Pokémon Horizons Introduces Time Skip for Main Cast Aging

After 26 years of adventures in the Pokémon anime, Ash Ketchum remained forever 10 years old. Now, The Pokémon Company is taking a bold step in Pokémon Horizons, allowing its new protagonists, Liko and Roy, to age noticeably.

A recent CoroCoro announcement for the upcoming Mega Voltage arc in Pokémon Horizons revealed a three-year time skip, aging Liko and Roy. The main cast, including Dot, sports updated designs, appearing taller and more mature:

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These characters share the same universe as Ash Ketchum, even though he’s currently absent from the series. This implies that Ash, along with Misty, Brock, May, Dawn, Serena, and others, have also aged three years off-screen. Will a grown-up Ash appear in this arc or beyond? It’s uncertain, but fans are buzzing with speculation about his potential return.

The Mega Voltage arc will reintroduce Mega Evolutions, aligning with their return in the game Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Liko’s Floragato has evolved into Meowscarada, and Roy now commands a shiny Mega Lucario.

Notably absent from the reveal is Friede, leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers. His Pikachu appears wearing Friede’s goggles, which seem to have visible cracks, sparking fan theories about a troubling fate for the captain.

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The Mega Voltage arc premieres in Japan on April 11, with the English dub lagging behind for U.S. audiences. Pokémon Horizons Season 2 earned a 5/10 for struggling to leverage its potential. Fans hope this time skip will bring fresh vitality to the Rising Volt Tacklers.