The Most Controversial Pokémon in Years Just Joined the Anime

Pokémon Horizons has never been shy about shaking up expectations, but few additions have sparked as much debate as Mega Starmie’s anime debut. From the moment it appeared onscreen, longtime fans began arguing not about its power, but about what it represents. The controversy has less to do with mechanics and more to do with identity.

Mega Starmie has been criticized for years for resembling a tokusatsu hero, especially Ultraman, through its poses, sound design, and overall presentation. That debate has now followed it into the anime. Horizons did not soften those similarities or hide them, instead it leaned into them, reigniting an argument many fans thought was settled.

Mega Starmie’s Anime Debut Reopens an Old Debate

Mega Starmie’s first appearance in Pokémon Horizons instantly reminded viewers why the form became divisive in the first place. Its dramatic stance, sharp movements, and signature sound effects feel closer to a live-action hero series than traditional Pokémon battles. For some fans, that clash of aesthetics breaks immersion rather than enhancing it.

Others argue the backlash misses the point. Pokémon designs have always borrowed from pop culture, mythology, and genre fiction. Mega Starmie simply makes those influences more explicit. In animation, the exaggerated posing reads as intentional characterization rather than accidental imitation, reframing the design as a stylistic choice instead of a misstep.

What truly fuels the controversy is familiarity. Fans who already disliked Mega Starmie see the anime as confirmation of their fears, while newcomers judge it by how it functions in the story. Horizons places it directly into action, forcing viewers to engage with the Pokémon beyond still images or short game animations.

Friede, Voice Casting, and Doubling Down on the Pokémon Ultraman Concept

The controversy intensified with Friede’s return alongside Mega Starmie in Pokémon Horizons: Rising Again. The anime did not just reintroduce the Pokémon, it matched it with the same voice actor and similar heroic posing. That consistency feels deliberate, signaling the creative team’s confidence in the direction they have chosen.

Rather than distancing Mega Starmie from its Ultraman comparisons, Horizons embraces them. The casting and performance underline the connection, turning what some see as a flaw into a defining trait. For supporters, this bold commitment transforms Mega Starmie from a questionable design into a memorable, larger-than-life presence.

More importantly, the Pokémon anime focuses on Mega Starmie’s role in the world, not just its appearance. Its personality, timing, and interaction with Friede add narrative weight. Horizons suggests that Pokémon are not just designs to be judged in isolation, they are characters shaped by context, performance, and story relevance.