Check Out My Flawless Pokémon Kids in the Newest Anime Episode!
I really need to catch up on Pokémon Horizons, as I thoroughly enjoyed the early episodes of this new animated series that doesn’t feature Ash Ketchum, which kicked off in 2023. The frustrating part is that, unlike Japan, where episodes are released weekly, we get them in batches here in the States due to a deal between Netflix and The Pokémon Company. This means it hasn’t really become a regular part of my viewing schedule. Still, I keep tabs on the major events, and today marked a monumental moment in Pokémon anime history. No, I’m not referring to Ash finally becoming a Pokémon champion; I’m talking about the long-awaited appearance of Mega Raichu X and Y in the series.
In the episode titled “Enter the Fake Rising Volt Tacklers?!”, our heroes, the Volt Tacklers, investigate reports of imposters claiming to be them and performing good deeds. Thankfully, they’re not causing chaos. When the two groups finally meet, the “Fake” Rising Volt Tacklers are revealed to have a team that includes an adorable Pichu, a spirited Pikachu sporting a replica of Captain Pikachu’s hat, and two Raichus. The real and fake Volt Tacklers engage in a chaotic 4v4 Pokémon battle. The Pichu isn’t really battling; instead, it uses its cuteness to distract Dot’s Quaquavel, only to shock him when he tries to hug it.
The Raichus are the real stars of the show, working together seamlessly, tossing Pikachu around like an electrified hackysack, and employing some clever “anime logic” tactics, such as creating a blinding thunderbolt that interrupts Sableye’s Shadow Sneak. Once the real Volt Tacklers gain the upper hand, the imposters activate their Mega Rings, and the Raichus Mega Evolve into their X and Y forms.
Even as someone who primarily enjoys Pokémon through the games, I always look forward to seeing new creatures debut in the anime because the animation really brings out their personalities. Mega Raichu X and Y are both sassy little powerhouses. The X version is a physical attacker that zooms around like Superman, while Y focuses on special attacks, showcasing their unique abilities throughout the battle. I’ve been a fan of Mega Raichu X since its reveal last year, so seeing it dart around the battlefield with electricity crackling from its massive tails is exhilarating.
In the end, the imposters are defeated as the Volt Tacklers work together to take down both Mega Raichus, but I’m thrilled to see them animated. The Pokémon Company has been promoting Mega Raichu X and Y heavily this week, and they’re no longer just part of Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Mega Dimension DLC. These two electric rodents are making their Pokémon Go debut in the new season, Forever Forward, which launches next week on June 2. Plus, the Pokémon Center is finally rolling out merchandise featuring them, including customizable shirts and official plushies. It would be awesome if those made their way over here, Pokémon Company. Please don’t make me resort to scalpers!
