Vol. 2 in the pokemon Adventures series, this volume follows the continuing adventures of Red as he sets out into the world on his way to becoming a pokemon master. Through his journeys he encounters a variety of people, making friends - and enemies - as he goes. From an run-in with a con-artist that leads to discovering the legendary Mew, to slowly unearthing Team Rocket's evil plots the action never ends for the young hero.
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While I definitely feel nostalgic towards the pokemon 'verse and all it encompasses - tv show, games, comics, etc. - I didn't enjoy the manga as much as I thought I would. It's a cute series, and seems appropriate enough for the age group from what I can tell (though maybe a bit violent). For myself, though, I definitely found my enjoyment of it lacking.
This series follows the first video games (red/blue) rather than the TV show, which might confuse some readers who are familiar with only the show, and aren't aware that the show itself is based upon the original games. Hence the obvious similarities between Red (Ash) and Blue (Gary) with their TV counterparts, as well as the familiar character Professor Oak. The manga follows the same general feel as the show, with readers following Red on his journey to be get his league badges, defeat the evil team rocket, and become a pokemon master.
While there are obvious similarities between the show, game and manga, there are large deviations as well. In the manga, we encounter several legendary pokemon who don't appear in the first game (articuno and moltres). We're shown Team Rocket as having a much farther and more alarming impact than they're ever shown to have in the games or film, including their influence with several of the gym leaders. We're missing several familiar characters as well, as Ash travels for much of his journey alone with only his pokemon for companionship (though those missing from the group may occasionally make an appearance). The story line, while similar, has become more detailed and 'fleshed out' in the manga.
With the plot being so detailed, however, the pace seems quite rushed as the full story is forced to fit into the three volumes that make up the red/blue chapter of the series. We don't have time to get attached to characters or that into the story, as events happen so quickly one after another. It might be un-noticeable to the intended age group, but I didn't find it make a particularly satisfying read.