For more than 25 years, Pokemon has been a dominant fixture in pop culture. They’ve dominated in the anime world, trading card games and one of few television programmes with video games and apps that continue to bring in numbers.
While the series and its affiliated merchandise pulls in young and old audiences to this day, its main character Ash Ketchum will have his swansong this September.
The character and his iconic sidekick, Pikachu, have become household names, while the voice actress behind them does not always get her flowers. Appearing at this year’s ComiCon Africa, a global comic book conference that celebrates all things pop culture, the 57-year-old shared how voicing the character has been nothing short of inspirational.
“It changed who I am just from playing him,” says Taylor, “he goes out of his way to save Pokemon and make sure that they are well taken care of and that they are not just left somewhere. I think that’s a recurring theme that I try to live up to as well.”
Taylor says the show has evolved over the years as a staple for many. This she said owed to how it has stayed true to a simple animation style that allowed for its subdued stories to shine while still packing a punch with episodes that were complex. This makes the series an easy watch for multiple audiences in comparison to other animations that she says are “complicated and fast giving a different viewing”.
This is also why she believes the show still stands the test of time for viewers of all ages who can learn from the character’s constant pitfalls in his journey.
“All of us have been waiting for Ash to win. He puts himself out there because he loses often but he always tries to do his best. And that’s one of the major things, he’s won. He’s finally reached the top. Winning isn’t everything but it sure feels good when you do.”
While voice actors are revered by fans in spaces like Comic Con, they don’t often get the spotlight they deserve. This can also be seen in industries like video games whose performers are set to join the writer’s strike.
The strike, which has been going on for the past five months, was sparked by a need for agreements on streaming residuals for talents among other demands.
Noting the US auto-workers strike that coincides with the SAG-AFTRA demonstrations, Taylor stresses that equality plays an important role.
“With unfair pay and AI, your work can be taken which affects so many people, even musicians. We must stand together to work and fight for what is right.”
Taylor is working on new episodes of her podcast, The Trainer's Guide, which celebrates the legacy of the series alongside her daughter, who was born when the series debuted.
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