Imagine Ash, the literal world champion, going to Paldea and the first thing that happens is him losing to a beginner trainer with a lvl5 Quaxly

It's great to know that the fanbase is giving Pokémon Horizons a fair chance but I can respect that some people are not ready to let go of Ash Ketchum as the main protagonist It still kind of hurts for someone like me who was born in the 90s and grew up right alongside the whole franchise.

He finally remembered his youtube password

It's the same problem as the games, the anime was made to promote the games, so the way it was done was simple, they didn't think well about the logic or how to conduct the story, and the world evolved very quickly, the technology, the way of scripting stories and so on, so the anime became obsolete over time, and from Unova onwards it became messy, a lot of personality inconsistency, so it was time to innovate, both in game with Legend of Arceus and Violet and Scarlet and the anime with Horizons The problem however, is that after so much time, you can imagine how good the anime could really have been with Ash and the ending wasn't that satisfying, because Journeys had a huge wasted potential, so many old characters that didn't appear, reunions that didn't happen, old Pokémon that weren't used, so even with Ash's victory, it ended with a feeling of incompleteness, as if something was still missing.

Ginger returned before Ash 🥲

Introversion simply means you feel energized when you’re alone, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re “anxious” or “shy.” You can be an extrovert, but also shy. Most people mistake introversion as shyness, when it’s really feeling more energized alone than with people.

Tbh Liko is a pretty good successor to Ash, She has an actual arc Ash has always been a static character, I mean he really couldn’t be anything else sure he changed his attitude towards battling during the first two seasons but after that since he had to reset at every region he also had to reset his character so after awhile he stopped changing to much (except aloha, that was more of a Flanderizatuon of the ash character then an arc, turning him into a more chill dumb character) But Liko, Liko had more of an arc in 3 episodes than ash has had in 15 years. And Is just a really likable character.

If u have watched ash in years and just switched to liko then many people probably wont like the new series and that's sad fr. Those who wants ash back 👇

I really like liko a lot,I relate to her a lot. Im a huge introvert, not saying I don't like being around others, it's just that I don't like being around HUGE groups of people

I have no problem with the writing and the characters in the new pokemon. My concern about the new series is the lackluster pokemon battle and the sparse pokemon catching. Most battles don't finish or there is no definitive winner. While in the catching part, most of the important character are already satisfied with their partner pokemon and seems to lack the behavior of wanting to catch more. Lastly, I have no real problem with some wild pokemon living in their flying ship, but it kind of becomes a disservice for them when new generation pokemon are already there making their introduction not as impactful. Pokemon heavily revolves on those 2 core mechanics, and when those two things are not prominently shown, it becomes obvious and it feels like something is missing or incomplete.

When I first watched Horizons, I was actually enthralled with Liko's character. I could immediately tell she was completely different from Ash but in a very interesting way. For example, I pose a question. Has Ash ever really thought to himself. Ash has talked to himself before but I can't think of times where he's been in his own mind. Meanwhile Liko is constantly thinking to herself about a given situation or character. She even narorates. That's such a simple change that really distinguishes them already not to mention how they operate and handle different things. I feel like the best part is that Liko doesn't just feel like Ash's antithesis, she feels like her own character who shares some traits but lacks others. Obviously Ash isn't the easiest character to follow up on. Not only does his tenier on the franchise span across decades but he also shows off the thing Pokemon is known for about as much as catching, battling better than I think anyone ever will. For a battle, we could always expect Ash to do something that shouldn't make any sense but (most of the time) is super cool. Not only is Horizons not really battle focused, I don't think a character like Liko is going to tell Sprigatito to stick it's tail in the ground and rapidly shake its body like a jack hammer to ensure damage to their opponent on impact. That being said, the fact that Liko is working with what could be seen as a disadvantage and still being enjoyable to me is an admirable feat and from what I've seen of Horizons (15 episodes as of the making of this comment) I haven't ever questioned her protagonist status and have actively enjoyed her. I can't wait to see more of what she's about when I finally get back to watching the series.

I’m not sad because I don’t like Liko, I think she’s great. I’m just sad that Ash is gone :(

What if Ash won his first League in Season 1? And if new protagonists replaced him sooner every Season? Starting with Ethan for Season 2's Johto League Arc. And if Pokemon movies had different protagonists not based on game counterparts(like Gou & Koharu in Movie 1 and Liko & Roy in Movie 2)? While all written by Shudo Takeshi(who wanted Ash gone sooner if it weren't for those meddling kids(executives)).

