Ok, so people would like a more mature storyline.

[Psyburn]

Why is this a problem for most people? The majority of users online that do give a hoot about pokemon are obviously not children. Ok so yes, the anime is currently geared towards children and various over zealous users have (on other forums, most notoriously Serebii.net) have been quite blunt with the "show is for kids, get over it" tone. I ask, if the show is for kids, why is there such a huge discussion forum (with mostly teens-adults) with almost thousands of topics centering around it, when the majority of it is nothing more than complaining about how "stupid most of the plot, character development, redundancy, etc" is? Ofcourse there is the manga out there, not a lot of people have access to it, plus me personally, I dont get that much excitement out of reading manga's much (having to read it backwards for most cases can wear on thy nerves). People would personally want to see this type of media animated.

What are your thoughts?

 

[SoulRed12]

I don't think the show would benefit from maturity, as in, blood and guts.

However, I would like to see something with more intense action and close battles about power and strategy, rather than how it is currently where they have half a battle, realize that their pokemon is sad, then have to give it a lolipop to make it feel better and then the episode ends.

The amount of sentimentality in the show is what made me quit watching as I got older. Actually, it made it painful to watch sometimes. If the show was more like, say, the Rockman.EXE series, or the Medabots series, or at all like the pokemon rpg games for that matter, it would still retain its younger viewers (what young boys don't like action?) while retaining older viewers as well.

Like I said, a number of years ago whenI stopped watching, I just got frustrated with wanting to see something exciting and then seeing a lame episode about love or friendship, or sadness, talking about our feelings...etc. Sometimes those things are okay, in the context of an overall story, but pokemon overdid it with every single episode. The first season (Kanto) was actually pretty good comparatively, but after the johto league it really went downhill IMO. Hoenn was okay, but that's when it REALLY started getting into the sentimentality thing. I never even watched the Sinnoh seasons, at all.

 

[I Laugh at your Misfortune!]

The majority of online pokemon fans are teenagers because the majority of people online are teenagers :\ I'm sure that if you did a survey of who watches pokemon, the majority would be aged 12 and under.

 

[randomspot555]

The majority of online pokemon fans are teenagers because the majority of people online are teenagers :\ I'm sure that if you did a survey of who watches pokemon, the majority would be aged 12 and under.

Ta-da, [/end thread]

But seriously, he's correct. An online fanbase is NEVER reflective of the actual fans. For example, Newsarama, a large comic book web site, has hated every single comic book released since 1980 (according to their forum posts). But since Marvel and DC and Image are still in business, obviously that isn't representative of people who are actually buying and enjoying comics.

TLDR for the rest of my post: A negative voice (usually of fans who aren't watching the show/buying the games/otherwise buying the products of whatever franchise) are meaningless compared to the silent non-internet majority who are enjoying it.

Why is this a problem for most people?

Because it's stupid and unnecessary and it's trying to turn the anime into something that was never meant to be/their own personal fan-fic.

It's a kid's show. It's been a kid's show since Day One. If I want to watch something with plot, I'll go watch Lost. If I need some blood and guts, I'll load up Doom II. If I want to watch a kid's show of a video game I enjoy, I'll watch Pokemon.

The majority of users online that do give a hoot about pokemon are obviously not children.

And the people who are purchasing the video games, watching the show, and purchasing other merch (okay, more so their parents), are. If you are beyond age 13, you are beyond the franchise's target demographic and basically your opinion doesn't matter, because it isn't meant for you.

If you can accept that it's a children's franchise and still enjoy it, like I do, then cool. If not, there's no shame in outgrowing it.

Ok so yes, the anime is currently geared towards children

Currently? It always has. Even the Japanese original version isn't some super-duper violence and sex and gore filled, it's just a different culture with a different standard of what can be said or implied or showed in public/television.

I ask, if the show is for kids, why is there such a huge discussion forum (with mostly teens-adults) with almost thousands of topics centering around it,

Because the fanbase on the Internet is an insignifigant (and mostly whiny) minority. Even if it were 100,000 unique individuals (and it isn't, due to multiple accounts on different sites, etc...) that all hated the games/anime/whatever (and they don't all hate it), there's millions more in the US and around the world.

People would personally want to see this type of media animated.

Again, you're watching the wrong show. The anime has never been what you've suggested, and to think it was or should be or could be is quite a far reach.

