Pokémon Horizons recently broke the internet by announcing a time skip before the anime's next season. The franchise has notably refused to age its protagonist (Ash Ketchum), meaning the recent revelation shocked many longtime fans. The monumental choice has been met with widespread praise and promises that the series is finally beginning to find its footing. The first two seasons were decently popular, but Pokémon Horizons: Mega Voltage hints it will be even more well-received than its predecessors. Although the time skip is one of the best things the series could have done, one character is interestingly absent from the new announcements.

Professor Friede is by far the most popular character in Pokémon Horizons. Friede is the founder of The Rising Volt Tacklers and the only reason the protagonists can undertake their adventures. His absence from the new Pokémon Horizons: Mega Voltage posters has led many fans to...