Pokemon (2023)

In a world filled with strange yet majestic creatures known as Pokémon, a new adventure begins! Hailing from the pristine region of Paldea, the timid Liko travels to the Kanto region to attend the Indigo Academy and become a Pokémon trainer—a person who forms relationships with Pokémon and trains them to participate in battles. Soon, Liko acquires Nyahoja, a fickle Grass-type cat Pokémon, as her first partner.

Prior to Liko's transfer to Kanto, her grandmother gives her a uniquely patterned and gleaming pendant as a protective charm. However, an enigmatic organization—The Explorers—seems to know a secret about the pendant and nearly succeeds in stealing it from Liko. Fortunately, she is rescued by the Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of adventurers led by a Lizardon-riding trainer named Friede.

After a series of encounters with The Explorers, Liko decides to join Friede's team, accompanying him and his crew members on a grand journey across the regions. Along the way, they aim to unravel not only the mysteries of the world of Pokémon, but also the power that resides within her pendant.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Liko Main

Suzuki, Minori Japanese

Captain Pikachu Main

Ootani, Ikue Japanese

Friede Main

Yashiro, Taku Japanese

Nyahoja Main

Hayashibara, Megumi Japanese

Hogator Main

Yamashita, Daiki Japanese

Roy Main

Terasaki, Yuka Japanese

Pikachu Supporting

Ootani, Ikue Japanese

Nyarth Supporting

Eievui Supporting

Gangar Supporting

Katou, Hiroyuki Producer

Sekiguchi, Ayaka Producer

Kudou, Yuusuke Producer

Kumemura, Makoto Producer

Reviews

Apr 30, 2023

Ellenwitch

Recommended

Preliminary (4/? eps)

Going into this. There was a bit of worry, bit of unsure about the whole thing. As lets face it. With the journey, and the length Ash has been on. You wouldn't think there would come a time, where someone else was front row,and was the main character instead of him. It had a lot of big shoes to fill from the get go. Mainly because of thatalone. Not that it needs to fill a large check sheet, in order to stand side by side with Ash's journey, but more with how times have changed, and how Pokemon is now. How it'd all be handled.

It's ... like you take the Precure series, which I'll explain my point on why I bring that up later. With each new installment, there are going to be duds, while there are also going to be winners. While of course Precure doesn't have a long on going main character, but what it does do as a long running series, is showcase how if the MC is done right, it can do wonders for the show. I bring this up as it's very important for a MC to deliever, among other characters that can also deliver. While I doubt our new 'face' of Pokemon will last the amount of time Ash did, but if you think to yourself, this is the MC of Pokemon anime for years to come at this moment, and if they were a dud, then watching the anime would become a chore, and you'd feel like certain other things related to Pokemon at the moment, that it's a lame cheap cop out. But thankfully, that isn't the case, and I'll explain why.

Story and characters: 8
What's to really love about it, is that it feels different. You know what it feels like? A TRUE ADVENTURE! While at first, it may come across as something plain, and too child like, will quickly turn into an interesting dynamic and story, that'll just make you ask for more, and wonder what else is going to happen, yet alone how our new MC will continue on her adventure. The transition into it is really good too, it feels believable, and enjoyable at the same time. Most of all though, honestly, I get Pokemon Ranger Darkrai vibes with this anime.It's why it feels like a proper adventure. We aren't following a Gym challenge, or a challenge to be the master. We're following a newbie trainer, discover her path as a trainer, as you or I would at the start of our journeys. With endless possibilities that await us, and to be dragged into further involvements, that truly shape our journey.

This is where I come into the characters, mainly our MC in Liko. I love the way they've handled her. Sure, she may not be a bit dim witted like Ash, or not too out spoken. But I can count that, as her more discovering what she wants to be, and I'm sure there is gonna be more to her, as the show progresses. It's why I mention the Precure thing, as early doors, it did come off a bit like it, in terms of how a new series of Precure would normally come about, and if that is nailed perfectly, or in a good way, then the show will benefit in it's long run. But it's not just her we have to speak out, there is a good bunch of supporting characters, from those who are around her, to even the supposed villains too. Proper villains that aren't just there for comedic fashion. While Jessie, James and Meowth will be missed sure, but on the other hand, it's rather refreshing to not have them, and have someone new, but also done in a much more different light then reusing the same gag for 20+ years ior such. But what you've got here, is a colorful cast of characters, that'll keep the show engaging and interesting, and will make us want to see how further Liko's journey goes on.

And of course Pikachu is here as well, and as Smithers would say in Simpsons.'But he's got a new hat.' Which is fine, as of course they had to fit Pikachu in here somehow.

Art and sound: 8
I mean. It's Pokemon.
While Pokemon's style has progressed over the years, as in a sense, it hasn't really 'changed' more that over time, it's upgraded, over and over with the times. Getting better and better as time rolls on. But I'd also say, it almost feels like a slight touch up of the previous/recent season of Pokemon. Which is great to see, it's pleasing on the eyes, and greatly animated. Much like in it's quality of sound. Pokemon will always do an amazing job, and hardly put a foot wrong when it comes to these departments.

The new Pokemon series, with it's new MC is finally here, and it's left it's mark. Coming off like a mix of Scarlet and Violet, mixed with Pokemon Ranger Darkrai, and for the first few episodes, it's been a blast, we'll see if it keeps that up. But it's certainly been enjoyable. If you're sitll waiting to see if it gets good, don't.Start now, and enjoy the week by week ride.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Oct 22, 2023

Kitsunegasaki

Recommended

Preliminary (25/? eps)

Pokémon Horizons stands out as an impressive series. It boasts beautiful visuals and characters that are easy to relate to, with Liko, a shy girl, holding great promise. The show takes a more mature tone and introduces a range of adult characters.

For those who miss Ash and Pikachu, I recommend giving this series a chance without constant comparisons. In the first season, there's a clear promise of further character development. If you have an affinity for video games, this show might just be your cup of tea.

I admit I had reservations initially regarding the new main character. However, after watching the first three episodes, I ... can confidently say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. While the show takes a different path, it retains the core essence of Pokémon. The animation quality is top-notch, and Liko emerges as a genuinely likable character.

The legendary status of Ash and Pikachu over 25 years shouldn't deter viewers from embracing change, a common theme in the world of anime. Like other shows, it was time for Pokémon to evolve. While bidding farewell to Ash was bittersweet, it's evident that this series has breathed new life into the Pokémon universe. It offers an exciting new adventure, secrets to uncover, a charming cast, and formidable antagonists. This series is undoubtedly a worthwhile watch for both longstanding and new Pokémon enthusiasts.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Mar 5, 2024

Bobzi11a

Not Recommended

Preliminary (5/? eps)

Here's a unique review, coming from someone who genuinely doesn't care who the protag is. Ash was cookie cutter and the fact he got to star in like 20+ seasons is beyond me. It's a show about magical monsters, how did they manage to make it revolve around 1 person?!

So that's where I'm left with this. I went in thinking, "Oh nice! They're finally going to change the story formula and make use of the franchise" "We're finally going to get something like Scarlet Wings or Origins, fleshing out the world itself!"

And that's why I stopped watching, I got my hopes up.

It's just female ash, ... with weed cat, constantly making up her own emotional baggage to spend 15+ minutes an episode to "bravely push through". Writing gets a 1/10, all character personalities, ALL of them 1/10, the only positive I can give is the visuals. Show looks great but I have no idea who their target audience is or why they would even make this.

Reviewer’s Rating: 1

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