>>42570737>Pokemon was a kids' game back thenAnd it still is now.
But there is significance to that edginess. If everything is perfect then there's no conflict in the story. The world of Pokemon presents many conflicts within it's setting.
The scene with Charmander in the rain hiding under a leaf trying not to get wet from the rain is powerful. Because we know the stakes from the start. That if the tail-flame ever goes out, the pokemon will die. Ash's kindness as a trainer is highlighted even more in this darker and grittier setting.
Pokemon might be a light hearted slice of life adventure. But there is a darkness to it. And that doesn't make it childish. It makes it grounded and realistic in a world where magical fantasy pets run around.
