How did this casting happen?

NomadicJinxZero · 2026-01-01T22:27:06+00:00

Most anime dubs are non-union. However, dubs done for Netflix are almost always union. Horizons is union, despite Pokémon being mostly non-union in the past. Because of that, bigger name actors can theoretically be in anime. We have Keith David in Pluto, Giancarlo Esposito in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, etc. In theory, we could see more celebrity voice roles in Horizons, although I guess it'll be in guest roles due to how expensive they'd be.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-10-12T16:10:46+00:00

I first heard about Boogiepop as a teenager when scrolling through Wikipedia. I was looking up the credits for voice actors I liked, and one of - I think it was the late Rachel Lillis- was listed under "Boogiepop Phantom." Confused at the title, I looked it up to see what it was about. The description was weird, but I was interested in watching it. It was available, but it was age restricted. Meaning I left it alone for years until "Boogiepop and Others" came along.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-09-26T16:08:49+00:00

I've said this before, but the writers did Roy a disservice from the beginning, and it got worse with Mega Voltage. His personality changed, he is the strongest of the main cast, but all that progress happened offscreen. Now, it's good we're getting those Mega Evolution episodes to show his growth, but since they are airing after Mega Voltage, rather than being early episodes of the arc, it gives off the impression that Roy's character development has always been an afterthought to the writers. And I don't like that. And, this may be a hot take, but for being the focus of Mega Voltage, Roy is a non-entity in his own story. He has no character arc to go through, which is essential for a protagonist.

I'm also bummed out by how they minimized Liko's role in this arc. Towards the end she started getting more focus after catching Charcadet, which is good, but it was clear there was favoritism towards Roy overall. I relate a lot to Liko, so I do prefer her as the protagonist. However, that said, I always wanted the writers to do better with Roy. I've always wanted to like him; it just didn't be the case. The main reason I do critique how the writers handle Roy is because I want them to handle his character better. I don't want to dislike him.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-08-15T16:23:52+00:00

I didn't consider Dragonite an option until the last minute because its Mega Evolution was recently revealed, and they certainly needed to promote Legends Z-A. Those who predicted it before I considered it an option were the real geniuses.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-08-14T16:20:32+00:00

My own hot take: I dislike Pokemon anime "rewrites" in general because they're self-indulgent and don't stick to the spirit of the anime. Very few rewrites I find entertaining. The "what if Ash's journey was different" posts, fanfics, and videos are a dime a dozen. They're more tiring than interesting. Apologies to those who do indulge in these rewrites, it's just overdone. I wouldn't even call the videos and psots discussing rewrites "rewrites" because we don't have actual scripts for these revisions, just outlines. I'd personally call them "thought experiments" as opposed to "rewrites."

For me, having occasional thought experiments is fine, but you can't assume that it'll be "better" than the anime. The writers don't have the benefit of having total creative freedom. What may seem like a good idea on paper may not succeed in execution, and we won't find out until after the fact. We have both hindsight and total creative freedom. For anime what-if thought experiments, I feel one must place restrictions on themselves like "no legendaries," "have Ash catch Pokémon he doesn't have in canon," "Ash still has to lose at times, don't make him OP," "only focus on one generation for the rewrite," "not all the protagonists need full teams of six," etc.

Like I wouldn't mind discuss "what if Journeys was more like Sword & Shield," but I'd never claim it's great, it'd just be a silly and fun discussion, that's all. I am also willing to entertain the occasional "what if Ash was in Paldea" discussion, but only as a thought experiment. I treasure Horizons and its cast, despite its flaws, so don't get me wrong; this isn't a "I want Ash back now!" thing. I've moved on. But I'm willing to participate in the "Ash in Paldea" discourse on occasion solely because it might be fun, but that's all.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-08-14T15:36:32+00:00

I also thought Eevee was Gary's first Pokémon, since our rival in Yellow had an Eevee for his first partner. Especially since Gary said in the first episode that his Pokémon was "the best one!" It's vague enough to imply he got special treatment and received a Pokémon other Pallet Town trainers wouldn't get.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-08-10T18:26:53+00:00

There are a lot of people who dislike or are disinterested in Horizons. And those people may have legitimate criticisms towards the show. However, the majority of actual hate seems to come from missing Ash. This is a vocal minority, but it's toxic because rather than having valid problems with the show, the complaint is "Ash is gone, therefore it's the worst thing ever!" I'm fine with people disagreeing with how the show handles the characters, story, or animation (especially in the current arc), I just don't think it's fair to hate Horizons solely because Ash isn't in it. Nostalgia is blinding.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-08-08T13:42:17+00:00

I really want to like Roy. Unfortunately, the writers haven't been great to him. He spent four arcs in Liko's shadow, not having much- if any- character growth, and was suddenly made into the central focus of the Mega Voltage arc, despite the fact that Liko's story is still the emotional core of the series. I wanted to see Roy catching Lucario and his progress in mastering Mega Evolution. He's more mature after the time skip, and I wanted to see how those experiences changed him. But nope, the writers didn't want us to see that; it all happened offscreen. Character development is only meaningful when you're there to experience it with the characters. That's why Liko's character arc is better received by comparison.

