#Looking at you Litten and Stoutland episode

[jtl-fics]

Getting the email reminder that part 3 of Pokemon Ultimate Journeys is now on Netflix means that I will now become a VERY different person.

[lunartonehana]

Pokemon Sun and Moon Series Episode Guide

In honor of the Sun and Moon series finishing 4 years ago, I have made a complete watch guide for the series. Have you never seen the show and want to? Trying to rewatch an episode but can’t remember the number? This guide has it all! This guide also has episodes noted as “filler” in case the episode count is a large commitment (I would recommend watching all the episodes but I get it). There is a notes section at the end where I detail some of the choices I made regarding the guide as well. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Bold = “Plot” episodes. What I consider as “plot” episodes are new captures and evolutions for Ash’s team, story episodes, AND character focuses. Character focuses include pokemon evolving, new captures, Z crystals, and episodes FULLY centered around any of the Alola companions(Lillie, Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, and Sophocles) as well as Team Rocket

Italicized = Episodes that don’t fall under as “plot”. Generally, these episodes establish something new to the series that is frequently referenced back to, so watch them. If you are curious about what it establishes, feel free to ask.

Not bolded = “Filler” episodes, generally skippable episodes that exist on their own.

SM1 - Start of PEAK

SM2 - Ash goes to school and Tapu Koko is here too

SM3 - Rotom debut and Team Rocket arrives

SM4 - Ash meets Rowlet

SM5 - Lana is in charge of a class

SM6 - Ash and Sophocles get stuck in a mall

SM7 - Ash encounters Litten again

SM8 - Lillie is in charge of a Pokemon Egg

SM9 - Mele Mele Trial

SM10 - Mele Mele Grand Trial

SM11 - Ash visits Kiawe’s home

SM12 - Ash and friends go to the beach, so does Team Rocket

SM13 - Pancake race competition

SM14 - Lillie’s Egg hatches

SM15 - Ash and Kukui find out Rockruff’s secret

SM16 - Rowlet and Popplio get separated from their Trainers

SM17 - Ash’s Z Crystal goes missing

SM18 - Ash and Mallow look for a rare ingredient

SM19 - Tapu Koko rematch

SM20 - Ash and Pikachu’s Promise

SM21 - The stray Stoutland gets sick

SM22 - Ash and Litten get stuck in a Palossand

SM23 - Ash and friends go to a Dugtrio concert

SM24 - Delia visits for the Open House

SM25 - Team Rocket vs Team Skull

SM26 - Sophocles moves away

SM27 - Gladion debuts

SM28 - Ash and friends try baseball

SM29 - Camping that turns weird

SM30 - Pokemon partner swap

SM31 - The class heads to Akala Island (Start of Akala Arc)

SM32 - Stoutland searching competition

SM33 - Lana’s Trial

SM34 - An Alolan Marowak causes chaos

SM35 - Ash’s Akala Trial

SM36 - Akala Grand Trial

SM37 - Rockruff goes missing (End of Akala Arc)

SM38 - Mimikyu’s mask rips

SM39 - Mallow runs away from home

SM40 - Lana becomes an apprentice

SM41 - Sophocles enters a Charjabug race

SM42 - Kanto Field Trip (Part 1)

SM43 - Kanto Field Trip (Part 2)

SM44 - Ash finds Cosmog (Start of Nebby Arc)

SM45 - Nebby teleporting shenanigans

SM46 - Ash and friends go to Aether Paradise

SM47 - Ash encounters Gladion again

SM48 - Ash and friends have a sleepover

SM49 - Lillie tries to get her memories back

SM50 - Faba strikes back

SM51 - Lillie and Gladion run away

SM52 - Nebby Arc Climax Part 1

SM53 - Nebby Arc Climax Part 2

SM54 - Nebby Arc Climax Part 3

SM55 - Alolan wedding (End of Nebby Arc)

SM56 - Jigglypuff Shenanigans

SM57 - Rotom jumps between different forms, would recommend to watch

SM58 - Mareanie sees her ex

SM59 - Lana and Mallow reminisce how they met

SM60 - Lillie joins a sledding competition

SM61 - Ultra Guardians Introduction ft. Buzzwole

SM62 - Team Rocket meets an Alolan Meowth

SM63 - Ash meets Royal Mask

SM64 - Ash joins a Passimian team (This episode is not available in the dub, if watching the dub subtract 1 from future episode numbers)

SM65 - Ilima is back at the Pokemon school

SM66 - The better pokemon ping pong episode

SM67 - Ash meets Poipole (Start of Poipole Arc)

SM68 - Ash and friends become nurses; would recommend to watch

SM69 - Sophocles finds a buried Celesteela

SM70 - Kiawe fights against the tourism industry

SM71 - A Dewpider falls in love with Lana (Lana centric, NOT a focus)

SM72 - Mallow’s brother returns home

SM73 - Team Rocket head to Ula Ula to find the Island Kahuna

SM74 - Ash arrives at Ula Ula (Start of Ula Ula Arc)

SM75 - Ash and his team train with Tapu Bulu

SM76 - Ula Ula Trial

SM77 - Ula Ula Grand Trial (End of Ula Ula Arc)

SM78 - Xurkitree and Blacephalon boom boom crackle showdown

SM79 - The class visits Molayne’s Observatory

SM80 - Ash and friends get separated in a cave

SM81 - Ash and Torracat team up with Royal Mask

SM82 - Mallow and the students do a dance assignment

SM83 - Faba’s device shrinks Ash, Lillie, and Sophocles

SM84 - Ash and Poipole meet Mina

SM85 - Stakataka causes chaos

SM86 - Poipole Arc Climax Part 1

SM87 - Poipole Arc Climax Part 2

SM88 - Poipole Arc Climax Part 3

SM89 - Poipole Arc Climax Part 4

SM90 - Poipole Arc Climax Part 5 (End of Poipole Arc)

SM91 - Ash and friends go to a Pikachu valley

SM92 - Royal Mask holds an handshake event and Burnet wants to go

SM93 - The students put on a play; this episode starts the Eevee segments that need to be watched for a future “plot” episode

SM94 - Acerola helps the students make a haunted house for Lana’s sisters

SM95 - Ultra Guardian mission without the Ultra Beast

SM96 - Team Rocket attempts to steal Pokemon at Aether Paradise, a Stufful interferes

SM97 - Ash meets Hau

SM98 - Ash and Rotom argue and are extremely OOC, but please skim and watch the Lillie and Ash convo only it’s very cute and will be referenced in a future plot episode, as well as watching the Eevee segment

SM99 - Eevee gets into trouble (End of Eevee segments)

SM100 - Ash gets stuck in an another world (Part 1)

SM101 - Ash gets stuck in an another world (Part 2)

SM102 - Misty and Brock arrive at Alola

SM103 - The duality of Brock’s character

SM104 - The class heads to Poni Island to do their research projects (Start of Poni Arc)

SM105 - Ash V Gladion Poni Edition

SM106 - Lana and Sophocles do their research projects

SM107 - Kiawe and Mallow do their research projects

SM108 - A mist appears allowing some classmates to see deceased loved ones

SM109 - Poni Grand Trial (End of Poni Arc)

SM110 - Golfing shenanigans with Kahili

SM111 - Ash and friends discover Meltan

SM112 - Rowlet helps Meltan

SM113 - Ash and friends go to a TV Studio, would recommend to watch

SM114 - Pheromosa steals Z crystals, would recommend to watch

SM115 - The Alola League is announced, much to Guzma’s dismay

SM116 - Lillie and Gladion learn more about Mohn

SM117 - Shaymin, Meltan, and Sandy go missing

SM118 - Ash and the students go to Malie Gym

SM119 - Sophocles enters a Vikavolt race

SM120 - Lana finds a Kyogre

SM121 - Mallow helps Oranguru’s cafe

SM122 - Matori visits Team Rocket

SM123 - The students train for the Alola League

SM124 - Kartana cuts everything

SM125 - Ash meets a young Kukui

SM126 - Ash’s Team Shenanigans during previous episode

SM127 - The students train more and Gladion searches for Mohn’s Pokemon

SM128 - Start of Alola League Arc

SM129 - League Battle Royal

SM130 - Alola League First Round

SM131 - Quarter Finals Part 1

SM132 - Quarter Finals Part 2

SM133 - Quarter Finals Part 3

SM134 - Quarter Finals Part 4+Semi Finals Part 1

SM135 - Semi Finals Part 2

SM136 - Semi Finals Part 3

SM137 - Semi Finals Part 4

SM138 - Finals Part 1

SM139 - Finals Part 2

SM140 - League Crisis

SM141 - Exhibition Match Part 1

SM142 - Exhibition Match Part 2

SM143 - Exhibition Match Part 3

SM144 - Exhibition Match Part 4

SM145 - Series Wrap Up

SM146 - Finale

Bonus:

…and if you want more Alola content, the following series, Pokemon Journeys, features 5 episodes based around the Sun and Moon series. Lillie’s final arc gets completed in this series as well, so after finishing Sun and Moon I would recommend watching JN111 in particular to wrap her arc up as well as JN112 because it’s basically just a love letter to the Sun and Moon series.

