Pokémon Horizonsis bringing back a fan-favorite phenomenon in the form of Mega Evolution, and the powerful transformations look to be playing a big role in the upcomingMega Voltageseries. Multiple Mega Evolutions have been featured in new art for the series, including a shiny Mega Lucario.
Pokémon Horizons' next big storyline has been revealedin a Japanese magazine called Coro Coro, which featured older versions of Liko, Dot, and Roy, the latter of whom is shown to be wearing a Mega Ring in his new design and standing alongside a Shiny Mega Lucario. Roy is said to be stepping up for a more important role in this series, suggesting that Mega Evolution will play a very big role inMega Voltage. A new character, said to be a rival of Roy, is also featured, and is shown to be using a Mega Sableye, indicating that Roy won’t be the only one using Mega Evolution.
Pokémon Has Long Neglected Mega Evolution
Mega Evolution’s Return is a Long Time Coming
Mega Evolution in Pokémon was first introduced withPokémon XandPokémon Y,which came out in 2013, and soon began to feature in the anime’sXYseason starring Ash.However, all throughoutXY, Ash never obtained a Mega Ring, and never gained the ability to use Mega Evolution himself, instead relying uponan anime-exclusive power-up known as the “Bond Phenomenon,“which saw Ash mentally connecting with his Greninja and causing it to take on some of his characteristics. While Megas would continue to appear in the series, they were often treated as monsters of the week.
Mega Evolution took a sideline duringSun and Moon, although some characters, such as Brock and Misty, proved they were able to use it. Ash himself didn’t gain the ability to use Mega Evolution until late inMaster Journeys, the second to last season of the anime starring Ash. Even then, Ash only became able to Mega Evolve his Lucario, despite owning other Pokémon capable of Mega Evolving, such as Gengar. Mega Evolution played a larger role in the final tournament,the Masters' Eight, where previous champions like Cynthia made use of the ability, along with Ash.
By introducing Mega Evolution with Roy right away,Pokémon Horizonshas already made a big step towards incorporating Mega Evolution better than the anime has before. There are still many Mega Evolved Pokémon which haven’t had a proper animated debut, so this opens the door for these beloved Pokémon to finally make their long-awaited appearance. There’s also the fact that the upcoming game,Pokémon Legends Z-A, is set to introduce new Mega Evolutions to the franchise, which could appear inHorizons, potentially even before the game itself is released.
Mega Evolution Could Be a Major Improvement
Mega Evolution Makes Pokémon Battles More Exciting
In the anime, Mega Evolution was often used as a transformation in dire circumstances, or as a display of power, in some ways similar to how, say, Super Saiyan is used inDragon Ball.It adds a new element of drama to Pokémon battles and makes them much more visually dynamic and exciting.Pokémon Horizonshas already had some very dynamic battles, employing much more clever strategies and maneuvers than those commonly seen before, so the addition of Mega Evolution to the mix should lead to some truly impressive battles in the future.
Mega Evolution also pushes the bonds between Pokémonand their trainers to the limit, meaning that its use could have significant character implications as well. In order to Mega Evolve his Lucario, Ash had to train extensively with it, as well as quest to obtain the Mega Stone necessary. It’s not currently clear if Roy will obtain his Lucario during the timeskip or after the series has begun, but either way, it will require some significant effort from him in order to master Mega Evolution. There’s also the possibility of Liko or Dot obtaining Mega Rings as well later on, although none of their Pokémon can currently Mega Evolve.
Mega Evolution is a beloved mechanic by fans, so its return to the anime should excite viewers. The possibility of new Mega Evolutions making their debut, the impact it will have on battles, and the potential character implications for Roy are all very interesting developments, and at the very least, many old Megas could make their anime debuts.Pokémon Horizonsis making a bold choice to embrace the fan-favorite transformations well ahead of the debut ofLegends Z-A, and hopefully the series will be rewarded for this decision.
