After 26 years of adventures in the Pokémon anime, protagonist Ash Ketchum finally retired while remaining eternally 10 years old. However, in a surprising move for a franchise that steadfastly refused to age its hero, Pokémon Horizons seems poised to let its new protagonists Liko and Roy actually mature.
A New Era of Growth
The recent CoroCoro magazine reveal of the upcoming Mega Voltage arc confirms a significant time jump - Liko, Roy, and Dot will age approximately three years, complete with new character designs showing noticeable physical development:
All the new arch 5 pages from coro coro today! byu/BikeOk4256 inpokemonanime
This development maintains continuity with Ash's universe - meaning somewhere off-screen, Ash and his companions (Misty, Brock, and others) have also aged three years. While there's currently no confirmation of adult Ash appearing, fan speculation about potential future appearances continues to grow.
Mega Evolutions Return
The Mega Voltage arc will reintroduce Mega Evolutions, likely coinciding with their comeback in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The time skip has also brought evolutionary changes - Liko's Floragato has become Meowscarada, while Roy now sports a shiny Mega Lucario.
One notable absence is Friede, captain of the Rising Volt Tacklers. His partner Pikachu appears wearing Friede's goggles, now bearing visible cracks - a possible ominous hint about Friede's fate.
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The Mega Voltage arc premieres in Japan on April 11, with the English dub following later due to localization delays. While Pokémon Horizons Season 2 previously earned a 5/10 for playing it too safe, fans hope this time skip will bring fresh energy to the Rising Volt Tacklers' adventures.