I feel like why some can watch an extroverted boy, but not an introverted girl, is because with the introverted character, it feels like nothing is happening. It doesn't feel like Liko or Roy have grown any as trainers, as they're always being saved by others. (I think we can all agree that Ash could have handled any and all of these situations with relative ease). While it's always good to have episodes that give a break to the viewer, it's hard to become invested when EVERY episode feels like a break, or feels like nothing important is happening to the protagonists. Unfortunately, I feel the Pokemon Company doesn't exactly know what to do now that they've replaced their protagonist with someone that doesn't have a Pikachu, so as of right now, they feel they HAVE to let Friede save the day all the time, 'cause only a Pikachu and/or Charizard can be the star!

The sad part is that with Jesse, James and meowth gone we don’t really have a comedic relief other then the Pokémon

The worst thing for me was when the series first came out and a lot of guys were saying they would drop the series just because Liko is female. It makes little sense to me because what does being a boy or a girl have to do with being a trainer? The trainers power is based on their pokemon, not their own strength. I feel like the story and the type of character the trainer is would be what matters in Pokemon, not their gender. For a long time these guys made me feel awkward watching this, but I did finally try it, and enjoyed it.

Ash was special not just because we spent our lives with him but ultimately because he was the first adaptation of RED from the original games, only with a much different personality and goals but he was connected to that very first game that started in Pallet Town, the playable character is one reason why i think a lot of people could see themselves through him

You know what I noticed? In the past years, protagonist groups have been more mixed, including female characters insteed of pure boys groups. However, in the vast majority of these cases, the male characters are still the leaders of the group. If a girl is the leader, then it's mostly because it is a pure girls group. What I have seen in only very little stories, printed and visual, is a mixed team of protagonists with a female protagonist as it's leader.

Ash just had so much more room to grow. I think instead of replacing him it would’ve been cool if they focused on developing his character. Those few final episodes of ash exploring could’ve been the start of an amazing post champion journey I have watched all of Horizons though and it’s a good show

I like her way more than ash to be honest, also Horizons comes as a breath of fresh hair, everyone has different goals and the art and animation is really good, also I love the fact that the real protagonist starts with pikachu and charizard, I missed that big ass lizard for A LONG TIME, we only saw him as fanservice from time to time and if someone had one it was an antagonist or a side character so he wasnt shown much, but now he's part of the main cast again and that's awesome.

Bro really returned before GTA 6 came out

When I think of introverts in Pokemon the first name comes to my mind is Red

Yeah but they got rid of who’s that Pokémon

the voice actor has placed ash for decades everyone needs rest.

ngl me personally i was kinda upset when i found out that ash wouldnt be in pokemon horizons BUT after i watched an episode or three i completely changed my mind, i like liko too much shes definitely my fave character in the whole pokemon series now

I have a great example for this, miraculous tales of ladybug and cat noir, people always say it’s for girls because it’s about a girl using superpowers. Most people will just forget that it’s a everyone show because the protagonist is a girl and yes, I know cat noir is a boy but still and I hate to see people do that because I love that show and I’m a boy I can like that show. But people will say that miraculous is for girls because it’s about a girl but that’s completely wrong. It’s a show. For everyone. I like it my cousins like it. They’re both boys too. We’re allowed to like it. People always forget that no matter what gender the protagonist is it’s for everyone.

Firstly the original pokemon show was losing interest of fans in japan that watch tv and secondly the writers were really struggling how to further develop Ash character for many generations. The original pokemon anime writer never intended for him to be the main star for this long and even wanted to move to new protagonists with each generation, but unfortunately this vision was declined. This show really does a great job by learning the mistakes of the last one and gave us a cast of really well written characters. Ps. Eureka Seven fans are really happy with this show.

i actually really like the new protag. Liko is a breath of fresh air from Ash after 20+ years and if people miss Ash, Roy is basically him. Seeing how Liko internalizes and tackles the same problems Ash has in a completely different way is really fun and interesting and seeing her grow so far is exciting. I now find myself watching Pokemon every week like a kid again.

It's not that people wouldn't want a female protagonist its how the pokemon company is going about it by replacing ash.

Honestly, Liko is just relatable knowing how she is basically just an introvert trying to make friends. Liko is a lot luckier as an introvert.

