News: Two Familiar Faces Appear in the Pokémon Sun and Moon Anime!

[weedle_mchairybug]

So they do Gym Battles in Cerulean? How may I ask does Brock do a Gym Battle in a Pool with Steelix(a Pokemon who is still part Ground type, hence doesn't like Water). Granted Kiawe has Fire Types who also don't like Water so I suppose it's an even matchup. I smell Brock and Misty winning. Why? Because it will be a teachable moment and will spur Ash to keep trying harder because he has much stronger opponents ahead of him(Tapu Koko and Gladion for starters).

With them going back to Cerulean, I hope Psyduck makes a reappearance(with the signature theme) with Lana going bonkers on all the Water type Pokemon. Might also mean a reappearance of Tracey(if he hasn't returned in the previous Episode) and Misty's sisters.

Yeah, and besides which, after the crap hand gym leaders were dealt with in AG and BW, we need a good fight whether Ash or Misty wins specifically to show that Gym Leaders were not push-overs unlike what AG and BW tastelessly implied (only XY came close to how gym leaders were depicted in the original series as formidable foes. I'm not counting DP since even though they did show formidableness in the series, it came at the cost of making Ash and especially Pikachu looking grossly incompetent in the process, and needlessly so, especially when taking into account that said Pikachu beat a freaking Regice beforehand. XY is the only one where the Gym Leaders are demonstrated as truly formidable and Ash likewise is also shown to be skilled at the same time, which we hadn't gotten since Johto.). And hopefully, Misty's fight against Ash will actually inspire Daisy and the others to decide to take Gym leading duties seriously, thus allowing Misty to pursue her Water Pokémon Master goal again after the end of Johto had her sisters being forced into the gym. She could even do it without Ash for all I care, so long as she's able to pursue her goal again and not be used as a punching bag anymore.

 

[Rajas20]

Honestly, I'll be glad either way since it's a win-win situation for me, especially considering that Pikachu's definitely going to be fighting against at the very least Mega-Gyarados. If Ash wins, at least he won using Pikachu, an established veteran. If Misty wins, it shows her Mega-Gyarados is very powerful. Either way, it certainly won't showcase her as being a weakling who loses easily to, if not rookie trainers, then certainly a rookie team barring the starter, which would come close to redeeming the writers after how they depicted Hoenn's Gym Leaders in AG, and to a certain extent the DP gym leaders and BW gym leaders (Hoenn's Gym Leaders, with the exception of Brawley and possibly Roxanne, came across as grossly incompetent, about as pathetic of trainers as JJM, and it doesn't help that this was the same saga that came after Misty's removal by forcing her to become a Gym Leader against her own will. And BW was arguably even worse due to how much Ash was depicted as an idiot in that series. For DP, technically, the Gym Leaders were depicted better, but it came at the cost of making ASH, and especially Pikachu, seem grossly incompetent in the process especially after the latter's effortless win against a Regice). Personally, I want Misty to actually LEAVE Cerulean and pursue her Water Pokémon Master goal again, whether it's with Ash or without him.

I just feel like a one win and one loss for Z-moves would suffice. I am picky about this but i dislike Ash getting schooled when he's faced worse before. Like Pikachu vs Metagross and Tyranitar in Kalos. Saying that, he may lose but i really hope not. As for Brock, I'm sure he'd beat Kiawe

 

[Hikamaru]

Misty and Brock are lecturers while Ash is a student. Kinda funny in a way to me seeing that Ash has beaten so many gyms. I expect Brock to win but if Ash loses I'lll be disappointed but then his Pokemon may not be on Misty's level bar Pikachu.

It is weird how Ash had all this experience beating Gyms but he ends up being the one who has to learn. I mean, I often headcanon that Ash is younger than Brock and Misty.

As for how the battle against Misty may go, I feel Ash may win due to being the main character but I personally want Misty to win since I feel Mega Evolution is supposed to be more powerful than Z-Moves.

