Start with Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1, which introduces Red in Kanto. If you prefer a larger collected book, Pokémon Adventures Collector’s Edition, Volume 1 contains the original first three volumes. These are two ways to begin the same story.
The easiest reading order is the sequence of the manga’s story arcs, rather than the chronology of the video games. Read the original English volumes 1–29 first, then continue with the separately numbered Diamond and Pearl/Platinum series.
The confusing part is the packaging. Several later arcs begin again at Volume 1, while some stories appear in both shorter mini-volumes and fuller collected editions. This guide follows VIZ’s English-language releases and explains where those editions overlap.
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What Is Pokémon Adventures?
Pokémon Adventures is a manga written by Hidenori Kusaka, with early artwork by Mato and later artwork by Satoshi Yamamoto. It draws on the Pokémon games while developing its own characters, conflicts, and continuing story.
This is the series to try if you want a Pokémon adventure built around game-inspired protagonists such as Red, Gold, Ruby, and Sapphire. You do not need to watch the anime first.
Its appeal is the way it turns familiar ingredients—rival Trainers, evolving teams, regional journeys, and villainous organizations—into a connected adventure. Starting at the beginning lets you experience those relationships as they develop.
Pokémon Adventures Reading Order at a Glance
Follow the sequence below. The early rows use VIZ’s English shelf groupings; these are useful for finding books, rather than a claim that every story transition falls precisely between volumes.
| Order | Story or English release | What to read |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red and Blue, including the Yellow storyline | Pokémon Adventures, volumes 1–7 |
| 2 | Gold and Silver, including the Crystal storyline | Pokémon Adventures, volumes 8–14 |
| 3 | Ruby and Sapphire | Pokémon Adventures, volumes 15–22 |
| 4 | FireRed and LeafGreen | Pokémon Adventures, volumes 23–25 |
| 5 | Emerald | Pokémon Adventures, volumes 26–29 |
| 6 | Diamond and Pearl/Platinum | Pokémon Adventures: Diamond and Pearl/Platinum, volumes 1–11 |
| 7 | HeartGold and SoulSilver | Pokémon Adventures: HeartGold and SoulSilver, volumes 1–2 |
| 8 | Black and White | Pokémon Adventures: Black and White, volumes 1–9 |
| 9 | Black 2 & White 2 | Pokémon Adventures: Black 2 & White 2, volumes 1–4 |
| 10 | X and Y | Pokémon Adventures: X•Y, volumes 1–6 |
| 11 | Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire | Start Pokémon Adventures: Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire at volume 1; see the edition note below |
| 12 | Sun and Moon | Pokémon: Sun & Moon, volumes 1–12 |
| 13 | Sword and Shield | Pokémon: Sword & Shield, volumes 1–14 |
| 14 | Scarlet and Violet | Pokémon: Scarlet & Violet, starting at volume 1; continue in numerical order |
Important: The last three rows use VIZ’s shorter English releases. Their numbering is separate from the original volumes, the Collector’s Edition, and the fuller Adventures-branded collections. Scarlet & Violet is an ongoing English release; do not treat the table as a fixed total for the entire manga.
Where does Yellow fit?
Read Yellow immediately after the opening Red and Blue story. In the standard English books, keep going through volumes 4–7.
You do not need to find an additional Yellow series outside the first seven books. Likewise, the Crystal storyline is part of the Johto material grouped under Gold and Silver.
Why is HeartGold and SoulSilver later in the list?
It revisits an earlier region, but that does not make it the next book after Gold and Silver. For a first read, leave it after Diamond and Pearl/Platinum in the manga sequence.
The same principle applies to Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire: returning to Hoenn does not mean you should move it directly behind Ruby and Sapphire.
The Best Place to Start: Volume 1
My recommendation is to begin with Red, even if a different game generation is your favorite.
A long series is easier to approach when the first decision is small. Read one book before committing to a box set or a shelf of collected editions. If you like the combination of discovery, competition, and friendships with Pokémon, continue in numerical order.
Purchase text: Begin Red’s journey with Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1 on Amazon.
