A thirty-second preview for the next generation of the Pokemon anime appeared on Japanese television this morning, and it’s making waves. Ash’s typical transition between generations involves a wardrobe change, plus the unceremonious dumping of all his friends and every Pokemon he bonded with (sans Pikachu). This time, more than just a hat is different…the art style has been changed entirely.
We know Alola is going to be different; we’ve seen the screenshots from the game, and we’ve seen the variations on familiar Pokemon that have been released by Game Freak so far. We just didn’t figure the cartoon would commit to the change THIS much.
Is this even Ash as we know him? It’s possible this could be a complete reset. Ash is shown going to school for the first time ever; since when do kids ever go to school on Pokemon? It might not even be Ash (no, it’s Ash, why else would Pikachu be there).
Some fans can’t stand the new style, while others admire it, comparing it to the Studio Ghibli style. Check out the trailer yourself and make your own judgment. The Pokemon Sun and Moon cartoon begins broadcasting on TV Tokyo this November, with an international translation to be completed later.