 

[weedle_mchairybug]

I just feel like a one win and one loss for Z-moves would suffice. I am picky about this but i dislike Ash getting schooled when he's faced worse before. Like Pikachu vs Metagross and Tyranitar in Kalos. Saying that, he may lose but i really hope not. As for Brock, I'm sure he'd beat Kiawe

Like I said, whether Ash wins or not, I'll be happy either way. Believe me, after having to read up on how pretty much all the gym leaders from AG up to BW being depicted as grossly incompetent by losing to rookies far too easily (and in the case of BW, losing against a guy who comes across as a complete idiot), and in the case of DP, manages to come across as competent at the expense of Ash and Pikachu coming across as incompetent in the process, I partially want Misty to win, if only to show Misty isn't merely a punching bag unlike what AG and BW essentially implied about Gym Leaders. Heck, if Ash wins with just Pikachu, that's good enough for me, largely because Pikachu at least is an established veteran in the team.

It is weird how Ash had all this experience beating Gyms but he ends up being the one who has to learn. I mean, I often headcanon that Ash is younger than Brock and Misty.

As for how the battle against Misty may go, I feel Ash may win due to being the main character but I personally want Misty to win since I feel Mega Evolution is supposed to be more powerful than Z-Moves.

Well, to be fair, Misty's probably older by a few months at the very least (she's confirmed to be 10 in the Japanese version of Pokemon and in some supplemental material). But yeah, it's indeed weird that Ash comes across as a novice.

And yeah, I also want Misty to win, namely because, after all the crap Gym Leaders, and by extension, her, ended up having to be put up with by losing easily to rookies since AG, she really deserves the win to show she's not a push over or punching bag, which the show essentially implied the moment they had every Hoenn Gym Leader after Brawley basically being mauled alive by Ash's team of rookies, and Best Wishes having the Gym Leaders being humiliated by someone who not only had a completely rookie team, but was also a massive idiot as well, and even DP, while otherwise depicting them as competent, came at the cost of depicting Ash and Pikachu as incompetent. You have NO idea just how much that enraged me, how the Gym Leaders starting with AG were depicted more like what you'd expect from Team Rocket than the formidable opponents they were characterized as in the Original Series (and more than lived up to that reputation in that series).

 

[Rajas20]

It is weird how Ash had all this experience beating Gyms but he ends up being the one who has to learn. I mean, I often headcanon that Ash is younger than Brock and Misty.

As for how the battle against Misty may go, I feel Ash may win due to being the main character but I personally want Misty to win since I feel Mega Evolution is supposed to be more powerful than Z-Moves.

I think having Z moves lose twice would kind of be an embarrassment but maybe a double KO might also suffice? I honestly just don't like Ash to lose so I'm difficult.

Like I said, whether Ash wins or not, I'll be happy either way. Believe me, after having to read up on how pretty much all the gym leaders from AG up to BW being depicted as grossly incompetent by losing to rookies far too easily (and in the case of BW, losing against a guy who comes across as a complete idiot), and in the case of DP, manages to come across as competent at the expense of Ash and Pikachu coming across as incompetent in the process, I partially want Misty to win, if only to show Misty isn't merely a punching bag unlike what AG and BW essentially implied about Gym Leaders. Heck, if Ash wins with just Pikachu, that's good enough for me, largely because Pikachu at least is an established veteran in the team.

I get what you're saying tbh, which is why I want Brock to win as well. I really never liked Misty being better than Ash in general and I doubt he ever beat her fair and square? Kinda why I also want him win.

 

[weedle_mchairybug]

I think having Z moves lose twice would kind of be an embarrassment but maybe a double KO might also suffice? I honestly just don't like Ash to lose so I'm difficult.



I get what you're saying tbh, which is why I want Brock to win as well. I really never liked Misty being better than Ash in general and I doubt he ever beat her fair and square? Kinda why I also want him win.

Well, yeah, but Brock's no longer a gym leader, so it really doesn't have the same effect. And I sympathize with your not wanting to see Ash lose (after all, I got irritated with Ash's level resets or how he's shoved into the school environment with SM). However, I do think after the crap hand gym leaders, especially Misty, were given starting with AG, she ultimately deserves a win. Besides, there were a few times Ash beat Misty in the Original Series anyways, at least one of which was fair and square (namely, when Bulbasaur tickled Psyduck and the fight for Totodile).

