As if there wasn’t already a plethora of Pokémon-related things to hoard, VIZ will release something else for fans to add to their ever-growing collections: Volume 1 of the Pokémon Adventures Collector’s Edition manga, which compiles the first three volumes in the series. I’d be lying if I said I’m not completely biased when it comes reviewing this manga. As someone who played the original Red, Blue, and Yellow games in the 90’s and just finished the recent Kanto remake, Let’s Go Pikachu!, I am 100% inclined to love anything involving the first generation of Pokémon. It’s like a giant nostalgia bomb.
Despite my obsession with the Pokémon games, I had never read the manga. To be honest, it completely blew me away and made my inner Pokénerd very happy. Where do I even begin?
This manga, originally released in 1997, is based on the first set of Pokémon games and its main character Red. If you aren’t aware, Red inspired the creation of the well-known Ash Ketchum, the protagonist in the Pokémon anime. (And while we are on the subject, I want to point that, for the purpose of this review, whenever I mention the Pokémon anime, I am referring to the first few seasons. I haven’t watched the newer ones, so I am not sure how they compare.)
The manga follows the same general outline of the games and anime – Red wants to become a better Pokémon trainer, catch as many Pokémon as possible, and battle gym leaders so he can challenge the Pokémon League. But it also provides so much more.
At first, the story has a slice of life vibe to it, where we get to experience Red’s everyday adventures with his team of Pokémon as they travel across Kanto. Some parts of the game are explored in a little more depth, such as the Pokémon Fan Club. I personally loved seeing different Pokémon in action and in various scenarios because, well, I am a dork.
However, what really intrigued me the most were the new aspects the author, Hidenori Kusaka, added to the plot. He included many twists and turns, things that aren’t in the game or anime. The manga took essential elements from the other two series and turned them on their head. I was really surprised…in a good way.
Some fans may complain that these different elements don’t match the Pokémon canon, but I enjoyed reading the story – which I’ve experienced a hundred times – interrupted in a completely new way (at least for me). It was really a breath of fresh air. As for what the twists were, I don’t want to give it away. I will say, however, that it has something to do with the evil organization Team Rocket.
On top of the unique plot elements, the story and battles were a lot more intense compared to the game or anime. The animated adaption tends to sugarcoat everything and adds a lot of silliness to battles or other important situations. It can be hard to take things seriously at times. The manga has humor, but it’s more serious in my opinion. It’s still kid-friendly, but there is actually some blood shown! Additionally, a bunch of scenes showed the potential danger of Pokémon battles or Pokémon in general. There are moments where Red, other characters, or the Pokémon themselves could have possibly lost their lives.
In the games, there are Pokédex entries that explain the savagery of some Pokémon. For example, Pinsir likes to cut its prey in half with its claws. But we never get any real evidence of Pokémon’s ferocity in the games. I finally got a glimpse of the savage side of some Pokémon while reading this manga. It really put things in perspective for me.
I feel like I could make comparisons, babble about Pokémon facts, and really show what a nerd I am all day long. But what about people who aren’t as familiar with Pokémon as I am? Will they enjoy the manga? I think so because, for starters, the writing is very strong. The author included seeds throughout the story that help connect everything together. They put a lot of thought into the story, and it paid off in the end.
Now, is the writing and story flawless? No. Some things don’t quite add up, and there are parts that felt a little too rushed. Plus, certain dialogue choices were cringey in my opinion (especially for Bill). But overall, the writing is extremely solid. Coupled with bubbly yet strong art and great action scenes by Mato, this manga makes for a really entertaining read. The story continues after this volume, but I feel that Volume 1 of the Collector’s Edition (or the first three volumes in the series) are a near perfect snippet of the world of Pokémon. It’s put together so well, the story could have ended right there, and I’d be completely satisfied.
Like I said, I am extremely biased, but this manga was amazing. I have years of Pokémon sentimentality brewing in me, but I think almost anyone would enjoy this read. Even if they’re not a hopeless Pokénerd like me.