 

[Taemin]

The majority of online pokemon fans are teenagers because the majority of people online are teenagers :\ I'm sure that if you did a survey of who watches pokemon, the majority would be aged 12 and under.

Totally.

That aside, I still think a more mature series would be awesome.. but it'll never happen. Something that DOES remind me of a more mature version of Pokemon is the Shin Megami Tensei game series. xD Seriously.. in the MMO you can your goal is capture as many of the monsters as you can, battle them, get stronger, and you can hold six in your party. :/

Pokemon = Shin Megami Tensei for the younger crowd. >.>

 

[Netto Azure]

My opinions here will be crushed by the opposition. D:
Just because the series is targeted to kids...eh just go to that "Sick of Ash" thread to know what I think of the Maturity issue. Basically a PokeSupe Anime. XP

 

[Artemis]

It is true, since most teens use the internet, that is basically what we are seeing from one point of view. But like Misfortune said, if we were to take something as a world wide survey the majority would be 12 and under.

Seeing a more mature series of Pokémon might actually be pretty funny to watch, seeing as though I'm so used to the naime we have now xD

 

[Psyburn]

I don't think the show would benefit from maturity, as in, blood and guts.

Please dont//...this is my berserk button. I don't understand people think "maturity" = "blood and guts" more so than just "better drama"

Because it's stupid and unnecessary and it's trying to turn the anime into something that was never meant to be/their own personal fan-fic.

Unnecessary? Maybe. Stupid? highly disagree. You're probably saying this with the "maturity = blood and guts" mentality> If not, then ok. I was always under the impression that most shows that get on tv are usually fan fiction more than not. I doubt Iron Man: Armored Adventures is something beyond fanon.

If I want to watch something with plot, I'll go watch Lost.

Lost and plot...used in the same sentence?

the Japanese original version isn't some super-duper violence and sex and gore filled

I said it was...

Now for the majority of your post, you misread me. When I stated "people online watching a kids show" im trying to say "if the show is for kids, why give users online a discussion forum catering to the show when you're not gonna get much except whining about the show in the first place?" You're basically summarizing a common complaint about other user's common complaints on a show.

 

[randomspot555]

Please dont//...this is my berserk button. I don't understand people think "maturity" = "blood and guts" more so than just "better drama"

If you read most posts concerning it, that's exactly what people want when they say mature.

Unnecessary? Maybe. Stupid? highly disagree. You're probably saying this with the "maturity = blood and guts" mentality> If not, then ok. I was always under the impression that most shows that get on tv are usually fan fiction more than not. I doubt Iron Man: Armored Adventures is something beyond fanon.

Fan fiction is an unauthorized work by a fan that doesn't really have any guidelines to quality or characterization. An official show is the opposite of that.

Yeah, unnecessary. And stupid. Pokemon was never portrayed as such, and there's no reason to think it would change after 12 years.

Lost and plot...used in the same sentence?

Pick any non-kids show. It has more plot. If you're watching Pokemon for the plot you're watching the wrong show.

I said it was...

It isn't.

Now for the majority of your post, you misread me. When I stated "people online watching a kids show" im trying to say "if the show is for kids, why give users online a discussion forum catering to the show when you're not gonna get much except whining about the show in the first place?" You're basically summarizing a common complaint about other user's common complaints on a show.

The reaosn online discussion forums exist has nothing to do with the show. Their fan sites. Most people posting about what the Pokemon anime "should" be are either waxing nostalgia or making it into their own personal fan fic.

It's a kids' show with a simple plot loosely based on a video game. Hasn't changed for 10+years. No reason to think it'll change.

 

[Psyburn]

If you read most posts concerning it, that's exactly what people want when they say mature.

Is this true or your own interpretation of it? Cause I have not once heard anyone describe that they wanted the show to be "blood and Guts". And I wish to know how the definition of Mature mutated into such..

Fan fiction is an unautho...

Spare me the definition....

It isn't.

Because that post wasn't sarcastic in any sense.

The reaosn online discussion forums exist has nothing to do with the show.

>_>

if you see a discussion forum that says "discuss the anime here", why wouldn't it have anything to do with it? You're not making sense here.

Pokemon was never portrayed as such, and there's no reason to think it would change after 12 years.

It's a kids' show with a simple plot loosely based on a video game. Hasn't changed for 10+years. No reason to think it'll change.

Listen, im not complaining about the content of the show, im asking why people have issues when another person suggests potentially better writing for the show, whether the term "mature" gets used or not. Stating the same thing twice in one post is basically providing the example of what im talking about.