 

[Rajas20]

Well, yeah, but Brock's no longer a gym leader, so it really doesn't have the same effect. And I sympathize with your not wanting to see Ash lose (after all, I got irritated with Ash's level resets or how he's shoved into the school environment with SM). However, I do think after the crap hand gym leaders, especially Misty, were given starting with AG, she ultimately deserves a win. Besides, there were a few times Ash beat Misty in the Original Series anyways, at least one of which was fair and square (namely, when Bulbasaur tickled Psyduck and the fight for Totodile).

That is indeed true, either way I guess I'd live with it. I'm generally happy with seeing them again, salty about the art style as per usual.

 

[weedle_mchairybug]

Sort of new stuff: Two new GIFs have surfaced:

https://waterrflower.tumblr.com/post/165059679813

We technically saw them before, because it was on the Televi-Kun scan, but it wasn't shown animated until now.

EDIT:

Here's where the GIFs originated from:

https://twitter.com/Kelkbkb/status/905559471946162177

EDIT 2: New stills came out regarding Misty and Brock (as well as Jigglypuff, plus one that has Pikachu on a beach for some reason), and based on the quality, it seems as though they just snapped a camera at the screen:

https://twitter.com/hytoAE/status/905738583167778816

Oh, and also a couple of stills involving Muk and also one still of Brock meeting Lillie (and in the latter, higher quality screencaps of all the images above aside from the Jigglypuff one):

https://twitter.com/Story_terror/status/905738937984942081

https://twitter.com/pokemongo_maste/status/905738745894154240

Then we've got some new stills, presumably relating to the first day of the Pallet Town childrens' journey. Remember how, besides Gary and Ash, there were two other trainers? Well, it looks like we may at least know who those trainers look like after all this time. Bulbasaur's trainer, at least from the back, resembles Marina from the Orange Islands, and Charmander's trainer looks really... well, heavyset. You can find the stills here:

https://twitter.com/moa151/status/905633966455013377

Oh, and they also released a new artwork featuring Misty and Brock with Ash at a campfire, apparently as part of a media pinup distribution that AniMedia's October issue due out tomorrow: https://twitter.com/karubiimunomono/status/905701801986449409

Looks like the teasers are back in spades, and seems only to reinforce my suspicion that, at least regarding Misty and Brock's stay, if not their stay in Kanto, this is definitely going to be a LOT more than just two episodes. This is way too much to be teased for just two episodes, ESPECIALLY considering how similar stuff from the Mirage Kingdom arc all the way up to Charizard's return wasn't even remotely teased as much, only getting an episode title and a screencap released at MOST.

EDIT 3: Some additional GIFs have been released. Namely, the Jigglypuff getting POed pic in the last edit is animated. There's also another gif where Lillie's Vulpix is being groomed by a Ninetales.

https://waterrflower.tumblr.com/post/165076949338

https://waterrflower.tumblr.com/post/165077006993

Also, it's confirmed that the woman who got Bulbasaur is indeed supposed to be Marina from the Orange Islands, while the Charmander trainer was based on Tierno.

EDIT 4: Another clip came up. This time, Mallow's reacting to Vileplume and a couple of Glooms in a flowery field.

https://waterrflower.tumblr.com/post/165077257523/flowers

EDIT 5: Here's the full 30 second teaser that's released that has all the above in it:

https://waterrflower.tumblr.com/post/165077340744/clip-for-next-weeks-episode

Also, two additional screencaps have been teased, this time of what is presumably Misty and Ash's gym battle:

https://waterrflower.tumblr.com/post/165077413983/guys

That seems to remind me more of Pewter Gym than Cerulean Gym, but oh well...

EDIT 5: A series of clips depicting a portion of Ash and Misty's battle have just been released:

https://waterrflower.tumblr.com/post/165080246963/ash-vs-misty-pikachu-vs-gyarados

Also, an image has leaked with some Japanese text that seems to imply that we're going to get revisits to other regions BESIDES Kanto in the near future. Hikamaru's definitely going to like this.

https://twitter.com/AshandSerena/status/905722689653956608

 

[weedle_mchairybug]

Hey, ah, guys, you know that there's new stuff, right? I'm editing my old post, and I kinda expect some discussion, since this topic IS about Misty and Brock potentially returning in SM.

 

[Frozocrone]

TPC released a preview of the episode on TV Tokyo which is where a lot of those gifs are from.

Doesn't include any battles though because it's a preview for SM042 (battles occur in SM043).



