It goes without saying, but Pokemon fans were really hyped when Ash Ketchum got a Riolu of his own. The pocket monster has been a favorite with netizens for years now, and they’ve begged Ash to get one for himself. Before Pokemon Journeys went on hiatus, Ash did just that, and it seems the most recent episode of the anime to debut has fans even more infatuated with Riolu.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Why is that, you might be asking? Well, the answer is a simple one. It turns out Riolu is just too darn cute in this new episode of Pokemon Journeys that fans cannot help but stan the monster. Some are going as far as to say as Riolu is the best Pokemon in Ash’s team, and that has stirred some big moods with fans.
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Today, the most recent episode of Pokemon Journeys went live about two months after the show went on hiatus. The anime was forced to go off-air due to COVID-19 and its outbreak in Japan. When the country went under a State of Emergency, it was impossible to continue production on the anime, but things are finally back to normal-isn with Pokemon Journeys.
The episode which debuted today followed Ash and Goh as they sought to solve a mystery. The pair wandered into a safari of sorts where some food happened to go missing, and this ordeal led the pair on a wild chase. Of course, that means Riolu and Pikachu went along with Ash. It was there the newcomer wowed fans with their stupidly cute personality, so fans are a bit split. They want Riolu to stick around for as long as possible… but their desire to have the Baby Pokemon evolve into Lucario is pretty high up there too…
Are you surprised by how Riolu has been folded into Pokemon Journeys so far? Let me know in the comments or hit me up on Twitter @MeganPetersCB to talk all things comics and anime!
The Absolute Cutie
riolu was so so cute in the episode!! #anipoke pic.twitter.com/uKHz8AFl3A
โ PM 2019 ๐ก (@animepkmn) June 7, 2020
Double the Partners
One thing is pretty certain though. Riolu is being built up as a secondary partner companion for Ash alongside Pikachu given it’s heavy role in today’s episode and also the fact we know it travels with the gang in the next episode as well. #Anipoke pic.twitter.com/s6krJH5TOY
โ Anipoke Fandom (@AnipokeFandom) June 7, 2020
Probably Not
Is it too early to say Riolu is the best Pokรฉmon Ash has ever owned? ๐๐
โ Anipoke Hub ๐๐ฅ #ThankYouAnipoke (@AnipokeHub) June 7, 2020
I LOVE HIM TOO MUCH ALREADY ๐ฃ #anipoke pic.twitter.com/5M9jXaJwZo
My Heart
I absolutely love how Riolu was shown to be stubborn when he first met Ash and didn’t want to be treated like a baby but now he just clings onto Ash’s leg for safety every chance he gets. Best puppy. #Anipoke pic.twitter.com/dp1XaCTjj1
โ Anipoke Fandom (@AnipokeFandom) June 7, 2020
WAG WAG WAG
Rioluโs Tail waggles ๐ฅฐ๐ฅฐโจโจ #anipoke #pokemon pic.twitter.com/8P2ZjASpcY
โ TsuraiDragon (@DragonTsurai) June 7, 2020
The Best Boy
#anipoke Riolu is a good boy. pic.twitter.com/joIgSrYvXp
โ Tyler (@AetherTyler) June 7, 2020
Cuteness Overload
Riolu holding Ashโs hand is adorable pic.twitter.com/KEaV5EjrAk
โ the professional dumbass (@marsh_adow) June 7, 2020
Riolu for the Win
I liked this episode mainly on the fact it was enjoyable. I am loving ashs riolu so far. It felt kinda anticlimactic when we found out it was a Skwovet who stole the food. It kinda made sense though since its a squirrel.#anipoke
โ UnovaXY (@MyInfo48545508) June 7, 2020
Rating:7/10 pic.twitter.com/zBLfJigKaf