Pokémon Horizons #018: The Sky Is The Limit For Flying Pikachu!

It feels like Pokémon Horizons did the impossible: it officially moves on from Ash's journey and, in an unexpected twist, offers viewers a compelling, non-episodic show without a single returning character. The 18th episode in the series – The Sky Is The Limit For Flying Pikachu! – stands out to me as one of the best examples of this step change for the anime.

Contrary to previous iterations of the series, Pokémon Horizons has so far steered clear from entirely non-consequential episodes with little impact to the story. The familar structure of the episode, which would often inevitably end with Team Rocket blasting away, is replaced by a longer (and frankly more captivating) arc.

Perhaps the most impressive achievement for the series so far has been the introduction of an ensemble cast of completely new characters in the Rising Volt Tacklers and in this episode we get the first full backstory of the Brave Asagi ship, Friede and Captain Pikachu.

Rumours about Ash retiring had been floating around for a while when the Masters Eight Tournament was announced, but what me and many others really could not envision was the Pokémon anime without our faithful mascot Pikachu. Despite this, the new iteration of the show did not disappoint.

Enter Captain Pikachu, a stoic shipmaster with a mysterious past. Its captain hat and smug demeanor starkly opposes Ash's Pikachu and it's perhaps this carefully crafted character design that makes it successful. It's no coincidence that our new mascot is a physical attacker as well – and how refreshing to see a Pikachu use Thunder Punch. Gone are the Journeys days of endless Electrowebs (may I say, finally).

As we get to know the Brave Asagi crew better, the core elements of the show start coming together. Liko is an introspective protagonist showing potential for steady growth, but (unlike Ash) it's not her dream that drives the main plot of the show. Instead, we find out together with her what the objective of her journey is and who will accompany her. Villains feel like actual villains rather than repetitive comedy breaks (sorry Team Rocket ❤) and companions stand out as fully realised characters.

The care for details comes through in this episode especially, with the aspect ratio change for the flashback and impressive animation to mark the beginning of Friede and Captain Pikachu's friendship.

I am really looking forward to seeing how the plot will develop and so far the show has been a pleasure to keep up with weekly, rather than a background-watch like the majority of Journeys episodes that did not feature a key battle or tournament.

And did you spot the Larry easter egg at the Treasure Eatery? Instant 10/10 episode.