Pokémon Horizons: The Series Part 3 Sets August 2024 Streaming Schedule; All We Know So Far

The biggest differences between Ash and Liko

In Pokémon Horizons, Liko assumes the position of the lead character previously held by Ash Ketchum, who is now 26 years old. Both trainers hail from the Kanto region and place great importance on nurturing their Pokémon. Nevertheless, they differ significantly. Liko’s adventure in the Paldea region does not follow the same path as Ash’s past escapades. OLM Inc., the animation studio behind the series, aimed for a new beginning with this installment, making Liko’s growth and central role all the more captivating. Despite the challenge of succeeding Ash, Liko has proven herself worthy of being the protagonist.

In Liko’s narrative, her loved ones make a substantial contribution. Her grandmother Diana presents her with a puzzling locket, and her mother Lucca retains the Rising Volt Tacklers for her protection. Conversely, Ash’s family, excluding his mother Delia, doesn’t heavily influence the storyline. The identity of Ash’s unnamed father is a subject of fan speculation. Although Liko encounters numerous individuals across diverse locations, her family generally keeps a low profile, emphasizing the significance of grandparents in this animated production.

Ash exudes self-assurance and ambition as he strives to attain the title of a Pokémon master. He earns badges and catches various Pokémon, preparing himself for league competitions and filling up his PokéDex. Ash is an amiable character who effortlessly befriends others. In contrast, Liko from Pokémon Horizons harbors doubts about her future and feels apprehensive around new people. However, she possesses a hidden confident side that emerges when required. When those close to her are endangered, she puts their safety above her own. Both Ash and Liko boast distinct social skills and capabilities.

Liko, the clever girl in the story, senses danger towards herself when Amerthio, the head of the malicious group Explorers, requests her to hand over her cherished pendant. Although Liko may struggle with social norms, she’s not gullible to the circumstances at hand. In contrast, Ash, known for his clumsiness, fails to recognize the disguises worn by Team Rocket members and consistently makes poor judgments about people. To deceive Ash and snatch his Pikachu, all Jesse and James need is a minor alteration in their attire, a change that Liko would surely pick up on as something amiss.

In the original Pokémon anime, Ash consistently makes the right choices, even with his impulsive childhood behavior. He shows kindness and harshness towards people he encounters, frequently resolving their issues. His selfless deeds are expected, and he reaps rewards in return. Contrarily, Liko from Pokémon Horizons initially lacks motivation to be true to herself and tends to give in easily. She gives up during a match against Wakaba, a Gym Trainer apprentice, and later realizes that being overly accommodating can hinder her personal growth.

As a devoted fan of anime and Pokémon, I’ve noticed an intriguing shift in the role of female trainers. From Misty to Serena, we’ve seen many notable women joining the main cast. However, Pokémon Horizons introduces something fresh: Liko, the first leading female protagonist. Unlike past female companions who shared the limelight with Ash, Liko takes center stage in her very own series. This distinction is clear from the start, as she receives more attention and focus than any of Ash’s previous friends ever did.

In the last decade and beyond, there’s been increasing pressure on popular properties to feature greater female representation. For example, in Pokémon anime, Ash’s companion, Pikachu, was replaced with Liko and her Floragato, marking the first time a female starter Pokémon graced the screen. Liko serves a dual purpose: not only does she add diversity to the cast, but she also provides young girls with a relatable heroine they can aspire to.