Ash Ketchum: Difference between revisions

{{Pokémon character

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As shown in the episode "[[The Ties that Bind]]," Ash and his former rival [[Gary Oak|Gary]] were childhood friends before they went [[fishing]] in the same river, hooked on the same Poké Ball. Both refused to give up and pulled on the line until the ball broke in half. Since then, they have each carried their half around as a good luck charm.

=== ''Pokémon the Series: The Beginning'' ===

Ash Ketchum is ten years old when he begins his [[Pokémon journey|journey]] as a [[Pokémon Trainer]] after obtaining his [[Pokémon Trainer's license|license]]. He dreams of becoming the world's greatest Pokémon Master. However, Ash oversleeps and misses an event from Professor Oak where Pokémon Trainers could choose either [[Bulbasaur]], [[Charmander]], or [[Squirtle]]; the last trainer to arrive before Ash was his rival, [[Gary Oak]]. The only Pokémon that Oak has left is a [[Ash's Pikachu|Pikachu]], who is somewhat difficult to control. Ash and Pikachu struggle to get along at first, but they would become closer after an intense situation where they are chased by a group of [[Spearow]]. Pikachu uses [[Thunder Shock]] chases away the Spearows but also [[Misty (anime)|Misty]]'s [[Bicycle (Pokémon franchise)|bicycle]] by accident, so Misty decides to accompany Ash during his journey until he can get her a new bicycle.

Back at Pallet Town, the characters unexpectedly encounter Brock, who is very depressed when asked why he is no longer with Professor Ivy. Tracey, a big fan of Professor Oak, decides to stay with Oak to assist him, while Brock decides to rejoin Ash and Misty.

===''Pokémon the Series: Gold & Silver''===

[[File:Ash Johto.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Ash and his friends at the beginning of their Johto journey]]

In "[[A Claim to Flame!]]," the [[Silver Conference]] finally begins. In "[[The Ties That Bind]]" and "[[Can't Beat the Heat!]]," Ash finally defeats Gary, but he ultimately loses to his new friend [[Harrison]] in "[[Johto Photo Finish]]."

=== ''Pokémon the Series: Ruby & Sapphire'' ===

In Hoenn, Ash's goal is to win against eight Gym Leaders before he can participate in the [[Ever Grande Conference]]. In "[[Hoenn Alone!]]," Ash takes Pikachu to [[Professor Birch]] because the Team Rocket trio has caused his Pikachu to suffer from a power overload. Pikachu later escapes from [[Professor Birch's Laboratory]] and attacks Ash because it has lost control. Ash is able to calm Pikachu, demonstrating their close bond. After Pikachu accidentally destroys May's bicycle in the process of escaping from a machine that Team Rocket had trapped him, May decides to join Ash on his journey,.

In "[[The Scheme Team]]," after losing to [[Agatha (anime)|Agatha]], an [[Elite Four]] member filling in as the Gym Leader of [[Viridian City]], Ash learns from [[Scott (anime)|Scott]] about the [[Battle facility|battle facilities]] that were built in [[Kanto]] during Ash's absence as part of the [[Battle Frontier (Hoenn)|Battle Frontier]]. Ash is determined to win all seven [[Frontier Symbol]]s and sets out with Max, May, and Brock, who have rejoined him. Ash later wins the [[Knowledge Symbol]] at the [[Battle Factory (Hoenn)|Battle Factory]].

Ash later defeats [[Greta (anime)|Greta]] at the [[Battle Arena]] and [[Tucker (anime)|Tucker]] at the [[Battle Dome]], earning his next two Frontier Symbols, respectively. In "[[Reversing the Charges]]," Ash's Phanpy evolves into a [[Ash's Donphan|Donphan]]. Before defeating [[Lucy]] in the [[Battle Pike]], Ash encounters a [[Pokémon Ranger (career)|Pokémon Ranger]] named [[Solana]] and a [[Celebi (anime)|Celebi]]. In "[[Odd Pokémon Out!]]," Ash's Grovyle finally evolves into [[Sceptile]]. Ash wins the next two Frontier Symbols in the [[Battle Tower (Hoenn)|Battle Tower]] from [[Anabel (anime)|Anabel]] and in a battle against [[Spenser (anime)|Spenser]].