I was very upset that they had to replace Ash. But then I went to positive side. Ash may be gone, but I’m sure that he’s off traveling around the world to explore more regions that he hasn’t visited yet. And I can imagine what other Pokémon that he may caught off-screen. And who knows, maybe Greninja and Primeape will return to Ash’s side one day.

I feel that both the epic Mickey version of mickey mouse avatar aang and finn the human(middle to late adventure time) are great examples of introvert characters in animation

Also liko won't SHUT UP in the first few episodes Sometimes the won't stop talking comes back, but not much.

Personally, I find Ash to be more entertaining. I'm an introvert, maybe even to a fault as the most social interactions I have is when I'm checking out at Walmart. Liko to me is exhausting. All the same stuff she goes through is too relatable. It's like taking work home with you at the end of the day. Liko being an introvert is fine, but when it gets the point that I'm questioning if that is what I'd do in her situation, it becomes mentally tiring. With Ash, I didn't have to worry about that because he wasn't like me, and the situations were purely fantasy. On top of that... Well, introverts aren't that interesting. I should know, like I said I'm one of them. Being a Pokemon Trainer isn't just about bettering Pokemon, but bettering yourself as well. In that regard, Ash failed and he should've been replaced. But if the goal here is for Liko to "better herself" by not being introverted anymore, that's not really a good message. It's like saying "Hey, you're a freak but that's okay, I can fix you". Being introverted or extroverted isn't a disease, and not everyone wants or needs to get out or calm down. Pokemon, like you said, favors the more extroverted. Trainers need to leave home to start the journey, something a more introverted person is less willing to do. You also need to compete against other people for Badges or Ribbons, and most introverts I know aren't willing to cause or partake in conflicts since we generally like peace and tranquility. And of course, you need to be around other people constantly, be it in a Gym or on a Stage, and that's something we generally like to avoid. Pokemon is all about that kind of stuff. Traveling the region, getting in front of hundreds of people, testing yourself against 1 or more other trainers in battles or fashion or whatever, and of course dealing with troublemakers.

Komi Can't Communicate is my favorite work of art because I see myself in Komi. We both face Social Anxiety and it's beautiful to see her overcome it. Thank you for mentioning it.

3 years ago I said he’d never leave. Pokémon humbled me and replaced Ash, and honestly I’m glad!

"Why replace Ash Ketchum with Liko?" well they got tired of being lazy with the same thing over and over. They probably wanted to make the Pokemon franchise more open to other stories and the Pokemon World is big.

I've been watching Pokémon since it started back in 1999. I was 7 years old back then. I dropped off watching the anime in my teens. I've played every game (except the spinoffs). I was sad to see Ash go. But now I get to share this new generation of Pokémon anime with my daughter. So far, Horizons has been the best "reboot" I could ask for. Its so much more interesting than the loop that the old Pokemon liked to repeat over and over.

5:30 That's 100% in bad faith... Ash 99/100 times can understand how people feel and resonate well with them. But the issue is there's 1000+ total episodes so every now and then the writers will make him intentionally skip a beat to create story drama. Give it enough time and the new protag will have those "issues" as well.

This video gave me a lot to think about and I fully agree with the statements made. Pokémon needed to evolve. Ash and Pikachu have been stale and the same for a big while. His companions and rivals were more interesting. Part of me wishes Liko continues in Gen 10 with Sprigs as her "Johto Bulbasaur". Great work as always, Ginger.

Welcome back! It's been forever. Several months 👍🏿

Their Are Alot Of Shows Were The Ladies Are Far More Interesting Than The Lads.

People liking Ash more is simple, nostalgia. While watching the same 10 yo kid scream at his pokemon to chase his goal I for one go back in time when I used to rush from school just to watch pokemon. And for someone who stopped watching pokemon mostly after XYZ it is mainly because I didn't had enough time, I would love to see Ash again trying beat all the Gym leaders, Elites and become the Champion. Idc about the series anymore not because of the MC but because the majority of us who started watching pokemon are all grown ups with less time in our hands.

