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The Newest Pokémon Series in 2023: A Deep Dive into Pokémon Horizons

The newest Pokémon series in 2023 is Pokémon Horizons: The Series, known in Japan as Pocket Monsters: Liko and Roy’s Departure and Pocket Monsters: The Sparkling of Terapagos. This marks a significant shift for the franchise, as it’s the 26th season of the animated series and the first to feature entirely new protagonists, Liko and Roy, instead of the beloved Ash Ketchum and his partner Pikachu. It premiered in Japan on TV Tokyo on April 14, 2023, signaling the beginning of a new era for Pokémon anime.

A New Beginning for the Pokémon Anime

After 25 years of Ash Ketchum’s journey to become a Pokémon Master, The Pokémon Company made the bold decision to introduce fresh faces and storylines. Pokémon Horizons explores the Paldea region from the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet video games, offering a new generation of viewers an entry point while keeping long-time fans engaged with exciting world-building and dynamic characters.

What Makes Pokémon Horizons Different?

New Protagonists: The series centers around Liko and Roy, two young trainers with their own distinct goals and personalities. This allows for new narratives, character dynamics, and a departure from familiar tropes.
Focus on Paldea Region: Set in the region from the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games, Pokémon Horizons introduces new Pokémon, locations, and challenges that align with the latest generation of the franchise.
Mystery and Exploration: Unlike Ash’s straightforward goal of becoming a Pokémon Master, Liko and Roy are embarking on a journey filled with uncovering mysteries, exploring unknown territories, and facing unexpected threats.
Unique Pokémon: The series features unique Pokémon, including the mysterious Terapagos, adding intrigue and pushing the boundaries of what Pokémon stories can be.

Exploring the World of Pokémon Horizons

Pokémon Horizons is more than just a new series; it’s a deliberate shift in focus and storytelling approach. The series seeks to capture the spirit of adventure and discovery that are cornerstones of the Pokémon franchise.

The Story So Far

Liko is a student from the Paldea region who is given a mysterious pendant by her grandmother. Roy, on the other hand, is a young boy from a remote island who possesses a mysterious Poké Ball containing an unknown Pokémon. Their paths intertwine as they both become entangled in a series of events that lead them to the Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of adventurers who travel the world in an airship.

The Rising Volt Tacklers

The Rising Volt Tacklers serve as mentors and companions for Liko and Roy, guiding them on their journey and teaching them about the world of Pokémon. The group consists of:

Friede: A Pokémon Professor and the leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers.
Captain Pikachu: Friede’s partner.
Orla: A mechanical expert.
Murdock: A cook and a skilled Pokémon battler.
Molly: A medical professional.
Landon: Responsible for the groups logistics.

Threats and Challenges

While exploring, Liko and Roy also encounter threats from groups like the Explorers, led by Amethio. The Explorers aim to capture Liko’s pendant and other powerful Pokémon. This creates an antagonistic element that adds tension and excitement to the series.

The Impact of Pokémon Horizons

Pokémon Horizons isn’t just a new anime; it’s a bold step forward in the evolution of the Pokémon franchise. By introducing fresh characters and storylines, the series opens up possibilities for engaging new audiences while honoring the legacy of the original anime.

Moving Beyond Ash Ketchum

For many fans, Ash Ketchum was synonymous with Pokémon. His departure marked the end of an era. However, it also created an opportunity to explore new perspectives and narratives within the Pokémon universe. This transition reflects the continuous growth and adaptation that are essential to the success of any long-running franchise.

The Future of Pokémon Anime

The success of Pokémon Horizons will undoubtedly shape the future of Pokémon anime. It has demonstrated the potential for diverse storylines, character arcs, and world-building within the franchise. This new direction promises to keep the Pokémon anime engaging and relevant for generations to come. To understand the impact of such franchises on learning and engagement, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon Horizons

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the new Pokémon series in 2023, Pokémon Horizons:

Is Pokémon Horizons the new series after Ash left? Yes, Pokémon Horizons: The Series is the new Pokémon anime following the conclusion of Ash Ketchum’s story.
When did Pokémon Horizons premiere in Japan? It premiered on April 14, 2023, on TV Tokyo.
Who are the main characters in Pokémon Horizons? The main characters are Liko and Roy, two new protagonists embarking on their own Pokémon journeys.
What region is Pokémon Horizons set in? The series is set primarily in the Paldea region, which is featured in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet video games.
What is the name of the group Liko and Roy travel with? They travel with the Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of adventurers who travel in an airship.
Who leads the Rising Volt Tacklers? The leader is Friede, a Pokémon Professor, and his partner Captain Pikachu.
What is the mysterious Pokémon associated with the new series? Terapagos is a unique and mysterious Pokémon that plays a central role in the storyline.
Who are the antagonists in Pokémon Horizons? The primary antagonists are the Explorers, led by Amethio.
Where can I watch Pokémon Horizons? Availability varies by region, but it is likely to be available on streaming platforms like Netflix and Pokémon TV, or on local television channels that broadcast the Pokémon anime.
Is Pokémon Horizons related to the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games? Yes, the series is set in the Paldea region, the same setting as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Will Ash Ketchum ever return to the Pokémon anime? While there’s no official confirmation, the director has hinted at the possibility of Ash’s return in some capacity in the future.
What is Liko’s connection to the mysterious pendant? The pendant was given to her by her grandmother, and it holds a secret power that is slowly being revealed throughout the series.
What is Roy’s mysterious Poké Ball? The Poké Ball contains an unknown Pokémon with unique abilities, the identity of which is a major plot point.
Is Pokémon Horizons suitable for new Pokémon fans? Yes, it’s designed to be accessible to new viewers while still offering a rich and engaging story for long-time fans.
How does Pokémon Horizons contribute to the Pokémon franchise? It opens up new narrative possibilities, introduces fresh characters, and showcases the diverse world of Pokémon in a revitalized way, ensuring the franchise remains relevant and appealing to a global audience.

Conclusion

Pokémon Horizons: The Series represents a significant turning point for the Pokémon anime. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, exploring uncharted territories and introducing a fresh cast of characters. It has demonstrated the potential for diverse storylines, character arcs, and world-building within the franchise. As the series unfolds, fans are eager to see where Liko and Roy’s journey will lead and how it will shape the future of Pokémon animation.

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