 

[Unown_]

Is this true or your own interpretation of it? Cause I have not once heard anyone describe that they wanted the show to be "blood and Guts". And I wish to know how the definition of Mature mutated into such..

Unfortunately it's true that some (wheter in- or outside this forum) associate "mature" with "blood and guts".
Why? The only possible reason I can come up with is: mature = 16+ and movies/games get this a 16+ rating because it contains violence and other stuff.

On topic: I would be very happy if the episodes together form a story rather than most of the episode are working as a stand-alone.

Most people say that the manga is way better that the anime. I have to agree with that statement. It manga has a decent storyline. Obviously, if the manga didn't had a good storyline, people wouldn't read it and it would be discontinued.

The storyline in anime is mostly pretty much non-existent. Though you have to agree that over the years the writers are trying to do a better job.
The Riolu two-parter is a nice example of a good episode. I was watching part 1 of the subbed version and my younger brother decided to watch it too. He is not into Pokemon and only watch an episode every once in a while on tv. Anyway, the episode ended with a cliff hanger and my brother's first reaction was "Where is part 2?!". It was amusing to see someone, who isn't into Pokemon, practically demanding for another episode of Pokemon.

So, I believe that simply making all the episodes together from a storyline would be enough. A lot believe that changing the cast would do good, but I disagree on that part. Replace Ash and co with other characters and keep the badge quest will in my opinion end in the same as where Pokemon is now.

 

[randomspot555]

Is this true or your own interpretation of it? Cause I have not once heard anyone describe that they wanted the show to be "blood and Guts". And I wish to know how the definition of Mature mutated into such..

Have you read the posts around here complaining about the show? Most want more violence, or sex, or shipping, etc... Regardless of if that's what you want, that's what many are talking about.

Spare me the definition....

You're the one who compared an officially licensed Iron Man show to fanfiction. Apparently, you needed the definition.

Because that post wasn't sarcastic in any sense.

There was nothing to indicate it as succh.

if you see a discussion forum that says "discuss the anime here", why wouldn't it have anything to do with it? You're not making sense here.

I should clarify. They aren't officially affiliated with the franchise. So their purpose isn't to fix the show, it's for fans to discuss. Unfortunately, most fans have crap ideas for the franchise.

Listen, im not complaining about the content of the show, im asking why people have issues when another person suggests potentially better writing for the show,

Because most are completely unrealistic for what a kids' show such as Pokemon would be like, or complete crap ideas, or both. The anime has a target demo of kids 6-11 with a simple plot loosely based on a popular video game, which is part of a franchise also aimed at the same demo. For it to have some deep plot is simply the wrong franchise to look for.

 

[Vernikova]

On topic: I would be very happy if the episodes together form a story rather than most of the episode are working as a stand-alone.

But they do form a story.

Most people say that the manga is way better that the anime. I have to agree with that statement. It manga has a decent storyline. Obviously, if the manga didn't had a good storyline, people wouldn't read it and it would be discontinued.

Which manga? Pokémon Special isn't the manga of course but that's what you must be alluding to. This argument could also be used for the anime. If the anime didn't have a good storyline, it wouldn't be watched and would've been cancelled.

The storyline in anime is mostly pretty much non-existent.

I always thought it was Satoshi's journey.

So, I believe that simply making all the episodes together from a storyline would be enough.

This has both its advantages and disadvantages. Many well done episodes, such as the upcoming Rotom episode in my opinion, wouldn't be made at all because it doesn't continue the story. The Riolu two parter wouldn't have been made either since it's a filler special as well.

A lot believe that changing the cast would do good, but I disagree on that part. Replace Ash and co with other characters and keep the badge quest will in my opinion end in the same as where Pokemon is now.

I agree here.

 

[Dragonzord]

its simple

kids that watch it dont have a voice where we can hear it. they talk amongst themdelves, not on these forums. we still talk about it b/c we cant get over the fact were growing up (or we're just trying to get some nostalgia, and trying to hard)

 

[Artemis]

its simple

kids that watch it dont have a voice where we can hear it. they talk amongst themdelves, not on these forums. we still talk about it b/c we cant get over the fact were growing up (or we're just trying to get some nostalgia, and trying to hard)

Our voices, even if on a forum barely get heard by the Company. xD I simply think that Pokémon would rather keep it for young kids, but if they're losing money and see that they still have a few million or so young adults or adults even still watching it, then they would take the chance to make a more elder version of teh anime.

