>>56185628>>56185628That's a good point. If they knew they were phasing out Ash, then they did need to find or create a worthy final opponent to give closure. If he were created primarily for Ash, it would explain why they chose to only have him face off against relative nobodys like Alain, Diantha, and Lance. The plausible deniability for his power over Cynthia or Steven shields the fans of either 3 from any uncomfortable truths or controversy. His role is also flexible; if he takes off and becomes the new golden goose, he can start doing whatever he wants, but if he's received poorly-neutrally, it's also very easy to move on from him.
>People started to think Cynthia was strong on their own, not because they were told she was strong. Her reputation is organic.I think they definitely learned that the hard way. Given the hugely popular Charizard with a sick new form, plays the role of a cool older brother to your rival, established with childhood friend / love interest with an attractive girl for shipping, also given a male rival to play off him / attract fujos and reaffirm his greatness by his own skill.
Whoever created this character definitely had dollar signs in their eyes, and I'm sure all planners from TPC and GF thought this was going to be what gave them a mega promotion lol.