(I realise you had posted this in hyperlinked form but TV Tokyo do release their previews on YouTube for the next episode for a while and YouTube is probably easier to navigate than Tumblr)

There's also a video on TV Tokyo's page in the top left hand corner (needs Flash to view)

https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pokemon_sunmoon/

 

[CodeHelmet]

Visiting other regions? Well now... let's see here. Serena is in Hoenn(right now anyway), Dawn was in Johto to do the Wallace Cup there, May is also in Johto for Contests(came to Sinnoh for Wallace Cup) and Iris is in Johto last I checked too. So considering Ash went to Johto after Kanto/Orange Islands(and is close to Kanto), perhaps we will run into three of the old companions: May, Dawn and Iris(throw Sakura in there too). Then if they go to Hoenn, that is where Serena might enter the mix. Cilan, Clemont and Bonnie will only enter the fray when Kalos is brought up(as that is their last known location).

In either case, the promo only shows Kanto Pokemon. I've yet to see Johto or later region Pokemon(unless they're saving that for other regional trips).

 

[weedle_mchairybug]

Visiting other regions? Well now... let's see here. Serena is in Hoenn(right now anyway), Dawn was in Johto to do the Wallace Cup there, May is also in Johto for Contests(came to Sinnoh for Wallace Cup) and Iris is in Johto last I checked too. So considering Ash went to Johto after Kanto/Orange Islands(and is close to Kanto), perhaps we will run into three of the old companions: May, Dawn and Iris(throw Sakura in there too). Then if they go to Hoenn, that is where Serena might enter the mix. Cilan, Clemont and Bonnie will only enter the fray when Kalos is brought up(as that is their last known location).

In either case, the promo only shows Kanto Pokemon. I've yet to see Johto or later region Pokemon(unless they're saving that for other regional trips).

Serena, Iris, and Dawn? Sure. Can't say the same about May, though, considering KAORI, you know, quit voice acting and became a pop singer (besides, I'm pretty sure she's LONG since gone through Johto by this point and, if anything, is going through Sinnoh, if even there). We could see Max return, though, he definitely needs it considering how similar to Misty, he also got screwed over for things far beyond his control (namely, he can't age thanks to the writers insisting that Ash can't age, meaning not only will he not be a trainer at all, but he can't even fight Ash as promised).

Sort of news, but one of the teaser images we saw earlier is now animated:

Also, here's the full scan of the page that hinted at them visiting other regions besides Kanto from earlier:

https://waterrflower.tumblr.com/image/165082806998

And if you look closely at the image, it's taken from the same image from earlier:

https://soveryanon.tumblr.com/image/165075703723

That definitely seems to hint that the upcoming two episodes are not the only episodes Misty and Brock are going to be present.

Oh yeah, and Satoshi Nakano's concept art of Misty's been shared by Kato: https://twitter.com/kato_olm/status/905742282124431362

本日のOAも無事終了しました。
昼間、中野くんにも描いてもらったイラストです。

来週からカントー編！ 9/14、21
https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pokemon_sunmoon/ …
#アニポケ

 

[CodeHelmet]

Serena, Iris, and Dawn? Sure. Can't say the same about May, though, considering KAORI, you know, quit voice acting and became a pop singer (besides, I'm pretty sure she's LONG since gone through Johto by this point and, if anything, is going through Sinnoh, if even there). We could see Max return, though, he definitely needs it considering how similar to Misty, he also got screwed over for things far beyond his control (namely, he can't age thanks to the writers insisting that Ash can't age, meaning not only will he not be a trainer at all, but he can't even rematch Ash as promised).

Sort of news, but one of the teaser images we saw earlier is now animated:

Also, here's the full scan of the page that hinted at them visiting other regions besides Kanto from earlier:

https://waterrflower.tumblr.com/image/165082806998

And if you look closely at the image, it's taken from the same image from earlier:

https://soveryanon.tumblr.com/image/165075703723

That definitely seems to hint that the upcoming two episodes are not the only episodes Misty and Brock are going to be present.

Oh yeah, and Satoshi Nakano's concept art of Misty's been shared by Kato: https://twitter.com/kato_olm/status/905742282124431362

Never say never on VA's. If the money is right or if they're lobbied by their fans to do it, then we may see May again. Otherwise she will return with a different VA(it happens).