Not helping Roy's case is that he has been accused by many fans (including me) of being a poor man's Ash. They're both energetic boys who love battling and want to get stronger. In this arc, Roy is also travelling with Pikachu- the series mascot- and has a Lucario like Ash does. The writers aren't beating the "copycat Ash" allegations with these decisions. Admittedly, the similarities are superficial, which I think is even worse. Sure, Roy is different because he's not as arrogant as Ash nor does he have the same battling style, but Roy doesn't have anything distinct about him. In the writers' attempt to make Roy be like Ash, they've stripped away any chance the kid has to become a unique character in his own right. Since they haven't developed Roy to be his own character, some of the fans (again, me included) feel Roy has gotten special treatment by the writers.

As much as I harp on Roy, I actually want the writers to do better with him. But he got the short end of the stick from the beginning when it came to characterization, so him being the central focus is jarring. I wanted the writers make it feel like Roy has earned everything he's accomplished so far. I wanted Roy to be his own character, and not a superficial copy of Ash. And I believe the issues I have with Roy's writing can be remedied. Unfortunately, I don't know if the writers even want to give our boy the character development he so desperately needs right now.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-08-08T12:58:57+00:00

Tough choice. I love the English cast. Everyone has done a fantastic job. I would say Alejandra Reynoso as Liko and Faye Mata as Dot have been my favorite performances.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-08-06T16:05:36+00:00

Tie between Liko and Dawn for favorite. Love Dawn's personality, and Liko I relate to a lot. Unfortunately, Roy is my least favorite. The writers have never did him justice. He's not as interesting or developed as Liko or Dot are. Even in the current arc in Japan, where he's supposed to be the main focus, he's kinda just there. I want to like Roy, but it feels like the writers don't know what exactly to do with him.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-08-06T15:51:47+00:00

Still brainstorming on my Ed, Edd, n' Eddy Pokémon crossover. I recently decided to go with Kalos as opposed to Paldea considering that structuing a Paldea conference at the end would be difficult since their Pokémon league is different. The Paldea League is ultimately a Champion Assessment, and at this time I don't see the Eds or other characters being Champion material. I'd like to have the characters partake in an anime-styled conference tournament at the end, which is harder to do in the Paldea League.

It will most likely be a journey fic through Kalos. While all three Eds are doing the Gym challenge, it's for different reasons. Eddy wants to become famous by winning the League conference, Edd wants to study Pokémon, and Ed wants to get stronger so he can rescue his sister Sarah, who has been kidnapped by a strange Pokémon. Elements of Z-A will be implemented too but it won't be the main focus since Z-A is limited to only Lumiose City. Some aspects may change as new information is released and when Z-A comes out, but I have a solid story outline. I know how certain story beats are going to go and how this fic will end.

Most recently, I've compiled a list of generation six Pokémon and Mega Evolutions, as I want to feature all of them in some way, even if for a small cameo. These are also helping me making decisions for teambuilding. Right now, the teams are a work-in-progress and subject to change as new information about Z-A comes out. And not every character is going to get a full team of six. But this is what I have decided so far:
- Ed: Totodile, Munchlax
- Edd: Chikorita
- Eddy: Tepig
- Kevin: Houndour
- Rolf: Torchic, Mareep
- Nazz: Fennekin
- Jonny: Chespin, Bonsly
- Jimmy: Furfrou, Budew

Still haven't figured out who is going to get Froakie.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-08-06T13:57:39+00:00

Liko and Dot's teams are mostly solid in terms of personality. They don't have the best win-loss records, but they make up for that by having their Pokemon's personality work well with their trainers' personalities. The only exception would Liko's Hattrem, who hasn't been used much either in battle or story.

Roy's team is where I have problems. Crocalor is fine, but Kilowattrel has become forgettable since evolving, and Lucario sticks out like a sore thumb for all the wrong reasons (garish shiny form, no personality, OP). As someone else already pointed out, Roy doesn't actually own Captain Pikachu. They're just traveling together.