JN37 - Ash comes back to Alola for the first time in Journeys

JN76 - Ash heads to Alola again, Team Rocket goes to Alola for the first time in Journeys

JN96 - Ash and Goh meet Sophocles in Hoenn

JN111 - Lillie, Gladion, and Lusamine find Mohn

JN112 - Continuation of JN111, everyone reunites with each other at Alola

Notes:

“Filler” and “plot” are noted as such because in my opinion there is no such thing as a filler episode in the Pokemon anime. The term is not applicable to something like the Pokemon anime as there is no true source material. I just use the term to describe episodes that you can skip as they aren’t referenced again.

I opted to be vague about the climaxes in the Nebby Arc, Poipole Arc, and the entirety of the League Arc because explaining anything gives a major spoiler.

I count a single arc as a narrative thread with a clear start and end that lasts for multiple episodes. In the cases of the 3 islands, the end of the arc is the Grand Trial. For what I call the Nebby and Poipole Arc, there is a clear first episode and last episode of the arc.

While the Ultra Guardian missions can come across as not “plot”, I consider them necessary watches because they are tied to the Poipole Arc and to a lesser extent worldbuilding. However any Ultra Guardian mission after the Poipole arc is completed aren’t considered as “plot” in my opinion

Any “filler” episode with the note “would recommend to watch”, are just fun episodes in my opinion. Notably, SM57 has some amazing animation work and SM114 has an amazing battle in it.

This was inspired by @/gifmourningu precure episode guides

[mysteriouswolf]

POKEMON TIMEEEEEEEEE

im gonna come up with some now but ill probably have more that i think of later that ill send another ask for (you can do the same for me if you have others i wanna talk about pokemon lemme talk about pokemonnnn)

also imma take a few of yours :P

these are gonna be written poorly and very repetitively just bear with me lmaooo

also feel free to add an explaination to any of these! i didnt always write it but if you wanna share feel free :3

Fav pokemon! any number doesnt have to be just one

Fav ash companion in any season

fav ash pokemon in any season

fav ash pokemon in xy

fav ash pokemon in sun and moon

fav team rocket pokemon in any season

fav gym leader in any season

fav ash rival

fav pokegirl

fav legendary pokemon

pokemon you wish was real

fav pokemon pokedex entry (if you have one)

fav pokemon type

dream pokemon team

fav rotom form/varient

fav pokemon battle from the show

fav/comfort episodes

list these from fav to least fav: mega evolution, bond phenomenon, z move, gigantamax, and terastallization

fav show character overall

what pokemon do u think would be the most useful/beneficial to actually exist

fav of ash's unique battle techniques, or at least one that stands out to u

fav game

just an overall how was your experience playing? whats your favorite thing about it?

fav show intro

least fav pokemon overall

least fav of ashs pokemon

least fav companion

part of the show you wish you could rewatch for the first time

OH MY GOD IM JUST REALIZING I FORGOT TO ANSWER THE WHY PART OF YOUR FIRST Q IMMA DO THAT WHEN IM DONE EATING LMAOOO

ANYWAY ILY HOPE YOU HAD FUN BYEEEE

GEOOOOO HELLO :D

OKAY SO LIKE I'VE MENTIONED BEFORE I DO HAVE A TIER LIST....somewhere. I don't know where it went. So I'm going to name them all off the top of my head :3

First ever favorite was leafeon or Arcanine so they both hold a very special place in my heart

MIMIKYU AHHHH HE'S SO ME FRRR

Luxray cause *pretty*

Rockruff and lyconrock <3

Ninetales!! I adore foxes and she is just. RAH.

Litten

STOUTLAND MY BOY

LANA OR BONNIE I HAVE A SEVERE ATTACHMENT TO BOTH OF THEM but Lana probably wins for this one my absolute lovely silly girl akgkakgj I love her so much <3333 she is also peak character design. To me.

It's a tie between Fletchender (idk if that's how you spell it) and Rockruff and pikachu lmao

FLETCHENDER

ROCKRUFF

AHHHH this is so hard- but it's probably gotta be James' martinie (also don't know if that's how you spell it) from sun and moon cause that pokemon loved him so damn much

Mistyyyyyy

Like besides team rocket? Because team rocket is first, and tbh a lot of the other ones don't really stick out to me lmao but that might just be because I haven't watched it in awhile

Lanaaaaa

Ooooo okay. Design/character wise it's poipole, but I used to watch this series on YT which was basically ARK but with Pokemon instead of dinosaurs and they had a ladios and ladias I got very attached to so yea :) OH AND ZIGARDE IS HE A LEGENDARY? I think he is. But I don't know specifics tbh lmao. Love him tho. Lil squishy.

Uhm. All of them. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO PICK JUST ONE- okay but if I had to choose it'd be Rockruff + lyconrock (I get both cause they're evolutions I'm so smart) cause snuggly dog/wolf I love. And Stoutland. OH BUT WAIT WHAT ABOUT A FLYING POKEMON THEN I COULD FLY. HOLD ON. Okay I have just looked at literally all the flying Pokemon because I got carried away and here's my favorites that I feel like you could probably ride:

Noivern

Corviknight

Talonflame

Salamance

All the legendary birds + their galarian forms especially

Aerodactyl my beloved <3

Okay so I don't really but I dunno if you've seen that post where that one guy as a kid bred tons and tons of lapras because it said they were endangered and then I'm like 90% pokemon actually changed the entry to be that they used to be endangered but they're not anymore and I just. I love that so much.

Grass or dragon probably

Oooo okay I'm gonna go for a mix of powerful + my favorites:

Lycanrock

Mimikyu

Arcanine

Eevee (but like specifically Eevee from Let's Go because she gets so op by the end of the game it's insane)

Luxray

Ninetales

Rotom Dex :3

I don't think I have one tbh

Oooo okay. Most of these are gonna be aloha ones- the one where they visit the Pikachu island and there's like 10 million different Pikachus, the XYZ one that's all of them in a flower field (chespin and eevee in that episode are so cute AHHHH), the one with Lana and Mallow trying to find Grandpa Forest (Drampa) using bittersweet

Actually the way you listed them is in order of my most favorite to least favorite lmaooo (starting with mega evolution as my favorite)

Lana, Bonnie, or Ash

Hmmmm see I have three different outlooks on this- the coolest, the most useful, and the best for humanity.

Coolest would be a flying ride pokemon like Articuno because we could all literally just fly around everywhere in giant birds. How sick would that be.

Most useful would be ditto without a doubt BECAUSE he can shapeshift into anything. You need another helping hand? Dittos got you. You need fire to cook something? Dittos got you (Charmander or fire type). Need a pokemon that can lift a ton of weight? Ditto. It just works for everything.

Best for humanity would be Drampa. By far the kindest Pokemon in my opinion. We need more of that

Hmmm like in what way? Like z-crystal type stuff, or the way he acts with his pokemon? Cause I absolutely love the way Ash acts with his pokemon in battle (usually) and he generally just cares so much about them and doesn't push them too hard and AHHHH. Just. Yes.

Favorite game is Pokemon Snap (the new one) lmaooo- I don't care it's not a traditional game I have hundreds and hundreds of hours on that game it's insane I love it sm- that's the one where you get to travel to all different regions and capture photos of Pokemon and there's lots of different courses you get to go on- and as you level up a course you can photograph pokemon doing different behaviors, and try and get them to do different things by playing music or feeding them and I just love the animations in that game and how cute they are and just AH. YES. LOVE.

Besides the og one, probably the XYZ theme song or the original alola one

ALSO THOSE STUPID BITCHASS MONKEY ONES AH I HATE THEM JUST IFSJDJFJSJ BAD BAD BAD BAD LIKE THE RED GREEN AND BLUE ONES THEY ARE BAD. Honestly I don't really like most of the monkey pokemon besides smeargle. Jinx I also hate.

Uhhhh that snowball ass one. I forgot it's name

Goh

All of alola

OKAY THATS JT I THINK LETS GOOOOO WOOOO THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTIONS GEO :DDDD

[adhdashketchum]

GO ON!! I LOOOVE THE ALOLA SERIES , PLEASE TELL ME HOW GREAT THE SHOW WAS PLEASE PLEASE!!!

