In the vibrant new chapter of the Pokémon saga, “Pokémon Horizons: The Series” introduces not just thrilling adventures but also the world’s best Pokémon dad-a character whose dedication and heart redefine what it means to be a Trainer and a parent in the Pokémon world. As Liko, Roy, and Dot continue their journey across Paldea, this new paternal figure brings warmth and depth to the beloved franchise, captivating fans with a fresh take on family and friendship.
The animation production is from Taiko Studios, the studio behind the short film One Small Step. Fans of the Pokémon anime will notice immediately that it’s not done in a typical anime visual style. The visuals have a slightly more 3D look that I would associate more with a Pixar movie.
The story follows Ava as she moves to a new town, and joins her school’s Pokémon club to make friends. Although I was initially skeptical of the premise – I wasn’t sure if watching a child play the TCG would make a compelling story – this is actually the series’ strength. The story explores a more relatable side to being a Pokémon fan. Pokémon don’t actually exist in this world, but the love of the series is real and we see that interest nourished by her family and friends. Better yet, the series portrays two kinds of relationships to Pokémon. Ava captures the big-eyed wonder of experiencing something new, whereas the dad embodies the love of a long-time fan.
And while the series has hinted at the mom’s secret past with Pokémon – Ava plays her mom’s deck when she competes – the dad has been an absolute star so far. In one particularly endearing clip, we get to see him embarrass Ava and belt out “Pokémon World” only to see Ava and her friends join in and sing along moments later.
Through the dad, we get to see an adorable adult character geek out about something he loves, and watch his daughter get into it too. The video games and TCG appeal to a larger age-spread and cater both to people who have been playing for several decades and new players alike. While individual pieces of Pokémon media come across as darker or appropriate for a more mature audience, the anime has generally felt aimed at kids and younger fans, and Path to the Peak fits into that perfectly.
Pokémon: Path to the Peak manages to pack a lot of heart into a short series. The Pokémon Company has released three episodes of Pokémon: Path to the Peak so far, with one more still to come. Each runs about approximately ten minutes in length and it’s available to watch on the official Pokémon YouTube channel now.
How does the new Pokémon series redefine the role of a Pokémon dad
The new Pokémon series, Pokémon Horizons: The Series, redefines the role of a Pokémon dad by introducing Liko’s father, Alex, as a fully realized character who is present and actively part of her life-unlike the long-mysterious and largely absent figure of Ash Ketchum’s father in previous series. This shift marks a departure from the franchise’s tradition of minimal father figures, offering a fresh portrayal of parental involvement that adds emotional depth and relatability to the story. By showing a supportive and engaged Pokémon dad, the series broadens the cultural and familial dynamics within the Pokémon world, moving beyond the lone-hero narrative to highlight family bonds and mentorship in a new light.
How does the series portray Ash’s evolving relationship with his family
The series portrays Ash’s evolving relationship with his family as largely unexplored on-screen, maintaining the long-standing mystery around his father, who has been mentioned but never fully shown. There are hints of a healthy relationship with his parents, as seen in episodes where Ash meets his mother for lunch, though his father often remains absent due to work or other commitments. Some fan theories suggest a deeper backstory involving Ash’s father as a skilled Trainer, potentially culminating in a future confrontation or revelation that would explain Ash’s motivation and growth. Overall, the anime acknowledges Ash’s family existence but focuses more on his journey and mentorship roles, leaving his familial relationships open-ended and ripe for future development.
