2016 has been a big year for Pokémon. The Japanese franchise has really made a splash for their landmark twenty anniversary. With the nearly overnight success turned phenomena app Pokémon Go. And with the new game, Sun and Moon hitting retails in the very near future. The world of Pokémon world have offering fans a lot of great things- in addition to celebrating days prolonged.
Like others, the celebration also included that of a new anime as well. Though the new series, “Pokémon the Series: Sun and Moon” has already started airing this week in Japan on TV Tokyo. English speaking fans do have a slight wait on their hands – and a new place to catch the on-going adventures.
And that would be Disney XD. Despite having a history of airing on Cartoon Network, Pokémon has now found a new home in the house of mouse. And the Internet is going mad.
Disney XD announced the news via a press release last week so here is what we know so far.
The series is coming to the network by way of an “epic marathon.” The Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel marathon will begin on December 5 and during the marathon fans will get a sneak peek of the new series: Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon!
On the same day that the marathon begins, fans can head to Pokemon.com for the first chance to get the Mythical Pokémon Magearna, one of the stars of the new movie. Players who have already finished their Alola adventure can scan a QR Code to unlock the Pokémon in their Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon game with the new QR Scanner feature. Be sure to check your local TV listings to find the correct channel and time for all these exciting Pokémon animated adventures in your area. And keep checking Pokemon.com for more information on the move to Disney XD and Ash’s next adventures.
Despite being the massive anime fan that I am and shamelessly own up to. I have not yet jumped into the world of Pokémon. So offering a fan perspective is not something I can really do.
It seems that Pokémon has been doing well on Cartoon Network and has been able to maintain their very solid fan base. So the change, rightful so, did catch fans off guard. Disney XD is a very strong network. And has a good reach. Plus given the line-up we are looking at for upcoming series (“DuckTales”, “Big Hero Six”, ect.) it is clear that they are seeking action.
The world of anime in the West has been changing. With the ‘marriage’ between streaming services Crunchyroll and Funimation, and Amazon and Netflix jumping into streaming new titles exclusively.
Add in the fact that last month it was announced that another anime title: “Beyblade” would also start airing on Disney XD in December. It seems growing more and more likely that Disney might be looking to get back into anime again.
Time will tell.
Join the conversation: What do you think of the sudden move to Disney XD? Could this be the start of something more?
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