HYPERFIXATION MODE ACTIVATE

okay okay there’s actually quite a lot?? and this is gonna be really disjointed so sorry in advance, i’ll add a read more jic

imo, the animation style is rly good and super cute!! lots of people are upset about it because it “makes ash look younger” but its bc??? he is young???? he is Ten people. but yeah the aimation is really pretty and i love the style

this is more of a personal thing but BEACH NATURE YESYESYES i looooove the beach and the ocean and nature and all that so alola is the perfect region for me! i think thats part of why i like it so much

ash’s characterization!!!!!! this series really emphasizes his best/my fav traits!! here’s a short list of some of them:

energetic personality; empathy; cheerfulness; kindness; stubborn; playful; helpful; battle smarts/intelligence

some examples of the above include his willingness to help lillie and gladion, his volunteering to help kiawe on his farm and how happy he was to do it, how he helped care for litten and adopted it, among other things

i love how much emphasis they put on the fact that ash is incredibly smart esp with battles, and how creative he is! they really did a good job of showing his adhd traits and its great!

his alola team! rowlet my beloved <3, how he raised nebby/solgaleo and their bond, and POIPOLE AHHHHHHHH the episode where poipole left gets me crying every time

there are some episodes/scenes that are just amazing

mallow meets her mother in tapu fini’s mist is a scene that gets me every time. the closure she gets, and the gratitude for each other they share, i cry. the fact that mallow got a shaymin, the GRATITUDE pokemon, afterwards..... the symbolism

stoutland’s death and the symbolism of the tree losing its leaves makes me violently cry

the damn minior episode. not only is the animation fucking gorgeus, but the way poipole tries to follow its friend, its confused talk with ash before he just gently hugs it, the implications of ash’s relatively calm reaction because he’s had pokemon die in front of him before uggghhh that episode

treasure island episode my fucking beloved. the showcasing of ash’s core character trait (to travel and constantly be on the move, making new friends and seeing new things) and the scene between him and pikachu. my heart

poipole’s goodbye. “i like, like, love you too!” AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

the eps with brock and misty, and specifically the episode where everyone loses to them and then ash waltzes in and beats misty using the most complicated ash-like strategy ever. also love how ash is super focused and pumped up that ep because even tho he loves alola he misses gym battles and it shows really well (hyperfixation!!)

lots of ash’s battles, including

the first one against team skull where he shows off without meaning to and kicks ass

his fight with hapu. king shit

all the fights where he shows off how strong and smart he is and everyone else is like oh shit

ALOLA LEAGUE AND KUKUI BATTLE MY BELOVEDS <3333

(that being said, the way he stands there in shock at first because he won, and then the way he falls backwards after beating tapu koko and the smile and pikachu getting his hat and them just resting. just them. because they did it. ugh it gets me)

the mcfucking FINAL EPISODE. just the whole thing

yeah uhhhh thats it i think? lmao thats a lot i know and i’m probs forgetting stuff but yeah :)

[pkmnjesus]

⏪ P J’s PokéAni Rewind 2019

Hello, yes I’m still alive for those wondering or care at all :] Just been taking an indefinite leave from all my social media accounts (though you can still see me on Discord: PokémonJesus#2495) since mid-November going through some personal self-discovery journey...nobody misses me anyways. I’ll address that maybe in a future post, but let’s not make this about me...because RIGHT NOW it is time for my 4th annual year-end (and favorite) Tumblr tradition! 2019 was a stressful year for me personally (as you can tell I’ve been on and off  here), and I appreciate all of the friends I’ve made within this fandom who’ve stuck with me through it. It was also the year of the successful launch of my new PokéAni exclusive side-blog @pokeaniepisodes​ where I would do my weekly episode blogging/screen-caps/GIFs for the #pokeani tag. Within the span of 10 months, I would gain over 1,000 followers! Thank you to those who have followed me there as well. Obviously due to my current circumstances, that has been put on halt as well after Sun & Moon ended. Apologies, but I’ll be back in 2020 hopefully. As for PokéAni, it was bittersweet as we bid Alola farewell with the Sun & Moon series ending heading into the next generation series. If you’re curious to hear what I have to say about the new series, well here’s your post! The Pokémon anime has officially wrapped up for this year with Ash & Go in the Hoenn region earlier today, in where he WON another tournament showing Go how it’s done! But now, it is time to highlight some of the best episodes (this post will be following the original Japanese release dates, but will still be using the English/game dub names for a universal understanding by all) I personally found noteworthy from each month. Without further ado, let’s take a look back at what the Pokémon anime had to offer in 2019. 1, 2, 3. LET’S GO!

JANUARY - Hello Hapu

The Poni Island adventures begin! And also, the road to Ash’s final grand trial to complete. This mini-arc started a very fun series of character-centric episodes among the main cast and their Pokémon while they were in the island without Professor Kukui’s guidance. From Sophocles’s Charjabug evolving to a Vikavolt, and Lana’s Popplio evolving to Brionne (plus getting Primarium Z!). But the highlight out of all of this was the character arc of the soon-to-be Poni Island Kahuna, Hapu! She was a stubborn trainer who didn’t want to interact with anyone or battle Ash. She eventually opened up to him and his friends slowly after getting back her stolen radishes from Team Skull (the first appearance of Plumeria as well). She was a key figure on the class’ expedition throughout  Poni for their respective research projects, while Tapu Fini and her late grandfather keep an eye on her progress. Eventually when she did became Kahuna, Ash finally had his rightful battle with her for a grand trial. She didn’t gain only a new set of confidence, but a new set of friends too.

FEBRUARY - Mama Mallow makes us cry

As the group continues doing their personal research projects in Poni Island, and after Kiawe clears his own trial with Tapu Fini, we get a feels trip to Mallow’s past. Thanks to Tapu Fini’s mysterious mist that allows people to see the departed, Mallow relives her childhood days with her mother. We not only get a teary backstory of what Mallow said to her ill mother before passing away, but also Lillie & Gladion’s attempt to see their “deceased” father, Mohn. Mallow seeking proper closure, finally reunites with her mother in the mist as they spend as much time catching up with one another ever since their improper argument at the hospital. We then discovered that Bounsweet was actually caught by her mom before gifting it to Mallow as her first Pokémon...who is now a fully evolved Tsareena. There were a lot of good moments like seeing the Stoutland that (as if this wasn’t enough of a feels trip) help raised Ash’s Torracat when it was still a Litten, and that Mohn is nowhere to be found in the mist meaning that he’s still alive! Stoutland’s final gift to Torracat was upgrading its Ember move to eventually learning to use Fire Blast. But the most important thing about this episode, is that it teaches us to be grateful to our parents (or those who raised us) even when it looks like they don’t seem to care, we misunderstand and overlook how much they truly care for us. Never take things for granted and live in the moment. In the end, Mallow’s mom gave her one final gift before going back to the afterlife, a Shaymin to care for. Thanks mom :’)

MARCH - Ya boi is never too late!

All we can just say when he was first announced was...finally...or about time! Team Skull boss Guzma’s long awaited appearance in the Pokémon anime happened when he and the rest of his gang visited the Pokémon School to confront Professor Kukui. After hearing about the official announcement that the first Alola League was going to happen, Guzma is determined to eliminate everything for what it stands for. Meanwhile, everyone in Alola wanted to get in on the action for an opportunity to become a champion, that includes Ash who stood up to Guzma for Kukui. After wiping the floor with Team Rocket, Guzma battles Ash taking interest with his utilization of the Z-Power Ring. Despite newly perfecting Corkscrew Crash, it had almost no damage on Guzma’s Golisopod. As the battle rages on, Golisopod’s Emergency Exit activates when Pikachu starts to get an upper hand. A stubborn Guzma not wanting to admit what really happened leaves and berates Ash as he sends a clear message on his vow to destroy the Alola League. Guzma and Kukui went face-to-face before Team Skull left, and it’s clear that his intentions were more personal. There’s always a reason behind of it all, and Guzma was seeking for vengeance.

