Wikipedia

Serena (Pokémon)

Pokémon television series character

Serena (セレナ) is a fictional character from the Pokémon media franchise, which is owned by Nintendo and Game Freak. She first appeared in the video games Pokémon X and Y as one of the two main characters players can choose, along with her male counterpart, Calem. Serena also appears in other Pokémon publications, especially in the anime, where she is Ash Ketchum's traveling companion in the Kalos region. Her dream is to become the Kalos Queen, a title given to the best Pokémon performer in that area. In the manga series, where the characters and storyline are different from the video games and anime, she is known as Yvonne Gabena.

Serena
Pokémon character
A cosplayer with Serena outfit
First appearancePokémon X and Y (2013)
Created bySatoshi Tajiri
Voiced by
Information
GenderFemale
OccupationPokémon Performer
FamilyGrace (mother)

Although Serena shares a similar background with other female characters in the Pokémon video game series, she received a positive reception for her appearance in the anime. she was well-received for her appearance in the anime. She gained fame for showing romantic feelings towards Ash Ketchum during the Pokémon XY anime series, which was evident through her blushing and getting flustered whenever she saw, talked to, or was close to Ash. However, this portrayal received criticism for being too exaggerated and not entirely suitable for the target audience of the Pokémon anime, which is children. The scene where Serena kisses Ash in the final episode of Pokémon XYZ became one of the favorite kissing scenes among anime fans in Japan.

Design

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Serena character was designed by Ken Sugimori and Atsuko Nishida for the video game series.[5] While the anime and movie was designed by Toshihito Hirooka,[6] and for manga by Satoshi Yamamoto.[7] Her name comes from the French word serein, meaning "calm" or "peaceful".[8]

Serena's voice actor is Mayuki Makiguchi for Japanese, and Haven Paschall for English.

Appearance

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Video games

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Serena first appears in Pokémon X and Y as a playable character if the player chooses, and also as a rival if player chooses a male character, Calem.[a][9]

In Pokémon Masters EX, she appears as a Pokemon Trainer and forms a sync pair with Fennekin and its evolutions Braixen and Delphox.[10] She also appears alongside Calem as a Pokémon Trainer trophy in Super Smash Bros.[11]

Anime

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Serena first appeared in Pokémon the Series: XY's episode "Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!"[12] It is known that she already knew each other with Ash Ketchum when they both attended Professor Oak's summer camp in Pallet Town. During the event, Serena lost her way and fell in the forest before being helped by Ash. Since then, she has had a crush on Ash and when Ash arrived at Kalos, her original intention was to return the handkerchief he had used to bandage her wound. Serena then chose to make a career as a Pokemon Performer after attending Sycamore summer camp. She has a dream to become a Kalos Queen. After Ash finished the event in the Kalos League, Serena then decided to continue her career by going to Hoenn. Before parting, she gave Ash a kiss as well as revealing her feelings that were stored all this time.[13]

Serena is back in a cameo appearance in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series. She encouraged Chloe to attend the Lilycove City Pokémon Contest.[14] Just before Ash, Chloe, and Goh departed for Vermillion City, she briefly reunited with Ash where they both shared their respective goals to each other. She also promised to support Ash in World Coordination Series.[15]

Other appearance

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In Pokémon Adventures chapter X & Y, a female character named Y or Yvonne Gabena is loosely based on Serena.[16]

Serena appeared in Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction and Hoopa and the Clash of Ages manga, serving the same role as in the respective movies they were based on.[17][18]

She appeared in Pokémon Evolutions anime web series on episode "The Visionary".[19]

Reception

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Serena got different opinions about her appearance in the Pokémon X and Y video games. Writers like Tom Hoggins from The Telegraph and Griffin McElroy from Polygon said that the main characters in X and Y seemed "stiff, flat, and predictable" because they followed the usual storyline from previous Pokémon video games. They pointed out that there wasn't much background information and clear reasons for why the main characters suddenly agreed to become Pokémon Trainers.[20][21] Jose Otero from IGN mentioned that Serena represented girls and Calem represented boys, and they were actually more interesting as rival characters for players. In the X and Y video games, Nintendo and Game Freak focused more on showing friendship than intense competition.[22] Similar to Otero, Randolph Ramsay from GameSpot stated that the main characters in X and Y had a unique charm even though the game's storyline wasn't very captivating.[23] Meanwhile, Victoria McNally from The Mary Sue liked the character Serena in X and Y because she represented female players and gave them choices to change her hairstyle and clothing style.[24]

