There is the ever popular idea that Ash's father is actually the leader of Team Rocket, Giovanni. Ash's mom mentioned, in some live Pokemon show I believe, that she once dated him--while the anime conveniently avoids the topic. It also somewhat fits in with the familial abstraction reasoning behind the coma theory, and is taken for granted in explaining it. Not to mention that Ash and Giovanni bear the ever so slight physical resemblance. Having the dad as the villain would be such a Star Wars-esque twist though. Then again, maybe all of this is exactly what the Pokemon people want you to believe.
Yes, but that would mean that Silver[one of the greatest Rivals ever known, in my opinion] would be Red's brother... Or are we talking from an Ash-Anime standpoint? Because I never watch it anymore...
@Lim: Indeed, that would make it much more appealing, to me at least...
Whoa bro, better slow down bro, don't wanna be a bro, bro.
Actually, not that long ago, one of the storyboard writers confirmed that Ash's father is alive and is on a Pokémon journey of his own. He said that if they find a relevant way to work him into a part of the series,they may someday.
I'll find the link to where I fond this info later.
It's my job to help the next generation, and set a good example for them. And for that I'll gladly lay down my life.