Pokémon Anime Renews Cast After Decades

After 26 years of adventures in the Pokémon anime, protagonist Ash Ketchum finally retired while remaining forever frozen at age 10. But following decades of refusing to let its hero grow up, The Pokémon Company appears to be breaking tradition in Pokémon Horizons by allowing new protagonists Liko and Roy to mature.

A Groundbreaking Time Skip

The recent CoroCoro magazine revealed details about Pokémon Horizons' next story arc, Mega Voltage, confirming a three-year time jump that visibly ages its young protagonists. Promotional artwork shows Liko, Roy, and Dot with noticeably taller, more mature designs:

All the new arch 5 pages from coro coro today!

Interestingly, these characters exist in the same continuity as Ash Ketchum—meaning that somewhere off-screen, Ash and his companions (Misty, Brock, May, Dawn, Serena and others) have also aged three years alongside them. Fans are buzzing with speculation about whether we'll ever see an older Ash make an appearance.

Mega Evolutions Return

The Mega Voltage arc marks the comeback of Mega Evolutions, likely timed with their reintroduction in the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A game. The previews reveal Liko's Floragato has evolved into Meowscarada, while Roy now possesses a Shiny Mega Lucario.

Mystery Surrounds Friede

Noticeably absent from the promotional material is Friede, captain of the Rising Volt Tacklers. His partner Pikachu appears wearing Friede's goggles—now sporting what appear to be cracks—leading to fan theories about the character's fate.

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The Mega Voltage arc premieres April 11 in Japan, though English-speaking audiences will need to wait as the dub remains behind schedule. Our previous review of Pokémon Horizons Season 2 awarded it a 5/10 for its reluctance to fully commit to its potential—here's hoping this time skip revitalizes the Rising Volt Tacklers' journey.