Any Wolverine or batman cartoon is centered around an introverted character

I just wanted to see Nemona and Ash doing something together Because they are the same person , they just dont know it yet

I gotta say when I first saw Liko in episode 1 i immediately related to her, and that made me so incredibly happy

My father is introverted just like I am. He was always very good at group events, though. Naturally, I noticed from a young age, but it wasn't until this 4th of July that I realized how hard it is to put on a smile and continue a conversation. It's like the more natural you are, the more burden you feel. If you're bad at faking it, you tend to get angry at simple questions. I've always been in the middle ground, but this 4th of july, I actually held a conversation and forced an actual natural laugh, and that shit took at least 5 years off my lifespan. Also, I took piano in high school and developed an addiction to cracking my knuckles to releavee hand cramps and give my hands some time to breath due to the sweat. Now whenever I'm in a stressful situation and my hands sweat I naturally go to crack my knuckles and my mother says that it's a sign of social anxiety when it isn't. I have no problem talking to like minded individuals and would love to go out and do things with friends. It's just meeting new people that I don't like puts me in a nervous situation and my hands get sweaty. I did this before I went to go see my father in the hospital and when my boss called me into the office. It's literally just a bad habit that people think is social anxiety

I’m the type of person who would miss ash but also give her a chance. And I hope to see him Return some day soon.

I find it odd and funny that for years (since season 1) people complained about ash being clueless and immature, like is a female version of that but everyone thinks she's amazing. I'm 14 episodes in and friede, cap and Charizard have been the stars of the show tbh and I'm not a fan of them immediately showcasing ceruledge in the first couple episodes. In the past they would of had ash or one of his traveling companions show how to evolve bisharp into ceruledge but now they just make him and other fully evolved Pokemon partners for the new "team rocket". I feel that's the biggest issue with horizons is having the villains already advanced and good trainers while liko and Roy are just learning, The adults the kids travel with are worthless other than friede.. just seems messy and rushed

I recently watched the first 2 episodes English dub episodes of the new Pokémon series and I have to admit it's ok, but it disappointing the school has been abandoned. If your going to immediately abandoned it why set it up along with a roommate for the protagonist.

They can atleast bring back an older ash as a side character or sum Shi since he’s technically the strongest trainer alive

I havent watched the pokemon anime for years but I think you've convinced me to check out the new season

As a friendly but quiet introvert (I consider myself as one) this has got to be one of the best videos I've ever watched! You're so right! I'm finally seeing Pokémon and Nintendo related shirts in the girls sections in clothing stores which never used to happen! I honestly really like Liko as a protagonist and Komi and Bocchi are great characters as well!

It's also just neat to see a new character with a new journey/perspective. It's a breath of fresh air. However, there is one challenge with introverted protagonists, and that is that things actually have to happen. It's good to have an introverted character overcome their introverted tendencies, but if a show keeps going on with not much really happening, it seems like the show is just trying t o make a point about how introverted the character is. People want to see action, and more importantly, improvement. If a character, introvert or extrovert, doesn't change much throughout a series, the story just becomes shallow and boring. There is a fine balance that must be struck between the character's initial personality and how that personality changes over time. Too much change and they feel like a completely different character. Too little, and they haven't made any progress. If the show is meant to be empowering, the character must progressively overcome their flaws and weaknesses as time goes on.

My gripe with Horizons is not about the protagonist role, but how boring it is for many extroverts. There should be a balance for both them and introverts. As well as more Gen 9.

It was really surprising to see how much thought and care went into designing Liko as a character. The pokemon anime was especially infamous for playing it safe and repeat old habits (at least until Sun and Moon for the most part) so seeing so many different approaches in Horizons pay off so well definitely hooked me much faster than anticipated. There will surely be a time for cameos and references of the old run but for now I'm just really enjoying this new take on the anime. Letting Ash go wasn't easy, many people rightfully weren't ready for it yet, but in my opinion it was much needed. Idk how much time we'll spend with the Horizon cast but, considering the pace of the show, I'm convinced that hopefully they will stick around long enough to become a core aspect of the franchise.

