The Pokémon Manga They Want You To Forget

Summary

This video celebrates the end of Ash Ketchum's 25-year Pokémon journey by exploring a unique manga from the early days of the franchise. The focus is on 'The Electric Tale of Pikachu,' a darker and more detailed adaptation of Ash's story. The manga's more mature themes, including character growth, intense battles, and artistic liberties, are highlighted, alongside its censorship for U.S. audiences. With nostalgic reflections and a blend of humor, the video delves into the unique charm of this lesser-known part of Pokémon history.

Takeaways

• 🎉 After 25 years, Ash Ketchum has finally reached the end of his Pokémon journey, making it a momentous occasion for fans.
• 📜 The video celebrates Ash's journey by looking back at the early days of Pokémon, when the corporate grip on the franchise was not as tight.
• 🖌️ A manga called *Dengeki Pikachu* was created to explore Ash's story in a darker, more mature way compared to the TV anime, offering deeper character development and grittier themes.
• 📚 The manga was drawn by hentai artist Toshihiro Ono, who added more detailed and sometimes controversial depictions of Pokémon and characters.
• 🖼️ Ono’s *Dengeki Pikachu* took creative liberties with character designs, making the Pokémon world scarier and more sci-fi influenced.
• 🎨 The manga faced censorship in both Japan and the U.S. due to sexualized depictions, especially of female characters like Misty and Jessie, leading to significant redrawing.
• 💔 The manga offered a darker, more realistic take on the Pokémon League, with only the top trainers becoming professionals, adding stakes to Ash’s journey.
• 🚀 The story expanded on the lives of characters like Team Rocket, giving more depth to Jesse and James, and even portraying their past as failed trainers.
• ⚔️ The manga's battles, such as Ash’s encounter with a Gigantomax Haunter, were intense and delved into the darker side of Pokémon lore.
• 😂 Despite its darker themes, the manga maintained a lighthearted, goofy side with fun side stories and humorous moments, making it a mix of adventure and comedy.

Q & A

What was significant about Ash Ketchum's journey in the Pokémon franchise?

Ash Ketchum's journey in the Pokémon franchise lasted 25 years, making him one of the most well-traveled and iconic characters in animation history. His journey culminated in him finally achieving his goal of becoming the Pokémon Master.

Why does the script mention a shift in the corporate grip on the Pokémon franchise?

The script refers to a time when the Pokémon franchise was less controlled by corporate oversight, allowing for more experimental and diverse projects, such as manga and spinoffs by creators who are no longer associated with the brand today.

What is the significance of Dengeki Pikachu in the Pokémon franchise?

Dengeki Pikachu was a manga that offered a darker and more detailed interpretation of the Pokémon world. It focused on more naturalistic designs and gave a more grounded depth to Ash, Team Rocket, and other characters, providing a contrast to the anime’s lighter tone.

How did the art style of Dengeki Pikachu differ from the main anime?

Toshihiro Ono, the manga artist, gave the Pokémon a more realistic and sometimes frightening appearance, emphasizing that these creatures were wild animals with potential dangers, unlike the more friendly depiction in the anime.

What kind of liberties did the manga take with its characters, particularly Ash and Team Rocket?

The manga explored the characters in darker and more nuanced ways. For example, Jesse and James reveal that they once aimed to be successful trainers but turned to crime after failing in their careers. It also hinted at romantic relationships, including Ash and Misty sharing a bath.

Why was Dengeki Pikachu controversial and heavily censored in different regions?

Dengeki Pikachu included sexualized content, such as exaggerated character designs, which led to censorship, particularly in the American version where many scenes and images were altered or removed for being inappropriate for younger audiences.

How did Dengeki Pikachu explore the world of Pokémon differently from other adaptations?

Dengeki Pikachu offered a unique perspective by focusing on how Pokémon live in their natural habitats and how human cultures are influenced by them. It delved into the mysterious and dangerous aspects of Pokémon, as seen in storylines like the battle with the gigantic Haunter.

What was unique about the portrayal of Professor Oak in the manga?

In Dengeki Pikachu, Professor Oak is portrayed as more of an adventurer and a researcher living among Pokémon, adding depth to his character as he travels the world and conducts field research, rather than just being a mentor who hands out starter Pokémon.

What role did censorship play in shaping the U.S. release of the Dengeki Pikachu manga?

Censorship in the U.S. release of Dengeki Pikachu removed or altered much of the sexually suggestive content, including redrawing characters and omitting scenes entirely, particularly those featuring exaggerated female body features like Misty and Jesse.

Why is Dengeki Pikachu remembered despite being out of print and controversial?

Despite its controversy, Dengeki Pikachu is remembered for its unique take on the Pokémon world, its darker themes, and the way it fleshed out characters in a more mature and complex manner. Fans still appreciate it for its blend of humor, adventure, and dramatic storytelling.