With Pokémon celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, there’s no better way to revisit the franchise's roots than by picking up Pokémon Adventures Collector's Edition Vol. 1, the 648 page omnibus published back in 2020. Based on the world established in the original Pokémon Red and Green (Blue in North America) games, this Hidenori Kusaka manga adaptation, complemented by gorgeous monochromatic art from Mato, takes the familiar foundations of the Kanto odyssey and transforms them into something considerably more engaging, entertaining, and surprisingly mature.
The story follows Red, an enthusiastic young Pokémon Trainer from Pallet Town who sets out on a journey to become the ultimate Pokémon Master. Along the way, he encounters familiar faces (like Bill, Blue, and Professor Oak), challenges Gym Leaders, catches and trains a number of different Pokémon, and finds himself drawn into a much larger conflict involving the sinister Team Rocket. While the basic framework will be immediately recognizable to anyone who played the original games, the manga does an incredible job of translating that experience to the printed page. And, rather than simply rehashing those events, it gives them context, personality, and a genuine sense of progression.
Perhaps the greatest strength of Pokémon Adventures is its willingness to take creative liberties with its source material. These changes aren’t made simply for the sake of being different; they actively help enrich the story. Having Blaine square off against the terrifying Mewtwo, for example, provides a dramatic confrontation that makes the lab-grown Pokémon feel every bit as dangerous as its reputation suggests. Likewise, the decision to have Lt. Surge, Sabrina, and Koga working as operatives for Team Rocket adds an unexpected layer of intrigue and gives several familiar Gym Leaders a much more interesting role to play in the overall narrative.
Then there's Red himself. Anyone accustomed to the Pokémon anime might find this version of the protagonist a refreshing change of pace — I know I sure did! Unlike Ash Ketchum, whose journey often seems to involve learning the same exact lessons over and over again, Red comes across as far more competent, resourceful, and likable. He's enthusiastic and occasionally impulsive, but he's also intelligent, capable of thinking on his feet, and genuinely committed to becoming a better Trainer. His relationship with his Pokémon feels like a partnership, particularly in the case of Bulbasaur and Poliwhirl, and his development makes him a charming character to follow throughout the adventure.
The end result is a manga that manages to wholeheartedly capture the spirit of those original Game Boy games while confidently establishing an identity all its own. The familiar locations, Pokémon, and characters are all present, but the storytelling takes things in directions that make the experience feel fresh, even for longtime fans who know the Kanto Region inside and out.
Ultimately, Pokémon Adventures Volume 1 is an excellent read, whether you're a longtime fan looking to revisit the franchise's beginnings or someone interested in experiencing a different interpretation of its classic quest. It respects the source material without being afraid to experiment, and that balance is precisely what makes it so darn good.
As Pokémon celebrates 30 years, this beautifully collected edition is a wonderful reminder of why the franchise captured the imaginations of millions in the first place. Nostalgic, inventive and thoroughly entertaining, it's an excellent way to celebrate three decades of the power that’s inside!