Serena received positive feedback for her character portrayal in the anime, which was different from her depiction in the video games. In this version, Serena's character development happened gradually. Initially introduced as a shy person, she transformed into someone wise and capable of making tough decisions.[25] This change was also evident in her evolving hairstyle and clothing throughout the season, including when she returned in Pokémon Journeys.[26] Additionally, Serena became well-known for her close relationship with Ash Ketchum, which developed into romantic feelings. Megan Peters from Comic Book described Serena as one of Ash's best friends, if not the best, who not only showcased character growth since her first appearance but also formed a heartfelt connection with Ash. This caused fans to have mixed feelings, some liking it and some not.[27] Similarly, Brian Ashcraft from Kotaku mentioned that Serena wasn't just a regular friend to Ash, as they had known each other since childhood. For the first time, albeit subtly, the Pokémon anime portrayed a romantic connection between the two main characters.[28]

However, Serena's portrayal of romantic feelings towards Ash has also faced criticism for being seen as excessive, especially regarding the kissing scene in the final episode of Pokémon XYZ. Scott Wilson from Sora News 24 wrote that it was "strange to see a kissing scene between Serena and Ash," particularly because Ash himself seemed to be "stuck" at the age of 10 throughout the Pokémon anime, which has been running since 1997. For Pokémon, a show aimed at children, the addition of such a scene was seen as awkward.[29] Similarly, Max Chang from Nextshark stated that the kissing scene between Serena and Ash was the first time that the Pokémon anime felt odd. This was because the producers had always tried to keep the anime pure by avoiding sensitive scenes that wouldn't be suitable for young viewers.[30]

Among fans, the romantic relationship between Serena and Ash is known as "Amourshipping", and it's indirectly acknowledged by The Pokémon Company staff.[31] Serena is the first female traveling companion to kiss Ash on the lips.[b] It was later revealed that this storyline was planned by Tetsuo Yajima, the director of the Pokémon XY anime, along with producer Shukichi Kanda. However, since the primary target audience for the Pokémon anime is children, the kissing scene couldn't be shown openly. It was intentionally made ambiguous, with Serena's lifted foot and a surprised expression on Pikachu, Clemont, Bonnie, and Dedenne's faces.[31] A online petition was created by fans in Japan and the United States with the hope of having Serena continue her journey with Ash to the Alola region in the Pokémon Sun & Moon anime. However, this petition didn't ultimately influence the producer's decisions.[33] A fan-made imaginative poster went viral on the internet in early 2020, portraying Serena and Ash as adults who are married and have two children. [34] In a Japanese online poll conducted by Netorabo in 2021, Serena ranked first as the most beloved female Pokémon anime character among fans.[35] Meanwhile, in a poll organized by Anime! Anime! in 2022, which coincided with International Kissing Day on May 23rd, the kissing scene between Ash and Serena ranked fourth as the favorite kissing scene among anime fans in Japan.[36]

Notes

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  1. ↑ Calem and Serena are the standard names given to the male and female player characters, respectively. The character not chosen by the player appears in-game as a rival.
  2. ↑ Three other female characters who have kissed Ash, even if only on the cheek, are: Jessie in the 22nd episode of the first season's anime entitled Abra and the Psychic Showdown , Melody in Pokémon: The Movie 2000, and Bianca who is the incarnation of Latias in Pokémon Heroes.[32]