 

[weedle_mchairybug]

Never say never on VA's. If the money is right or if they're lobbied by their fans to do it, then we may see May again. Otherwise she will return with a different VA(it happens).

It's pretty rare for Japan to replace VAs, but I see your point.

EDIT: Here's the alternate trailer, which shows the animated Misty image and also a few seconds into Ash and Misty's battle:

https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pokemon_sunmoon/#inline_pv

Also, here's the full interview as translated by Dephender:

Spoiler:

"Pokémon" celebrates 20 years on the air this year. It appears the show is heading in a new direction with the episodes airing this September. We've had producer Shuichi Taguchi tell us a bit about what the classic characters that will appear one after another in this story will be doing.

Q: Kasumi and Takeshi will be appearing for the first time in many years in the episodes airing September 14th and September 21st.
A: This is the 20th anniversary of the show, a year to remember, so we wanted to do something nice for all the fans that have been supporting us since day 1. Kasumi and Takeshi are also characters we'd like the children that learned about Pokémon more recently to be familiar with, so we had them appear in the show.

Q: "Sun & Moon" has a lot more comical depictions than the earlier TV series had.
A: Each of the series have a different art style to them, but it might be true that Sun & Moon's style is overly different from all the others. Kasumi and Takeshi have appeared throughout the show all the way from the very first series, so we took great care in working out how to draw them without making them look out of place in this particular show. This purely relates to character design, though, personality-wise they're the same as always: Takeshi loves beautiful ladies and Kasumi is a cute and lively tomboy.

Q: Since these episodes are set in the Kanto region, lots of nostalgic Pokémon are going to appear, but it seems it'll be fun to compare them with the Pokémon from the Alola region as well.
A: We definitely want you to compare and contrast the Pokémon living in all the different regions. We think scenes like the one where Nassy gets shocked at the sight of the Alolan Nassy will let even children realize once again how these regions differ from each other. Of course, lots of other Pokémon will appear as well, so have fun comparing. This is the Sun & Moon episode with the most characters in it, so I'd like you to try counting how many Pokémon there are in it.

Q: What about Pokémon battles?
A: The Pokémon School students are getting a hands-on experience with gym matches at the Hanada Gym, and the super intense battles between Takeshi and Kasumi's mega evolutions and Satoshi and the others' Z-Moves are an absolute must see. During the battle, Takeshi might just turn into something you remember from the games…… Also, while it's not exactly a battle, the expression of affection during the scene where Satoshi and Kentauros reunite with the Kentauros at the Okido Laboratories is just as intense as that gym match. These episodes have lots and lots of scenes that feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time, and we'd be really happy if we manage to make you enjoy the elements of both Kanto and Alola at the same time.

Q: Now I'd like to expect other episodes crossing over with other regions or something along those lines in the future.
A: Well, they might go to all kinds of regions as part of extracurricular classes, and they might encounter and reunite with all kinds of characters… Who knows? Please continue to support the show.

Well, for anyone in doubt, they're definitely retaining their overall characters, even if their designs are different. I also noticed that they haven't exactly ruled out another appearance from Misty. And I'm definitely going to see this gym match. After the really horrid depiction of gym leaders in AG and BW, and to a certain extent DP, with only XY coming close to actually salvaging the Gym Leaders' reputations after AG crapped on it, seeing Misty actually fight Ash toe to toe would definitely be something to see, and it's implied she may fight the other students as well.

 

[CodeHelmet]

It's pretty rare for Japan to replace VAs, but I see your point.

EDIT: Here's the alternate trailer, which shows the animated Misty image and also a few seconds into Ash and Misty's battle:

https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pokemon_sunmoon/#inline_pv

Also, here's the full interview as translated by Dephender:

Spoiler:

Well, for anyone in doubt, they're definitely retaining their overall characters, even if their designs are different. I also noticed that they haven't exactly ruled out another appearance from Misty. And I'm definitely going to see this gym match. After the really horrid depiction of gym leaders in AG and BW, and to a certain extent DP, with only XY coming close to actually salvaging the Gym Leaders' reputations after AG crapped on it, seeing Misty actually fight Ash toe to toe would definitely be something to see, and it's implied she may fight the other students as well.

