Pokémon teams up with Japan’s top manga magazine for new collaboration
A new collaboration between the Pokémon franchise and Shueisha’s “Weekly Shonen Jump” magazine has been officially announced.
“Pokémon,” created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1996, is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time, encompassing video games, trading card games, anime, movies, and merchandise.
“Weekly Shonen Jump” was first published in 1968 by Shueisha and is Japan’s best-selling manga magazine, known for serializing popular shonen manga series such as One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto and Demon Slayer.
This new collaboration between Pokémon and Japan’s most popular manga magazine follows the recent announcement that Japan will soon be home to the first Pokémon theme park.
For this collaboration with the Pokémon franchise, the creative minds behind some of Shonen Jump’s most popular series have lent their artistic talents to depict their characters interacting with various Pokémon.
Among the first illustrations revealed in advance are:
- “One Piece x Pikachu” by Eiichiro Oda
Eiichiro Oda is the legendary creator of “One Piece,” the best-selling manga series in history, which began serialization in 1997.
“One Piece” follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates as they search for the titular treasure to become the Pirate King.
Pikachu, as the most recognizable Pokémon, is a fitting choice for this high-profile pairing.
- “Me and Roboco x Mega Blaziken” by Shuhei Miyazaki
Shuhei Miyazaki is the author of “Me and Roboco,” a popular gag manga that has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since 2020.
The series is known for its comedic parodies and fourth-wall breaks, centering on a boy named Bondo and his powerful yet often absurd maid robot, Roboco.
It has been paired with Mega Blaziken, a powerful Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon known for its strong kicks and fiery abilities.
- “Blue Box x Totodile” by Koji Miura
Koji Miura is the creator of “Blue Box,” a romantic comedy and sports manga that began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2021.
The series follows the intertwined lives of badminton and basketball players in high school.
Fittingly, given the series name, it has been paired with the bright blue Water-type Pokémon, Totodile.
As part of this crossover, the cover of the upcoming “Weekly Shonen Jump 36/37 Combined Special Issue,” set to be released on August 4th, will feature an exclusive group illustration drawn by the celebrated authors of various ongoing Shonen Jump series, showcasing their characters alongside Pokémon.
The combined special issue will also include a “Special Collaboration Sticker Vol. 1,” featuring the cover art.
Additionally, a large-scale giveaway campaign will be held, offering readers the chance to win one of six prizes.
A total of 7,120 lucky individuals will be chosen by lottery to receive prizes, which will include collectibles such as metal art boards.
Source: Official X Account
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