In the battle against [[Brandon (anime)|Brandon]] for the last Frontier Symbol, Ash encounters some problems: Even before his first attempt, Ash's body is overtaken by the [[King of Pokélantis]]. The possessed Ash uses [[Ash's Sceptile|Sceptile]] in the battle, and fights without regard for his Pokémon, and therefore loses. After losing, Ash catches an [[Dawn's Ambipom|Aipom]], which had previously stolen his [[Ash's hat|hat]]. In the second attempt to defeat Brandon, Ash also loses, as his Sceptile is defeated by [[Brandon's Registeel]]. In the second [[rematch]], Ash receives help from his old partners [[Ash's Squirtle|Squirtle]], [[Ash's Bulbasaur|Bulbasaur]], and [[Ash's Charizard|Charizard]]. Ash finally defeats Brandon after his Pikachu defeats [[Brandon's Regice]] in "[[Pace – The Final Frontier!]]." Having won, Ash is eligible to become a Frontier Brain, but he declines the position.

When Ash returns to [[Pallet Town]] in "[[Home Is Where the Start Is!]]," he learns about [[Sinnoh]] from Gary and sets off by ship with Pikachu, but he is also joined by Aipom involuntarily.

=== ''Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl'' ===

Ash's journey in Sinnoh has a difficult start because the Team Rocket trio separates Ash's Pikachu from him. Ash catches a [[Ash's Staraptor|Starly]] to search for Pikachu. The injured Pikachu is later found by [[Dawn (anime)|Dawn]] and defended from the Team Rocket trio, which is how she meets Ash and befriends him in "[[When Pokémon Worlds Collide!]]." Ash also meets Brock again and his new rival, [[Paul]].

At [[Oreburgh City]], Ash faces the first Gym Leader, [[Roark (anime)|Roark]], whom he only manages to defeat during a [[rematch]], as shown in "[[O'er the Rampardos We Watched!]]."

At [[Veilstone City]], Ash encounters Paul's brother, [[Reggie (Pokémon franchise)|Reggie]]. During "[[A Triple Fighting Chance!]]," Ash wins his third Badge from [[Maylene (anime)|Maylene]] at the [[Veilstone Gym]] despite a tie occurring. After the Gym battle, Ash encounters [[Team Galactic]], who want to steal meteorites from the city.  

Ash participates in the [[Wallace Cup]] at the [[Lake Valor]] starting in "[[Staging a Heroes Welcome!]]," where he places among the top eight. He also encounters the [[Legendary Pokémon]] [[Azelf (anime)|Azelf]], whom he befriends.

Ash has his Gym battle against Volkner in "[[The Fleeing Tower of Sunyshore!]]," although it ends prematurely when the Team Rocket trio hijacks the [[Sunyshore Tower]]. While recapturing the tower, Ash's Grotle evolves into [[Torterra]]. Since Volkner first has to repair the tower, Ash wants to use the time to [[Pokémon training|train]]. Meanwhile, he encounters the [[Pokémon Ranger]] [[Ben (anime)|Ben]], a [[Heatran (anime)|Heatran]], and also [[Marley (anime)|Marley]], who is trying to take a [[Shaymin (anime)|Shaymin]] to the [[Gracidea Garden]]. In "[[An Elite Coverup!]]," Ash encounters the last member of the Elite Four, [[Bertha (anime)|Bertha]]. After the [[Grand Festival]], Ash and his friends return to Sunyshore City, where Ash has a rematch against Volkner and wins.

In the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]], which begins in "[[League Unleashed!]]," Ash defeats [[Nando]], [[Conway]], and Paul before losing to [[Tobias (Sinnoh)|Tobias]] in the semifinals.

=== ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White'' ===

Professor Juniper then takes Ash, his mother, and Professor Oak to the Pokémon Laboratory in [[Avenitia]]. Once there, Ash meets [[Trip (Pokémon character)|Trip]], who is just about to choose his new Pokémon. Trip is surprised to learn that Ash is from [[Pallet Town]] in [[Kanto]], which sparks his interest and also a rivalry with Ash. Pikachu later regains his Electric-type abilities.

In the Vertress Conference Ash defeats Trip and [[Stephan]] before losing to [[Cameron (Unova)|Cameron]] and his newly evolved [[Cameron's Lucario|Cameron]] in the quarterfinals during "[[A Unova League Evolution!]]." In "[[New Places... Familiar Faces!]]," Ash and his friends decide to visit the [[White Ruins]], where they meet [[N (anime)|N]] on the journey. [[Ash's Charizard]] returns to Ash, and they face [[Team Plasma]] more often to thwart their plans. After protecting [[Reshiram (anime)|Reshiram]] from Team Plasma, Ash and his friends decide to travel to [[Kanto]], which requires them to cross the [[Decolore Archipelago]].

After this, Ash separates from Iris and Cilan, who want to continue their journey alone, and he returns to Pallet Town with [[Alba (anime)|Alba]] in "[[The Dream Continues!]]." After a reunion with his mother, old friends, and his Pokémon, Ash decides to go with Alba to [[Kalos]], where he wants to participate in the [[Lumiose Conference]]. Ash takes only his Pikachu along, leaving his other Pokémon with Professor Oak, and he receives a new outfit from his mother before leaving.

