>>5836230411. She Had a Deeper Bond With Her Pokémon
Iris didn’t just train her Pokémon—she understood them. Her relationship with Dragonite was rocky at first, but she earned its trust through empathy and persistence. She connected with Axew on a personal level, nurturing it like a little brother. Serena’s bond with her team was sweet, but Iris’s felt raw and earned through struggle.
12. She Embodied the Spirit of Adventure
Iris traveled with Ash not just to tag along, but to grow stronger and chase her dream of becoming a Dragon Master. She climbed mountains, explored ruins, and battled wild Pokémon with her bare hands. Serena’s journey was more about self-discovery through performance, which is valid—but Iris was out there living the Pokémon lifestyle to its fullest.
13. She Had a Unique Fighting Style
Iris’s battle style was aggressive, unpredictable, and full of personality. She didn’t just rely on brute force—she used her Pokémon’s instincts and her own intuition. Her Dragonite’s aerial combat and Emolga’s trickery made her battles exciting and dynamic. Serena’s showcases were elegant, but they lacked the raw intensity Iris brought to the field.
14. She Wasn’t Defined by Romance
Iris’s character arc had nothing to do with Ash romantically, and that’s a strength. She stood on her own, with her own goals, her own motivations, and her own growth. Serena’s crush on Ash was her most defining trait for many fans, which unfortunately overshadowed her other qualities. Iris didn’t need romance to be relevant—she was powerful on her own terms.
15. She Represented Unova’s Wild Heart
Unova is a region full of contrasts—urban sprawl and ancient forests, tradition and innovation. Iris embodied that wild, untamed spirit. She wasn’t polished, but she was passionate. She wasn’t perfect, but she was real. Serena felt like Kalos’s curated elegance; Iris was Unova’s raw soul.
