A new 30th anniversary Pokemon release is on the way for nostalgic Gen 1 fans to pick up in 2027. The Pokemon franchise has already taken fans back to the Kanto Region for the 30th anniversary with re-releases of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch. Next year, Pokemon fans can relive the Red and Blue story through a special release, officially confirmed for April 2027.
Since 1996, the Pokemon franchise has drastically evolved to become a media empire that expands beyond just the video game series. While Pokemon Winds and Waves will usher in Gen 10 on the video game side of things in 2027, there are more special releases planned to celebrate the series’ anniversary across other Pokemon media as well. From new Pokemon TCG sets, TV shows, and even manga, Pokemon fans can enjoy the franchise’s 30th anniversary through more than just the games over the next year.
Volume 2 of the Pokemon Red & Blue Special Edition Manga Release in April 2027
VIZ Media has officially confirmed that the Pokemon Adventures: Red & Blue Special Edition Vol. 2 manga set is releasing on April 13, 2027. This second volume comes after Vol. 1 of this special edition manga, which was released on October 26, 2026. The 576-page Vol. 2 of the manga continues the story originally written by Hidenori Kusaka and illustrated by Mato, which ran from March 1997 to May 1998. With a release date of April 2027, Vol. 2 will be released almost exactly 30 years after the Pokemon Adventures: Red & Blue manga began serialization.
- Title: Pokemon Adventures: Red & Blue Special Edition Vol. 2
- Release Date: April 13, 2027
- Price: $29.99
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Sign in to claim your place on the leaderboard!
The story of Pokemon Adventures: Red & Blue as told through the manga follows similar beats to the classic Gen 1 Pokemon games. Red and Blue are trainers who set out to conquer the Kanto Region’s Gym Challenge, later joined by a third trainer named Green. Along the way, they also battle Team Rocket and aid Gym Leader Blaine in capturing the Legendary Pokemon Mewtwo. In contrast to the original Pokemon anime, Ash Ketchum is not featured in this manga, and the Pokemon caught by Red, Blue, and Green differ from the anime protagonist’s team as well.
In addition to this Pokemon Adventures: Red & Blue Deluxe Edition release, VIZ Media is also launching the Pokemon X & Y Complete Box Set, which contains the full Kalos manga series in a single set. This release is also planned for sometime in Spring 2027, but a firm release date has not been shared. Fans looking to pick up some Pokemon manga in the meantime can purchase the Pokemon Sun & Moon Complete Manga Box Set, which was released back in September.
The Pokemon franchise undoubtedly has a lot more in store for fans in 2027, with the launch of Pokemon Winds and Waves rumored for the fall. The upcoming animated Netflix series The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu is also planned to debut in 2027, though it also lacks a solid release date. Even if the upcoming year’s Pokemon lineup is still up in the air, fans can rest assured that the franchise will have no shortage of major releases.