Which Is The Best Season Of Pokemon

Alright, Pokémon fans, let's settle this once and for all! We're diving headfirst into the age-old debate: which season of the original Pokémon anime reigns supreme? Prepare yourselves for some nostalgic feels!

Kanto – Gotta Catch 'Em All (The First Time!)

Ah, Kanto. Where it all began! Remember the thrill of watching Ash Ketchum, that eternally 10-year-old hero, stumble his way through his first Pokémon journey? Classic, right?

We're talking about the birth of iconic rivalries, like Ash vs. Gary Oak, and the sheer joy of seeing him finally snag a Pikachu (after a bit of an electric shock, of course!). Plus, who can forget Team Rocket's consistently hilarious, yet spectacularly unsuccessful, schemes?

Pros:

Pure, unadulterated nostalgia. Seriously, the opening theme alone is enough to send shivers down your spine. It's a cultural phenomenon!

It introduced us to the original 151 Pokémon! Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle...the gang's all here and ready for adventure.

The animation is... well, let's just call it "retro charm." It's like watching a time capsule of Saturday morning cartoons. We love it!

Cons:

The plot? Let's be honest, sometimes it's as random as a wild Jigglypuff appearing to put everyone to sleep. Story arcs can be a bit... repetitive.

Ash's training methods are... questionable at best. Remember when he tried to use Thunderbolt on a rock? Yikes!

The Orange Islands – A Tropical Vacation (With Pokémon!)

Next up, the Orange Islands! This season often gets overlooked, but it's a hidden gem. Think tropical beaches, unique Pokémon variations, and a whole new set of challenges.

Ash actually wins a league here! We're talking about the Orange League, sure, but a win is a win! Plus, we get to see some serious character development (sort of) and meet Tracey Sketchit, the aspiring Pokémon illustrator.

Pros:

The change of scenery is refreshing. Say goodbye to the familiar gyms and hello to surfing Pikachu!

The Orange Island Pokémon are visually stunning. Crystal Onix, anyone? It's a feast for the eyes.

Cons:

Tracey. Let's be real, nobody remembers him. He's like the forgotten cousin of the Pokémon world. Sorry, Tracey!

The overall story arc feels a bit disconnected from the rest of the series. It's a fun detour, but not essential viewing for the hardcore fan.

Johto – Chasing Legendaries (And Bad Haircuts)

And finally, Johto! This season brought us to a new region, new Pokémon, and... well, some questionable fashion choices from Ash (that hat!). Still, it's a solid continuation of the original adventure.

We get to explore more of the Pokémon world's lore and mythology here, encountering legendary Pokémon like Suicune and Ho-Oh. Plus, Team Rocket is still hilariously incompetent, providing the comic relief we all crave.

Pros:

The introduction of a whole new generation of Pokémon! Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, and their evolutions are simply amazing.

The focus on character development is slightly improved (though Ash still seems to be perpetually stuck at level 5). But Misty and Brock show a bit more growth.

Cons:

The pacing can be a bit slow at times. There are definitely episodes that feel like filler.

Some of the new Pokémon designs are a bit... strange. Looking at you, Unown!

The Verdict

So, which season is the best? Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference! But if I absolutely had to pick, I'd say Kanto narrowly wins. The sheer nostalgia factor, the introduction of iconic characters, and the birth of a global phenomenon make it impossible to resist. But hey, they're all amazing in their own way!

Whether you're a Kanto purist, an Orange Islands defender, or a Johto enthusiast, one thing is for sure: the original Pokémon anime holds a special place in our hearts. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and relive the magic all over again! Gotta catch 'em all… even the old episodes!