The Pokémon Horizons: The Series anime is set to embark on its sixth main story arc, titled “Pocket Monsters: Rising Again” (「ポケットモンスター ライジングアゲイン」), which will debut in Japan on October 31st. This new chapter will see protagonists Liko and Roy, alongside the Rising Volt Tacklers, heading to the familiar setting of Blueberry Academy, a location introduced in The Indigo Disk DLC for the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet video games.
A Brief Interlude: “Episode: Mega Evolution” Mini-Arc
Before the “Rising Again” arc commences, fans can look forward to a special three-episode mini-arc titled “Episode: Mega Evolution” (エピソード：メガシンカ), starting on October 10th. This mini-arc will bridge a one-year timeskip between the fourth and fifth main arcs, focusing on Roy and a new character named Uruto as they undergo Mega Evolution training in Lumiose City. This segment is also expected to tie into the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A game.
New cast members Misaki Kuno and Masahiko Tanaka will voice Emma (Matiere) and Master Mayonnaise, respectively, with both characters appearing in the “Special Episode: Mega Evolution” mini-arc. Emma is a character from the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game.
“Rising Again” and Blueberry Academy
The main event, “Rising Again,” will mark a significant shift as Liko and company enroll at Blueberry Academy. This institution, known as a school for Pokémon trainers, will provide a fresh backdrop for battle training and new adventures for Liko, Roy, Dot, and Uruto. The official Pokémon franchise X/Twitter account shared a new visual teasing two members of the BB League’s Elite Four: Lacey (Taro) and Drayton (Kakitsubata).
The Journey So Far: Pokémon Horizons
Pokémon Horizons: The Series premiered in Japan in April 2023 with a one-hour special, introducing dual protagonists Liko and Roy, marking a significant departure from the long-running Ash Ketchum saga. The series follows Liko, a shy girl with a mysterious pendant, and Roy, who possesses an ancient Poké Ball, as they travel with the Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of adventurers led by Friede and Captain Pikachu. Their journey involves uncovering the mysteries of Liko’s pendant, searching for the legendary Six Heroes, and evading the enigmatic organization known as the Explorers.
The anime has progressed through several arcs, including “Liko and Roy’s Departure,” “The Sparkling of Terapagos,” and “Terastal Debut”. The recently concluded fifth arc was titled “Mega Voltage”.
International Release Schedule
While the new arcs are set to air in Japan, international viewers are still catching up. The second season of Pokémon Horizons: The Series, which includes the third and fourth Japanese arcs, is being released exclusively on Netflix in the United States and many other territories, with the final batch of episodes dropping on September 26th. Other regions, such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, have the series available on platforms like BBC iPlayer, Teletoon/Cartoon Network, and 9Go!, respectively. As of now, no information regarding the international release of the upcoming fifth, mini-special, and sixth arcs has been announced.