APRIL - Mohn is missing

After discovering that their father may still be alive (as mentioned in my February highlight), Lillie and her family are searching for answers with the help of the Aether Foundation. Lusamine then confesses to her kids about an Ultra Wormhole incident that caused Mohn to disappear. As they continue to get more info, they stumble upon Mohn’s room and discovered two very important treasures. A Z-Ring which he used to wear, and a Magearna that doesn’t seem to be responsive. Lillie decides to wear and use her Z-Ring until her father is found, while also finding away to bring the Magearna he left back to life. With the blessing of Kahuna Hala and her friends’ support, she deicides to finally put her Icium-Z to good use by practicing the Subzero Slammer Z-move with Snowy now that she finally has a Z-Ring at hand. She fails at her first attempt, it won’t keep her down from practicing until she gets it right. The episode ends on a very touching note with Lillie reading an entry from her father’s old journal revealing that Mohn did in fact bought an inactive Magearna in hopes to restore it to give it to his one and only daughter as a gift <3

MAY - Lana’s lure of fate

In one of my personal favorite episodes (totally not because she’s my favorite and the best girl), I got shut up for even doubting that her Brionne would evolve this soon (don’t you just hate it when anime previews spoil?). Lana finally decides to make her dream a reality (referenced in previous episodes) to hook a Kyogre at sea! With the help of Ash, they were able to track down a Kyogre that suddenly appeared while the class were fishing. When they discovered that the Kyogre had been poisoned by Pokémon hunters, Lana decides to cure it with an antidote hooked to a special Misty lure she had been given while Ash deals with the troublemakers. Even after curing the poison, the hunters attempting to catch Kyogre made it rage even more. Lana tries to save it by trying to hook him out of the Hunter’s capturing device. She was successful in freeing it but ended up dragging her to the ocean rapidly as a storm develops from an angered Kyogre. And it was at that moment when Brionne wanted to save her  trainer from getting dragged all over, evolving to Primarina was the only way to end this perfect storm. Primarina’s singing calmed down Kyogre, as Lana lifts up her rod graciously with Kyogre in the sky. Dream achieved, and a moment has been made with new sea friend. Now when Lana tells this story, it’s actually the truth and there will be no one laughing now! Later on another episode, Lana & Primarina would learn how to use and master the Oceanic Operatta Z-move, and it’s all thanks to the hook of this Kyogre. I’m sure Misty is proud as well :)

JUNE - Kid Kukui and Little Litten

There’s a Celebi in this episode...you know what that means. Back to the past! While Ash was training with his Pokémon for the Alola League, a Celebi stumbles upon them and transport Ash & Torracat to the same place where they were at, but only many years ago. They meet this little kid that had Litten with him and it was clearly obvious that his was younger Kukui and his (The Masked Royal’s) Incineroar who hasn’t evolved yet. However, Ash still had no idea he was in the past and treated little Kukui like any other kid he’d meet traveling. The two bond throughout the episode with their similar attitude when it comes to battling, and Ash gladly guided the little kid on executing Z-moves with their Pokémon. The two even worked together assisting a Totem Trevenant in sheltering all the nearby Pokémon as a rainstorm approaches. Thanks to the good heart of Ash helping out everyone, he receives his own Firium Z from the same Trevenant that gave Kukui his Firium Z. He eventually gets back to his timeline where it seemed to have an effect on the present day Kukui. If it wasn’t for that meeting, maybe the professor would’ve had his vision of forming an Alola Pokémon League if it wasn’t for that mysterious older boy he met with his Torracat. A Pokémon time paradox? Maybe...but what I loved about this story is that it repeats itself for the next episode but from the perspectives of Ash’s Pokémon that were left behind in hopes of finding their trainer. Really reminds me of that time Pokémon got separated from their trainers during S.S. Anne arc in the original series, only difference is that the perspectives of the trainers and Pokémon were happening at the same time. But you gotta love a pure whacky Pokémon adventure! Pretty much like a Pikachu short you see before movies.

JULY - Let the League begin!

The moment everyone has been waiting for...the Alola League has officially begun! With everyone prepared to unleash their Z-Power, it’s time for the qualifying round to start. Unlike previous Leagues, this starts off with a free-for-all Battle Royal with a total of 151 competitors but only 16 will advance to the next round. Most of the trainers in this League are recognizable characters if you have watched Sun & Moon in its entirety up to this point. From Mina to Kahili to Acerola to the entire Team Skull gang to Hiroki and even Pikala, every Alola character is here! While all the Island Kahunas serves as the officials for the event. It was fun way to kick-off a 4-month long League arc and they couldn’t have it done any other way. The top 16 has been decided and it gave us good match-ups to follow in the next couple of episodes such as, Mallow vs. Lana, a childhood friend clash which also tests Mallow’s courage in battling. Our favorite Team Rocket duo in disguise facing off against one another (can’t remember when was the last time we saw that). A sibling battle and a trial on how far Lillie has gone as a Pokémon trainer facing off against her strong big brother, Gladion. And of course, the friendly birby rematch between Ash and Hau. The line-up of matches is stacked! I could not remember how hyped I was for this long-awaited League arc. Some battles might’ve been short and quick, but every participant mattered! How can you not love the Sun & Moon series?

AUGUST - The Alola Final Four

And then, there were four. In the semi-finals bracket, we first have Gladion facing off against Kiawe who defeated Acerola and bested a friend in Sophocles. He’s pretty much the dark horse in this, but he’s been working hard all series with his battling to get to this point. As Lillie and Mimo (Hoshi) cheer on their big brothers, it was Gladion who got the upper hand and the two exchange in a very meaningful handshake of sportsmanship. Meanwhile on the other side of the semi-finals, Guzma, who blasted through Ilima and Lana, getting his rematch with Ash seeking for retribution after his soft defeat the last time they faced off. It was a clash of personalities as the Team Skull boss vows to get to Kukui by destroying someone who resembles him in Ash and get a big W for his fellow Team Skull outcasts. This battle was more than just advancing through the semi-finals but also the integrity of what the League will become if Guzma is successful in his ploy. Guzma was very aggressive during this match to the point of even scolding his Golisopod. But when you mad, you don’t focus well and that became Guzma’s downfall eventually resulting in his defeat against Ash who battled with his heart. Guzma had to learn the hard way, maybe softened his mindset a bit, but even after losing Plumeria and the rest of the grunts still want to be by his side improving their own skills in battle to be like their fearless leader. You never see a heartwarming ending for a “villainous” team in Pokémon before, but I think Team Skull had their own happy ending.

SEPTEMBER - The “Curse” is finally broken

Ash vs. Gladion. Here we go, the League finals to determine the inaugural champion of Alola. I mean I already made solo-post last September about how BIG this episode/moment was for our capped hero. Their rivalry has been amazing from the get-go. From their first meeting at the beach by Kukui’s place with a feisty Rockruff that wanted to battle, to the Manalo Stadium battling for a prestigious championship title with Ash’s Lycanroc fully controlled over its rage with dirt. It wasn’t a full battle, but 3-on-3 showdown served us one heck of battle! It may not be considered the best by many, but it was still an amazing and fun bout between two trainers who promised each other to meet in the finals of the big stage. The laugh they shared, the flashbacks that was shown to us (with the awesome Type: Wild! music playing in the background), and the storytelling of who wants it more makes you get to the edge of your seat, cheering for Ash to finally win a major Pokémon League. Ash’s newly evolved Melmetal showcased it’s new strength but still wasn’t able to beat Gladion’s  Silvally. Then, when Zoroark and Pikachu knocked each other out, it was the 1v1 Lycanroc battle that really put this friendly and competitive rivalry full circle.

Ash has NEVER defeated Gladion...until this moment. He’s been training for this, and it finally paid off. The two Lycanroc’s took no prisoners and went back and forth with one another. In the final blow of that match, Gladion’s Lycanroc used Counter against Ash’s Lycanroc that was charging towards it, but then our big brained hero fights back with their own Counter attack. Never have I heard of Countering a Counter in the Pokémon universe, but using it in this one moment nobody expects, it was the HYPEST way to swerve fans from almost losing the match but ultimately gave an epic counterattack that would knock out Gladion’s Lycanroc. And for the first time since the Orange League, Ash is a Champion. Only this time it is a way bigger deal! Mostly because this is a game-based series which has more meaning when it comes to the Pokémon League.

Old fans, new fans, and casual viewers a like were buzzing within 24 hours after this episode released in Japan that caught mainstream media attention. People who have never seen a Pokémon anime episode in their life (or a subbed episode for that matter) past the original series, wanted to see how this episode went down to see a childhood hero achieve a major trophy. This is how big of a pop-culture icon Ash & Pikachu was among many generations of fans since the show’s launch internationally. This was truly THE PokéAni moment of 2019. Again, big congratulations to our Alola Champion, Ash Ketchum/Satoshi! Too bad Guzzlord had to ruin the closing ceremony afterparty... 

