Ash Crimson

Ash Crimson
The King of Fighters character
Ash Crimson in The King of Fighters XI
First game	The King of Fighters 2003 (2003)
Voiced by	English Duke Clement (KOF: Another Day) Peter von Gomm (KOF XII) Japanese Sōnosuke Nagashiro[1]
In-universe information
Fighting style	Personal style (employing special green flames)
Origin	Unknown (Raised in France)
Nationality	Unknown

Ash Crimson (アッシュ・クリムゾン, Asshu Kurimuzon) is a character in The King of Fighters fighting game series developed by SNK Playmore. His first appearance was in The King of Fighters 2003 as leader of its Hero Team. Ash, a teenager, participates in the series' fighting tournaments. He employs a personal fighting style that involves pyrokinesis with green flames. Despite being the series' protagonist during its third story arc, Ash's behavior is generally antagonistic and he tries to steal powers from several recurring characters, leaving them powerless. His identity and intentions are further explored in the 2011 title, The King of Fighters XIII, and he has been featured in print adaptations and a drama CD based on the games.

SNK Playmore staff created Ash as an evil main character, in contrast to previous main characters. His moves have been reworked in every game in which he has appeared, gaining new techniques as a result of his actions or modified to balance the character roster. Critical response to Ash has been largely negative due to his androgynous appearance and his technique. In interviews and press releases, video game publisher UTV Ignition Entertainment noted that he was unpopular with Western gamers and his design was better suited to Japanese fans. Reception in later years has been slightly more positive, with the character's relationships and tragic story arc being well received.