Funny story about this one; Many people will say that you must have watched the Anime to understand the manga adaptation, otherwise you'll be lost. I came into this read expecting to know nothing and get nothing because I had not been a watcher of the show in my child years and knew only a few bits and pieces from what I had managed to tune into; I was more familiar with the games.
And yet, out of all the Pokémon manga, this one turned out to be my favorite (Special fans, please don't stone me).
Story: For a comic that was supposed to be an adaptation of a show, Electric Tale of Pikachu (EToP) does an excellent job of standing on its own, even sprinkling in plenty of game references. The storyline flows in a more episodic "Day in the life of" structure rather than having an overarching plot of epic length like its more popular counterpart, so there is only very basic continuity between the chapters. This works so that you can crack open any of the shorts and read a complete story with a solid beginning, middle, and end. The stories themselves vary in tone—you might read an emotional and touching chapter first and immediately follow it up with over-the-top silliness, or you could get everything in the same chapter—some silliness here, then an action scene and some drama and even darkness, followed by mood and emotion before turning back to silliness. This can be done with just as much variation in quality—sometimes these chapters work, the mood flowing very easily throughout with no bumps in the road; other times the transitions feel awkward and out-of-place, taking you out of the story—which unfortunately detracts a point. There are also moments of "Tell, and not show"—that is, things happen off-screen that are explained rather than shown, which reminds you that this is an adaptation, and doesn't fit in with the rest of the series that tries to tell its own story with no outside help—and that takes off another point. The pacing itself is sometimes good here, and then rushed there, going back-and-forth but mostly staying on the better side of things.
One of the highlights of EToP, for me at least, is the world-building, which stands out as unique in the whole Pokémon franchise. The author really outdid himself trying to establish this near-future environment with hover-vehicles, advanced machinery, and Pokédexes that act like holographic smartphones. This manga also dives into explaining things like "Trainer's leave"—an official school break that gives young trainers time to journey with their Pokémon in the league before returning to their studies—back-stories on places and events, and snippets into the biology of the monsters themselves. All of these seemingly minor details work to breathe life into this comic, making it that much more engaging as a story.
Story overall: 8
Art: Ono's art is regarded as being one of the best, if not the best, of the Pokemanga. And it is true—his semi-realistic portrayal of Pokémon, especially that infamous Gyarados and Haunter, is one-of-a-kind among the licensed products. He attempts to keep his characters in very dynamic poses, in ways that are fun to watch as well as keeping the story flowing clearly. This makes the action scenes, when they happen, come across as exciting and engaging—even the cute and cuddly Pikachu is drawn as a hissing beast when the scene requires it. Among the things that are great about the art are the backgrounds and designs—the panels are usually drawn with some sort of background illustration that, like I explained above, give the story its identity. The designs vary between futuristic or cultural, all interesting in their own right, and it makes the world feel big and expansive.
However, Ono's anatomy can sometimes get odd-looking; And I'm not talking about the fan-service, everybody knows about that and frankly, I don't care. His Pokémon illustrations sometimes change appearance in an inconsistent manner unlike the one described above—eyes and body types can be drawn in either the stylized style of Ono and then change abruptly to the simplified style more reminiscent of Ken Sugimori's official art, within the span of a single page! This may not be a big deal to some, but I found it a bit jarring, and for that am I forced to take off a point.
Art overall: 9
Character: This one is a bit spotty. On one hand, the recurring characters with the exception of Ash don't receive much development at all, remaining the same throughout the story. On the other, this works due to the episodic nature of the series and the fact that it takes place mostly from a third-person viewpoint of Ash, meaning the rest of the characters are not as important and do not need development, being entertaining enough to be enjoyable and memorable as they are.
Ash's development from bratty, bumbling novice trainer into a competent battler with a fair knowledge of tactics is rather realistic and even somewhat subtle, with Ash slowly maturing but retaining his personality enough to be a good protagonist. The rest of the characters are one-shot, hit-and-miss types, so when you have a chapter with good and funny characters, you also get those that grate on your nerves. A good cast, but I think a full 10 wouldn't really be fitting.