OCTOBER - A fiery full final battle

So after becoming Alola Champion, sending three Guzzlords back to where they came from, reuniting with Poipole who evolved into a Naganadel, and The Masked Royal’s identity publicly revealed as Professor Kukui ALL IN THE SAME NIGHT! We finally get our exhibition match between Ash and The Masked Royal, who would like to go under his real identity. This is the final battle, and the promised reward the first Alola Champion gets. This is honestly also reward to the fans giving us one final hoorah for the Alola region with a full 6-on-6 Pokémon battle! I believe this is the only full battle we got to see in Alola and it was definitely worth the anticipation and surprise. Kukui had a lot of secret Pokémon up his sleeve that the viewers don’t know about (unless you get spoiled by freakin’ Oha Suta), and it is also the first and only official battle that Naganadel will be part of under Ash’s team. So the excitement levels of this fun 5-PART episode battle were off the roof! Kukui had amazing Pokémon that he kept a secret, but what I do want to focus in this spotlight is the showdown between Incineroar and Torracat. Just like with the Lycanroc duel, these two have similar stories with Torracat never being able to beat The Masked Royal/Kukui’s Incineroar. Ever since it was still a Litten, the desire to battle strong opponents still burns inside. As the two fiery cats clash in this epic battle, both sides have the same intensity when receiving and taking attacks.

As the battle worn out, both Kukui and Ash activated their Z-Rings together to use Inferno Overdrive against each other. After a gigantic explosion from the Z-move collision it was Torracat who was the last Pokémon standing finally beating its personal battle rival. After a victory screech, I was surprised as everyone seeing it fully evolve into Incineroar. Unfortunately, that evolution took a toll on the newly evolved Pokémon and is unable to continue further. Rest well big kitty, you beat who you wanted to beat and deserve a good rest.

As if that wasn’t epic enough, in the final phase of this full battle, Tapu Koko steps in and serves as Kukui’s last Pokémon and even granting both parties to be able to use Z-moves once again. Fast forward, Ash and Pikachu finally defeated their first opponent when they first set foot in the Alola region with the Z-Ring Tapo Koko gave them in the first place. It clearly now knows that Ash was a worthy holder of using Z-Power and a Champion that everyone can look  up to. What a battle. What a series. Thank you Alola. Thank you Sun & Moon.

NOVEMBER - Pikachu Origins

Enter the next chapter. The new era of the Pokémon anime finally launched this in a very different way. The first episode basically serves as the prequel to the Pokémon anime series before Ash had set out on his quest to become a Pokémon Master. Long story short, we can Pikachu’s background story on how he came to be the loving mascot recognized everywhere on paper. I mean who would’ve thunk it? I just love the fact that we’re getting an origin story of how Ash’s Pikachu when it was still a wild Pichu. Although it wasn’t explained how Professor Oak ended up catching the little guy, Pikachu always had a good heart (you know despite rejecting Ash at first lol). The most adorable thing about this episode was the family bond Pichu temporarily shared with this little Kangaskhan family. The little guy was an outcast not really sure where to go or what to do except survive and find food. When that Kangaskhan picked him up as if it was one of its babies, and gained a new caring sibling in the process. It was a wholesome story of calling someone family even though there is no blood relation. Pichu was literally not their kind, but they still loved him as it was them!

Meanwhile, we get a little preview of our new characters from seeing their childhood and setting up the premise for them to cross paths with Ash in the future. The newest protagonist, Go, was a little know-it-all about Pokémon, and he sure bragged a lot of his knowledge on it during one of Professor Oak’s camp (in which Ash failed to wake up for). Along with his worrisome friend, Koharu, they spotted a Mew while going off course in Oak’s tour around their campsite. It would also be the saving grace of the lost baby Kangaskhan who accidentally fell off a cliff after attempting to play with the Mew. After seeing Mew’s psychic abilities, it was clear for Go that he needed to catch Mew one day. This is the initial goal that Go wanted to set out for when he’s old enough.

After the incident with his Kangaskhan sibling, Pichu had to re-think if he wants to continue being a part of a pack that he doesn’t even properly belong it in the first place. When the herd of Kangaskhan took shelter in cave during heavy rain, Pichu had to make a tough decision and leave his foster family behind while they were asleep because he knew that the mother Kangaskhan would not let go of someone who it sees as a child of her own. Pichu knew that was the only way, but despite his sad decision he was grateful for the happiness they provided for a lone wolf Pokémon that wandered in the wild looking belong somewhere. It was that same happiness that gave Pichu the strength to evolve to the Pikachu we all know today, and found a forever home with a certain tardy boy a couple of years later that they both formed an inseparable friendship.

DECEMBER - The Great Gigantamax in Galar

Of course, you can’t have a new series without showing off a new region?! As our “research fellows” Ash & Go continue their exploration in the Galar region learning more about the Dynamax phenomenon that causes Pokémon to grow bigger in size, they are about to be in for one gigantic dilemma. They had some trouble when they met a bunch of trickster Pokémon in those Nickit and a dirty Scorbunny trying to steal their food, but that wasn’t the last they saw of that Scorbunny. When they took the train to explore the Wild Area, Scorbunny secretly tagged along in hopes to be partners with Go after feeling a connection with the trainer during their first encounter. After MANY attempts of trying get Go’s attention, he finally notices Scorbunny after it kicks a rock to knock down fruit on top of a Snorlax they were observing (that hits Ash’s head first oof). Scorbunny attempts to get caught by Go, but he declined due to his vow for Mew to be his first catch. After the sad rejection, red lights then start to surround the Snorlax that ended up Dynamaxing it to Gigantamax Snorlax! This caused a big road blockage that affects a train line in that area. Ash, Pikachu, Go and Scorbunny decide to team up and move the Snorlax before the next train comes by to avoid a disaster from happening. Ash and Pikachu were able  to cut down a big fruit from the Gigantamax Snorlax’s body and pass it on to Go and Scorbunny to make sure he jumps (just like earlier from Scorbunny’s accidental fruit pick) for that fruit in time for the train to pass by without anyone getting hurt. It was a tough task getting all the way up to the belly of beast, but thanks the Double Kick boost Scorbunny gave that big fruit, Snorlax not only moved in time for the next train to stop by, but return back to normal (big) size.

Unfortunately, Scorbunny was also swallowed in that big gulp, but it was a good thing that Snorlax didn’t munch it all the way. After the teamwork Go felt with Scorbunny during all that, he decides to modify his dream a bit and wants Scorbunny to now be his first Pokémon catch. Both are happy to be with one another, and we all know this was going to be the start of wonderful friendship. With this addition to the group, the main cast for the new anime series is now fully-set. Let the true adventures around the Pokémon world begin!

Some honorable mentions…

2019 for PokéAni marked an end of an era, but a start of a new one too! No doubt one of the most impactful years the show has had in the world since the XY&Z arc. Besides the historic Alola League, we also saw the continuation of Brock & Misty’s trip to Alola (not to mention Brock & Olivia’s adorkable interactions together), the class’ crash-course golf lessons with none other than Kahili! Ash catching a rare Meltan that appeared out of nowhere, The Sparkling Trio of Mallow, Lana & Lillie uniting as Alola DrinKyun (’Refreshing Trio: Alola Idols’ in the English dub), Ash challenging Ryuki’s Kantonian Gym, the high-speed Vikavolt race, Mallow’s vision in opening her Pokémon café, Matori’s unexpected visit to the Team Rocket base in Alola, and let’s not for get about the Ultra Guardians finishing up their final missions in capturing the remaining UBs: Pheromosa and Kartana. And honestly, after seeing all of Sun & Moon, can everyone just agree that Kukui is the BEST Pokémon professor?!

Of course, how can I not mention the final episode of Sun & Moon? In what was probably one of the most emotional farewell episodes in the anime’s history. If you don’t have bias from the original goodbye with Brock & Misty in Johto, this would probably be the best one. It was executed perfectly with Ash’s class figuring out what to do in the future with Ash himself not sure what to do moving forward. Naganadel had to return back to its homeworld, the Rockets had to say leave their Alola Pokémon with Bewear as she sends them off one final time, Nebby returns to see Ash one final time, and Lillie decides to search for her father away from Alola after brining Magearna to life. With everyone deciding what to do, Ash heads back home to explore the world (which transitions to the new series) leaving all his Alola Pokémon behind in Kukui’s lab, while Rotom Dex decides to work for the Aether Foundation. The boat scene with Lillie was a good touch on how her character evolved thanks to Ash’s help, and the departing airport scene with Kukui, Burnet, and Ash group hugging was touching. Even Ash teared up as he gets in the air leaving Alola as his friends and Pokémon he left behind wave goodbye. If that wasn’t a good send off for the Sun & Moon series, Mallow’s Shaymin finally achieved its Sky Forme (which have her mother’s eyes...could be a touching symbolism that she was always watching her ;_;) from a Gracidea flower before taking off, AND ON TOP OF THAT, the final shot of the series no less, we find out that Professor Burnet is pregnant. Never in the history of this anime has ever done that to a major character in the supporting cast. The Sun & Moon series continues to break ground as one of the best Pokémon series.

