Pokémon Anime Updates Main Cast After Decades

After 26 years of frozen youth for protagonist Ash Ketchum, the Pokémon anime is making a groundbreaking change. In the upcoming Pokémon Horizons: Mega Voltage arc, new heroes Liko and Roy will experience something unprecedented - actual aging. CoroCoro magazine's latest reveal shows our protagonists maturing physically during a three-year time skip, complete with taller, more mature designs.

A New Era for Pokémon Protagonists

This bold narrative decision marks a significant departure from Ash Ketchum's eternal childhood. While maintaining continuity with previous seasons (meaning Ash and friends are aging off-screen too), the anime finally acknowledges the passage of time for its current stars. Fans can't help but wonder if we'll eventually see an older Ash make his return.

The Mega Voltage arc brings back fan-favorite Mega Evolutions, perfectly timed with their return in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Liko's Floragato has evolved into Meowscarada, while Roy now commands a shiny Mega Lucario. Not everything is sunshine though - Friede's conspicuous absence and his damaged goggles seen with Pikachu hint at potential trouble ahead.

What This Means for Pokémon Storytelling

Beyond the character growth, this development suggests The Pokémon Company might be willing to take more risks with its storytelling. The time skip could introduce new dynamics - think about how trainer abilities might develop over years rather than weeks!

The arc promises exciting battles with revamped starter Pokémon and Mega Evolutions returning to the spotlight. Whether this translates to better storytelling remains to be seen - our Pokémon Horizons Season 2 review gave it a middling 5/10 for playing things too safe.

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Japanese fans will experience the Mega Voltage arc starting April 11, while international audiences will need to wait as the English dub catches up. Will this time skip reinvigorate the series? Could we finally see an aged-up Ash return in future seasons? The possibilities are electrifying for Pokémon fans worldwide.