After a legendary 26-year run, Ash Ketchum—Pokémon’s forever-10-year-old hero—has officially retired from the anime spotlight. For years, The Pokémon Company kept Ash frozen in time, never aging him despite countless journeys across regions and victories along the way. But now, in *Pokémon Horizons*, the franchise is taking a bold step forward by allowing its new protagonists, Liko and Roy, to grow up.
According to the latest CoroCoro issue, the upcoming arc titled *Mega Voltage* will feature a significant “time skip” that ages Liko and Roy by approximately three years. This narrative shift brings brand-new character designs for Liko, Roy, and Dot, showing them taller, more mature, and visually evolved—marking one of the most notable changes in the series’ direction since its relaunch with a new duo at the helm.
All the new arc 5 pages from CoroCoro today!
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Interestingly, this development also implies that Ash Ketchum—and his entire roster of companions including Misty, Brock, May, Dawn, and Serena—have aged off-screen as well. While Ash isn’t currently part of the *Horizons* storyline, fans are buzzing with speculation about whether we might finally see an older version of the iconic trainer in this arc or in future seasons.
Mega Evolutions Return in Mega Voltage
The *Mega Voltage* arc also promises a nostalgic yet exciting return to form with the reintroduction of Mega Evolutions. This likely aligns with the upcoming gameplay mechanic revival in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*. Among the confirmed evolutions, Liko’s Floragato has transformed into Meowscarada, while Roy now commands a shiny Mega Lucario—both impressive milestones in their respective journeys.
Friede's Mysterious Absence
One unsettling detail from the reveal is the absence of Friede, the captain of the Rising Volt Tacklers. Although his partner Pikachu appears in the artwork wearing Friede’s signature goggles, fans have noted what appear to be cracks on the sides—hinting at a possible tragic or dramatic event involving Friede. Whether he’ll return or what fate has befallen him remains a mystery that has already sparked intense fan theories.
Which Mainline Pokémon Game Is the Very Best?
While the anime evolves, fans continue to debate which mainline game stands above the rest. With a fresh duel featuring top contenders, players can test their preferences or compare results with the wider community. Here’s how it breaks down:
New duel
1ST!
2ND
3RD
See your Results – Finish playing for personal results or view the community’s picks.
Continue playing | See results
When Does the Mega Voltage Arc Air?
The *Mega Voltage* arc is set to debut in Japan on April 11 this year. However, English-speaking audiences will need to wait longer, as the English dub typically lags behind the original Japanese release. Hopefully, this time skip and the new creative energy it brings will help *Pokémon Horizons* overcome past criticisms, particularly after Season 2 received a lukewarm 5/10 for not fully embracing its potential. With these bold developments, the series may finally be hitting its stride.