Other than that, we got the new series (which I still wish we had a proper sub-title for -_-) giving us a taste of what to expect in the new Generation VIII era. Our newly appointed research fellows, Ash & Go are at Professor Sakuragi’s Institute helping with his research along with Mimey and Koharu helping out with the household chores. Lugia brought these two together, and are now living under the same roof. And, can we talk about Mimey?! I’m so glad a classic character from this anime is being used as a permanent supporting character for this series. Not to mention that he battled alongside Ash in the Hoenn tournament and won! It’s also refreshing to see updated animation within Kanto where they’re home base is at, and I absolutely cannot wait for them to go back to other regions with this fresh new art style. With Go’s goal to catch every Pokémon there is for him to index, he’s bound to meet Mew again one day! He’s literally every Pokémon games’ protagonist and I’m glad we have a main character like him who actually focuses on catching them all. As for Ash, he’s still our Ash carving his own unique path on his continuing journey to become a Pokémon Master because it’s more than being the strongest trainer and more than just catching Pokémon. I’m going to take his word for it! I don’t know if you noticed, but Go kinda looks up to him a bit due to his experiences in battle. Just look how shy he was just wanting to be his friend. You just gotta love it when they make Ash this mentor-type friend especially now coming off a huge victory in the Alola League becoming a champion.

Overall, the Sun & Moon anime gave us a variety of different set of stories every week leading up to the anticipated Alola League. Everyone had a story to tell building up to the Alola League, and just look at the list of episodes we’ve had this year that went back and forth with characters that get a main focus other than Ash (or even Lillie). Most of these episodes I’m talking about are either development for a Pokémon in their team evolving, or a perfecting a Z-move with their respective Z-Crystals. This shows much the writers care about each main character gets enough screen-time before they’re ready to take on the League with Ash. If you are still thinking on whether or not to continue/finish watching the series if you haven’t yet, I would still recommend to please watch until the end! It’s a really fun ride to sit through it all in my humble opinion, unless you want to just bolt straight into the League episodes only caring about Ash’s story. You do you. As for the new series, it will definitely pick up the pace sooner or later with the initial episodes are setting up to lead into something bigger. If you aren’t hooked in yet, definitely be patient because I’m expecting a lot of good opportunities for them to pull off in this cross-region based format. Sure it isn’t based 100% on the latest games in the franchise Sword & Shield, but that’s what separates the anime and the games. The anime is doing its own thing with an original story, but I’m pretty sure they will mix-in some of the interesting storylines and feature important characters from Sword & Shield every time they revisit Galar because it’s the new region on the block. They should feature/market a lot of episodes from all the new content Galar has. So I would definitely still keep my eyes on the Pocket Monsters series 👀

And there you have it! This post as long as it already is, so I’ll stop here. If you’ve read everything I had to say (maybe a few typos here and there lol), then thank you for your time! Feel free share your own favorite PokéAni moment 2019 with a reblog or a reply if you choose to do so. Thanks so much for an amazing year, and it’s time for us to GO to 2020. More moments await for us, and maybe even some surprises we might see since Ash is returning to previous regions he already visited in the past. See everyone in 2020 for the first full year of the new ‘Pocket Monsters’ series. Let’s go (with Go heh) and have some fun! Yes, I think used the word ‘go’ here too many freakin’ times lol

Happy New Year to all my followers, and the rest of the Pokémon fandom!

If you haven’t seen these yet, and you are new to my blog, check out all the previous year-end PokéAni Rewinds I did in the past: 2016 | 2017 | 2018

[jadeazora]

Things I really liked about the SM anime (#ThankYouSunandMoon)

The change in formula. I dropped off originally sometime in the middle of AG, since that's when younger me caught onto the formula that Ash wouldn't win (or so I thought), all the hype with a League victory utterly wasted, and would just keep traveling the regions helping countless randoms we would never see again and trying for the League until the franchise ended. Even XY, which brought me back to watching Pokemon regularly again, stuck to the same formula. I like the establishment of a home base in Alola, that we had very few one off characters, and it made Alola feel more familiar.

Our boy finally winning a League, and the exhibition match letting him keep his title clean. I was predicting a loss to Gladion, but to see Ash FINALLY win a true, canon League after all this time brought tears to my eyes.

How the artstyle really captured the relaxed, fun feel of the Alola region from the games. It was jarring coming off XY, but that more intense aesthetic wouldn't have suited the tone of the region as well. It really aided the animation too.

How they showed a different side to Lusamine. She's a loving, if overworked, mom, and she wasn't always there for her kids, but she does care about them a lot. In the games, especially the first set, the family is more broken, and while it ends on a hopeful note for them, it's nice to see more closure and development here.

Lillie's arc. How you felt so happy when she's made progress in getting over her fears. She really came a long way, from not being able to touch a Pokemon to fighting alongside everyone at the League, and showing her brother how she's evolved.

Ash getting a father figure with Kukui

Team Rocket getting a (bear) mom, especially considering their own home lives with Jessie growing up in poverty while her mother went searching for Mew and James being forced into an arranged and controlling marriage he wanted no part of. Bewear was doting and protective towards her kids.

Litten and Stoutland's arc. For being the comedic arc it is, it was surprising to see a death-centric episode (let alone three) and they handled it really well. And then seeing Torracat and Stoutland reunite in Tapu Fini mist episode was really heartwarming, since Torracat had more closure. I also really liked how Mallow reconciled with her deceased mom.

The Kahunas weren't just one-offs but got a fair amount of screentime outside their respective arcs.

The Guzzlord mini-arc. I really liked Dia as a character and wanted more of his story, but some things weren't meant to be, I guess 😂

Kiawe and Gladion being such good elder brothers

Guzma and Kukui's backstory getting more elaboration compared to the games. Also, his grunts all looking up to him and supporting him even after he lost against Ash in the League

Sophocles, Lana, and Mallow all evolving their main (or secondary in Vikavolt's case. It's not really overshadowed by Togedemaru tho?) Mons to the final stage

Jessie's homicidal Mimikyu

James lovestruck Mareanie

How episodes were less formulaic. A lot of older episodes had a battle every episode, but we got to see more variety in the types of stories we got here. We get more of the "general life with Pokemon " kinda stuff and it was nice.

Giving us so many families. From the human characters to the Pokemon themselves.

For a heartwarming cast that's always supportive of each other.

For keeping my interest in the anime alive and for helping me build this blog I've come to love and have so much fun with.

Here's to a bright future and I hope we have a lot of fun with our next arc too.

[diamond-song42]

The Nonsense Thing in Diamond’s Head Today 2: Why I Love the Sun and Moon Anime

I need to let this out. People have been giving the Sun and Moon seasons of Pokemon so much shit for the design and school concept and no Serena and blablablablabla I honestly am loving it so far. I don’t have a favorite season, but I really appreciate what I’m watching. For some reference, I have been watching and playing for over ten years and am a certified Pokemon Professor. Here are some reasons why I like the new season (SPOILER ALERT):

*The animation. Yeah, it’s not X and Y animation. But it’s almost more realistic! Ash’s eyes have shrunk a bit and it leads him to looking older (even though he is perpetually 10). Episodes like “They Might Not Be Giants” and “Pulling Out the Pokemon Base Pepper” have had some faces that X and Y never had. And I can’t deny the Z-Moves can be pretty epic. It ties in to more traditional anime styles of animation. And even though Ash is still 10, his look makes us feel like it is a significant time since he first started his journey.

*The storylines. Alola lacks gyms, but I like the Trials. Ash getting a Z-Ring is a bit of redemption for not getting a Key Stone in X and Y. The storylines here are also not as fantasized as some of the X and Y storylines. Ash’s Litten has a Stoutland friend that dies. (It’s not explicitly said, but highly implied - even Ash knows what’s up and he’s an idiot.) Lillie’s Pokemon-touching trauma relates to me as a person who has experienced mind-blocking trauma like that. I think the deepest X and Y ever got in this manner was Ash’s depression in “Seeing the Forest for the Trees” and Lysandre’s disappearance in “Forming a More Perfect Union.” What I believe is that they are going with school-centric storylines to further appeal to the target audience of school-aged children.

*The characterization of Lusamine. I… was not happy with how Ultra Sun and Moon ended. Lusamine was sorta reformed and didn’t do much. Here she still is a bit psychopathic, falling in love with Nihilego upon its reemergence, but it’s obvious she deeply cares for her children as she is able to snap back to her senses. This is what I wanted in Ultra Sun and Moon. I wanted her to be more humanized in the end and not as douchy. The anime has given me what I wanted. Not to mention the family dynamic is completely adorable! I can see situations like this also being relatable to viewers. It’s relatable to me as I have a stoic but caring brother like Gladion and an eccentric mom like Lusamine. We used to go on many great adventures!