=== ''Pokémon the Series: XY'' and ''XYZ'' ===

In "[[Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!]]," Ash, his Pikachu, and Alba reach Kalos, more specifically [[Lumiose City]], where Ash meets [[Clemont (anime)|Clemont]] and his sister [[Bonnie (anime)|Bonnie]]. Ash and Clemont agree to a battle, although it is interrupted by [[Team Rocket trio]]. Ash is protected by a [[Ash's Greninja|Froakie]], severely injuring it, so Ash takes Froakie to the [[Sycamore Pokémon Lab]] to recover. Froakie becomes one of Ash's Pokémon after calming the rampaging [[Professor Sycamore's Garchomp|Garchomp]]. On the way to [[Santalune City]], Ash catches a [[Ash's Talonflame|Fletchling]], with help from Froakie.

=== ''Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon'' ===

In "[[Alola to New Adventure!]]," it is revealed that Ash and his mother, Delia, have won a vacation to the [[Alola]] region, so they travel there together. They bring an egg, which Oak gives them to deliver to his cousin [[Samson Oak]]. At the [[Trainers' School (Alola)|Trainers' School]], Ash meets and quickly befriends [[Lillie (anime)|Lillie]], [[Kiawe (anime)|Kiawe]], [[Sophocles (anime)|Sophocles]], [[Lana (anime)|Lana]], and [[Mallow (anime)|Mallow]], who show Ash around the region. Ash is involved in various experiences, such as a battle against [[Team Skull]] and an encounter with the [[Guardian dieties|guardian deity]] [[Tapu Koko]], so Ash decides to stay in Alola and attend the Trainers' School, while Delia returns to Pallet Town. Ash seems to have been chosen by Tapu Koko, so it gives him a [[Z-Ring]]. The [[Electrium Z]] breaks after the first use of [[Gigavolt Havoc]]. Ash therefore decides to go on an [[island challenge]] to find a new [[Z-Crystal]].

After Ash is pulled through a time portal by [[Celebi (anime)|Celebi]] in "[[A Timeless Encounter!]]," he chases away [[Cutiefly]]s from a Totem Pokémon and [[Trevenant (anime)|Trevenant]] named [[Elder (Pokémon)|Elder]].

In "[[Battle Royal 151]]," the [[Manalo Conference]] begins, and Ash, his classmates, and several other friends participate. Ash survives the preliminary round, a [[Battle Royal]], with help from Pikachu. Ash wins against Faba in the first round. Ash then battles [[Hau (anime)|Hau]] in the quarterfinals, where his Ash's Rowlet manages to defeat [[Hau's Decidueye]]. Ash now faces [[Guzma (anime)|Guzma]], and although Ash had been previously helpless against him in "[[The Dealer of Destruction!]]," he manages to defeat Guzma and proceed to the finals, where Ash faces off against his rival Gladion.

The battle begins in "[[Final Rivals!]]," with Pikachu's victory against [[Gladion's Silvally]], which had previously defeated Ash's newly evolved [[Ash's Melmetal|Melmetal]]. After a draw between Ash's Pikachu and [[Gladion's Zoroark]], Ash sends out his [[Ash's Lycanroc|Lycanroc]], and Gladion also sends out his [[Gladion's Lycanroc|Lycanroc]]. Ash's Lycanroc defeats Gladion's, making Ash the winner. Ash receives a trophy at the award ceremony and is the first to be recognized as the Pokémon Champion of Alola.

=== ''Pokémon Journeys: The Series'' ===

In "[[Legend? Go! Friends? Go!]]," Ash sees a [[Lugia (anime)|Lugia]] in Vermilion City and pursues it. From a ledge, Ash jumps on to Lugia's back, where he soon meets [[Goh]], who has also jumped onto it. Lugia allows Ash and Goh to ride on its back as it flies across the sky and dives deep into the sea, and the shared experience leads to a bond between Ash and Goh. After Lugia disappears, Ash and Goh go to [[Cerise Laboratory]], where they inform everyone present about their encounter with Lugia. Ash and Goh agree to help [[Professor Cerise (anime)|Professor Cerise]] in his research, so both of them move into the laboratory.