 

[Unown_]

But they do form a story.

Which manga? Pokémon Special isn't the manga of course but that's what you must be alluding to. This argument could also be used for the anime. If the anime didn't have a good storyline, it wouldn't be watched and would've been cancelled.

I always thought it was Satoshi's journey.

This has both its advantages and disadvantages. Many well done episodes, such as the upcoming Rotom episode in my opinion, wouldn't be made at all because it doesn't continue the story. The Riolu two parter wouldn't have been made either since it's a filler special as well.I agree here.

Yes I was talking about Pokemon Special. There are a more than one Pokemon manga's in existance. Guess I'm part of the crowd being guilty of making Pokemon Special a synonym for "pokemon manga".

Apparently the anime is good enough to ensure it's existence. Otherwise it would be discontinued. But it is in my personal opinion that the anime could be much better.

As for the Rioulu two-parter example, I meant that as a standalone. Besides I never said that the Rotom episode was bad. The Rioulu two-parter was an easy example that I could bring up.

 

[Vernikova]

When I mentioned the Riolu special, I was commenting about you wanting a all canon series. With an all canon, what I was trying to is that episodes like the Riolu special and the Rotom episode wouldn't be made without major alteration.

 

[Mr. bell]

Of course I would like a more mature storyline, but I understand that the show is for kid, and it is successful because of it. So i guess i'd like to see another show that would have a more mature storyline and it doesn't need to be the main storyline, it could be some spin-off show like the may journey in johto.

 

[joehat]

How many of you watch a "typical" episode of Pokemon..

Ash and friends meet CotD and their Pokemon
Brock professes his love for said CotD
CotD's Pokemon needs help
Ash and friends decide to help
Team Rocket attempts to steal said Pokemon and blasts off again
Moral of the story
Everyone and everything works out. Every time.

..and feel satisfied with the conclusion?

I am not asking for a more mature storyline. I just wish it was more interesting.

I hate how after a battle, both Pokemon are fine. Remember the first time Ash battled Lt. Surge? Pikachu was in a Pokemon Center bed for an entire night. As I've said many times, I'm trying to watch the anime all the way through. I'm currently halfway through Battle Frontier. It doesn't hurt to see a bit of pain, does it? Will it scar the children that much? I mean come on, the worst we get is Pikachu biting Ash in the first Hoenn episode? I do love that scene however.

Even with the plot being nothing more than the story of Ash's journey and the bonds he builds with his friends, I see no reason to stop watching the anime. I do still enjoy it. It's Pokemon.

The only thing is, when watching Pokemon, I probably look like this...

 

[randomspot555]

How many of you watch a "typical" episode of Pokemon..

Ash and friends meet CotD and their Pokemon
Brock professes his love for said CotD
CotD's Pokemon needs help
Ash and friends decide to help
Team Rocket attempts to steal said Pokemon and blasts off again
Moral of the story
Everyone and everything works out. Every time.

..and feel satisfied with the conclusion?

Pokemon is formulaic. That's nothing new. The games, movies, manga, and anime all follow a pretty general plot. Like the anime, you can probably predict the basic plot of the next non-remake game.

I hate how after a battle, both Pokemon are fine. Remember the first time Ash battled Lt. Surge? Pikachu was in a Pokemon Center bed for an entire night.

It's happened since then too, though it can be argued Ash and his Pikachu just couldn't handle the beating from Lt. Surge since it was so early in his time as a trainer.

But regardless of the extent of injuries, that's just basic suspension of belief. It's based on a game that, as long as a Pokemon doesn't "faint" (it won't die), it'll still has just as much energy as when it is at full health. In fact, some get STRONGER as they get weaker (Overgrow, Blaze)

In fact, the anime puts some realism on this and does show Pokemon to grow tired, less alert, and so on as a battle wears on, even if they don't sustain much damage from attacks, or aren't shown visibly bleeding or broken bones, etc...

As I've said many times, I'm trying to watch the anime all the way through. I'm currently halfway through Battle Frontier. It doesn't hurt to see a bit of pain, does it? Will it scar the children that much? I mean come on, the worst we get is Pikachu biting Ash in the first Hoenn episode? I do love that scene however.

We also have Toxicroak impaling Brock's Croagunk in the recent Galactic arc. Though Croagunk sees to be fine, or was probably healed off-screen.