*The characterization of Kukui. Kukui has had a ton of appearances as Ash lives with him. Kukui (while being a bit creepy for an older man just randomly taking a child in) has given Ash something he never really had for the show: A father figure. Professor Oak, let’s be real, was more of a grandad mentor. They don’t have the same relationship as Ash and Kukui. Kukui houses Ash, gives him guidance, and teams up with him on missions. Hell, Ash even hugged him and Burnet when they announced their engagement! Ash hasn’t even hugged his own mother! I don’t have an opinion on Ash and Burnet’s relationship yet. I need to keep watching.

*The feels. I am such a sucker for feels. Sun and Moon has not lacked them. Lemme just name a few that got me: Stoutland’s death and how life turned out after that. Lusamine’s abduction and subsequent reunion with her family (even if Pikachu defeating her with that 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt was basically something the writers pulled out of their butts). Lillie getting over her trauma and her family’s pure smiles. The flashbacks featuring Lillie, Gladion, and Lusamine. Rowlet wanting to stay with Ash and nuzzling his face. Mallow receiving thanks from her father. Sophocles crying when he was ready to leave and then revealing the truth to his friends. Rockruff’s guilt and then the two Lycanroc helping it. Mimikyu being so sad about its rag ripping. AH GAWD MY HEART.

And those were some of the reasons why I like the Sun and Moon anime. Don’t knock it until you try it. Diamond out!

[harmonyrocketeeveon]

This will be broken up again, as the characters split off.

Beginning (before they separated): When I read the Netflix description, I was hoping Sophocles and Lana would be partners, but they meant the Stoutland. At least there is some Sparksurfershipping. :3 There are so many little and big doges! I find it cool how everyone got Stoutland with saddles for their color that match the characters. Oh Ash, I miss Litten's Stoutland too . . . Augh! Ash's boxers!!!

Ash: I relate to him so much! I would always get shards all the time in PBB! (I still don't know what they were used for.) His Stoutland was very slobbery. Alolan Geodude is cool, but I'm okay that Ash didn't catch it.

Kiawe: Two fossils are cool! Too bad they couldn't have revived them and given them to him. I especially like Archen's colorful feathers.

Mallow: Mushrooms! I like how I'm recognizing all of the items from the games! I don't remember the berry, but I haven't played any SuMo or USUM.

Lillie: Took her a while, but she looked so happy when she finally climbed on its back. :3

Sophocles: Sophocles, I love you, but that's kinda cheating, right?  Oh well, I'm still proud of him for getting that many points! Also, when he and Lana both failed and there was that split-screen, I was like, "Yes!" And Togedemaru messing with Stoutland's face fur was adorable.

Lana: My favorite character interaction in the episode. She was so determined to ride the most stubborn Stoutland. She was patient and kind to it, even if it refused to listen to her. Then there was the encounter with the Garbodor. Popplio tried her best. Lana was so protective and adorable! Then, there was Stoutland with Giga Impact!

End: Oh my goodness, Lana! You're gonna get a z-ring and you won the competition and I'm so proud of you. Even better, Sophocles does too. When he says, "One lucky girl,"  he doesn't sound jealous and he has a goofy, adorable look on his face! I couldn't stand it, I was squealing! :D

That should be it. I considered showing Stoutland protecting Lana for the screenshot, but I just gotta show Sophocles!

(It's amazing when you start a shipping and then those characters rocket up on your favorites list . . . I used to not pay that much attention to Sophocles or Lana, and now I've drawn them many times in my Wyoming Government book and I haven't drawn any other characters from SuMo, not even Team Rocket in the style.)

[ryttu3k]

A Pokemon double-feature!

First episode:

Satoshi does the opening! Shows some Pokemon.

BEANS. BUY ALL THE BEANS. Mallow buys some patterened ones for Steenee! Wow, Kiawe, how many are you buying?

Sophy is Concerned at the prospect of shopping. Because TPCi love a stereotype, all the girls are hyped about it, of course...

And Kiawe is OUT. Sophy bails as well, and Roto shows some sort of timer? Oh, apparently Alola Detectives is about to start, of course XD

Opening! Still no changes to like, Bounsweet, Lillie and the egg, stuff like that?

Many sparklies! Satoshi seems more interested in an island out in the distance. Same tbh. A woman tells him about it, and says there's plenty of Pokemon there! They can hire a kayak to get there!

Ditching shopping in order to kayak to an island. Fair enough! Nice day out on the ocean - Wingull, Corsola, nice breeze, curvature of the Earth...

And they made it! ...Immediately finding a Crabrawler boxing match? SATOSHI ARE YOU REALLY GOING TO TRY TO FIGHT THEM. ...No, they are going to run the fuck away XD

A CUTER FRIEND. HI CUTIEFLY. Pikachu sneezes, and back home, so does Roto? Huh XD Satoshi follows the Cutiefly, finding a gorgeous meadow full of them! Beautifly, Comfey, a ton of Alolan Exeggutor in a parade!

Aw, it's the opening! And Satoshi drinking directly from a pond that Pokemon are bathing in XD Satoshi and Pikachu dive in!

Pikachu yawns, but Satoshi has BEANS. A yellow one, of course! And a malasada for Satoshi.

Satoshi gets thoughtful, thinking of everyone he knows, while the Laverre music plays! <3 Aww, bbies. And they fall asleep then and there.

SUDDENLY SURROUNDED BY WIMPOD.

Ad break! Holy shit there's a NEW Pokemon Pan ad! lmfao really creepy-themed ad for a new Mimikyu card.

Hey! They stole the beans! Rude! Pikachu tackles the one with the bag and manages to get it back. Good job!

A mysterious sound? :o Pika is spooked, but Satoshi is curious. Something in a gap in the cliff, huh?

Gasp! It's a Wimpod, trapped or something! Satoshi SHONENS into action! ...Unsuccessfully. Pikachu licks his hurt hand, and it's time for another attempt! Pikachu races off somewhere, and Satoshi falls off... again.

Rowlet falls off the roof in their sleep.

Pikachu returns, and this time, with an A-Exeggutor! Good thinking! It lifts Satoshi up to the top of the cliff, and he clambers down to the trapped Wimpod! (The trapped and VERY ALARMED Wimpod, oh dear.) Pikachu IRON TAILs a hole in the cliff, and Wimpod is free!

Wimpod spots their family and swims off, then swims back to thank Satoshi, then returns <3 Cute!

Now, night has fallen - Satoshi gazes out at the sea, and spots a small, sparkling Pokemon - Tapu Lele! They scatter scales, and all of Satoshi's scratches and cuts heal up. Satoshi calls a thank you as they fly off.

Back at Kukui's place, Satoshi tells him about it. Roto pulls up their dex entry, and Satoshi stares at his hands in amazement. Next up, the entry for Wimpod, and then it's time for dinner (and for Rowlet to dive back into their favourite bag)!

A nice, sweet episode <3

Second episode:

Grocery shopping and suffering. Apparently, Roto is not quite strong enough to carry shopping bags! A donut rolls out and is caught by an older woman. She starts handing it back, when SUDDENLY A LITTEN.

Back to the bridge that Rowlet saw last time, but Satoshi never did! Rowlet shows no recognition :| Litten brings the donut to Stoutland, who's not looking so good :(

...Okay, he Fire Fanged that log pretty good XD Litten. Made a good attempt at it XD

Stoutland is coughing :(

Flashback time! The sandwich theft, meeting Stoutland, seeing Litten again.

Satoshi kneels and starts digging through his bag, and Litten, uh, Fire Fangs his head. Litten and Rowlet are going to spar, it seems!

Back at home, Roto shows Kukui the footage from earlier. Kukui seems concerned.

Next day, heading to (or home from?) school, OH HEY, ROCKETS OUT OF NOWHERE. ...Litten appears out of nowhere and Fire Fangs the shit out of them, running up to Satoshi and tugging at his pants leg. Pikachu tosses an Electro Ball at the Rockets, and escape in the resulting flash.

Satoshi's made it back to the Stoutland, who's now on the floor D: Satoshi tries to pick him up, which Meowth, following, observes.

At the Pokemon Centre. Stoutland is not doing well :( Watching on the other side of the glass, Litten yowls unhappily, leaping out of Satoshi's arms as soon as the door opens. Litten starts grooming Stoutland, while the nurse talks to Satoshi. Meowth continues watching, looking pensive.

Satoshi shows up at the Centre with food - only to find that Stoutland and Litten are gone! They race to the alleyway, only to get stopped by Meowth, who seems to... offer to show Satoshi where they are?

Ad break feat. Usain Bolt as a member of Team Skull. Okay XD

Back under the bridge. Litten continues looking after Stoutland, who wants to see them perfect their Fire Fang. Aww, almost, Litten! Litten snuggles up to Stoutland and goes to sleep.

