Pokémon will have its first-ever panel at San Diego Comic-Con International this year.
As detailed on the Pokémon Company’s Official Press site, Pokémon is hosting a special behind-the-scenes panel this year called “Pokémon: Bringing Iconic Animation to Global Audiences.” This event will break down how the series is localized from the original Japanese into various international versions. Several prominent industry figures will moderate the panel, including Radiant Pink writer Meghan Camarena (also known as Strawburry17), TPCi’s Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Taito Okiura, and Andy Gose, TPCi’s Senior Director of Media Production. The event will be held on July 20 from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm in Room 6BCF of the San Diego Convention Center.
Another portion of the event will revolve around Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys, the last chapter of Ash’s decades-long quest to become a Pokémon master. Attendees will receive a special sneak peek of the series’ final part. There will also be a special international preview of Pokémon Horizons: The Series, featuring two brand-new protagonists, Liko and Roy. As of June 23, 12 episodes of the series have aired in Japan.
In addition to the animation panel, Pokemon’s toy licensing partner Jazwares will host a merchandise panel called “Jazwares Spotlight.” Here, Pokémon fans will get an exclusive preview of the company’s product lineup for 2023, which includes new Pokémon collectibles. On the con’s show floor, the Mattel and Bandai Namco Booths will also offer product previews, con-exclusive merch, giveaways and photo opportunities for attendees. Pokemon’s publishing Partner Insight Editions will also distribute special recipe cards from its upcoming “Pokémon Baking Book,” which goes on sale starting Sept. 19.
What is Pokémon Horizons?
Pokémon Horizons is the first mainline Pokémon series to revolve around characters other than Ash and Pikachu. In addition to Liko and Roy, the show also introduces Professor Friede and the Rising Volteckers, who travel around the world researching Pokémon. This iteration also continues to honor Pikachu as the franchise mascot through Friede’s partner, Captain Pikachu. Liko’s partner Sprigatito also inherited the spirit of Ash’s Pikachu, as it similarly dislikes its partner in the beginning. Thus far, Horizon’s plot revolves around Liko and Roy embarking as fledgling trainers to uncover the mysteries behind two strange relics they each possess. While the series has only been airing since April, viewers have already observed it debunk major fan theories surrounding its characters, such as Liko being Ash’s daughter.
The first three parts of Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys are available on Netflix.
Source: The Pokémon Company’s Official Press website