After 26 years of adventures in the Pokémon anime, the perpetually 10-year-old Ash Ketchum has finally hung up his hat. However, The Pokémon Company, after steadfastly refusing to age its iconic hero, is seemingly embracing change in Pokémon Horizons, allowing its new protagonists, Liko and Roy, to grow up.
Recent reveals from CoroCoro magazine, showcasing the upcoming "Mega Voltage" arc, confirm a significant time skip. Liko and Roy will age approximately three years, sporting noticeably taller and more mature designs, as seen in newly released artwork. This also impacts other characters like Dot.
Interestingly, this occurs within the same universe as Ash Ketchum, implying that he, along with Misty, Brock, May, Dawn, Serena, and other familiar faces, have also aged off-screen. Will we see a grown-up Ash? Speculation is rife among fans.
The "Mega Voltage" arc also marks the return of Mega Evolutions, potentially coinciding with their reintroduction in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Liko's Floragato has evolved into Meowscarada, and Roy boasts a shiny Mega Lucario.
One notable absence is Friede, captain of the Rising Volt Tacklers. His partner Pikachu is present, wearing Friede's goggles which appear cracked, hinting at potential trouble for Friede.
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The "Mega Voltage" arc premieres in Japan on April 11th, with the English dub expected later. Previous lukewarm reception of Pokémon Horizons Season 2 (5/10 rating for failing to fully utilize its strengths) leaves fans hopeful this time skip revitalizes the Rising Volt Tacklers storyline.
