>>58362187>“Iris is a flop” This take is so shallow it couldn’t even survive in a puddle. Let me break this down like a Dragon Dance setup, because the disrespect toward Iris is stupid.
1. Iris Was a Champion Before Serena Even Had a Goal
Let’s start with the obvious: Iris is canonically the Champion of Unova in the games. She’s not just a gym leader—she’s the final boss. Meanwhile, Serena spent half the anime figuring out what she wanted to do and the other half losing to Aria in a glorified fashion contest. Iris was out here battling legendary Pokémon while Serena was still deciding which hat matched her Fennekin.
2. She Had a Real Character Arc
Iris started off as a wild child with a Dragonite-sized ego and a tiny Axew. Over time, she learned patience, humility, and how to connect with her Pokémon on a deeper level. Her growth was subtle but meaningful. She didn’t need a makeover montage or a romantic subplot to be compelling—she evolved naturally, like a proper Dragon-type trainer.
3. She Actually Battled
Unlike Serena, who had maybe 3 real battles in the entire series, Iris threw hands constantly. She battled Ash, gym leaders, trainers, and even legendaries. Her Dragonite was a beast, and her Emolga had more personality than half the XY cast. If you’re watching Pokémon for actual battles, Iris delivers.
4. She Had Chemistry With Ash That Wasn’t Forced
Iris and Ash had a sibling-like dynamic that felt organic. She teased him, challenged him, and pushed him to grow. Their banter was iconic (“What a kid!”) and their friendship felt earned. Compare that to Serena’s one-sided crush, which was ultimately shallow. Ash didn’t even remember her kiss. Iris made Ash better. Serena made him blush once.
5. She Represented a Different Kind of Female Lead
Iris wasn’t polished or soft-spoken. She was loud, wild, and unapologetically herself. That’s rare in Pokémon, where female leads are sanitized for mass appeal
