The longstanding tradition of comparing Pokemon to Digimon will live to see another day, thanks to the upcoming debut of a new Pokemon evolution.
In October, the new Pokemon "XY&Z" anime began airing in Japan. Along with a new concentration on the mysteries of Zygarde, the series will also debut Ash-Greninja, a new form which merges the Pokemon with its trainer.
"Ash's Greninja takes on a mysterious new appearance in the latest season," reads the official Pokemon website.
"Ash-Greninja is the form that Greninja takes when the bond between it and Ash is raised to the limit. The strength of their bond changes Greninja's appearance and it takes on the characteristic look of Ash's attire. This phenomenon is also said to have happened just once several hundred years ago in the Kalos region, but it remains shrouded in mystery."
Like the discussions when Mega Evolution was introduced, the "merging" between human and Pokemon is igniting comparisons to the Digimon franchise.
"Greninja biomerge to...Ash-Greninja," commented reddit user Jayux.
The timing could prove interesting, as the Digimon franchise is re-entering the gaming and television markets, starting with "Digimon Adventure Tri." Recently, the first of the six-part Digimon film series premiered in Japanese theaters. Reportedly, "Reunion" sold 36,000 tickets in 10 Japanese theaters, earning it 59 million yen in only two days of showing.
According to Anime News Network, the second film of the "Digimon Adventure Tri" series, titled "Determination" will be released on March 12.
