The Pokémon Anime Is Finally Aging Up Its Main Cast After Almost 30 Years

After 26 years of adventures in the Pokémon anime, the perpetually 10-year-old Ash Ketchum has finally hung up his hat. However, after steadfastly refusing to age its protagonist for most of the series' run, The Pokémon Company is finally doing the unexpected in Pokémon Horizons, allowing its new leads, Liko and Roy, to grow up.

Recent reveals from CoroCoro magazine, showcasing the next arc in Pokémon Horizons, "Mega Voltage," confirm a significant time skip. Liko and Roy will age approximately three years, sporting noticeably taller and more mature designs alongside Dot. This image, from a CoroCoro reveal, shows the updated character designs:

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Interestingly, these characters share a universe with Ash Ketchum, even if he's currently absent from the show. This implies that Ash, along with Misty, Brock, May, Dawn, Serena, and the rest of the supporting cast, have also aged three years off-screen. Will we see the older Ash in this arc or a future season? Only time will tell, but fan speculation is already running rampant.

Mega Voltage also marks the return of Mega Evolutions, likely coinciding with their reintroduction as a mechanic in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. We see 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 a possible unfortunate event for Friede.

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The Mega Voltage arc premieres in Japan on April 11th, but the English dub will likely lag behind. Previous lukewarm reception of Pokémon Horizons Season 2 (5/10 rating for its inconsistent strengths) leaves fans hoping this time skip injects much-needed energy into the Rising Volt Tacklers.