Weekly Shonen Jump has partnered with the iconic Pokémon franchise for a historic collaboration, revealing a special combined issue No. 36/37, released on August 4. The eye-catching cover art showcases original illustrations from some of Shonen Jump’s popular manga artists, featuring their characters alongside beloved Pokémon.
Notable pairings on the cover include Monkey D. Luffy with Pikachu, illustrated by ONE PIECE creator Eiichiro Oda; Chinatsu Kano alongside Totodile from Blue Box’s Kouji Miura; Taro Sakamoto with Chikorita by SAKAMOTO DAYS creator Yuto Suzuki; Chihiro paired with Tepig by Takeru Hokazono of Kagurabachi; and Ichi the Witch’s Shiro Usazaki illustrating Ichi with Mega Gallade. The cover is designed as a fold-out (gatefold) and reveals even more characters when opened, enhancing the collaborative theme.
Moreover, both issue No. 36/37 and the forthcoming No. 38, available on August 18, come with exclusive collaborative stickers as bonus inserts. Fans can participate in a lottery featuring original merchandise giveaways—including metal art boards, cushions, and postcards—with 7,120 prizes in total.
Weekly Shonen Jump has been a pivotal force in manga culture since its debut in July 1968, transitioning to a weekly format in 1969 and producing numerous blockbuster series. The magazine celebrated its 55th anniversary in July 2023, continuing to dominate the shonen manga market with many series surpassing 100 million copies in print. The magazine is released every Monday.
In contrast, the Pokémon franchise began in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy and has evolved into a significant global phenomenon, spanning card games, anime, films, mobile apps, and an impressive range of merchandise. The collaboration is a testament to the enduring popularity of both brands and highlights the magical intersection of manga and video game culture.
This partnership is an exciting development for fans of both mediums, showing how iconic franchises can come together in creative ways that enhance the experience for audiences worldwide.