Pokemon first appeared in Pokemon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu #1, published by Independent in 1998. That places it in the Modern Age.
Why this issue matters
The first appearance of Pokemon in US comics, from Viz, arriving alongside the anime and the Game Boy games. It reportedly sold well over a million copies, so it is anything but scarce, and grade rather than rarity is what carries the value. Worth knowing before paying a premium for a raw mid grade.
Key facts
Pokemon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu #1
- Character: Pokemon
- Publisher: Independent
- Cover year: 1998
- Era: Modern Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Other first appearances from 1998
- Son Goku Dragon Ball #1, 1998
More Independent firsts from the Modern Age
- Hellboy San Diego Comic Con Comics #2, 1993
- Preacher Preacher #1, 1995
- Transmetropolitan Transmetropolitan #1, 1997
- Y: The Last Man Y: The Last Man #1, 2002
- Battle Angel Alita Battle Angel Alita #1, 1992
- Ghost in the Shell Ghost in the Shell #1, 1995
- Naruto and Luffy Shonen Jump #1, 2003
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.