Off to Unova!

Well, that’s that! Like they say, “everything good must come to an end.” Unfortunately, the Sinnoh saga story arc has finally ended here in North America. I’m extremely sad to see Dawn go- she was my favorite girl to date (yeah, that’s right; eat your hearts out Pokémon puritans). The finale was so sad; I found myself in tears when Dawn and Piplup were shouting their goodbyes to Ash and Brock, who were on a ship to Kanto. But when Ash and Brock said goodbye, it hit me: Brock has been in 655 anime episodes, excluding specials and movies. He was been with Ash since the beginning; an era is ending as Brock departs to become a Pokémon Doctor. He and Ash saw it all, from Kanto down to Sinnoh. It’s sad to see him go; he’s like that old reliable friend you don’t truly appreciate until he's gone. O’ captain, my captain; Brock, you will be missed. But Nintendo never sleeps! The United States is going to practically suffer from whiplash because we’re being spun a fully 180° degrees around! A new boy (Cilan, the sommelier-waiter with a love for “fabulousness” and knack for cooking), a new girl (Iris, the big-haired jungle girl with a kooky Axew), new outfits (Ash’s new attire is easily my favorite, but Team Rocket steals the show in their black new uniforms!), new eyes (seriously, have you seen Ash’s?), and, of course, new Pokémon (a full 156!), are thrown into the mix. That’s right, because on February 12^th, the United States is being tossed into the Unova region, inspired by NYC!

Now that I’ve gotten my little spiel out, are you ready for an anime update? Pokémon: Black and White premieres in the United States on February 12^th with the first two episodes “In the Shadow of Zekrom!” and “Enter Iris and Axew!” Featuring the new girl Iris, Unova’s starters, and the oddly Paul-esque new rival Trip, anyone who’s anyone will be watching! In Japan, the Pokémon: Best Wishes saga returns after a two-part Sinnoh special (See, USA? It’s not goodbye forever!) on February 17^th with “Sommelier Showdown! Dwebble versus Dewott!” In this episode, a cocky waiter announces his contention with Dento (I’ll keep the names Japanese when in reference to Japan) and challenges him to a battle. Needless to say, this one is gonna be explosive! I like the new sommelier’s rubbery-looking floppy hair… (It looks like an octopusJ).

So, did anyone watch Zoroark: Phantom of Illusions? I loved this movie; it’s right up there with my favorite, Giratina and the Sky Warrior. I’ll have to admit that the DP movies were best in my opinion… But I also loved Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, Jirachi- Wish Maker, and Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. I snuggled up with my Tepig and Turtwig plushies (OMG, their names are so similar in English). This brings me to my next topic: BW starters. I always thought I’d choose Oshawott, but lately I’m not sure. I originally liked it best and enjoyed the thought that I’d be working with another Water-type (in HGSS, I choose Totodile). I’m liking Snivy and Tepig more and more… Actually; let me clarify. It’s not that I never liked them, it’s just their final evolutions aren’t my style. Tepig’s is just overly violent looking to me, and Snivy’s final color scheme is bothersome. By default, Oshawott was my best bet. But these days, after getting my Tepig Takara Tomy plushie, I’m reconsidering my original thoughts. I think I’m going with Tepig. For now, at least that is. But tell me what you think, don’t let me down! Where you at, Tepig fans! (Scraggy/ Zuruguu is still my favorite Pokémon from Unova, though. I can’t wait for the day I go to Japan and am able to buy his plush in person!)

Thanks for reading; a month from tomorrow is the Black and White North American launch (I’m still mad at Europe for being able to get it before me J)!

☆ MandN2