Takeshi Shudo was the head writer for the Pokemon animated series. He also wrote the first three pokemon movies: Mewtwo Strikes Back, The Power of One and Mystery of the Unown. A few days ago Mr. Shudo suffered a hemorrhage while waiting for his train and was rushed to the hospital. Sadly, he did not survive. He was 61.

Though I stopped watching the Pokemon anime many years ago, it was a huge part of my childhood and adolescence. I saw the first three movies in theaters: first time going with my step brothers and family, the second with my mom and the third movie with a babysitter and step brothers again. I still have the promo cards and most of the first two seasons on VHS. Pokemon the game made me a gamer, Pokemon the anime was what let me give a chance to other animes like Digimon and Cardcaptors. While Pokemon didn't get me into anime, it was a gateway drug of sorts.

To think the man responsible for this is gone saddens me greatly. In addition to Pokemon Mr. Shudo created Fairy Princess Minky Momo as well as working on many other series.

May he rest in peace.