Characters overall: 9
Enjoyment: Shortest review of all: This series knows what it wants to be—a fun read that tugs at heartstrings, tugs at nightmares, or draws a laugh from the audience. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but the pros outweigh the cons enough to give this category a full score.
The initial three sets, each comprising four volumes, chronicle Ash's adventures in the Kanto region. The final two issues of the third volume serve as a conclusion to the cartoon's first season. However, the fourth volume shifts focus to Ash's journey through the Orange Islands, aligning with the events of season 2.
Each storyline presents a unique perspective on the Pokémon universe, offering readers a fresh take. Interestingly, Ash doesn't always capture the same Pokémon or employ identical strategies and tools seen in the animated series. Despite retaining his Pokedex, it appears far more advanced, reflecting a similarly futuristic overhaul of the world within the comic's narrative.
This series is highly recommended for fans, though finding a copy might prove challenging.
Dengeki Pikachu draws inspiration from the Pokémon Anime but introduces several twists that, in my view, enhance its enjoyment.
One aspect I particularly appreciate about Dengeki Pikachu is how the author makes it more "realistic." This means Ash has to take a test to earn his trainer's license, attending school is mentioned, and the more "technical" sides of being a trainer are elaborated on. Additionally, the artwork adopts a more realistic style. Pidgeotto looks much more like an actual bird, and Butterfree resembles a real butterfly more closely.
The characters are better developed compared to the anime. While this remains a Pokémon story, so don't expect profound depth, by Pokémon standards, it's quite commendable. Gary and Ash interact more frequently in this manga. Gary even has a sister who provides comic relief at Ash's expense.
Overall, it's both humorous and engaging. Misty and Brock don't always accompany Ash, allowing him to develop more independently. This adds another layer of interest to the narrative.
I’d predict that most readers will be familiar with the popular Pokémon manga featuring Red and Blue, among other characters. This particular series, however, shares little in common with those. Instead, it’s a very loose adaptation of the early anime episodes starring Ash Ketchum. And it's Crazy Go-Nuts. This short series can be hilarious, both intentionally and unintentionally, which is why I recommend it. However, artistically speaking, there isn't much to praise.
Ash and his Pikachu (named Jean Luc Pikachu; this series loves its puns) travel throughout the Kanto region, encountering Brock, Misty, Team Rocket, and various other characters. An odd aspect of this manga is that some stories are original while others are directly lifted from the anime. You never know if you're going to meet three Eevee brothers or explore an ancient temple dedicated to Ghost-type Pokémon. Similarly, Ash’s character is altered somewhat. He’s more lecherous and rough around the edges compared to his anime counterpart and frequently uses the catchphrase, “What’s their damage?” Jessie and James seem explicitly depicted as a couple here, resembling teenagers more closely, adding a layer of sadness to their unfortunate descent into gang life.
The main reason to read this manga is to see Pokémon and their characters rendered in such a goofy style. Professor Oak is now portrayed as a handsome guy (reminiscent of the one from Scarlet and Violet), Pidgeotto leaves for rest and relaxation, and Ditto impersonates Ash for nefarious reasons. I wish I could share all the images I saved here. The artwork has a Western commercial feel, though it suits the subject matter well. I simply enjoy seeing Pokémon illustrated this way.
This series is short and fun, and if you have any nostalgia for Pokémon or its anime, it might satisfy that itch. Sorry for using the English names!
A fantastic addition to any collection, whether you're a newcomer or a long-time fan. No prior knowledge of Pokémon is necessary to enjoy this manga.
The storyline here is richer and more complex than what's portrayed in the anime. It draws parallels with real-world experiences, such as school life and exams needed to become a certified Pokémon Trainer. Furthermore, it offers a deeper exploration of the Pokémon universe, providing detailed insights into its mechanics and functioning.
This manga adds a fresh twist to the familiar anime narrative, diving deeper into both the realism that makes it relatable to our world and the intricate technology within its own universe.
Dengeki! Pikachu is based on the 1997 anime series Pokémon. If you are familiar with the show, you'll recognize the plot of this manga, which follows Satoshi's quest to become a Pokémon Master. It covers many of the same events as the anime, from his journey's start in Masara Town to adventures in the Orange Islands.
