I had missed waking up 7am every morning to watch Pokemon on CheeseTV something of a decade ago. And only a few days ago did I learn there were a few mangas that gave alternative stories to the universe of Pokemon. And in the three days I had started reading, I'm here now having read 90chapters. Needless to say, I just couldn't stop reading. The last thing I couldn't stop reading was the first harry potter book - aha.

This manga is based on the Pokemon Game series [if you'd look to the character list above]. That's why there's a "Red" ready for you to name your character, as with the forgetful Prof.Oak to optionally have you name his grandson 'Blue'. It also goes on to explain the origins of Surfing Pikachu, which if you've ever really thought about it... doesn't make too much sense.
The animation is separate from the manga, but it isn't all that different. You'll see some familiar faces, but only in the context of the games.

If you remember the lovable childish charm of the Pokemon that created a global late 90's fad, the emotional trials of values that seem to be forgotten in the grown-up world, and the epic battles depicted in the Pokemon movies, this manga will have you re-live it all.

_As with any good story with an alternate universe and battle sequences, this Manga manages to tie everything together impressively with surprising complexity - though I suppose it could also be criticized as "improvisation" like Code Geass was. The art style is cute and fitting to the nature of the manga, as with the characters are rather simple yet not annoyingly so.

Although this may all seem overly positive, but really... I can't help but think this manga is incredibly under-rated. It's no witty romantic supernatural action ecchi comedy, I'll admit - but it's what I like about it.

I can't really find a bone to pick with it. It is a kid fantasy story, and perhaps not as engaging as what IS aimed towards an 18year old [ecchi, comedy, action, psychological, drama, slice of life]. So I guess the only bone I have to pick with it is that ..I'm getting too old to enjoy this stuff anymore. Aha