Weekly Shonen Jump and the globally beloved Pokémon franchise have teamed up for the first time ever, unveiling their collaborative cover for the special combined issue No. 36/37 of Weekly Shonen Jump, released today, August 4. The main cover art features original illustrations by Jump’s serializing manga artists, pairing their characters with Pokémon in a spectacular group visual.

Among the highlights are Monkey D. Luffy and Pikachu, illustrated by ONE PIECE creator Eiichiro Oda; Chinatsu Kano and Totodile by Blue Box’s Kouji Miura; Taro Sakamoto and Chikorita by SAKAMOTO DAYS’s Yuto Suzuki; Chihiro and Tepig by Kagurabachi’s Takeru Hokazono; and Ichi and Mega Gallade by Ichi the Witch artist Shiro Usazaki. The cover is a fold-out (gatefold) style that, when opened, reveals even more collaborative characters in full display.

Additionally, this issue and the upcoming No. 38 issue (on sale August 18) each include special collaborative stickers as bonus inserts. Fans also have a chance to win original merchandise such as metal art boards, cushions, and postcards—part of a giveaway campaign awarding a total of 7,120 prizes via lottery.

Since its debut in July 1968 as a bi-monthly magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump has become a cornerstone of manga culture. It transitioned to a weekly publication in 1969 and produced countless blockbusters. The 1995 New Year's double issue (No. 3/4, released December 20, 1994) still holds the record for the highest print circulation of any manga magazine at 6.53 million copies. With many of its series surpassing 100 million copies in total print, Jump continues to lead the shonen manga world and celebrated its 55th anniversary in July 2023. The magazine is released every Monday.

Pokémon, short for “Pocket Monsters,” began in 1996 with the release of Pokémon Red and Green on Game Boy. The franchise’s appeal lies in the fun of collecting mysterious creatures, training them, and battling or trading with friends. Pokémon has since grown into a global multimedia phenomenon, encompassing card games, anime, films, mobile apps, and merchandise.

Source : ORICON NEWS