Highlights
- Pokemon Horizons introduces new characters Liko and Roy, marking the first time Ash Ketchum is not the protagonist.
- The series follows the adventures of the Rising Volt Tacklers as they explore the lands of Pokemon Horizons and face off against The Explorers.
- Fans can expect a more linear storyline, new Pokemon, and a promising transition into a new era of Pokemon adventures.
After more than 25 years, Ash Ketchum finally achieved the title of Pokemon Master. Last year, in the Pokemon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, Ash and his Pikachu defeated the undefeated champion Leon and his Charizard, earning the prestigious title of Pokemon World Champion.
Following this significant achievement, fans are left wondering about the future. Enter Pokemon Horizons. The anime was originally released in Japan in April of this year, with the English dub set to be released in December. So, what is the anime about, and who is the focus in the world after Ash Ketchum?
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What is Pokemon Horizons?
Pokemon Horizons, which is known as Pocket Monsters: Liko and Roy’s Departure and Pocket Monsters: The Sparkling of Terapagos in Japan. The series will focus on two new characters – Liko and Roy who are members of the Rising Volt Tacklers. The Rising Volt Tacklers are led by Friede and Captain Pikachu. Friede is a Pokemon Professor, as well as a commander. The Rising Volt Tacklers explore the lands of Pokemon Horizons in an airship called The Brave Olivin. Other members include mechanic Orla and their Pokémon – Metagross. There’s Murdock, who is a skillful cook, with his Pokemon Rockruff, Mollie is a healer who is accompanied by Chansey who is known for nursing Pokemon with Nurse Joy in previous Pokemon iterations, and elderly fisherman, Ludlow.
The antagonists are called The Explorers. The leader of the Explorers is Gibeon – who is not seen as of yet. Hamber is Gibeon’s advisor and assistant and gets information from the other members, including Amethio with his partner Pokemon Ceruledge, Zirc and Rhydon, Onia and Golduck, Spinel, Onyx, and Agate. The Explorers are currently on a mission to track the Rising Volt Tacklers and find out about Liko and her pendant.
There are a lot of firsts in this series. For the first time in Pokemon anime history, Pokemon Horizons will have an all-new cast of characters, which means it’s the first to not feature Ash Ketchum as the protagonist. Additionally, although Pikachu will be a partner Pokemon to an important character, this will be the first time it will not be a main character. Also, with the Explorers, this is the first time the Team Rocket trio will not be antagonists. Pokemon Horizons is also the first to have none of the protagonists participate in a major competition. The series also looks to have a more linear story.
Who is Liko?
Liko is an aspiring Pokemon trainer and student at Indigo Academy in the Kanto region. She received her partner Pokemon, Sprigatito, from her roommate, Ann. Sprigatito is a Grass-type Pokemon that evolves into Floragato and then Meowscarada. Liko is from Cabo Poco in the Paldea as seen in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. She receives a mysterious pendant, from her grandmother, which is revealed to be a hibernating Terapagos. Terapagos first appeared in The Indigo Disk, which it was the game mascot for. The legendary Pokemon also appears in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.
Who is Roy?
Roy is also a Pokemon trainer in the making. He lives on a remote island in the Kanto region and attends online school. Fuecoco is his partner Pokemon. Fuecoco is a Fire-type Pokemon that evolves into Crocalor and Skeledirge. He owns a mysterious ancient Poké Ball, given to him by his grandfather.
What We Know So Far
The English dub of Pokemon Horizons is set to release in the United States on Netflix on February 23, 2024. Back in July of this year, the anime was previewed at San Diego Comic-Con. Although the anime has not been seen in the US as of yet, fans in Japan have been watching it since April. Additionally, the first six episodes of the English dub will be released on December 1, 2023, in the United Kingdom on the BBC iPlayer streaming platform and air linear on CBBC, which was announced on the official Twitter page for Pokemon UK.
The Trailer
A new trailer was released on November 29 on the official YouTube channel for Pokemon. This is the first trailer released for the English dub. The trailer runs a little over a minute and we are introduced to Liko, Roy, and Professor Friede. We also get a glimpse at both the Rising Volt Tacklers, as well as some of The Explorers, and their Pokemon, including Amethio’s Ceruledge. A prominent Pokemon featured in the trailer is a rare Shiny Pokemon – a Black Rayquaza, also known as a Shiny Mega Rayquaza. The original green Rayquaza originally was seen in Destiny Deoxys. It fought Deoxys, believing it was invading the Sky High Pokemon’s territory when Deoxys was looking for its friend, another Deoxys. Although the trailer does not specify what role the Rayquaza will play, it has been stated that it is extremely important to the overall story.
The Cast
Pokemon Horizons looks to have an all-star cast. Some of the confirmed voice actors include Alejandra Reynoso (Final Fantasy Origin, The Winx Club) as Liko, and Anjali Kunapaneni (Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail) as Roy. Crispin Freeman will voice Professor Friede. Freeman has played notable characters, such as Gyomei Himejima from Demon Slayer and Itachi Uchiha from Naruto. Zeno Robinson will play Rotom Phone – an electronic device – and Roy’s partner Pokemon – Fuecoco. Robinson is well-known as the voice of a multitude of characters, such as Demon Slayer’s Genya, Hawk in My Hero Academia, Gamma 2 in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Vanitas in The Case Study of Vanitas, Zenon Zogratis in Black Clover, Garfiel Tinsel in Re: Zero, and Goh in various Pokemon series.
The Takeaway
Although fans may still be sad to see their favorite perpetual 10-year-old trainer go, Pokemon Horizon appears to be a promising transition, full of adventure, mystery, and fun. New characters, Liko and Roy, look to provide new stories and, with a linear storyline, fans can get to know the characters and their backstories and build a different kind of connection. Above all, Pokemon Horizons will feature new Pokemon that have not been featured, expanding the beloved world of pocket monsters for continuing generations to enjoy.
Pokemon Horizons will be available for streaming on Netflix on February 23, 2024.
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