However, this manga suffers from significant issues. It omits much of the content that made the anime successful, rendering the story here meaningless, rushed, and lacking impact. For instance, in the anime, an entire episode is dedicated to Satoshi forming a friendship with Pikachu. In contrast, the manga has Satoshi finding a random Pikachu at home, and they inexplicably become friends. Similarly, other Pokémon captured by Satoshi lack personality and appear as mere wild creatures. The rapid pace also undermines world-building, making everything feel dry compared to the richly developed anime world, even when the manga attempts creativity.
Another issue is the technical explanations about Pokémon or other elements, which come across as info dumps spanning just a few pages and panels. The manga resembles a poorly adapted selection of anime episodes rather than a cohesive story.
It's challenging to discuss the story's progression due to numerous time jumps resulting from the manga's structure. Gym battles, for example, are barely shown; only Kasumi and Natsume’s (water and psychic) gym battles occur on-page. All other gyms happen off-screen, some gym leaders don't even appear, and the manga skips over how Satoshi obtains badges and other key events like battles, training, and Pokémon evolutions. When these events aren't skipped, they're rushed and nonsensical.
The characters seem more like parodies or shallow versions of their anime counterparts, lacking personality, charisma, or development. This is especially evident in moments like Satoshi’s encounter in the Pikachu forest, where the manga fails to create any drama—a stark contrast to the anime’s handling of similar scenes.
The art style and designs differ from those in the anime or original games. Pokémon look more menacing and wild, resembling monsters. Some humans appear older and sillier, while female characters are often sexualized. The manga includes fan-service and sexually suggestive illustrations, which were censored in the American version to cater to its target audience.
In summary, this manga neither works as an adaptation of the original games nor stands alone as an independent story. It’s a poor retelling of some anime events, uninteresting if you already know the show. For those unfamiliar with the anime, it's a messy narrative with erratic pacing, many time jumps, dull battles, bland characters, unsatisfying conclusions, and several off-putting elements.
Popular Reviews
Funny story about this one; Many people will say that you must have watched the Anime to understand the manga adaptation, otherwise you'll be lost. I came into this read expecting to know nothing and get nothing because I had not been a watcher of the show in my child years and knew only a few bits and pieces from what I had managed to tune into; I was more familiar with the games.
And yet, out of all the Pokémon manga, this one turned out to be my favorite (Special fans, please don't stone me).
Story: For a comic that was supposed to be an adaptation of a show, Electric Tale of Pikachu (EToP) does an excellent job of standing on its own, even sprinkling in plenty of game references. The storyline flows in a more episodic "Day in the life of" structure rather than having an overarching plot of epic length like its more popular counterpart, so there is only very basic continuity between the chapters. This works so that you can crack open any of the shorts and read a complete story with a solid beginning, middle, and end. The stories themselves vary in tone—you might read an emotional and touching chapter first and immediately follow it up with over-the-top silliness, or you could get everything in the same chapter—some silliness here, then an action scene and some drama and even darkness, followed by mood and emotion before turning back to silliness. This can be done with just as much variation in quality—sometimes these chapters work, the mood flowing very easily throughout with no bumps in the road; other times the transitions feel awkward and out-of-place, taking you out of the story—which unfortunately detracts a point. There are also moments of "Tell, and not show"—that is, things happen off-screen that are explained rather than shown, which reminds you that this is an adaptation, and doesn't fit in with the rest of the series that tries to tell its own story with no outside help—and that takes off another point. The pacing itself is sometimes good here, and then rushed there, going back-and-forth but mostly staying on the better side of things.
One of the highlights of EToP, for me at least, is the world-building, which stands out as unique in the whole Pokémon franchise. The author really outdid himself trying to establish this near-future environment with hover-vehicles, advanced machinery, and Pokédexes that act like holographic smartphones. This manga also dives into explaining things like "Trainer's leave"—an official school break that gives young trainers time to journey with their Pokémon in the league before returning to their studies—back-stories on places and events, and snippets into the biology of the monsters themselves. All of these seemingly minor details work to breathe life into this comic, making it that much more engaging as a story.