Hmm...you don't really explain why the anime HAD to replace Ash with Liko, or even the actual criticisms addressed toward her character. Sure, I agree with the sentiment that you can always have an introverted female protagonist, but the problem comes with how that conflicts with what Pokemon is as a series. As you've already stated in 6:20 the world of Pokemon favors extroverts...although that's not necessarily the case, you were on the right track. There are plenty of introverted characters in the world of Pokemon who are definitely skilled trainers in their own right, just look at Kieran from the Scarlet and Violet DLC, so it's not a matter of "extroverted vs introverted". Rather, what *really* matters is whether the character is active or reactive. Do their actions influence the world around them? Or does the world around them influence their actions? Every single successful Pokemon Trainer, be it extroverted or introverted, all share the fact that they're all active characters. They all have a goal they want to achieve, and they work towards that goal. That's what it means to be a Pokemon Trainer. Nothing in the world is forcing them down this path, they simple choose it themselves. But Liko is not this. She is not an active character, as she reacts to everything that happens to her in the plot, rather than having the plot react to her actions. And because of this, and what kind of world Pokemon is like, it makes Liko a very boring protagonist. You can write Liko as relatable as you want her to be, but if she fails to actually be an engaging protagonist that embodies the core ideals and themes of the series, then she fundamentally fails as a protagonist. *This* is the reason why people want Ash back, or a character like Ash back (aside from all the ash puritans who hate anything non-Ash as a protagonist), because Ash was an active character who pushed the plot forward through *his* own dreams and desires, rather than waiting for the plot to happen to him. Also, it kinda goes against the whole theme of the series where "anyone can become a great pokemon trainer and go on these adventures" when you have the entire series revolve around why the protagonist is very special and she has this special pendant with a special legendary Pokemon inside that has been passed down her family for generations and she's actually connected to this legendary ancient Pokemon Trainer and...yeah.

Ash so much better because he’s funnier then liko and ash makes your day bright

Honestly, if the new protagonist was too much like Ash, I would've just preferred to keep Ash as the protagonist. There would be no point in changing things if we were just going to do a show with Ash with a new name and look. Using a character so vastly different from Ash makes it seem like a new show that can appeal to old and new fans. Plus, as a girl who loved shows that centered around boys and usually only had one random girl thrown in who had one or two episodes where she was the center, I love that the new protagonist is a girl. I'm obviously not religiously watching Pokemon like I did when I was a kid, but I can appreciate the new direction and I did watch the first few episodes just to get a sense of the new character.

Been a while since you posted anything. Good to see you again! A very good video, as usual!

Return of the GINGoat 👀🔥

Pokémon Confirms Ash's Return... With One Big Caveat - IMDb. Ash and Pikachu will likely return to Pokémon eventually, but when it happens, Ash will still be portrayed as a 10-year-old. Other characters from the original Pokémon series could appear in Pokémon Horizons before Ash returns.

The problem with Liko is that she doesn't "wanna be the very best like no one ever was"

It's just not the same Without ash and Pikachu

Personally for me, it’s not a matter that she’s an introvert, but that they went too far in the opposite direction essentially hammering her with traits to ensure that she’s the polar opposite of Ash. She’s basically a soft spoken passive introvert which I’m sorry to say just doesn’t make for a very compelling protagonist in a series like Pokemon. The protagonist is the one who is supposed to turn the wheel when it comes to their story but in her case it’s the other way around. Typically any motion that she takes ends up be implemented by another whether it be the idea of catching another Pokemon, training or even having a casual battle. Even by the current episode, she still isn’t self starting, instead having the plot come to her to put her into motion. She’s essentially a wallflower who if not for being the protagonist would be the kind of person who just blends into the crowd. While the comparison was made with Goh, another introvert, while he was introverted, he was one who was motivated and while still thoughtful, would still jump right into the action to the point that all he needed to really get going was the fateful encounter with Ash. For Liko, had it not been for her grandmother giving her the pendant, she’d still be at school just passing her days away like normal. She ends up feeling like a casual who was Isekaid into the Pokémon world rather than someone who grew up in it. And that’s to say nothing about the sheer amount of handholding and things coming easily to her. Whereas trainers typically only have themselves and their Pokémon to rely on, Liko basically has all the lifelines in the world from adults who can just swoop in to save her to the hero Pokémon who can also do the same if the plot demands it. The entire thing ends up feeling like going through a series with the training wheels on where she’s not even allowed to experience failure unless it’s her self-sabotaging like with Kabu’s gym. Overall, it feels like with her they tried to hard to simply not be Ash to the point losing what is compelling in a Pokémon protagonist.

I still think journeys concluded the series badly and that’s why I’m still kinda sad.

