The Evolution of Pokémon Horizons: A Franchise Revolution Fans Longed For

Article Overview

Pokémon Horizons marks the first time in 25 that the Pokémon anime focuses on a protagonist other than Ash Ketchum, reinvigorating the franchise.

The new series revolves around a captivating mystery that propels the plot and adds a captivating aspect that was missing in Ash's carefree escapades.

Liko and Roy, the new protagonists of Pokémon Horizons, possess endearing and relatable qualities, and their dynamic enriches the overall depth of the series. Additionally, the introduction of a diverse group of adult characters brings a refreshing dimension to the storyline.

The new series, Pokémon Horizons, breaks new ground by featuring a protagonist other than Ash Ketchum for the first time in the show's 25-year history. Although bidding farewell to one of anime's most iconic characters was difficult, the franchise's fresh direction has revitalized the anime, fulfilling fans' long-awaited expectations.

Marking a significant milestone in the anime's existence since its establishment in 1997, Pokémon Horizons was announced simultaneously with Ash Ketchum's official departure from the show. While other anime projects have showcased different protagonists, such as the Mega Evolution Specials or Pokémon Origins, these ventures were all short-lived miniseries, with the beloved Ash consistently leading the main series. However, with Ash achieving his long-held aspiration of becoming a world champion, it became apparent that the time had come for the series to progress and allow a new hero to take the helm.

Pokémon Horizons Proved It Was Different From The First Episode

In April 2023, Pokémon Horizons made its grand debut in Japan. The storyline revolves around two main characters: Liko, a young girl in possession of an enigmatic pendant, and Roy, a young boy struggling to unlock his ancient and intricate Poké Ball. From its action-packed premiere, the series introduced the enigmatic Explorers, the antagonistic group with mysterious intentions for Liko's pendant. Fortunately, Liko finds refuge with the brave Rising Volt Tacklers, a group led by the cunning professor Friede and his faithful Pikachu, Captain Pikachu. The first two episodes alone portrayed a striking departure from its predecessor, showcasing the distinctiveness of this new series.

Pokémon Horizons has announced the release of an English dub for 2023; however, it is important to note that it has not yet been released as of now.

One notable change in this iteration of the Pokémon anime is its stronger emphasis on storytelling compared to when Ash was the main character. Previously, Ash Ketchum would leisurely explore different towns, encountering mischief and adventures while being pursued by Team Rocket. The main objective of Ash's journey was to defeat local gyms and compete in the tournament, which served as a driving force for the series but lacked significant depth until the tournaments actually commenced. Contrastingly, Pokémon Horizons centers around a captivating mystery surrounding the ancient adventurer Lucius. Unraveling this enigma propels the plot forward, deviating from the common desire of being the best.

Another significant change in Pokémon Horizons is the treatment of its villains. While Team Rocket was initially portrayed as the main antagonist when Ash was involved, they quickly became a source of comedic relief. Fans soon realized that their goal of stealing Pikachu would never be accomplished. By completely eliminating the possibility of the villains' success, much of the tension dissipated, leading to Team Rocket's repetitive usage in nearly every episode. On the contrary, the Explorers were introduced more sparingly, and their lack of experience put the heroes at a significant disadvantage when facing skilled trainers like Amethio. Additionally, the Explorers displayed more villainous tendencies by utilizing Pokémon in nefarious ways to achieve their objectives, actions that even Team Rocket would pause at.

Pokémon Horizons' New Heroes Are A Perfect Fit

Liko and Roy, as the main characters, retain much of the essence that made Ash so beloved. Liko's genuine kindness and unwavering love for all Pokémon parallel Ash's qualities, while Roy embodies the fiery fighting spirit that Ash once possessed. Splitting these characteristics between two individuals creates a harmonious yin-and-yang dynamic, enabling them to compensate for each other's weaknesses and support one another whenever necessary. In addition, Liko faces personal challenges of shyness and insecurity, unlike Ash, which adds a compelling layer to her character development. Remarkably, even within the initial storyline, Liko undergoes significant growth, becoming more self-assured and displaying a level of personal evolution that would typically require Ash hundreds of episodes to accomplish.

Pokémon Horizons' standout feature compared to the original series with Ash is its expanded cast. Taking place primarily on an airship, the series introduces a diverse range of adult characters that Liko and Roy can rely on in challenging situations. Notably, characters like Friede have even had their moments in the spotlight, which brings a refreshing change to the show. Moreover, the inclusion of adult characters provides older fans with relatable figures and enhances the storytelling in new ways.

Despite its focus on long-term storytelling, Pokémon Horizons intelligently retains the essence of adventure-of-the-week stories. It allows for a few episodes to explore moments of downtime for the main plot, providing slice-of-life adventures reminiscent of Ash's journey. These episodes serve as an opportunity for viewers to better understand the characters, while also allowing Liko and Roy to capture new Pokémon, mirroring Ash's experiences. Additionally, the adventure-of-the-week episodes incorporate beloved elements from the games, such as gym leaders, rivals like Nemona, and even delightful mechanics like picnics.

Pokémon Horizons Is A Successor With Its Own Identity

The anime with Ash was not necessarily bad, but Pokémon Horizons stands out as a distinctly different kind of anime. While some fans were saddened by Ash's departure, those who approached Horizons with an open mind found it just as, if not more, entertaining. Captain Pikachu, who possesses lovable qualities different from Ash's Pikachu, ensures fans still get their weekly dose of Pikachu. The shift to a story-driven format may also attract new fans who were not fond of Ash's slower-paced style.

As fans eagerly anticipate an official English release, Pokémon Horizons has successfully revolutionized an anime series spanning over 25 years. It remains true to its roots while appealing to a wider audience, making the franchise even stronger.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the new Pokémon Horizons series, which marks a groundbreaking revolution in the Pokémon franchise. The anime has been a staple of my childhood, and I have always dreamed of a fresh and unique identity for the series. Pokémon Horizons delivers on this front, introducing new heroes and an exciting adventure that I can't wait to embark on.

The decision to shift the focus from Ash Ketchum to new protagonists, Liko and Roy, is a bold move that I believe will pay off. Liko and Roy are endearing and relatable characters, and their dynamic adds depth to the series. The introduction of a diverse group of adult characters also brings a refreshing dimension to the storyline. Overall, I am very excited about the future of the Pokémon anime and can't wait to see what Pokémon Horizons has in store for us.