References

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  1. ↑ "Pokémon Star Haven Paschall Discusses Serena's Departure and the Kiss Scene". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 19 October 2017.
  2. ↑ @JackieLastra (July 5, 2020). "I'm so excited to announce I voice the newest trainer in #PokemonMasters! I've been a huge fan of Pokémon since it first aired so this is a dream come true to be a part of that world. I hope you guys get a chance to play her and win all the battles!!!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Serena Voice – Pokémon Masters". Behind the Voice Actors. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  4. ↑ Carvajal, Rocio (7 April 2022). ""Pokémon": se confirma el regreso de Serena a la exitosa franquicia". Aweita (Anime, Manga y Comics). Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  5. ↑ "ONM Blog: Trailer of the week: Pokemon X and Y". Official Nintendo Magazine. 19 May 2013. Archived from the original on 9 June 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2013.
  6. ↑ "Title of the 2015 Summer 'Pokémon' Movie Announced - 'Pokémon the Movie XY:The Archdjinn of Rings: Hoopa'". Tokyo Otaku Mode News. 19 January 2015. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  7. ↑ Escámez, Javier (9 November 2016). "Entrevista – coloquio: Hidenori Kusaka y Satoshi Yamamoto, mangakas de Pokémon (Interview with Hidenori Kusaka and Satoshi Yamamoto, Pokémon manga author)". deculture.es (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 10 June 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  8. ↑ "Serein". Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  9. ↑ Aureli Diaz, Franco (29 August 2022). "Pokemon Game Timeline Breakdown". thegamehaus.com. The Game Haus. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  10. ↑ Kwok, Derik (30 June 2020). "Pokémon Masters: Is it Worth Rolling for Serena & Fennekin?". thedigitalcrowns.com. The Digital Crowns. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  11. ↑ Bozzi, Alex (30 August 2022). "Super Smash Bros Ultimate: guida ad arene e scenari (parte 9)". tuttoteK. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  12. ↑ "Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin". youtube.com. The Pokémon Company. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  13. ↑ "Till We Compete Again!". sky.com. The Pokémon Company and Sky UK. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  14. ↑ "アニメ『ポケモン』ルチア登場! コハル&イーブイがコンテスト参加へ 【第105話場面カット公開】". oricon.co.jp (in Japanese). Oricon News. 7 April 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  15. ↑ Valdez, Nick (12 April 2022). "Pokemon Shares Major Update on Serena's Life After Traveling With Ash". comicbook.com. Comic Book (CBS Interactive). Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  16. ↑ "Serena Pokémon (Anime)". bestreamer.com. Elite CafeMedia Tech. 23 June 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  17. ↑ Luster, Joseph (27 January 2015). ""Pokémon The Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction" Manga and DVD Arrive in February". crunchyroll.com. Crunchyroll. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  18. ↑ Whritenour, Jacob (27 February 2016). "Hoopa and the Clash of Ages Coming to DVD, Receiving Manga Adaptation". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  19. ↑ Valentine, Evan (17 December 2021). "Pokemon Evolutions Moves Forward with Episode 7: Watch". comicbook.com. Comic Book (CBS Interactive). Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  20. ↑ Hoggins, Tom (23 October 2013). "Pokemon X & Y review". The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Archived from the original on 23 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  21. ↑ McElroy, Griffin (12 October 2013). "Pokemon X and Pokemon Y Review: New Life". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on 23 June 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  22. ↑ Otero, Jose (4 October 2013). "Pokemon X and Y Review". IGN. IGN Entertainment Inc. Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  23. ↑ Ramsay, Randolph (15 October 2013). "Pokémon X and Y review". gamespot.com. GameSpot. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  24. ↑ McNally, Victoria (15 October 2013). "5 Of The Biggest Changes X and Y Bring To The Pokémon Franchise". The Mary Sue. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  25. ↑ Ghosh, Nilavro (11 November 2021). "Pokemon: Top five female characters in the Pokemon anime". SportsLumo. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  26. ↑ ""Pokémon": a 6 años del beso que hizo enloquecer al fandom del anime ¿Volveremos a ver a Serena?" (in Spanish). La República. 27 October 2022. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  27. ↑ Peters, Megan (7 April 2022). "Pokemon Is Bringing Back Serena and Fans Are Freaking Out". comicbook.com. Paramount Global. Archived from the original on 22 September 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  28. ↑ Ashcraft, Brian (14 October 2016). "The Pokémon Anime Character Fans Want To Return". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  29. ↑ Wilson, Scott (1 November 2016). "Is Ash no longer 10 years old?! Serena kisses Ash in latest Pokémon episode". Sora News 24. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  30. ↑ Chang, Max (1 November 2016). "Ash Ketchum Is No Longer The Kid We Once Knew". Nextshark. Archived from the original on 27 October 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Anime Staff Thoughts on Final Ash and Serena Moment". Pokémon Crossroads. 23 January 2017. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  32. ↑ "Pokémon: revive todos los besos que recibió Ash en más de 20 años" (in Spanish). Depor. 15 August 2022. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  33. ↑ Hoffer, Christian (6 June 2016). "Pokemon: Fans Start Petition to Bring Serena to Alola Region". comicbook.com. Paramount Global. Archived from the original on 22 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  34. ↑ Gonzálvez, Marco (20 February 2020). "Ash tiene esposa e hijos en este póster viral de Pokémon creado por una artista" (in Spanish). IGN. Archived from the original on 18 September 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  35. ↑ "【ポケモン】アニメ「ポケットモンスター」ヒロイン人気ランキング！ 第1位は「セレナ」【2021年最新投票結果】" (in Japanese). Netorabo. 6 May 2021. Archived from the original on 27 April 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  36. ↑ Kusumanto, Dody (29 May 2022). "Inilah Adegan Ciuman Terfavorit di Anime Menurut Fans di Jepang" (in Indonesian). Kaori Nusantara. Archived from the original on 20 October 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
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