Pokemon Season One: Indigo League Review (Anime)

Pokemon began its life as a pair of Gameboy games and as they took the world by storm, so did the anime series. The first season, Indigo League, introduces one of the world’s most prominent protagonists, Ash Ketchum, and his loveable partner Pikachu as they set out on a very special journey — one to be the very best.

 

For the first time ever, the Pokemon TV series is available on Blu-ray (and DVD, not for the first time) with the series’ first 52 episodes, and it’s been a long time coming. I’m very nostalgic about this series but as someone who fell out of love with the series for quite a few years, and only in recent years has my love been rekindled for it, I can confidently say that the Indigo League is as fantastic now as it was when I was a child. Seeing Ash and Pikachu attacked by those Spearows in the very first episode? Gives me chills every time.

 

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As fantastic now as it was when I was a child.

The actual Indigo League covers 80 episodes, and so this ends on an inconclusive note that leaves you wanting more — I can only hope that Manga UK package the rest of the episodes soon! Netflix also only has the first 52 episodes, and that’s thanks to how it originally aired in the West. Regardless, there’s a lot of content here and if you’re looking to see what the fuss is all about or you just want to relive a part of your childhood, then you’ll be entertained by the 20 or so hours that this runs for. It’s hard to not fall in love with Team Rocket’s antics, and the protagonists thorough thwarting of their plans.

 

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Studio OLM are currently animating the Pokemon Sun & Moon TV series, and they’ve been working on the series since the very first season back in 1997 — amazing, no? Whilst they’ve played around with different styles over the years they’ve been animating, OLM have remained consistently good as they’ve tackled series after series. The first season of Pokemon is how most people recognise the series though, notable for its sharply angled characters and a slightly chubbier Pikachu. Also, the Squirtle Squad is ace.

 

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The Squirtle Squad is ace.

Veronica Taylor hasn’t voiced Ash since 2006, but she’s still the name most recall when they think of Ash’s English voice-actress. Funny and full of life, Pokemon‘s dub is wondrous and uplifting. It embraces all of its silliness with open arms but it will still play with your heartstrings during more emotional moments of the show. And who could ever forget the Pokemon theme song? It’s one of the most recognisable anime themes of all-time, and one that’s well-known by those who aren’t as familiar with anime. It’s a song people still sing along to over 20 years later, and I’m sure it’s one that won’t wane in popularity anytime soon.

 

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It may be showing its age, but it’s undeniably timeless.

Pokemon is an all-time classic and with Indigo League it’s easy to see why it’s so highly revered. It’ll awaken your inner child and it’s perfect to introduce to others, especially if you have children of your own — it’s easy to enjoy at any age, though! To say that fans have been waiting a long time to get their hands on this in the UK, especially on Blu-ray, would be an understatement but here it is, and its release is as brilliant as it deserves to be. It may be showing its age, but it’s undeniably timeless.

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