For a franchise with as much history as Pokémon, consistently producing fresh ideas is difficult, but the anime’s best direction could come from revisiting a forgotten spinoff. Despite being an overlooked series of the franchise, Pokémon Chronicles is unique in that it provides different perspectives on the Pokémon universe outside of Ash Ketchum’s adventures. Given that 20 years have passed since its premiere, repeating Pokémon Chronicles might be what the franchise needs to revitalize the Pokémon anime.
With the earliest episodes first appearing in the late 1990s, Pokémon Chronicles only contains 22 episodes, contributing to its forgotten status. This Pokémon series gives Ash a break and focuses on the adventures of different side characters from the main anime in each episode. This provides a broader look at the Pokémon universe by showing unique perspectives spanning many regions, age groups, and professions, even including episodes where Team Rocket is the central focus. Its unique perspective and format make Pokémon Chronicles the perfect candidate for a reboot.
The most recent iteration of the Pokémon anime, the Journeys series, has proven to be divisive among fans. With the ninth generation of Pokémon on the horizon, the anime series will likely be changing its format, and its best option might be to consider something completely different from the main series’ usual approach. Given the time that has elapsed since its initial run and its unique premise, repeating the Pokémon Chronicles format could breathe new life into the Pokémon anime.
Why Now Is The Perfect Time For Another Pokémon Chronicles Series
Following Ash in the Pokémon anime for so long has had its limitations, but since each episode of Pokémon Chronicles follows a different character from the franchise, its premise has nearly limitless plot potential. Given that it has been over a decade since the last episode aired, there are plenty of characters from the franchise that could be revisited in a new Pokémon Chronicles series. Although the main anime has previously caught up with some of Ash’s past companions, such as Brock or Misty, there are plenty of others from subsequent generations of Pokémon that have not been revisited. Returning to the Pokémon Chronicles format would give the anime the freedom to revisit a plethora of beloved characters and tell unique stories set in the Pokémon universe.
Another reason to revisit Pokémon Chronicles is the conflicting response that the most recent Pokémon series, Journeys, has received. While some enjoy Journeys, other fans are turned off by its lack of clear direction for the characters or its story. Ash’s pursuit of becoming a Pokémon Master can seem tired 25 years into the series’ run, but rebooting Pokémon Chronicles would help breathe new life into the anime by letting him rest and focusing on different characters’ journeys. The spinoff’s format would also free the anime from having to follow an ongoing narrative, allowing for more creative storytelling. A format change is inevitable for the franchise anyway, and returning to Pokémon Chronicles with a reboot could uniquely revitalize the Pokémon anime.
