Pokémon Horizons Volume 4 (EN) Thoughts.

Well, this took longer than I hoped; but here it is- now that I've seen it, here are my thoughts on Volume 4 of Pokémon Horizons' English dub, along with preliminary thoughts on the Rayquaza Rising storyline.

Though I still maintain I have nothing personal against the show; especially concerning the new lead characters and story structures, it's their implementation that's keeping me from fully investing in the anime the way others have. I have yet to formally begin the Rayquaza Rising arc (save for a few summaries I read); but it's another instance of predicting where the story is headed and getting it right nearly every time. Perhaps I feel this a bit harder as someone who immensely enjoyed the storylines in the Generation IX games; but I would have preferred a direct adaptation of those instead of just using a few elements to bolster the stories of the Explorers and Rising Volt Tacklers. I also would have been more onboard from the beginning if they had clearly established HZ as part of the existing continuity as opposed to having that detail outed by the Tera Leak. It would be like Sonic 3 not divulging the use of Shadow and his backstory until the movie actually came out.

That's not to say there aren't qualities I like about it- the animation (especially on the battle scenes) is very good; and when the story actually commits to adapting the video games, it works... for the most part. With the second season of the English dub coming in early 2025; I will have much more to discuss. I do legitimately think that the Terastal Debut storyline is good overall; but I shall see what happens with the "Search for Laqua" branding they're going with.

Likewise, though I don't think they'll go with every single plot detail revealed in the "Tera Leak" (I personally don't think this supposed betrayal sounds like a good idea), but with only one of the Legendary Heroes left to capture; I could honestly see them using the Rayquaza Rising storyline to wrap up HZ before the release of Generation X and Legends Z-A (talk persists of an upgraded model of the Switch). I know I'm just coming back from my hiatus, just thought I'd give you something that proves I'm not just watching One Piece and playing the Marvel VS Capcom Collection (which is also true).

I will do my best to make my December a fruitful one, and I hope to see you all again very soon. That will be all for now, take care.

Review- The Stun Spore Detour (Pokémon- Adventures in the Orange Islands)

 Dedicated to the memory of Rachael Lillis

July 8, 1969-August 10, 2024

Hello everyone- I have been contemplating a look at this episode for ages; and with the passing of Rachael Lillis earlier this year; I thought it would be the ideal way to pay tribute with a posthumous parting gift. Let's open up "The Stun Spore Detour."

On their way across the Orange Archipelago, Ash and Tracey wind up succumbing to paralysis after falling face-first into the flower of a Vileplume. With no Paralyze Heals in their inventory and no Pokémon Center for miles; the only viable option for a cure is Salveyo weed. Fortunately, there is an abundant supply growing in bodies of water on the island.

Elsewhere, Jessie has also fallen ill from inhaling Stun Spore; falling to James and Meowth also needing to find the plants to cure her. I was planning on doing this for a while, and given the events of this year; it's now or never.

As James and Meowth start poking around in nearby lakes adjacent to where Misty is, a Poliwag enters the scene. Its swimming abilities can help find the plant where no human could safely enter.

After a battle sends James and Meowth packing, Misty partners with Poliwag to find the plants they need. Sure enough, they find all they need at the bottom of the lake.

Though attempting to trick Misty proves fruitless, they do get just the amount they need from the batch nearby. Turns out she left it for them so they could help Jessie. I would also like to point out I have no regrets over what I did- if anything; I like to think I helped extend Rachael's life or make her remaining days more comfortable.

In their respective cabins, the antidote to the paralysis is prepared by boiling it in water. Though the villain teams typically don’t tend to be my favorite characters; this episode does do a great job of showcasing how they care for each other in ways unique from the main cast.

After everyone consumes the cure, it's back to the matter at hand! I once again apologize for the hiatus; but it was necessary after a long night near the start of the month and intermittent flu-like symptoms in the weeks that followed.

With the battle won, everyone thanks Misty for her help; who in turn thanks her Poliwag. Said Poliwag would later become a prominent member of her roster. It's even creator Satoshi Tajiri's favorite of the original 150- who knew? We close the episode on everyone continuing their voyage to the Orange League. This time, the song featured for Pikachu's Jukebox is "Viridian City."

"The Stun Spore Detour" was already an episode I enjoyed quite a bit; but the events of this year have made it even more worthy of being one of my favorite episodes of this season and the franchise as a whole. It's not a conventional way of celebrating the season; but then again, I've never been one for convention.

While Rachael may be gone, what she left behind will hold a special place in my heart and countless others. In addition to her work here, she also voiced the title role of Revolutionary Girl Utena and Cocco in the 2011 version of Hunter X Hunter. With that, I am glad I finally got to share this with you all. As long as we remember the ones that left an impact on us all; no one is ever really gone. I will see you all again soon, take care.

Important update- Please Read

Due to circumstances beyond my control; I will be taking a hiatus effective immediately for health reasons. Thank you all for your support.