A new preview for Pokémon Horizons highlights Riko, one of the anime’s two new protagonists.
Released on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, this ten-minute clip from Episode 1 introduces Riko, a soon-to-be trainer who plans to research Pokémon at Indigo Academy in Kanto. Contrary to Ash Ketchum’s image, Riko is a more introverted character who sometimes has difficulty expressing her true feelings to others. However, she also had similar difficulties with her partner Pokémon Sprigatito, which ran away as soon as she received it.
The clip made its world premiere at Pokémon’s first SDCC conference, “Pokémon: Bringing Iconic Animation to a Global Audience,” held at the San Diego Convention Center on Thursday, July 20. The purpose of the event was to show how to localize popular anime from Japanese to English and other international versions. Pokémon fans also got to see the first English-language trailer for Horizons in addition to the trailer for Pokemon: Ultimate Journeys, the last of which will premiere on Netflix starting September 8. The 12-episode series will wrap up Ash and Pikachu’s story after more than two decades on the air. The international release window for Pokémon Horizons has yet to be announced.
Accompanying Riko on her quest is Roy, another novice trainer who sets out to uncover the mystery behind the ancient Pokeball. Similarly, Riko possesses an unusual glowing pendant that appears to have been the target of a Pokémon organization called Team Explorers, a potential replacement for Team Rocket. Supporting the pair with their respective goals is Professor Friede, an aspiring researcher who travels in a hot air balloon with his partner, Captain Pikachu. Earlier this year, Pokémon released a promotional video introducing Friede and other members of his crew, called Rising Voltecers.
In addition to hosting a preview for Horizons, SDCC 2023 also features a number of booths managed by Pokémon publishing and licensing partners. Toy company Jazwares is previewing more Pokémon collections that will launch later this year. Insight Editions is also highlighting its upcoming Pokémon baking book by handing out special recipe cards to people who visit the company’s booth. This book will be available for purchase starting September 8. Mattel and Bandai Namco are also offering exclusive Pokémon merchandise, in addition to product previews and giveaways.
While waiting for Pokémon Horizons to launch internationally, audiences can watch Pokémon Journeys and Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys on Netflix.
Source: YouTube