Lana vs Misty... Now!
Mallow doesn't seem like a battler. Neither does Lillie although it would be refreshing to see her Vulpix fight for once. Would be interesting to see her battle Misty as well if Snowy knows Freeze-Dry(which is an Egg move and Super effective against Water types).

 

[Frozocrone]

Lillie has battled with Ash's Pikachu (and Vulpix technically fought while under Ash's care in SM030, we just never see the battle).

 

[CodeHelmet]

Lillie has battled with Ash's Pikachu (and Vulpix technically fought while under Ash's care in SM030, we just never see the battle).

I mean Lillie and Snowy actually doing a Trainer battle together(as opposed to being opponents in SM30). Outside of Team Rocket(which I don't count), Lillie has only used Snowy to fight Palossand(a wild Pokemon). Granted, a Gym Leader would be quite a test for Lillie(and why I'd love to see her step out of her comfort zone).

 

[Rajas20]

In reference to other regions being visited, opens so many doors in the future which has me excited. One step at a time I suppose but S/M could be quite an adventure and may have a lot of fan service. I generally don't think Misty and Brock will remain past the two episodes though.

 

[weedle_mchairybug]

In reference to other regions being visited, opens so many doors in the future which has me excited. One step at a time I suppose but S/M could be quite an adventure and may have a lot of fan service. I generally don't think Misty and Brock will remain past the two episodes though.

Maybe, but on the other hand, it does come across as extremely unusual to tease those two constantly regarding reappearances, far more than a two-episode run would suggest, ESPECIALLY considering that the prior times characters made a return (Misty for both the Mirage Kingdom arc and Ash's return to Kanto; May for that Wallace Cup, Dawn for... well, BW, and Charizard fully rejoining Ash's team in the same series Dawn returned), heck, Ash even returning to Kanto at all for the Battle Frontier for that matter, it wasn't even given NEARLY as much focus in the time leading up to it via various teaser stuff like posters, concept art being released, teaser screenshots, trailers, blogs, you name it. And the Battle Frontier bit was especially notable since that actually occurred around the leadup to the 10th anniversary of the entire franchise. I suspect that there's a lot more to this than just two episodes even WITH it being a major milestone (10 years is a pretty big milestone as well. That didn't get even HALF the attention this got). Heck, that poster that's being released with that issue that's due out tomorrow actually is used on the same scan as that interview.

However, as long as Misty is allowed to actually pursue her Water Pokémon Master goal again, I'll even settle for two episodes if that's what it is.

EDIT: BTW, a high quality image of the spread has just been released:

https://twitter.com/pKjd/status/905842442036846592

 

[CodeHelmet]

In reference to other regions being visited, opens so many doors in the future which has me excited. One step at a time I suppose but S/M could be quite an adventure and may have a lot of fan service. I generally don't think Misty and Brock will remain past the two episodes though.

Bringing back past characters is a double edge sword when it comes to grading a series. On the one hand, it's great to see the old companions of Ash and yet on the other, what does bringing back past companions say about your current crop of characters? Unless the current cast has something to gain out of them coming back, its only harmful to the series overall as the current cast would essentially be shoved into the background while thrusting past characters into the limelight just to salvage or boost lagging interest within the Anime(which is a fact for Sun and Moon).

So unless Kiawe, Mallow, Lillie, Lana and Sophocles actually gain something of value from these Episodes, it's merely a nod to the older series and hence puts them in a better light as opposed to the current series they're trying to buoy up to keep from sinking into the depths of irrelevancy.

When Misty came back, what was it for? Pretty much to show off Togepi's Evolution and for nostalgia kicks(and the fact Misty was a pro at keeping Brock in line) whereas the second time she came back, she opened Max's eyes to the value of having older siblings.

With regards to May's return, it was a time when Dawn was in a deep rut or depression having lost two Contests in the appeals round. May used her experience and advice to break Dawn out of her funk and ultimately helped her win the Wallace Cup.

Dawn's return, frankly, was purely for Piplup merchandise, although one could argue it was meant to give Iris advice on how to try and control her Dragonite(since Dawn had issues with Mamoswine). Iris has yet to return and it hasn't even been a year yet for Serena(aka its TOO SOON FOR HER RETURN!!!).