To investigate [[Dynamax]]ing, Ash and Goh travel to [[Galar]] for the first time in "[[Settling the Scorbunny!]]". While Ash and Goh wait for the train to the [[Wild Area]], they decide to eat some scones at a shop in [[Wyndon]]. After encountering a [[Goh's Cinderace|Scorbunny]], who befriends Goh and follows them unnoticed, Ash and Goh take the train to complete their mission. Soon after, Ash catches [[Ash's Dragonite|Dragonite]] and [[Ash's Gengar|Gengar]], two powerful Pokémon that excel in battles.

During Ash's second visit to the Galar region, Pikachu [[Gigantamax]]es for the first time in "[[The Climb to Be the Very Best!]]" to battle the Dynamaxed [[Drednaw]] attacking the [[Wyndon Stadium]]. Ash's Pikachu later competes against [[Leon's Charizard]], with both sides taking on a Gigantamax form, although Pikachu loses. Ash consequently decides to participate in the [[World Coronation Series]] to have rematch with the Pokémon Champion some day.

In "[[Sword and Shield... The Legends Awaken!]]," Ash's Riolu evolves into Lucario during a battle against [[Rose (anime)|Rose]]'s Pokémon and learns [[Aura Sphere]], which it uses to easily defeat the opposing Pokémon. At the end of the episode, after defeating [[Eternatus (anime)|Eternatus]], Ash and Goh revisit the forest and return both the Rusty Shield and Rusty Sword, hoping to see Zacian and Zamazenta again.

Ash's second battle against [[Bea (anime)|Bea]] is followed by a winning streak, so Ash's ranking in the World Coronation Series continues to rise. One day, in "[[Thrash of the Titans!]]," Ash receives a letter from [[Iris (anime)|Iris]], who challenges Ash to a battle. Ash happily accepts the invitation, and when he arrives, he is surprised to discover that Iris is now the Pokémon Champion of [[Unova]]. Ash emerges victorious from a tough battle and thus achieves the Ultra Class. Ash's first opponent in the Ultra Class is [[Volkner (anime)|Volkner]], whom he defeats. Ash learns from Volkner that [[Cynthia (anime)|Cynthia]] is also participating in the World Coronation Series and has reached the Master Class. Knowing some of his potential future opponents, Ash seeks help from [[Korrina (anime)|Korrina]], as he wants to learn how to [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] with Lucario. Ash receives a [[Mega Glove]] and manages to find a [[Lucarionite]] before receiving a message about an upcoming battle with Bea, whom he defeats with the help of his [[Mega Lucario]].

Together with [[Allister (anime)|Allister]], Ash now also attempts to master [[Gigantamax]]ing. Ash cooks [[Max Mushroom]]s and [[Max Soup]] for Gengar, who develops the ability and enables Ash to defeat [[Marnie (anime)|Marnie]].

After a tough training session with his Pokémon on the grounds of [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] and [[Paul]], Ash travels back to Galar to participate in the tournament. His first opponent is [[Steven Stone (anime)|Steven Stone]], whom he finally defeats using Pikachu's [[10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt]].

In the semifinals, Ash faces Cynthia, and his Mega Lucario defeats her [[Cynthia's Garchomp|Garchomp]], allowing Ash to advance to the finals and face Leon. At the start of the battle, Leon surprises Ash by allowing him to use [[Mega Evolution]], [[Z-Move]]s, and Dynamax. At the climax of the encounter, Eternatus appears in the stadium and grants them both an extra charge of Dynamax Energy. Ash emerges victorious, receives a trophy, and is ranked Monarch of the competition.

Ash and Pikachu encounter an injured [[Latias (anime)|Latias]] in "[[The Road Most Traveled!]]." The two of them help Latias and protect it from the Team Rocket trio, then Latias secretly follows them afterward. During his new journey, Ash reunites with Misty and Brock, and brings old Pokémon into his team, with whom he has several adventures. Ash reunites with [[Cilan (anime)|Cilan]] and the [[Squirtle Squad]], as well as his Lapras. In "[[Ash and Latios!]]," Latias appears to Ash once again and asks for his help in protecting [[Latios (anime)|Latios]] from [[Pokémon hunter]]s. Ash helps the [[Eon duo]], then both Latias and Latios fly away.

Ash makes his final appearance in "[[The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!]]," where he decides to travel to Pallet Town, while Misty and Brock return to [[Cerulean City]] and [[Pewter City]], respectively, but announces that he wants to travel again there. He meets [[Tracey Sketchit|Tracey]] and [[Ash's Pidgeot|Pidgeot]] again, who rejoins his team. He also encounters [[Gary Oak|Gary]] again, who asks Ash how close he is to his goal now that he is a monarch. Ash ponders the question for a while by a lake and finally answers Gary that a Pokémon Master is someone all Pokémon trust, but because Ash has not earned Latios' trust, he still has work to do. Ash decides to set off alone with Pikachu once more.