If they animated the manga nobody would even care for liko, like at all

I don’t agree that these new shows have to push female characters in every single show. If they have a female character I want it to fit well with the show not just because it’s social right. Like inside job was extremely good and it had a female protagonist. Or like shows like Rick and Morty the main characters are guys and they are hilarious. So imagine next season making them females going forward ? It Lowkey piss me off cuz the show is about Rick and Morty, ion want to see changes to what brought me into the show. Same goes with inside iob. But horizons is Pokémon but a whole new story I’m not going to watch it because theirs a girl in the series I’m going to watch it because it’s Pokémon and for the new story. Same goes when ash was in the series he lowkey was annoying sometimes but it was still Pokémon. So my critique will be based on how good the show is over all. Shi she can end up to be even better then ash as a character so we’ll have to see.

I would be fine with Liko if she wasn’t constantly talking (well narrating). It feels like the show doesn’t trust the audience to understand what someone is thinking if she’s not always talking. To be fair I’ve only watched a couple episodes so far so maybe it gets better.

A character like Liko was definitely necessary to make the new era of Pokemon anime much more matured. There's more depth to the character, hence the whole storyline too. I love Ash. He made me fall in love with the franchise. But Liko, 20 years later, pulled me back in. I'm all for it!

It's a whole new place with a brand-new attitude, but you still gotta catch em all and be the best that you can be.

I feel like Liko WOULD fall for Team Rocket’s disguises though. She barely flinched when a scary guy approached her from behind in an alley

He's back!

It’s BS they had to replace ash Ash is not just a character he’s a Childhood a memory

Look I don’t hate liko it’s just I’ve grown to ash quite a lot and it’s hard to let him go especially after 25 seasons or how ever long it’s been and if they slowly put him out of the spotlight or put goh front and center here I think everyone would be happier just because we have had a few seasons with goh so he would not be a terrible choice for a quieter main character because we know him now and having ash slowly leave would mean that it’s not so sudden having a brand new cast of charecters like they started the show in Kanto they easily could’ve added in ash and then he goes back on his own solo it would’ve been just an easier way to have less anger to the new charecter if we still had him for a like ten more episodes and then they every little while he shows up whether it’s a story that he’s helping with or he’s just a Easter egg on the tv in the background showing him beating some random super powerful trainer I only started watching pokemon at xyz so any fans that have been watching since the first season I can understand them being super disappointed and pissed about him leaving after all this time especially since we know he’s still adventuring

I hate that the Pokemon company replaced Ash I'm returning in all the Pokemon games I bought

It’s not that I can’t let go I can it’s just that she is so boring and slow and getting carried by everybody else and can’t dk anything by herself bad replacement for ash🤦‍♂️

So glad you decided to show some clips of Toradora. I completely agree with your assessment though. The other major issue is that Ash's time in the spotlight may have been stretch a bit too far.

We still don't know if Ash will make an epic return in Horizons yet my theory is that the Rising Volt Tacklers will be visiting Pallet Town in Kanto so Fried can meet up with his old friend the World Champion Ash Ketchum and then Liko and Roy will be asking Ash to become their teacher so they can become stronger trainers.

Ash is main lead of pokemon anime ❤🙂 Liko is main lead of pokemon horizons ❤🙂

Moreover, Roy is also a extroverted character, who shares much more character traits with Ash then Liko. But we saw in his debut episode, that he also participates in class via distance presence. And if he can go with that, so can Ash.

Liko will never be Ash

I'm a huge fan of Pokemon Horizons, and dare I say it's a better than Ash's time. Liko is an awesome character and more relatable. I guess I was never a fan of extroverted characters

Representation bit annoyed me. First of all, shounen and shoujo is necessary as classification, because sorry but boys and girls are DIFFERENT. We gravitate towards different things. Exceptions are just that: exceptions. I'm an introverted girl also, and don't even care for Ash as a protagonist, but Liko is plain boring. If you don't feel validated enough unless a fictional characters acts like you, you have bigger problems to deal with.

This is very insightful. I watched Indigo League and played Pokemon red/blue a long time ago, but never got back into it. I think now that there's a character I can relate to, I might pick up Pokemon again.

I think replacing Ash with Liko was a gr8 idea & not just because of the introvert aspect. There's nothing wrong with Ash he's a well written & voiced kids TV character who's been popular since i believe the laite 90s. But that's the issue. You can only watch the same character with the same story for so long before you start to want something new, & I wish dragon ball will eventually do the same with goku. Imagin how bord his va must feel. It's like eating nothing but your favourite food, but you start to crave something different because you've consumed it so much, and it's become bland. The only introverted characters I can think of in a western show are probably Dipper & Ford from gravity falls.

