in 2018 as he continues his (insanely long) journey to become a Pokemon Master.
21 years ago today, the 1st ever Pokemon episode aired, happy anniversary Pokemon Anime! Despite the fanbase not enjoying some seasons, I can safely say that I have enjoyed every season so much. You are still strong to this day! #anipoke pic.twitter.com/yDriiw8VfB
— Ben | #Anipoke Youtuber (@EntityMays) April 1, 2018
Happy 21st anniversary, Pokemon anime! Never fails to amuse me in so many different ways!😂😂😂 My childhood wouldn't have been awesome without you in my life! Stay awesome!🎊🎉🎊🎉 🎊🎉 🎂🎂🎂 #AniPoke
Credits to the artist for this wonderful art👍👍👍👍 pic.twitter.com/xJQzqcqDnP
— 🇲🇾 is my city!😂 共に行こう輝く未来へ~ (@RandomMYBeast31) April 1, 2018
Oh yeah happy 21st anniversary Pokemon anime. Seriously 21 years and this anime is still nowhere near done, anyways ash might not be the smartest protagonist, or the best battler but you can't deny that he is a very memorable protagonist whether you love or hate him pic.twitter.com/XC1oQ3oeWm
— Serena HD XD (@serenatoptier) April 1, 2018
Happy 21st Birthday Pokemon anime, you have gone though some big changes is your 21 years of life but you always stayed true to what is important to you family, love and a big big heart!!!! 🎂🎂🎂💖💖💖😊😊 #HappyBirthdayPokemon pic.twitter.com/hRx16l47mi
— Kelly Bone (@BritishPKMN1991) April 1, 2018
Did you watch the original Pokemon series when it debuted? What has been your favorite era? Let me know in the comments or hit me up on Twitter @MeganPetersCB to talk all things comics, k-pop, and anime!
