Pokémon Horizons Introduces Time Skip, Aging Up Liko and Roy

After 26 years of timeless adventures in the Pokémon anime, Ash Ketchum remained forever 10. Now, Pokémon Horizons takes a bold step, allowing its new protagonists, Liko and Roy, to grow older.

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

All the new arch 5 pages from coro coro today!
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Liko and Roy share the same universe as Ash Ketchum, who is currently absent from the series. This time skip implies Ash and companions like Misty, Brock, May, Dawn, and Serena have also aged three years off-screen. Will a more mature Ash return in this arc or a future season? Fans are buzzing with speculation.

The Mega Voltage arc reintroduces Mega Evolutions, aligning with their return in the upcoming 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 show visible cracks, hinting at a troubling fate for the captain.

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The Mega Voltage arc premieres in Japan on April 11, with the English dub trailing behind. Pokémon Horizons Season 2 earned a 5/10 for struggling to embrace its potential. This time skip could spark fresh excitement for the Rising Volt Tacklers.