Recap: The Strongest Mega Evolution Act IV

The Strongest Mega Evolution Act IV. After a year and a half, we’ve finally reached the last part of this series. I may have been critical of parts of the other three acts, but this is the first one I’ve outright disliked. So, let’s get this over with.

Arceus, they had three specials to establish this part of the ‘verse, and they’re still opening by reminding us of all that happened with this dick sauce Alan? This is going to blow.

Aw, damn it, now Maren apparently knows the professor? Also, why the Hell couldn’t these specials have been about Steven Stone?

So, rather than delve into why Alan behaves this way; we’re instead given 10 battles to prove he’s the strongest. For those who claim that the very first gym battle in Pewter City was the worst; I think many misunderstood what happened. With Ash, we got to see the emotional states he went through upon his arrival in the city: excitement, determination, disappointment over losing, desire to better himself for the next match; sympathy towards Brock’s love for his family, and satisfaction when Brock gave him the badge since he made him realize that his path was not the one he should be following. Even amid all the spectacular animation; the ultimate irony is that first gym battle is more interesting to me than 10 of these Mega Evolution battles.

Even after all these specials; all we know about Alan is that he wants to be strong. Even with the bet that he must give up the Key Stone and Mega Stone after one loss; I don’t really care about that. Before we actually get to the meat of these battles; I still think that Jonathan Silver is a terrible voice actor and I never wanted to have a hipster douchebag like Alan representing me as an older fan.

Also, as Malva looks on; I must point out that I was initially excited to see her here. Sadly, she’s wasted here; since she easily could have played Maren’s role in the story much better. That’s been the fatal flaw of the Mega Evolution Specials for me. While the animation and battles may have been good; compared to the writing and characterization, I can officially say I liked these specials better when they were called Origins.

His first opponent appears to be a mixture of Weevil Underwood and The Penguin; and he favors Mega Venusaur. I really don’t care what happens to these people. Also, his key stone is in a pocket watch for some reason. I’m done trying to hide my displeasure for these specials; so let’s go.

Also, NOW Alan’s VA learns to actually voice act. Way too late for that, dude.

So, now we’re given the first of 10 mindless battles; and from the word go, there are some inaccuracies with the games. First off; Mega Venusaur doesn’t gain immunity from fire attacks. It gets some defensive stat boosts; but it can still be harmed. Second; Venoshock doubles the damage to an opponent that’s already poisoned, it doesn’t poison the opponent by itself. Come on, you got the latter mechanic exactly right with the Roxie battle in Best Wishes. Have you really forgotten that much in three years? 

Also, Maren is at the facility for some reason; and apparently doesn’t know what a globe is.

Even the special can’t seem to focus on the battles; hence part of why I think this is the weakest of these specials. The unnamed rivals he faces just. Will. Not. Stop. Talking! In the words of Sam “The Falcon” Wilson: “Man, shut the Hell up.” 

The next opponent certifies this, as he’s essentially a clone of Great Tiger from Punch-Out.  Even his Mega Alakazam cannot satisfy me now. Thus; here is why this special is where the Mega Evolution Specials have officially failed as alternatives to the mainline series: while there are technically things going on, without any attachment to the characters, there’s no reason to be invested. This really isn’t helped by the special alternating between the battles and trying to tie up the loose ends before XYZ officially starts.

Even then, the battles are reduced to montages; which is something that was one of the few problems with Origins. The key difference is in Origins; we cared about the characters. Even when Maren asks Alan outright why he’s doing this, he flat-out refuses to tell her! Again, what did people see in this man? Am I really supposed to just “fall in love with him” because he’s another character? He’s an asshole! He even tells Maren to go home when she tries to reason with him! Even though I may not be a fan of that character either, was it really necessary to tell her that and leave her crying on the steps of the facility? That is a massive dick move! Well, fans, MarissonShippers, I hope it was worth it to have a character relationship that’s now more dysfunctional than NERV. I still think even Gendo would find this to be too far. 

Then, Chespy stumbles upon something that officially kicks off the events of XY and Z: the Zygarde core. She wastes no time in freeing it; but is injured in the process! Don’t worry, I have a bit prepared for later.

Now, comes the final battle against Malva. While I should be invested; I honestly find Alan so unlikable that a large part of me wants him to lose and hang up the Key Stone and Mega Stone. Do you understand this? When I’m actively hoping a character will fail at the task at hand; you’ve done something wrong.

Amid all the spectacular animation and flawless choreography between Mega Charizard and Mega Houndoom; we are told things about these characters but rarely shown any of it. Even after Alan wins; it’s clear he may have been introduced, but in no way established. Even his finding out about Chespy’s condition comes completely out of nowhere because of how he’s spent three specials as a dour loner, rarely showing emotion until the final moments! 

What’s more however, is the fact that this character was created solely to appeal to my demographic; as were these specials. My biggest problem is these elements aren’t what got me into Pokémon. Despite Alan and Malva’s claims; Alan has utterly failed as a protagonist and as a human being. 

The dub more accurately has Malva say he’s irritating; backhanded compliment afterwards be damned. Despite his claims; I don’t trust him to accomplish this goal of curing Chespin’s illness, since what little development he’s been given here feels like an afterthought as the special ends with him engaging in yet another fucking battle against a trainer with a Mega Banette.

Thus ends The Strongest Mega Evolution, a sometimes-entertaining but ultimately flawed take on Pokémon. While a bit better than Chronicles; especially The Legend of Thunder; it lacks a lot of the fun or likable characters that made the franchise enjoyable to me in the first place. The spectacular animation and battles are hampered by the fact that I never was able to latch on to Alan or Maren as characters, and I probably never will. Characters like Han Solo and Princess Leia work because we can put ourselves in their stead; and we can see strains of ourselves in the characters with their flaws and motives. Luke Skywalker works because we see his dreams and goals very early on; which makes it that much more satisfying when they’re accomplished. 

Therefore; I now totally reject the idea of Alan or these specials being all that necessary, given how Ash, Pikachu and their kin over the years are better characters and better people. Anyone can relate to them, regardless of where they fall as a fan. Characters like Goku, Luffy, Sailor Moon, and the Elrics from Full Metal Alchemist work because people can easily relate to them and want to see their journey through. Their thought process is easy to follow; and we get a sense of satisfaction whenever we see them take another step on their journeys. I can’t “fall in love with” a character that barely seems capable of expressing love himself.

Despite this; I think there’s an opportunity for XY and Z to learn from these, as with any future specials. They honestly aren’t the worst of their kind; even if they’re not what I was hoping for. They did at least try to genuinely give older fans something different. It may not have always worked; but the Mega Evolution specials can definitely be used as teaching tools for any people who want to work on a new version of the anime in the future.

I think I need to watch some of the stuff I like to detox from this. Whatever happens next, I shall simply say this: The future is now, so let’s make it a good one. Bang.