I hope we see ash again, so we can see how he changed over the time.

Horizons is pretty good so far with great writing (for the most part) However tbh i really don’t like liko. It has nothing to do with the fact that she’s an introvert but rather the fact that she doesn’t progress the story. There are two types of characters Proactive characters and Reactive characters Proactive characters push the story forward by their actions and decisions. They actually keep the plot progressing and their actions have consequences and raise the stakes . Reactive characters are pushed by the plot and story. Their actions don’t impact the story very much and they typically just react to the things going on around them instead of being apart of things happening. Its a common belief in writing that its much better to have a Proactive character. Liko is a reactive character, not a single thing she’s done has had any real impact on the overall story. Ash on the other hand consistently pushed the story forward by taking on gyms, training and etc. Because of this Liko is a lot more boring to me then Ash, Serena or even Goh and Roy. You can have an introverted character that is still proactive and pushes the story forward. Sadly Liko just isn’t that character.

Hm, I see, fair and valid points and opinions, I hope Liko becomes more recognized as a Protagonist as the Series goes on.

Im not used to the new show being more realistic and less comedic, but I'm trying to get used to it.

My guy Nintendo in the Pokémon company, did not get rid of ash, because if you watch the end of Pokémon master journeys, where ash and go part their ways, Ashlyn self stated that my journey is not yet over, because I am not a Pokémon master yet

THANK YOU, i think pokemon horizons is very misunderstood, people are focusing too much on the fact that ash is not there anymore, guys, ash has been as the pokemon protagonist for 25 years and we all love him but we should give an opportunity to pokemon horizons and be more open minded.

But they still dirty Ash dirty not knowing his father😢 or atleast.

Sorry to say that, but pokemon company does not care about rapresenting or give chance to introverts of female, it wants to sell: extrover boys and wannabe extroverts are already locked up, so now they need to expand appealing to girls and introverts. It clearly works, last week i’ve seen a little girl, probably 8-9yo for the first time in a card shop, and she was with his friend/brother. The little boy was clearly an extrovert but wanted to act like old navigated collector, inspecting each card for difects and asking for grades, while the girl silently choose the cards she wanted from the binder and bought them. In 10 years we will probably start to see teenage girls playng the pokemon games equally as boys

As an introvert that happens to always be involve in some crazy as sht that makes me the point of attention… it was funny when she got a little bit of attention and she didn’t know how to react. Also the mentality of having a small group of trust friends is what is usually what I was like yeah she is me, I’m that character. It is nice to see that the new show has a protagonist that I can relate to… yeah ash was the best protagonist over this years, but somehow I couldn’t relate to ash. The story will be pretty much how the introvert little by little will be opening her heart and embrace herself to be more extrovert and keep growing. For the story and feeling of growing up is so cool that Pokémon made this change, sorry to say it, but sometimes I felt like ash will be so mature and changed so much, but he still the same as when he started his trip, I couldn’t feel any significant change. Starting with a character that can barely handle some attention. Starting with someone with no experience, not knowing what your Pokémon feels and needs, literally a newbie that don’t even know how to battle. It is really nice to watch a Pokémon story from another perspective. Hopefully as the seasons go on and on we can see the change and we can compare her when she started and how she is doing after many seasons and we will clearly see how she changed because of the people around, because she grew up and all the experiences in her trips help her to understand better her goal. Her goal is not only knowing what the pokemon feels and need, but also what people also needs and feel, how to handle the attention. This is a nice approach to be honest I like it❤

I totally agree!!!!!! The way that they made Liko's character makes her a lot more realistically relatable!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a fresh & brand new perspective that I love that we are getting that I never imagined pokemon would ever do!!!! All we have for reference is Ash's 25 year long perspective & we don't know anything else of how we should perceive the pokemon anime. Doing this with Liko as reaffirm my hook into sticking with it more with the anime

I ABSOLUTELY luv Liko. She's very relatable (being an introvert myself) and I look 4ward to seeing her continue to grow as a trainer and person. Also, I don't care what gender the main protagonist is of anime series as long as they're interesting.

Liko is fine but Ash is just built different

I think I'm looking forward to having somebody new as our main character in the Pokemon series, but of course I'll still miss Ash. They could show us a different perspective of things like how Liko interacts with Pokemon and how you compare it to Ash.

Still want ash back