Pokemon Reintroduces Ash’s Classic Look With New Special

Pokemon’s getting ready to say goodbye to Ash Ketchum after 25 long years of the anime, and the series has officially returned to Ash’s classic trainer look from the Kanto region with its newest anime special! The franchise is moving on in a brand new direction following the celebration of its 25th Anniversary, and surprisingly this new look for the Pokemon anime’s future will no longer include Ash as a part of it. This means that the Pokemon Master to be will be saying goodbye soon, and the anime has kicked things off with a new special showing off a new look.

Things kicked off with a special episode in Pokemon Journeys‘ run titled “The Distant Blue Sky,” which followed a version of Ash not completely tied into the events of the main franchise. This version of Ash features his look from the Kanto region, and it was made complete with his original hat from the first anime series towards its end as the anime gets ready for its final series saying goodbye to the famous young trainer: 

So in an alternative universe (which todays special episode aired in), Ash received his iconic hat as a gift from his father.

While in the main series, Ash got that hat from some kind of online contest.

Fair to say one story is a lot cooler than the other… #anipoke pic.twitter.com/BRSgkdCSvn

— Anipoke Hub 🏆🔥 (@AnipokeHub) December 23, 2022

How Does Ash Get His Classic Look Back? 

This version of Ash seen in Pokemon: The Distant Blue Sky returns to Pallet Town to restart his journey from the very beginning, and much like Ash did in the original Kanto series, he ends up giving his hat to a wild Mankey as he trades it for his new friends’ hat. But thankfully as the episode comes to an end, Ash gets his classic hat back as a gift from his dad. Now he’s moving into the future with a nostalgic boost! 

READ MORE: Pokemon Anime Brings Back Late Narrator in New Special | Pokemon: Ash’s Original Voice Actor Breaks Silence on His Exit | Pokemon Anime to Say Goodbye to Ash With Final Chapter Series: Watch Trailer

It’s yet to be revealed as to whether or not this version of Ash will be leading his final series coming our way next year, but it’s certain that fans will be saying goodbye to the fan favorite trainer in just a couple more months. But how do you feel about Pokemon’s anime moving on without Ash soon? How do you feel seeing his old look in action again in the new series? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments! You can even reach out to me directly about all things animated and other cool stuff @Valdezology on Twitter!