Otakuwriter
Pokémon Collaborates with Weekly Shonen Jump Authors for Special Illustration Project
The Pokémon franchise has officially partnered with Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine for a special collaboration featuring unique illustrations by some of the most prominent manga creators in Japan. These crossover artworks will spotlight characters from various Weekly Shonen Jump series alongside beloved Pokémon in celebration of the long-standing impact of manga and anime in Japanese pop culture.
Limited-Edition Cover to Feature Star-Studded Illustration Lineup
As announced through official sources, the collaboration will be featured on the cover of a special combined issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, scheduled for release in Japan on August 4, 2025. The commemorative cover will showcase a large collage formed by individual illustrations contributed by popular manga authors published under Shueisha’s banner. Each illustration uniquely brings together a manga character with a Pokémon in a fun and creative visual mashup.
The centerpiece of this collaborative project comes from none other than Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the globally renowned manga One Piece. Oda’s contribution features an eye-catching scene with the franchise’s mascot, Pikachu, standing alongside Monkey D. Luffy, creating a powerful visual that joins two cultural phenomena.
Notable Artist Contributions Featuring Fan-Favorite Characters and Pokémon
In addition to Oda’s contribution, the collaboration includes illustrations from other well-known mangaka associated with Weekly Shonen Jump. Among them is Shuhei Miyazaki, the author of ME & ROBOCO, whose illustration pairs his titular character, Roboco, with the majestic Fire- and Fighting-type Pokémon Mega Blaziken. The dynamic contrast between the robotic humor of Roboco and the fierce presence of Mega Blaziken makes for a visually intriguing piece.
Another revealed artwork comes from Kouji Miura, the creator of the romance and sports-themed manga Blue Box. Miura’s illustration features the character Chinatsu Kano posed playfully with the cheerful Water-type Pokémon Totodile. The depiction captures the light-hearted and youthful energy of both the manga and Pokémon worlds.
Full Collage Sticker to Be Included in August 18 Weekly Shonen Jump Issue
The collaborative series extends beyond just one issue. According to official announcements, the August 18, 2025 edition of Weekly Shonen Jump will come with a special bonus pack-in item: a full-sized sticker of the completed group illustration collage. This sticker will compile all the participating artists’ works into a single image, offering fans a keepsake to commemorate the crossover event.
Pokémon and Weekly Shonen Jump Celebrate Shared Cultural Legacy
This collaborative project between Pokémon and Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump not only highlights the artistic talents of its manga creators but also celebrates the shared cultural roots between the Pokémon universe and the world of serialized manga. Pokémon, originally created by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, has been a staple of Japanese animation and gaming culture since its debut in 1996. Similarly, Weekly Shonen Jump has served as the launching platform for numerous legendary manga series, including Dragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach, and My Hero Academia.
This isn’t the first time Pokémon has been involved in creative crossovers. The franchise has collaborated with artists, brands, and content creators across various media over the years. However, this tie-in with Weekly Shonen Jump is particularly significant given the caliber of artists involved and the rich legacy both franchises carry within the entertainment industry.
About the Pokémon Franchise
The Pokémon anime, produced by OLM, Inc. (Oriental Light and Magic), has seen several generations and main characters since its original debut in 1997. With over 1,200 episodes, the anime has evolved alongside the main video games and card game series. In 2023, the anime introduced a new era with protagonists Liko and Roy, signaling a fresh chapter for the franchise following the departure of Ash Ketchum and Pikachu from the main storyline. The voice cast for the new arc includes Minori Suzuki as Liko and Yuka Terasaki as Roy, under the direction of Saori Den and animation direction by Tetsuya Yajima.
Pokémon anime episodes are currently streaming worldwide on platforms such as Netflix (in select regions) and TV Tokyo in Japan. Episodes are released regularly with both Japanese audio and dubbed versions available in multiple languages over time.
Platform Details and Authorized Release
The upcoming Weekly Shonen Jump issues featuring the collaboration illustrations will be officially available in bookstores and convenience stores across Japan beginning on August 4, 2025, with the sticker bonus included in the following week’s issue on August 18, 2025. These special editions will also be accessible through Shueisha’s digital readership platforms and may later be featured in promotional collections or artbooks, subject to official future announcements.
All artwork and featured content originate from official sources, with publication details confirmed by Shueisha and The Pokémon Company. This collaboration marks a remarkable celebration of storytelling and creativity between two titans of Japanese pop culture, bringing fans a rare and visually rich experience.
