ThisPokemon4-part mini-series aims to connect thePokemon Legends: ArceusNintendo Switchgame with the Anime universe as Ash’s journey intertwines with yet another LegendaryPokemon, while some old friends tag along for support. Naturally, Japan got the first peak at the new installment, which was released in January 2022 to coincide withNintendo’sPokémon: Arceusvideo game. After making a mini-debut at thePokémon World Championshipsin London in August, fans across the world can expect Ash and Pikachu to entertain them with an epic adventure onNetflixin September.
Ash and Goh take their adventures to the Sinnoh region and are met with some familiar faces in a world that has been recreated to resemble the past, referencing the region once known as Hisui. The storyline also makes an unquestionable nod at the classicDiamond & Pearlseries, which had their own successfulNintendo DSvideo games, all released way back in 2006. Pikachu and Scorebunny can’t take all the credit in a story inspired by mythology, so they will share the spotlight with the LegendaryPokemonHeatran, Azelf, Mespirit, Uxie, and, of course, Arceus himself.
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The Legends
The Legendary Uxie represents knowledge, Mesprite emotion, and Azelf symbolizes willpower, and together they protect thePokemonof the Sinnoh region. They are said to have been created by Arceus himself and share a strong connection with the Legendary time-manipulating Dialga and the space-distorting Palkia. Ash had previously helped The Lake Guardians during aDiamond & Pearlshowdown against Team Galactic, but it seems this adorable psychic trio’s problems are far from over.
Fans may also remember Heatran fromPokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life, as the temperamental larva-inspired legendary creature capable of leveling entire towns with its volcanic forces. As far as the story goes, only a Magma Rock can truly subdue this Fire/Steel-TypePokemon, but maybe the charming psychic trio can work their magic if push comes to shove. The official trailer suggests that Arceus will also get involved, so things are likely to get quite out of hand if the big guns are getting called in.
Hello, Strangers
Brock, Dawn, and Cynthia will be tagging along on this trip down memory lane, as theDiamond & Pearlgang are finally reunited. Fans first met Dawn, the aspiringPokemonCoordinator, when Piplup was introduced as a starterPokemon,and she essentially became the second Misty replacement (after May.) Dawn gained many admirers by showing viewers the extravagant side ofPokemonContests by adding a fashionable flare to these beauty pageants and is arguably the first “girly-girly” in the franchise.
Brock seems all grown-up now and struts his stuff either in a white lab coat, completely shirtless or with his iconic pink frilly apron in tow, suggesting that his cooking skills willalsobe put on full display. Maybe Brock has finally mastered the art of Dawn’s infamous Poffin recipe or created his own version after years of experimentation.Last fans saw of Brock, he was pursuing his dreams of becoming a Pokemon Breeder but decided to become a Doctor instead; still following his nurturing passions - and conveniently ensuring Nurse Joy is never far from his side.
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Cynthia has gained a significant following of her own since the Sinnoh Champion’s success in the World Coronation Series as one of the reputable members of theMasters Eight. Cynthia’s precise rolein this mini-series is not quite clear, but her charm and style will undoubtedly dazzle viewers nonetheless, with Roserade eloquently glamming things up another notch too. Cynthia came to help out the last time The Lake Guardians were in trouble, so why should this time be any different?
The Team Rocket trio appears to be nowhere in sight, but Team Galactic has conveniently stepped in to cause some chaos asyet anotherDiamond & Pearlreference.Master Cyrus assumes his usual role as leader of the pack, and with the help of Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter, these evil-doers appear to have captured a Legendary Heatran to do their bidding. Team Galactic’s goal? Why, to take over the world of course, and recreate the entire Universe by manipulating mystical portals and playing God, but unfortunately biting off way more than they can chew.
Conflicting Timelines
WhilePokemon: The Arceus Chronicles is a stand-alone mini-feature, the storyline appears to be relatively canon to thePokemon Journeys’adventures due to Goh and Scorebunny’s inclusion, although is likely not directly related to the World Coronation Series. Brock’s lab coat and pinkPokemonalso indicate a character development more in line with the current storyline, as the big career change was made in theDiamond & Pearlspecial episode.
According to the Japanese release date timeline,The Arceus Chroniclesaired shortly afterPokemon Ultimate Journeys: The Series (Part 1),which will likely be available onNetflixlater in 2022. So, even though Japan may be ahead of the rest of the world with theirPokemonupdates, it seems that the overall global viewing experience corresponds quite eloquently. However, theNintendo Switchversion is intended as a prequel to theDiamond & Pearledition, consequently leadingLegends:Arceuson its own mission, not that anyone is complaining.
Pokemon: The Arceus Chronicles will make its internationalNetflixdebut on 17 May 2025.
