May made her Pokemon debut in 2002 during the Ruby and Sapphire storyline and is arguably one of the least offensive female representatives to grace the franchise. The “Princess of Hoenn” refused to follow in her father’s footsteps to become the next Petalburg City Gym Leader and travels the path of a Pokemon Coordinator instead. With Ash by her side (and Drew and Solidad on her back), May makes a name for herself within the community while overcoming her fears.
Sadly, May hasn’t received as many cameos as some of Ash’s other former travel companions, but not because her character isn’t beloved. May’s Japanese voice actor, KAORI, is unable to speak and sing like before due to a neurologic disorder (spasmodic dysphonia) and was unfortunately forced to resign from the Pokemon franchise in 2012. Replacing the great KAORI could be viewed as disrespectful, so May was left to continue her adventures in her fans’ imaginations.
5May’s Pokemon Evolutions
Each of May’s Pokemon joins their trainer during the early stages of development, yet some fortunate fellows began their evolutionary journey quite quickly. While Skitty and Munchlax are comfortable in their original forms, May’s other companions decided to up the ante. Gleaceon has since become one of May’s most iconic partners after her Eevee came into contact with an ice crystal while traveling through Snowpoint City. The Ice Type Eeveelution has subsequently learned some new skills, including Mirror Coat, Secret Powder, and Ice Shard.
A couple more Gen I Pokemon evolutions take place within May’s ranks, including the likes of Bulbasaur and Squirtle. Both renowned starter Pokemon made some personal improvements during a trip to Johto, and Wartortle has also added Aqua Tail to his arsenal. Additionally, Venusaur’s gender is officially revealed in “Pruning a Passel of Pals!” as females are identifiable by the central seed within their flower. And while it may not be an official evolution, May’s Beautifly showcases an all-new move (Aerial Ace) in “Strategy with a Smile!”
4A Sensational Style Update
May was never terribly intrigued by the concept of Pokemon battles and only opted to become a trainer as a convenient excuse to go on an extended adventure. The thrill of the battle soon grows on the girl, with Ash as her major influence, which initially works out well for her. However, since branching out as a Pokemon Coordinator, May realizes she needs her own distinctive style; one that is not as abrasive as Ash’s.
Independance has clearly sharpened May’s instincts, as she swiftly thinks up clever countermoves and original performance techniques on the spot. She is not as emotive, reactive, and self-doubting as before and has evidently come to know her Pokemon very well. Who would’ve thought a healing move like Morning Sun could produce such as stellar result with Beautifly’s assistance, or that Silver Wind and water would make such a stunning combo!
3The Wallace Cup
The first major event that fans get to see May’s skills in action after leaving Ash’s side is the Wallace Cup of Diamond and Pearl, situated in the Sinnoh Region. After suffering back-to-back losses in her Ruby and Sapphire times, May has picked herself back up to become a self-assured contender and makes it all the way to the Final Stage on Lake Valor’s shore.
Before competing for the infamous Aqua Ribbon, May managed to bag three prestigious Johto Ribbons, which she proudly shows off to Ash and the gang in “A Full Course Tag Battle!” And although the “Princess of Hoenn” is defeated by Dawn, her bright, optimistic demeanor doesn’t falter an inch as she bravely heads back to Johto in the hopes of dominating even more Contests. May’s sheer positivity is praiseworthy, all on its own!
2May’s Tag Team Victories
May returns to the limelight in “A Full Course Tag Battle!” (in Diamond and Pearl) and finally gets the chance to meet her de-facto replacement, Dawn. Fortunately, even though the girls are technically opponents, they hit it off immediately, deciding to team up against Charleton and Charlene for a seat at the table (quite literally!) As fate would have it, Team Rocket intervene and bite off more than they can chew (excuse the pun) and subsequently have this dynamite duo to deal with.
The girls’ first battle features Glaceon and Buneary, who eloquently deliver a Double Beam Ice Atack combo that knocks Carnivine, Seviper, and the gang out of the park. Next, they earn their Seven Stars Restaurant entrance with a Shoto Todoroki (My Hero Academia) inspired attack, combining fire and ice with Piplup and Blaziken. Surprisingly, May takes charge of the situation and delegates tasks to Dawn, proving just how much her confidence has grown as a Pokemon trainer. May is certainly not Ash’s mentee any longer!
1May’s New Friends
Apart from Dawn, May makes several other gal pals after separating from Ash. Soon after befriending Dawn, she meets Zoey in “Staging a Heroes’ Welcome!” as they compete in the Wallace Cup. Neither of the pair hesitates to support and encourage Dawn throughout the competition and celebrate together as all three advances to the semi-finals. Zoey and May are in awe of each other’s performances and admire one another’s Coordinator skills without a hint of jealousy. Solid sportsmanship, all the way (and not a pity party in sight, like the old May would’ve thrown.)
It comes as no surprise that the “Princess of Hoenn” and the Idol of Hoenn are acquainted, although details regarding May and Lisia’s first encounter are unclear. They likely met during one of the many Contests, and the same could be said about Serena and May’s newfound friendship.