Ash Ketchum's Original Voice Actor Will Return For A ‘Pokémon' Audiobook

Veronica Taylor, the original English voice actress for Ash Ketchum in the Pokémon anime series from 1998-2006, will be returning to the franchise as the narrator for an audiobook focused on the cultural impact of the Pokémon franchise. Taylor will be narrating the audiobook for Monster Kids: How Pokémon Taught a Generation to Catch them All. Though absent from the franchise for 16 years, the voice actress remains a fan favorite, especially among those who grew up with her portrayal of the character, and thus, she has continued to be closely associated with the franchise.

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Monster Kids, written by Daniel Dockery, is described as “The definitive, behind-the-scenes look at why Pokémon's evolution from a single Japanese video game to global powerhouse captured the world's attention.” The book also examines how the “gotta catch ‘em all” mentality of Pokémon's fanbase shaped and continues to shape pop culture even to this day. Dockery excitedly announced Taylor's involvement in the production of the audiobook in the following tweet:

My book's narrator wants to be the very best, like no one ever was.

Proud to announce that Veronica Taylor (@TheVeronicaT), the original voice of Ash Ketchum, will be reading the audiobook of MONSTER KIDS!

Pre-order it here: https://t.co/aM9ImOtslg pic.twitter.com/BS0HWgPUp1

— Daniel Dockery (@dandock) August 1, 2022

Veronica Taylor voiced Ash Ketchum for the first eight seasons of the Pokémon anime when production of the English dub was being handled by 4Kids Productions. The voice-over switch was controversial in 2006 and continues to be a hot button issue to this day. Veronica Taylor still has no idea has to why she and the rest of the cast was replaced when Pokémon USA took over production of the English dub.

“They replaced us - Pokémon USA replaced us after the eighth season. None of us had the choice to go on with the show after that. I know all of us would have.” Veronica Taylor said in an interview with Metro UK.

In spite of this, the franchise holds a special place in her heart. Fans have not forgotten her portrayal of Ash in the show’s early years and are ecstatic to have her narrate this title.

I didn't know this book existed until now. But wow, I'm so happy that this exists. I've been a huge fan of Pokemon ever since it came out. And I have a feeling this book will be very nostalgic for me. I look forward to reading it, and listening to it as well!! 😊💖

— Lisa Levenson (@AshFangirlLisa) August 2, 2022

Monster Kids is available for pre-order on Running Press’ website in both print and audiobook editions and is set to be released on October 4th, 2022

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Sources: Fanbyte, Running Press. Daniel Dockery on Twitter, Lisa Levenson on Twitter, Metro