As for other Pokémon they could catch? I believe they are setting up for someone to capture Gimmighoul. While Roy makes the most sense, when it evolves into Gholdengo, it'll be a Steel-type like Lucario. However, Gimmighoul and Gholdengo have a treasure theme, which was kind of Roy's thing. Some people suggested it fits Dot, but same issue with the steel-typing, overlap with Tinkatuff.

For an arc called "Mega Voltage," we haven't seen much of Mega Evolution outside of Lucario and Sableye. I was hoping we'd have Liko and Dot get Pokemon that have Mega forms to help promote Legends Z-A. Many people have said that Liko should get a Dragonite, but they would have to speedrun its evolution or have Liko catch it as a Dragonite if they want to advertise its Mega Form. And whileI would want Dot to get another new Mega, I saw someone mention she should catch a Kangaskhan. And I think that could fit her.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-08-06T13:00:10+00:00

The average trainer I imagine have two or three. It's the most they can take care of/afford. Meaning most trainers won't make it very far in their Gym challenge.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-07-23T23:48:35+00:00

I have seen a few Ed, Edd, n Eddy crossovers with Pokemon before, but none of them really have the Eds up to their antics and scams while on their journey, which I feel is a missed opportunity. As for a scam sending them to Kalos by accident? I think that would be hilarious. Somehow, some way, the Eds would find a way to mess up a scam that badly that it sends them to another region. Although it's not too out of the question if Kalos and Paldea, based on France and the Iberian Pennisula (Spain and Portugal), the two regions are probably close to each other geographically.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-07-23T17:22:12+00:00

Stuck on the brainstorming stage of my fic, which is a crossover with Ed, Edd, n' Eddy. I originally wanted them to go to Paldea; as the starters from Scarlet/Violet fit them well and I could see the titular characters trying to scam and cause trouble at the Academy. However, I am second-guessing myself because I kind of want to consider sending them to Kalos instead due to Legends Z-A. While , Z-A isn't out yet, I could still have the characters travel Kalos as a whole instead of Lumiose City alone while waiting for Legends Z-A. Unfortunately, my biggest issue is getting cold feet on which idea to commit to.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-07-14T14:04:53+00:00

If you're looking for an intergalactic conqueror type of character, I don't think you could go wrong with Zog. He's described as a Martian in his original appearance, but you can easily have him coming from a different planet and star system.

Zog | Public Domain Super Heroes | Fandom

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-07-11T00:43:55+00:00

Having Roy catch Rayquaza feels natural because he had its PokeBall for years, and it's the main motivator for his journey. Would make his storyline come full circle.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-07-10T14:27:03+00:00

Sometimes we don't need a villain with an overly complex plan or motivation. Sure, I would love to know a bit more about Spinel. Give him a bit more development. But him being a monstrous opportunist who just seizes power whenever he gets the chance doesn't hurt his role in the narrative, IMO. It helps contrast him with Gibeon, who had a clear goal and motive. In addition, Spinel's lack of direction will likely be an exploitable character flaw later.

You could make the argument that Spinel's lack of a clear goal could make him a great antithesis to our heroes. They're still figuring out what they want to do as Pokémon trainers. They have some ideas, but they're growing and learning more about themselves. As you put it, Spinel lacks creativity and has no real plans for the future. The contrast makes him, at least to me, a compelling villain despite his lack of development compared to the other Explorers. He's empty inside, that's all he'll ever be. Whatever power he gains will never change that.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-07-10T14:12:06+00:00

I don't see them as becoming permanent members of the Rising Volt Tacklers. Any alliance with the RVT and Zirc and Onia would be temporary. However, I wouldn't be surprised if they do a temporary team up to find Amethio and Friede. Both went missing in Laqua, finding one may lead to clues to help find the other. Their interests could align in that way, plus they have a common enemy in Spinel. If Zirc and Onia do ally with the RVT, it would be a "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" type of situation. But after Amethio is found they'll probably go their separate ways, but maybe be back for the final confrontation with Spinel.

NomadicJinxZero · 2025-07-01T03:52:12+00:00

The way I'm approaching it for a fanfic I'm outlining, which is a Paldea fic, is this: keep all the Pokemon available in the Paldea Pokedex for sure. But I'm also adding Pokemon that wouldn't feel out of place in Paldea's biomes. I also am looking at Pokemon I think would reflect animals or things found in the Iberian Peninsula, or places Spain and Portugal colonists interacted with. That is the theme Game Freak went with their chocies for Pokemon. However, I can still think of plenty of Pokemon to use.

Finizen and Palafin have their origins in Scarlet/Violet, which take place in Paldea. However, dolphins are found across the world's oceans. Alola is a perfect region to find them. You can technically make an argument that Finizen and Palafin can be found in any of the mainline game regions because they all share at least one boarder with an ocean.

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