Story overall: 8
Art: Ono's art is regarded as being one of the best, if not the best, of the Pokemanga. And it is true—his semi-realistic portrayal of Pokémon, especially that infamous Gyarados and Haunter, is one-of-a-kind among the licensed products. He attempts to keep his characters in very dynamic poses, in ways that are fun to watch as well as keeping the story flowing clearly. This makes the action scenes, when they happen, come across as exciting and engaging—even the cute and cuddly Pikachu is drawn as a hissing beast when the scene requires it. Among the things that are great about the art are the backgrounds and designs—the panels are usually drawn with some sort of background illustration that, like I explained above, give the story its identity. The designs vary between futuristic or cultural, all interesting in their own right, and it makes the world feel big and expansive.
However, Ono's anatomy can sometimes get odd-looking; And I'm not talking about the fan-service, everybody knows about that and frankly, I don't care. His Pokémon illustrations sometimes change appearance in an inconsistent manner unlike the one described above—eyes and body types can be drawn in either the stylized style of Ono and then change abruptly to the simplified style more reminiscent of Ken Sugimori's official art, within the span of a single page! This may not be a big deal to some, but I found it a bit jarring, and for that am I forced to take off a point.
Art overall: 9
Character: This one is a bit spotty. On one hand, the recurring characters with the exception of Ash don't receive much development at all, remaining the same throughout the story. On the other, this works due to the episodic nature of the series and the fact that it takes place mostly from a third-person viewpoint of Ash, meaning the rest of the characters are not as important and do not need development, being entertaining enough to be enjoyable and memorable as they are.
Ash's development from bratty, bumbling novice trainer into a competent battler with a fair knowledge of tactics is rather realistic and even somewhat subtle, with Ash slowly maturing but retaining his personality enough to be a good protagonist. The rest of the characters are one-shot, hit-and-miss types, so when you have a chapter with good and funny characters, you also get those that grate on your nerves. A good cast, but I think a full 10 wouldn't really be fitting.
Characters overall: 9
Enjoyment: Shortest review of all: This series knows what it wants to be—a fun read that tugs at heartstrings, tugs at nightmares, or draws a laugh from the audience. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but the pros outweigh the cons enough to give this category a full score.
Enjoyment overall: 10
Total overall: 9/10
The initial three sets, each comprising four volumes, chronicle Ash's adventures in the Kanto region. The final two issues of the third volume serve as a conclusion to the cartoon's first season. However, the fourth volume shifts focus to Ash's journey through the Orange Islands, aligning with the events of season 2.
Each storyline presents a unique perspective on the Pokémon universe, offering readers a fresh take. Interestingly, Ash doesn't always capture the same Pokémon or employ identical strategies and tools seen in the animated series. Despite retaining his Pokedex, it appears far more advanced, reflecting a similarly futuristic overhaul of the world within the comic's narrative.
This series is highly recommended for fans, though finding a copy might prove challenging.
Dengeki Pikachu draws inspiration from the Pokémon Anime but introduces several twists that, in my view, enhance its enjoyment.
One aspect I particularly appreciate about Dengeki Pikachu is how the author makes it more "realistic." This means Ash has to take a test to earn his trainer's license, attending school is mentioned, and the more "technical" sides of being a trainer are elaborated on. Additionally, the artwork adopts a more realistic style. Pidgeotto looks much more like an actual bird, and Butterfree resembles a real butterfly more closely.
The characters are better developed compared to the anime. While this remains a Pokémon story, so don't expect profound depth, by Pokémon standards, it's quite commendable. Gary and Ash interact more frequently in this manga. Gary even has a sister who provides comic relief at Ash's expense.
Overall, it's both humorous and engaging. Misty and Brock don't always accompany Ash, allowing him to develop more independently. This adds another layer of interest to the narrative.
I’d predict that most readers will be familiar with the popular Pokémon manga featuring Red and Blue, among other characters. This particular series, however, shares little in common with those. Instead, it’s a very loose adaptation of the early anime episodes starring Ash Ketchum. And it's Crazy Go-Nuts. This short series can be hilarious, both intentionally and unintentionally, which is why I recommend it. However, artistically speaking, there isn't much to praise.
