The Pokémon anime has undergone significant transformations, particularly with the emergence of Pokémon Horizons. Unlike the previous format centered around Ash Ketchum, where predictability reigned—complete with his gym challenges and tournaments—these new episodes introduce Liko and Roy, who are charting a pathway distinct from Ash’s journey.
The introduction of a timeskip at the beginning of Mega Voltage marks a notable shift, as Liko and Roy age in ways that Ash never did. This decision to keep Ash perpetually young was primarily aimed at maintaining his relevance and relatability to the show’s young audience. Now, with this fresh narrative approach, the story arcs are poised for a definitive conclusion, raising intriguing questions about the direction of the series.
When Will Liko and Roy’s Time Be Up?
The Possible Limitations of Pokémon Horizons
While fans can expect Pokémon Horizons to run for at least another year, the implications of the timeskip suggest that Liko and Roy may not be permanent figures in the Pokémon universe. If the storyline revolves around their initiatives against Laquium and their efforts to prevent a global catastrophe, it is reasonable to anticipate that this narrative may conclude, potentially coinciding with the release of the 10th generation of Pokémon games. This leads us to ponder: what awaits us post-Horizons?
As the storyline of Horizons unfolds, it seems plausible that Liko and Roy’s adventure could align with the overall conclusion of the series. This raises the likelihood of a potential reboot in the years to come, introducing a new protagonist who will embark on a journey sharply different from both Ash’s and Liko’s. Such a format could become a recurring model for the Pokémon anime, with fresh characters and narratives emerging every few seasons.
What Comes After Horizons?
Setting the Stage for New Heroes
Envisioning the future of the Pokémon anime opens up a plethora of possibilities. A new series could return to the roots by closely following the plotlines of the games, allowing for a thorough exploration of new regions and their features. Alternatively, it may introduce a completely original narrative as seen in Horizons, leading to unpredictable yet compelling story arcs. This new direction could place varying degrees of emphasis on battle mechanics, perhaps even moving away from it entirely.
A particularly exciting prospect would be to witness a transfer-of-legacy moment between protagonists. If the series continues to evolve with new lead characters, bringing them together—even briefly—would provide a satisfying connection within this expansive world.
Though the future of the Pokémon anime may seem uncertain now, speculation will inevitably rise as Horizons gradually comes to a close. With each chapter that ends, new beginnings await, ensuring that the Pokémon brand evolves in ways that keep it fresh and captivating for its audience.