Pokemon Gets Some New Anime Explorers

gamerant.com:

As everyone is well aware by now, Ash is reaching the end of the road as Pokemon's main icon, leaving some room for fresh faces to join the franchise. Fans are slowly piecing the puzzle together as The Pokemon Company releases titbits of information (usually on Fridays) to introduce intriguing anime-original characters into the mix.

New visuals were revealed on March 17, 2023, with an entirely different tone than previous debuts, which have been altogether lighthearted and wholesome showcases of the upcoming Pokemon protagonists. Liko and Roy are due to spearhead the new narrative, accompanied by Professor Friede, Captain Pikachu, and the crew, as they highlight the wonders of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's new Paldea Region.

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Amejo, Jil, and Konia (spelling and correlating English names not yet confirmed) form part of the all-new Explorers, who are due to play a key role in Liko and Roy's adventures. Amejo (Shun Horie) appears to be the leader of the pack, claiming the spotlight in The Explorers' teaser trailer, accompanied by his sensational Fire/Ghost-Type Pokemon. Ceruledge is a new addition to the franchise, arriving on the scene alongside several others with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in November 2022.

This Paldea Pokemon comes across as stern and merciless, fueled by "the lingering resentment of a sword wielder who fell before accomplishing their goal." It seems that cute and cuddly is off the table for this pair, as Amejo exudes a similarly sinister aura to his Pokemon partner. Compared to the first impressions made by Liko, Roy, and their adorable companions, Amejo and his Explorers could plausibly be the Team Rocket replacements, acting more as villains than mere rivals.

Jil