Ash and his Pikachu (named Jean Luc Pikachu; this series loves its puns) travel throughout the Kanto region, encountering Brock, Misty, Team Rocket, and various other characters. An odd aspect of this manga is that some stories are original while others are directly lifted from the anime. You never know if you're going to meet three Eevee brothers or explore an ancient temple dedicated to Ghost-type Pokémon. Similarly, Ash’s character is altered somewhat. He’s more lecherous and rough around the edges compared to his anime counterpart and frequently uses the catchphrase, “What’s their damage?” Jessie and James seem explicitly depicted as a couple here, resembling teenagers more closely, adding a layer of sadness to their unfortunate descent into gang life.
The main reason to read this manga is to see Pokémon and their characters rendered in such a goofy style. Professor Oak is now portrayed as a handsome guy (reminiscent of the one from Scarlet and Violet), Pidgeotto leaves for rest and relaxation, and Ditto impersonates Ash for nefarious reasons. I wish I could share all the images I saved here. The artwork has a Western commercial feel, though it suits the subject matter well. I simply enjoy seeing Pokémon illustrated this way.
This series is short and fun, and if you have any nostalgia for Pokémon or its anime, it might satisfy that itch. Sorry for using the English names!
A fantastic addition to any collection, whether you're a newcomer or a long-time fan. No prior knowledge of Pokémon is necessary to enjoy this manga.
The storyline here is richer and more complex than what's portrayed in the anime. It draws parallels with real-world experiences, such as school life and exams needed to become a certified Pokémon Trainer. Furthermore, it offers a deeper exploration of the Pokémon universe, providing detailed insights into its mechanics and functioning.
This manga adds a fresh twist to the familiar anime narrative, diving deeper into both the realism that makes it relatable to our world and the intricate technology within its own universe.
Dengeki! Pikachu is based on the 1997 anime series Pokémon. If you are familiar with the show, you'll recognize the plot of this manga, which follows Satoshi's quest to become a Pokémon Master. It covers many of the same events as the anime, from his journey's start in Masara Town to adventures in the Orange Islands.
However, this manga suffers from significant issues. It omits much of the content that made the anime successful, rendering the story here meaningless, rushed, and lacking impact. For instance, in the anime, an entire episode is dedicated to Satoshi forming a friendship with Pikachu. In contrast, the manga has Satoshi finding a random Pikachu at home, and they inexplicably become friends. Similarly, other Pokémon captured by Satoshi lack personality and appear as mere wild creatures. The rapid pace also undermines world-building, making everything feel dry compared to the richly developed anime world, even when the manga attempts creativity.
Another issue is the technical explanations about Pokémon or other elements, which come across as info dumps spanning just a few pages and panels. The manga resembles a poorly adapted selection of anime episodes rather than a cohesive story.
It's challenging to discuss the story's progression due to numerous time jumps resulting from the manga's structure. Gym battles, for example, are barely shown; only Kasumi and Natsume’s (water and psychic) gym battles occur on-page. All other gyms happen off-screen, some gym leaders don't even appear, and the manga skips over how Satoshi obtains badges and other key events like battles, training, and Pokémon evolutions. When these events aren't skipped, they're rushed and nonsensical.
The characters seem more like parodies or shallow versions of their anime counterparts, lacking personality, charisma, or development. This is especially evident in moments like Satoshi’s encounter in the Pikachu forest, where the manga fails to create any drama—a stark contrast to the anime’s handling of similar scenes.
The art style and designs differ from those in the anime or original games. Pokémon look more menacing and wild, resembling monsters. Some humans appear older and sillier, while female characters are often sexualized. The manga includes fan-service and sexually suggestive illustrations, which were censored in the American version to cater to its target audience.
In summary, this manga neither works as an adaptation of the original games nor stands alone as an independent story. It’s a poor retelling of some anime events, uninteresting if you already know the show. For those unfamiliar with the anime, it's a messy narrative with erratic pacing, many time jumps, dull battles, bland characters, unsatisfying conclusions, and several off-putting elements.