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What if the anime were to start with another different region, and not Kanto? How much effect would it have had? Would Prof. Oak, Gary, Misty, or any original Pokémon characters been as popular as they are today? Which characters would you expect to take over their roles? What kind of changes do you think it would've made in future series?
I think Kanto characters would still be popular because of the games, but Brock and Misty would just be classified like any other Gym Leader from Kanto. It's weird to think of Brock as a regular person. But if the anime was to start in Unova, for example, I think that it would have had the same treatment as Kanto, because it's the original and what most people are familiar with. There wouldn't be near as many Gary memes in existence, haha.
If the anime still went in the same direction that it did in reality, then I don't think there would be that many differences. Many things from OS are now gone and the anime has changed a lot as far as personality goes.
I think the thing about the Kanto region was that because it was the first series of Pokemon and no one had any idea of what the show was going to be like, it could be said that the uniqueness and creativity of it canonized it in our hearts, which is why many of us have a special liking to Brock, Misty, Oak, etc. I'd like to think that if it was reversed, say we started with the Unova region for example, I think the same effect would have been had with those people. As a result, the cast of the Kanto region and it's pokemon may lose some of it's appeal because that "surprise" factor isn't there anymore.
Pokemon was obviously groundbreaking hit back in 90's. Something which served as forerunner and ahead of its time as action, adventure, comedy based anime focusing on powerful creatures which coexist with humans and help defend evil and world goes.
Afterwards other shows like Digimon, Bakugan, Dinosaur king etc followed same suit. But at that time Pokemon was first type of show introducing this concept on larger , more relevant basis in gaming and television industry.
Because of that regardless of in what region anime started its adventure(Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova etc you name it), because of immense popularity of games, manga, cardgame etc guarantees that animated series would instantly allure people interest starting watching anime.
Only question is in what capacity would pokemon show become popular if start of adventure didn't happened in Kanto and we didn't had Misty and Brock, prof. Oak, Gary etc as original cast?
To truly answer this question, deeper analysis is required to be made.
Introspection of show roots:
Spoiler:
For start if pokemon put down its roots in some other region, we wouldn't possibly had same magic Kanto saga managed to create among millions of fans worldwide.
Such as portraying world back than as darker, dangerous place with characterization and anime having more kinky style and edgy elements characteristic for them containing clever humor often having inappropriate things which managed to pass under radar. Being known for using real bombs, guns, riffles, twisted and corrupted people like Nastina, bike gangs etc.
We had in Kanto highly peculiar and unique characters which instantly won hearts and attention of many people out there. Such as rough, bearish lt. Surge which didn't cared over hurting trainers and their pokemon poutting them in hospital finding how strength and discipline is "everything". Mentally ill Sabrina which developed personality disorder turning in callous and cold girl which didn't hesitate in killing others, turning them in dolls or showing any compassion, while other part of hrr character ortrayed happy and playful girl trapped in body of teenager. Leader of Team Rocket organization Giovanni,.
People like Misty which was left without parents at very young age constantly living in shadow of three egoistic older sisters which downgraded her and gradually deconstructed her security and confidence as character being underestimated by everyone. Which left scares on her psyche feeling need to grow up fast and learn how to take care of herself building rough, violent exterior to hide insecurity, fears and lack of confidence. Largely molding character personality and in who she grew up over the years and travels with Ash in feeling need to be selfsufficient, independent and tough not looking for someone pity, while learning to be more open and caring.
Or Brock who was left alone by dozen of younger brothers and sisters due to reckless and carefree parents. With burden of being parent to his younger siblings falling down on him and having to delay and put on hold his own dreams of traveling, exploring world and learning about new pokemon becoming great breeder. Taking care of gym, house and everything which goes with it. Which may have played influence in his character actively trying to attract girls searching for love and comfort he didn't experienced from parents.
Such characters, their background and complex, unique personalities. Various creative arcs like St. Anne, island of giant pokemon, invoke of mega big pokemon like Alakazam and Gengar threatening to destroy world in apocalyptic like scenario or themes such as comcelt of death questioning your own purpose and existence in life like Mewtwo did not being sure where he belongs. Followed with OS in general following games much less with writers experimenting and trying out various ideas unrelated to games(like Orange archipelago, Johto and side adventures like Whirl islands and Whirl Cup etc which retained portion of wacky, out of place writing Kanto used) were one of main attracting points which Kanto had to offer to its viewers.
There are various factors which defined pokemon popularity and how would anime be received internationally. Having different characters, different region and different storyline, atmosphere doesn't guarantee pokemon would become in same way appealing toward viewers like it was case with Kanto characters.
Different characters have different personalities, which would mix differently with Ash than it was case with Misty and Brock creating different dynamic. Dynamic which we don't know if it would be in same positively received like it was case with those two having well constructed characters managing to encapsulate emotions in more genuine, spontaneous manner than any other cast afterwards did in many people eyes.
They would have different traits which would define them and backstories not being known if they would be relatable and personalities mixing different with Ash or Brock's than Misty did,
Promoting friendship and adventure aspect of exploring new places, pokemon and pursue their own dreams.
Who knows. Maybe pokemon anime would be even more popular and creating even larger following if starting cast were Ash, Iris and Cilan, Ash, Dawn and someone else. Having professors like dr. Rowan, Juniper etc.
Maybe initial success and popularity would be exact same like it was case in reality.
But it could also as far as anime goes have lower success, popularity and strong impression left on people minds if its roots didn't began in Kanto.
