10 Iconic Moments From Shounen Anime
7. Pikachu's Sacrifice - Pokemon
The Pokemon anime is often the subject of much ridicule for its bizarrely timeless storyline and repetitive events, although recent seasons have seen them work on the narratives more. However, at its best, this show gave us some of the on screen friendships and rivalries we have ever seen.
Ash Ketchum found himself in a living a nightmare when he overslept on the day he was supposed to set out. By the time he arrived at Professor Oak’s lab, all the starter Pokemon had been taken. Thankfully for Ash, the Professor reveals one last option - Pikachu.
Ash happily accepts the Electric Mouse Pokemon as his first, but Pikachu himself had other ideas. Refusing to accept Ash as his master, Pickahu makes it his mission to not obey a single command. The two then make their way to a forest, where they stumble upon and are attacked by a flock of vicious Spearow. Despite Pickachu’s attitude, Ash throws himself in the line of fire in order to protect his new friend.
As the Spearow near for what might as well have been the final blow, Pikachu, finally realizing the kind of person Ash was, launches himself into the sea of enemies. And with one herculean effort, manages to single handedly subdue them all.