Pokémon fans furious over Ash Ketchum's dad reveal

Okay, so we’re cancelling Ash Ketchum’s dad, right?

Pokémon fans have waited years to finally meet Ash’s father. Much like attempting to catch smoke, he’s proven a difficult character to pin down.

Due to this enigmatic quality, fans have theorised who Ash’s dad may be – is it someone we’ve met or someone new?

We chatted with Pokémon legend, Veronica Taylor, about playing Ash

Despite Ash’s dad “showing up” in the latest episode, titled ‘The Distance Blue Sky’, this grand reveal didn’t go as planned.

“I'm starting to wonder if Delia was always a single mother, and she just pretends that Ash has a father for the lols,” suggested Redditor Gorotheninja.

To provide context, during the episode, Ash’s mum informs Ash that his dad will meet him at the Pokémon Centre.

However, upon arrival, it turns out his dad has already left. Apparently, waiting for your son who’s only five minutes late is where Ash's dad draws the line.

“The f**k Ash's dad?” exclaimed NewWillinium, “Haven't seen your son in years and you decide that waiting a few more hours is TOO MUCH of a burden to stick around?”

Turns out, fans aren’t that pissed off at being strung along, but rather they feel annoyed on Ash’s behalf.

Ash was really supposed to meet his dad in today's special, but by the time he arrives at the Pokémon Center, he's already left. However, his dad left him a gift - a hat from the Original Series.#anipoke #アニポケ #Pokemon pic.twitter.com/NwXJ5ky0e6

— 🌈🧢 Annet 🧢🌈 (@Akilvers) December 23, 2022

Sure, we’re being trolled right now, however, Ash has it far worse: his father never shows up.

User ruminaui commented, “His dad sounds like an asshole.”

There’s not a lot of love for Ash’s estranged father, and it’s not difficult to ascertain why that is.

Some fans, though they are in the minority, wonder what the point of dredging up the past is. After all, “Ash’s journey is over”.

We may occasionally see our beloved Pokémon Master, but the anime is focused on the efforts of other trainers now.

Still, there’s a part of us that longs for the answer, for nostalgia’s sake.

Plus, we’re super nosey.

Will we ever meet Ash’s dad properly? It seems highly unlikely at this point.