New POKÉTOON Short Film from Pokémon: 'Wartortle and the Continuation of Summer' Released
The Pokémon universe expands once again with a new short film focused on Wartortle. The latest installment of the POKÉTOON series, “Wartortle and the Continuation of Summer”, has been released, directed by Shingo Yamashita. Studio Chromato and Studio Colorido are jointly involved in the production of the short film.
The short film centers on Wartortle, the middle evolution of Squirtle, one of the Kanto region's starter Pokémon. As a Water-type Pokémon, Wartortle is known for its fluffy tail and long lifespan; according to Pokédex records, this Pokémon is said to be able to live for 10,000 years. Combined with the theme of a “continuous summer,” this detail gives the impression that the short film has a nostalgic and emotional narrative.
POKÉTOON is a short anime project that began in 2020 with The Girl and the Lapras and brings different studios together in the Pokémon universe. Studio Colorido is a studio that has made a name for itself in the anime world with works such as Pokémon: Twilight Wings, A Whisker Away, Drifting Home, and Burn the Witch. Shingo Yamashita's involvement as director also raises expectations for the short film's visual language.
Such short films remind us that the Pokémon series is not only made up of games and long-running anime. This production, which highlights Wartortle, will be a strong source of nostalgia especially for first-generation players and fans who grew up with the original anime. While adventure and action often take the spotlight in the main anime, POKÉTOON opens up space for calmer, experimental, and character-driven stories.
It is not yet known which Pokémon and creators will be included in the series after the new short film. The Pokémon Company's continued collaboration with different studios on this project shows that POKÉTOON's independent animation approach will continue. Wartortle fans have already started talking about the short film; comments and theories are expected to increase on social media in the coming days.
Sources: Anime Corner, Anime News Network
