Pokemon Horizons: Igniting Nostalgia and Ushering in a Thrilling New Era

Pokémon Horizons has a tough act to follow. The original Pokémon series is an iconic and influential anime that has been loved by fans for decades. Luckily, the early episodes of Pokémon Horizons are proving to be a worthy successor to Ash's legendary journeys. While staying true to the spirit and energy of the original series, Pokémon Horizons also sets itself apart as a unique and distinct show.

With around 20 episodes already aired in Japan (although the premiere date for the English dub is still unknown), it's still early days for the reboot. Despite this, there are already plenty of reasons to be excited. Pokémon Horizons retains the core essence of the Pokémon franchise, but it also introduces some notable changes to the formula. In the beginning, there is a focus on a school setting where Liko learns to become a Pokémon Trainer. However, this quickly transitions into an exciting adventure as Liko embarks on a journey with Professor Friede and his crew.

Pokémon Horizons is a Smart Reboot With a Lot of Heart

The opening scene of Pokémon Horizons features a montage showcasing the harmonious coexistence between humans and Pokémon. The narration used in this scene, centered around adventure, the beauty of the world, and the friendship between humans and Pokémon, is thematically familiar. This type of narration has been repeatedly used in both the anime series and the video games. Despite its familiarity, the opening scene also highlights the changes in the Pokémon world, which now reflect advancements in technology and media that have taken place since the original Pokémon anime debuted. For instance, Liko is seen sharing a seat on the bus with girls who are watching a Pokémon streamer on their Rotom phone.

In contrast to Ash's journey in his quest to become a Pokémon Master, which lacked a grand story arc, quest, or significant mystery to unravel, other characters in different series, such as Luffy in his pursuit of the One Piece or Goku and Bulma always searching for the Dragon Balls, had clear objectives driving their adventures. Throughout Ash's journey, encounters with legendary Pokémon or attempts to thwart villains' evil plans were merely secondary plot arcs, overshadowed by his ultimate goal of becoming a Pokémon Master. In this aspect, Pokémon Horizons diverges from the original series, displaying a stronger resemblance to a quest found in video games. Even the group of characters surrounding Friede feels reminiscent of an RPG party. Currently, the central mystery of Horizons revolves around Liko's pendant, which is later revealed to house a dormant Terapagos, although the full implications of this discovery remain unclear. Despite these differences, Horizons effectively channels and pays tribute to the original series in various recognizable ways.

One of the most notable aspects of the series Horizons is the development of Liko, a novice Pokémon Trainer, and her relationship with her partner Sprigatito. The growth and trust between Liko and Sprigatito form a significant storyline in the early episodes. It serves as a compelling contrast to the bond between Ash and Pikachu, providing genuine emotional depth and authenticity to the characters' early progress and personal growth. The challenge of following the original Pokémon series, which has a rich history of almost thirty years, is immense. However, Pokémon Horizons has managed to establish itself as both familiar and respectful of the original's legacy while also introducing new elements that set it apart and make it stand on its own merits.