One leaf left on the tree :(

Litten has a dream about Stoutland looking hale and hearty, and races towards him, only for him to fade away D: Waking up with a start, Stoutland is gone?!

Not at the old house. Not at the marketplace. SNOWBELLE CITY THEME D: Litten looks out at the rough seas, then returns to the alley just in time to see the last leaf fall off the tree and land on the now-broken couch. And then, to add insult to injury, it starts to rain.

Kukui and Satoshi show up with umbrellas, watching Litten howl in misery, before they jump up on the couch and fall into a miserable sleep.

Meanwhile at the Rocket base, Meowth is down in the dumps, and gets a hug from Bewear.

Back in town, Satoshi gets a bag of food from the old lady, offering them to Litten, who turns away.

A sad montage of sadness - set to Meowth's song, interestingly enough. Meowth goes to visit Litten, who still hasn't eaten anything. Eventually, Satoshi and his team return, trying to cheer up the sad Litten. The rain eventually stops, and the last leaf blows away. Litten chases after it, stopping when they see a rainbow spread across the sky, and, beneath it, Stoutland in the clouds.

Satoshi's stomach rumbles and Litten brings him one of the berries that Satoshi bought for them. They mock-argue about it until Pikachu falls over from sheer overstimulation. Satoshi chats to Litten, and Litten, er, scorches him XD Meowth watches on, and definitely smirks at the scorching, the li'l shit XD

Time for a battle!! Wanting to see if Satoshi is worthy as a trainer, huh? Looks like it worked - Satoshi hurls up a Pokeball, and Litten leaps into the air and smacks the button with their paw!

"NYABBY GETTO DAZE!"

MEOWTH TRIES NOT TO CRY. Litten meets their new team members, and they all dig in to the berries, under the rainbow - and Stoutland, in the clouds :')

I'M EMOTIONAL.

Next week - evil sandcastles, lots of ice, and Pikachu in a bubble!

[fantasyresident]

The Sun and Moon anime has a simpler art style so they can make animations very expressive and over the top! It harder on animators when the designs are more detailed. It's not fun drawing a complicated design over and over. Obviously when you pick a smear frame from Sun and Moon and compare it to a frame from Twilight Wings the latter will look better! It's alright though if the art style turns you away! It's not everyones cup of tea I'm just explaining the "ugliness".

Fair argument, but I just think it’s absurd for them to want a looser style. They should work hard on the anime to make it more compelling. I’m so disappointed when I hear about all these great episodes of the Sun and Moon anime (like the Litten and Stoutland episode) because the art style gives me an eye sore. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions of course, but mine is quite strong about this. Not to mention I hated the Sun and Moon interpretation of Misty. It’s a shame, seeing her again with a Mega Gyarados in Kanto wiould have been great, but it turned out to be a letdown considering how bad she looked IMO. But thanks for the respect! 🙂

[ryttu3k]

Okay, Pokemon still exists! Pokeani and TINY ADVENTURES.

An excellent bubble, Popplio!!

Satoshi lets out Rockruff and the still sleepy Rowlet. Rockruff so affectionate <3

Pikachu is very impressed by the bubble!

GASP. BOUNSWEET SNEEZES. ROWLET GETS KNOCKED INTO THE BUBBLE. WIND PICKS UP THE BUBBLE. AND OFF THEY GOOOOO.

omfg what are those faces

Opening!

Lana is DETERMINED, and grabs Satoshi's wrist, bodily hauling him along! Mallow and the other Pokemon follow!

Popplio and Rowlet are being bounced around!

ROWLET VISION OH MY GOSH.

Rowlet accidentally breaks the balloon and they do some... skydiving. Thankfully, Rowlet manages to grab Popplio - for a moment - GO ROWLET GO! Aaaand down they go.

Meanwhile, back at the Rocket den, they have made a satellite dish! ...Which they are now under, due to Rowlet and Popplio crashing into them.

GROVELLING POKEMON. Rowlet is now in a collar?

Jessie you can't catch them they're already caught...

OFF THEY GO. Mimikyu just kinda. Watches.

Rowlet can't get the thingo off and can no longer fly, so Popplio literally bounces them on their nose.

BEWEAR HUGS.

Aw no Popplio tripped! Knocked Rowlet into a rock, Rowlet bounced, they rolled down a cliff - straight over to Meowth and Mareanie, who attack!

LITTEN DEFENDS THEM! Meowth is Unimpressed. Also now unconscious. Litten attempts to get the collar thing off, without success, and Popplio pops them in a bubble again.

Looks like Litten will lead them out of the forest!

(Ad break!)

Back to the city! Litten leads them to the alleyway, where old friend Stoutland is waiting! A brief flashback to explain everything, and Stoutland examines a really spooked Rowlet.

ROWLET GETS LICKED.

Ahh, yes! Stoutland remembers who Rowlet belongs to! And Rowlet gets licked again... much to Popplio's amusement.

I love how the Pokemon communicate in this episode!

Poor confused Popplio! And... Rowlet has already fallen asleep.

Stoutland wants Litten to take them back to the school. Litten is unimpressed but eventually gets up to do so.

Rockruff sniffs around! Satoshi offers Rockruff his backpack, and Lana holds out her hand, and pupper is on the trail!

Meanwhile, back in the forest, Bewear is finally asleep. Time to sneak off again!

Popplio is a goofball. Rowlet flails. Litten is so unimpressed :')

Aww, Rockruff lost the trail. It's okay, bby!

Tiny Trio soak up the sights and get a lot of attention. Meanwhile, their trainers JUST miss them, whoops!

The trio pause, and suddenly they get caught in a net!! So rude, TRio.

Okay seriously how are they not going to be able to walk straight out of that cage, that thing is huge. Okay, still in the net, that helps XD;;

They're not familiar with Litten, it seems. Litten yowls at Meowth, and Rowlet... has fallen asleep again.

Good Ember :D ...I think Popplio just got a crush on Litten.

Oh no a sad story! It's supereffective on Meowth, Mareanie, and Wobuffet!

Does Litten have a plan? :o Whatever they're saying, the Rockets seem pretty pleased! They open the cage - and Litten slashes the net open, Popplio bubbles them, and Rowlet knocks them the fuck awayyyyy!

And now the trainers show up just in time to see the Rockets disappear, and are happily reunited with their Pokemon! (And Rowlet gets freed. Opposable thumbs FTW.)

Reunions done, they notice Litten! A thoughtful moment, then Satoshi steps forward and thanks Litten for their help. And off they go again, but I have the feeling this won't be the last we see of them! What a nice li'l adventure.

AND THE ROCKETS LAND SAFELY IN BEWEAR'S ARMS. Good aim!

What a nice adventure, properly this time :D

The movie trailer looks rad!

Next week: DETECTIVE ROTOM.

[harmonyrocketeeveon]

Review of The Island Whisperer!:

First of all, Olivia is just like me! She cuddles Pokemon and calms them down, she actually laughs at Principal Oak's jokes (everyone else is lame), she got emotional about Litten's past, and she gets along with all Pokemon! Although, I don't understand why everyone thought her emotions were weird. I mean she'd be extremely happy, then cry about Stoutland or realize she has a cramp in her leg. So what? I wouldn't realize my leg hurt while helping a Wailmer either. And I love the way she kisses Pokemon. :3

Haha, Ash almost blasted off. XD (Sorry, not sorry. I like Ash, but he has blasted off the TRio too many times . . . )

Is it weird that I only just realized that Kiawe never wears a shirt . . ?

Olivia tripped because she's wearing heels. I mean who wears heels on an island? You know, there's sand everywhere! (Oh, but she's like me because when I do something embarrassing, I'm either like "Nothing!" or "You didn't see anything . . .")

Lana and Sophocles both got completely blue necklaces! :D

Pikachu messing with the necklace was very adorable!

Oh, and Olivia's also and an arts-and-crafter!

HEADCANON: Olivia is a Pokemon! :D What is she's a Mew, Ditto, or Zorua (most likely)?

Lycanroc and Rockruff curled up together was so cute! :D

Lana naming off all of the Pokemon is like me (except with all Pokemon). Looks like Lana has a bit of a funny side. :3 Wait, what if she actually saw a Lugia?

I thought I saw a Milotic, but a bunch of Dragonair using Rain Dance is even better! :D (Dragonair's my favorite Dragon type.)

I used to like Bruxish, mainly it's design, but now it's kinda creepy and meh . . . I didn't know it was a Psychic type before and it sounds terrible (I know it's supposed to, but still).

That poor Wailmer. Good thing they helped!

Lana and Sophocles' faces when Mallow says it's cool when Olivia hurts her leg. XD

Ash Ketchum, you have seen Nurse Joys before! XD

What did you think of the episode?