Back in December 2022, the creators of the Pokémon animated series announced that season 25, Pokémon Ultimate Journeys, would conclude Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s journey.
The press release was also accompanied by the confirmation that season 26 would still be happening; only it would feature different characters in the lead.
Season 25 ended with Ash, Pikachu, and his other Pokémon winning the Masters Eight Tournament of the World Coronation Series. Anyone who has been loyally following all episodes would understand how monumental this win was for Ash.
Over 26 years, Ash’s adventures have led to this very moment and now that he has achieved his goal, there’s not much left to tell in his story.
It’s sad that we have to say goodbye to this beloved character, but the Pokémon world is still alive and this year, we have new characters to take us through it.
Season 26 or Pokémon Horizons: The Series features two new protagonists – Liko, a girl from the Paldea region, and Roy, a boy from the Kanto region.
Pokémon Horizons is definitely worth watching. It has everything a great animated series needs – stunning animation, promising plotlines, and very well-developed characters.
1. What is Pokémon Horizons about?
Pokémon Horizons is based on the characters from the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet video games. The series follows these characters as they explore the Pokémon world and go on exciting escapades.
Liko is a girl from the Paldea region who is accompanied by Sprigatito, one of the region’s starter Pokémon. She wears a mysterious pendant which happens to be a family heirloom. This pendant soon makes her a target as the antagonist wants it for themselves.
The other protagonist, Roy, is a boy from the Kanto region who possesses an extraordinary Poké Ball. Roy is introduced a little later than Liko, and once they meet, they continue their adventures together.
As a part of their journey, the two also meet Friede, a Pokémon professor at Liko’s boarding school who helps them when they’re in danger. An important detail about Friede is that his Pokémon partner is Captain Pikachu.
The first episode premiered on TV Tokyo on April 14, 2023, and since then 4 episodes have released. The series is only available in Japanese as of now; the English release dates are yet to be announced.
2. Why is Pokémon Horizons worth watching?
Pokémon Horizons has received positive responses from both critics and fans. It provides a fresh start to the Pokémon series and so far, it has done a really great job of reinventing the franchise.
The original Pokémon anime was known to be repetitive and not very plot driven. It was entertaining to watch, but the story rarely strayed from the typical “collecting badges” and “entering the tournament” plotlines.
Pokémon Horizons takes the serialized approach and sets up a storyline that can be developed over the entire season. This finally addresses the concern that Pokémon fans have had for years.
Another great aspect of the new Pokémon series is how relatable Liko is as a character. She’s shy and an overthinker who needs to get over her fears in order to become a better Trainer.
Liko’s character development, along with her relationship with Sprigatito, could be intriguing to watch.
The creators have confirmed that we can expect appearances from characters like Fuecoco and Quaxly as well, so if you’ve played the video games, I know you’ll be excited to see them in the show.
Based on the 4 episodes that have already released, the animation is beautiful, and the fight scenes especially have been portrayed really well. The score also deserves some credit for adding to the fantasticality of the series.
It’s a show that I’m sure both adults and children of all ages will enjoy. If you loved the original Pokémon, there’s no reason you won’t love this one too.
Of course, if you’re adamant about having only Ash and Pikachu as the protagonists, Pokémon Horizons is not for you.
3. Will Ash come back in Pokémon Horizons?
We can’t say for sure whether Ash will be back in Pokémon Horizons or not. The creators were pretty clear about culminating his journey; however, it wouldn’t be completely out of the ordinary if they decided to give him a short cameo or guest appearance in one of the episodes.
Pokémon Horizons has already established a connection between the original and new series through Friede and Pikachu’s partnership. Perhaps this is a hint that Pikachu could be making an appearance in the show as well.
If you’re already missing your favourite characters, you can always go back and watch episodes from the original series.
And in case you didn’t know this already, there is also a small collection of special episodes that give us a glimpse of Ash’s story following his Pokémon World Champion win.
4. About Pokémon Horizons: The Series
Pokémon Horizons: The Series, otherwise known as Pocket Monsters: Liko and Roy’s Departure, is the 26th season of the Pokémon animated series. It premiered in Japan on TV Tokyo on April 14, 2023.
Unlike the previous seasons, this one does not feature Ash Ketchum and Pikachu.
Instead, the show follows the adventures of two new protagonists, Liko and Roy, along with characters like Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly from the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet video games.
No Comments on Is Pokémon Horizons Worth Watching, Despite Ash’s Absence?