The Pokémon anime, while inspired by the video game series, often takes creative liberties, resulting in some inconsistencies that have sparked debate among fans. Ash Ketchum’s Pokémon, in particular, have been known to bend the established rules and mechanics, sometimes to the point of defying logic. Here are ten instances where Ash’s Pokémon ignored the canon.
Type Matchups Become Optional
One of the core mechanics of the Pokémon games is the type matchup system, where certain types are strong against others, and some are completely ineffective. However, in the anime, these rules are frequently disregarded for the sake of plot convenience.
Pikachu’s Electric Attacks vs. Ground Types
Perhaps the most common example is Pikachu’s Electric-type attacks affecting Ground-type Pokémon. In the games, Ground types are completely immune to Electric attacks, but in the anime, Pikachu’s thunderbolts and other electric moves have been seen damaging and even defeating ground-type opponents such as Onix. This inconsistency undermines the importance of type matchups, a key element of the Pokémon world, and often leaves fans of the games scratching their heads.
Other Type Inconsistencies
It’s not just Pikachu; other type matchups are also frequently ignored in the anime. For example, Psychic-type moves have been shown to damage Dark-type Pokémon, which should be immune, and Grass-type moves have been used on Flying-type Pokémon, which should resist them. These inconsistencies disrupt the careful balance of the game mechanics.
Dodging the Undodgeable
In the Pokémon games, certain moves have perfect accuracy and are guaranteed to hit their target. However, in the anime, Pokémon frequently dodge these attacks, completely disregarding the mechanics of the games.
Swift and Aerial Ace Missing
Moves like Swift and Aerial Ace, which are defined by their unerring accuracy in the games, have been shown to miss in the anime. This makes battles less predictable and more dramatic, but it comes at the cost of breaking a fundamental rule of the game. While the concept of a “friendship dodge” was introduced in later games to explain some of these dodges, it doesn’t explain all cases.
Unique and Unconventional Move Combinations
The Pokémon anime is known for its creative and often unique move combinations, which often defy the established rules of the games. Ash’s battles in particular have a number of these unique combinations.
Pikachu’s “Thunder Armor”
One of the most prominent examples of an anime-only move is Pikachu and Swellow’s “Thunder Armor.” This combination move, where Swellow is coated in electricity, is not only unique to the anime but completely defies Pokémon logic. This move has never appeared in any other game, manga, or anime adaptation, making it an obvious example of the anime bending the rules for entertainment value.
Iron Tail and Electro Ball Combo
Ash has also been seen combining moves that don’t typically combine. During a battle against Trip, Pikachu combined its Iron Tail and Electro Ball attacks, creating a new move that surprised both Trip and the viewers. Such unique combination moves do not exist in the games.
Ash-Greninja: A Transformation Beyond Mega Evolution
Ash’s Greninja is a unique case, exhibiting a transformation that goes beyond the established Mega Evolution mechanic.
The Battle Bond Ability
Ash-Greninja is a form triggered by the unique ability “Battle Bond,” which is only available to Ash’s Greninja. This ability is activated when Greninja defeats a Pokémon in battle. The bond between Ash and Greninja allows Greninja to transform, gaining significant boosts in speed and power. The transformation is visually distinct, with Greninja taking on aspects of Ash’s appearance.
Not a Typical Mega Evolution
Unlike Mega Evolution, which requires a special stone, Ash-Greninja is triggered by the bond between trainer and Pokémon. This transformation rivals the power of Mega Evolved Pokémon, making it one of the most powerful forms seen in the anime. While Ash-Greninja was eventually introduced into the games as a promotional item, the mechanics are quite different. In the games, the form is simply a stat boost for Greninja, and does not require the conditions of the anime.
The Case of the Physical Light Screen
In a battle against Gym Leader Valerie, both trainers bend the rules, with Valerie using a Light Screen that has a physical presence, unlike in the games. In the game, Light Screen reduces special attack damage, but in the anime, it acts as a physical barrier. To counter, Ash has Hawlucha use X-Scissor to break through the Light Screen, something that is impossible in the games. This unique situation shows that Ash is not the only trainer who sometimes bends the Pokémon rules.
Rowlett’s Costume Change as a Substitute
Ash’s Rowlett is known for its unusual characteristics, particularly its habit of wearing a costume of its evolved form, Decidueye. During a battle against Hau’s Decidueye, Rowlett dodges an attack by discarding its costume, using this as an illegal substitution. While creative, this act clearly goes against the traditional mechanics of a Pokémon battle and is not a game mechanic.
Mega Lucario’s Infinite Health
In certain battles, Ash’s Mega Lucario has been shown to take an unrealistic amount of damage, seemingly having infinite health. While not explicitly stated in the anime, some battles portray Mega Lucario as being able to endure far more damage than is possible in the games.
Pikachu’s Anti-Ground Antics
Pikachu’s battles against ground-types are notorious in the anime for bending the established rules. The most obvious example is Pikachu’s battle against Brock’s Onix. Although Onix is a ground-type, and therefore should be immune to electric attacks, Pikachu defeats the Onix. It initially uses a sprinkler system to effectively soak Onix, making it vulnerable to electric attacks, a tactic that is only seen in the anime and not in any of the games.
Stealing Another Trainer’s Pokémon
In one of the most blatant rule breaks, Ash attempts to steal a Pokémon from another trainer. In the original games, you cannot catch a Pokémon already owned by another trainer, this is an integral part of the game’s mechanics. Despite his good intentions, Ash’s actions break a fundamental rule that is deeply ingrained in the Pokémon world.
The Ever-Changing Size of Pokémon
The anime often struggles with the consistent representation of Pokémon sizes. Charizard, for example, is listed as 4’11 in the Pokédex, but is often shown to be much larger in the anime, sometimes over 6 feet tall. These size discrepancies can be jarring for game fans who are used to the Pokédex entries. The size differences is another example of the anime prioritizing dramatic presentation over accurate depictions.
Conclusion
While the Pokémon anime is a beloved part of the franchise, it often deviates from the established rules and mechanics of the games. Ash’s Pokémon are frequently at the center of these rule breaks, with their unique abilities, unconventional move combinations, and disregard for type matchups and mechanics. While some of these instances can be explained by the anime’s focus on entertainment, they undeniably break the established canon of the Pokémon world. Despite the inconsistencies, the anime continues to entertain, proving that sometimes bending the rules can make for a more engaging story.
