The best versions of Pokémon’s story has always been told in its manga adaptations. While the games’ story quality has remained inconsistent at best and the anime has remained relatively unremarkable for two decades, the many different Pokémon manga have never been afraid to take the franchise to weird and wild places. While the franchise’s latest foray into the world of manga, Pokémon Sword & Shield Vol 1, might not be the series’ most outrageous, it still manages to be a fresh take on a familiar world.

Taking place in the England-inspired Galar region, Pokémon Sword & Shield Vol 1 from writer Hidenori Kusaka and illustrator Satoshi Yamamoto, follows three young trainers. Marvin is a young boy who just moved to the region and is eager to start his Pokémon journey, Henry Sword is a trainer who specializes in Pokémon who use weapons, and Casey Shield is a trainer knowledgeable about hacking and gadgets. Together with Professor Magnolia and their Pokémon companions, the group goes on a cross-country trip across Galar to complete the region’s Pokémon gym challenge and compete in the Pokémon League. That premise might seem as barebones as a Pokémon plot can get, and it is, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t an adventure worth reading.

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Much like the English countryside which inspired many of Galar’s locations, the word to describe Pokémon Sword & Shield Vol 1 is comfortable. Henry and Casey are both fun characters that are easy to get attached to. Though they don’t appear to possess any solid motivations yet in this first volume, their various quirks make them easy to like. Many Pokémon veterans will probably balk at the inclusion of the far younger Marvin. He serves as an audience surrogate for younger readers and those who are less than familiar with the world of Pokémon and the mechanics of the games. Though his presence doesn’t feel completely necessary so far, he is, at worst inoffensive. Overall, these are characters that seem like they would be fun to go on a road trip with, meaning they serve their function well.

Though most of Sword & Shield Vol 1 is familiar ground, there are still a few surprises. Henry’s passion for Pokémon gear is a new concept that hasn’t been featured in any of the games. Despite this, it feels like a wholly natural addition. Many Pokémon do have accessories such as weapons, or ornaments that would need to be repaired on a regular basis. It’s a small detail, but it makes a lot of sense for the knightly theme of Sword & Shield.

The manga’s creators, Hidenori Kusaka and Satoshi Yamamoto are veterans of Pokémon manga and that is clear on every single panel. These are clearly two creators who have an intimate understanding of the source material and what makes it work. Particular praise needs to go to Yamamoto, who manages to make the Pokémon at once cool and cute in a way that is instantly compelling. Just like the games it’s based on, nothing in Pokémon Sword & Shield Vol 1 will reinvent the wheel, but fans looking for a familiar and comfortable manga journey will find a pleasant time.

Look for Pokémon Sword & Shield Vol 1 when Viz releases it in English on August 10th!

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Evan Mullicane
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Evan D. Mullicane is an editor, critic, and author based out of California’s Bay Area. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from San Francisco State University in 2016. In his free time, he enjoys reading graphic novels and writing fantasy.

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