On August 4, fans of anime, manga, and gaming will witness a special event as Pokémon teams up with Weekly Shonen Jump for the first time ever. This collaboration brings together two of Japan’s most iconic entertainment brands in a unique magazine issue that is expected to excite fans around the world.
Weekly Shonen Jump, Japan’s most popular manga magazine, is known for publishing hit series like One Piece, My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Blue Box. Pokémon, on the other hand, remains one of the world’s most beloved franchises, spanning video games, anime, and trading cards. Although both are major parts of Japanese pop culture, they have never come together in a full collaboration, until now.
In this special double issue of Weekly Shonen Jump (Issue 36/37), every current manga artist featured in the magazine will draw their main characters alongside a Pokémon. These one-of-a-kind illustrations will be shown in a massive group image on the cover. Inside, readers will also find each individual artwork displayed in full color, making it a must-have for collectors.
Some examples of the collaborations already revealed include Eiichiro Oda drawing Luffy from One Piece alongside Pikachu, Kouji Miura pairing Chinatsu from Blue Box with Totodile, and Shuhei Miyazaki’s Me & Roboco teaming Roboco up with Mega Blaziken. These combinations blend the worlds of Pokémon and manga in fun and surprising ways, capturing the personalities of both the Pokémon and the manga characters.
Pokémon and Shonen Jump Unite for First-Ever Collaboration Issue on August 4
This issue is part of Shonen Jump’s larger summer campaign, which will also include a follow-up release on August 18 (Issue 38). That next issue will come with limited-edition Pokémon-themed stickers based on the collaboration art. Fans who purchase both issues will have the chance to own a full collection of character and Pokémon pairings, along with exclusive collectibles and possibly even special giveaways.
The excitement surrounding the announcement has already spread quickly online. Fans are thrilled to see their favorite manga artists drawing Pokémon for the first time. Many have called it a dream crossover, something they never thought they would see. Social media is full of fans sharing the preview images and looking forward to collecting the issues.
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This collaboration is not just about art. It represents a celebration of two powerful and long-lasting cultural forces. Shonen Jump has helped shape generations of manga readers since it began publication in the late 1960s. Pokémon has reached across media and generations since its debut in 1996. Putting them together gives fans something new while honoring the histories of both franchises.
The August 4 issue is expected to sell out quickly, especially with the special cover and collectible content inside. Readers in Japan will be able to buy it at bookstores, convenience stores, and online. While an English version has not been announced, international fans may still find ways to import it or see the art online once the issue is released.
Weekly Shonen Jump Artists Draw Pokémon for Special Crossover Magazine Release
What makes this event special is how it brings together artists and characters from across genres and styles. From battle manga like Jujutsu Kaisen to comedy like Me & Roboco and sports drama like Blue Box, every creator has brought their own vision to the collaboration. And with the Pokémon characters being so familiar and loved, the combinations feel both fresh and nostalgic.
This historic team-up between Pokémon and Shonen Jump is a celebration of creativity and fan culture. It’s a reminder that even after decades of success, these franchises continue to find new ways to surprise and delight their audiences. For fans of either or both, the August 4 issue will be a collectible worth cherishing.
As the release date approaches, fans around the world are preparing to see their favorite characters in new ways. Whether you’ve followed Pokémon since the Game Boy days or have been reading Shonen Jump for years, this collaboration promises to be a joyful and memorable moment in anime and manga history.
You can check out manga from Shonen Jump here, and for the Pokémon games, go to Nintendo’s official site.