Singles vs. Collector’s Edition: Which Should You Buy?
| Format | Best reason to choose it | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard individual volumes | Try the series one book at a time | Original numbering runs through volume 29 before later English series restart |
| Collector’s Edition | Read the opening run in ten larger paperbacks | It overlaps the original volumes 1–29 and ends at Emerald |
| Box sets | Buy a particular group of books together | “Complete” may refer to that set’s storyline, rather than all Pokémon Adventures |
| Later mini-volumes | Follow the shorter English releases for later regions | Their volume numbers do not match fuller collected editions |
| Red and Blue Deluxe Edition | Consider a hardcover edition of the opening story | It overlaps earlier material; it is not a sequel |
VIZ identifies Collector’s Edition Volume 1 as collecting original volumes 1–3. Its tenth and final volume collects original volumes 28–29.
That makes the practical choice straightforward: read original volumes 1–29 or Collector’s Edition volumes 1–10. You do not need both to follow that stretch of the story.
If you switch formats partway through, compare the contents of the books. Moving from standard Volume 3 to Collector’s Edition Volume 4 would skip material.
What about the new Deluxe Edition?
As checked on October 30, 2026, VIZ lists Pokémon Adventures: Red and Blue, Deluxe Edition, Volume 1 for November 10, 2026.
It is another edition of the opening adventure. Readers buying immediately can start with an existing standard paperback or Collector’s Edition instead.
Purchase text: Check the listing for Pokémon Adventures: Red and Blue, Deluxe Edition, Volume 1 on Amazon.
What Do You Read After Collector’s Edition Volume 10?
Continue with Pokémon Adventures: Diamond and Pearl/Platinum, Volume 1.
The Collector’s Edition’s final-volume label refers to that ten-book collection. It does not mean you have reached the end of every Pokémon Adventures storyline.
From there, follow Diamond and Pearl/Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver, Black and White, and Black 2 & White 2 before moving into the later regions.
Purchase text: Continue into Sinnoh with Pokémon Adventures: Diamond and Pearl/Platinum, Volume 1 on Amazon.
Can You Start With Your Favorite Pokémon Region?
You can begin at the start of a later regional story, especially if that is what makes you excited to read. However, it is a selective starting point rather than the route that preserves every returning-character connection.
Diamond and Pearl/Platinum or Black and White are reasonable alternatives because they introduce new central casts. Begin at Volume 1 of the exact series you choose.
I would be more cautious about starting with FireRed and LeafGreen, Emerald, HeartGold and SoulSilver, or Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. These return to established characters, so earlier adventures give their relationships more context.
For readers who enjoy following a fantasy cast across multiple books, the beginning offers the most satisfying route. For someone simply curious about the manga version of a favorite region, a regional opener can be an easier commitment.
Mini-Volumes vs. Full Adventures Editions
This distinction matters most when you shop for later arcs.
For example, Pokémon X•Y has a twelve-volume mini-volume release, while Pokémon Adventures: X•Y has a six-volume fuller collection. The number 6 means something different in each edition.
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire also has both a shorter release titled Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire and a fuller release titled Pokémon Adventures: Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
The six-book mini-volume run provides an alternative for reading its earlier serialized version. It should not be treated as an exact contents match for the fuller Adventures collections, which can incorporate additions and revisions.
Choose one format for an arc when possible. If you change formats, compare the chapters included rather than assuming that the next number on the cover continues your story.
Don’t Confuse It With Diamond and Pearl Adventure!
Pokémon Adventures: Diamond and Pearl/Platinum belongs to the Kusaka-written series covered here.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!, by Shigekatsu Ihara, is a different manga. The similar title makes it an easy shopping mistake, particularly when browsing used books.
Check the full title and creator credit before buying. The singular “Adventure!” title is not the next part of this reading order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pokémon Adventures the same as Pokémon Special?
Yes. Pokémon Special is the Japanese title of the series published in English as Pokémon Adventures.
Does Pokémon Adventures follow Ash?
Its main continuing story follows game-inspired protagonists such as Red rather than retelling Ash’s anime journey.
Do you need to play the games first?
No. Familiarity with the games helps you recognize places and Pokémon, but you can follow the manga without playing through each generation.
Does the Collector’s Edition contain the whole series?
No. Its ten books collect original volumes 1–29, ending with Emerald. Continue with Diamond and Pearl/Platinum afterward.
What is the easiest Pokémon Adventures reading order?
Start with standard Volume 1 and read through Volume 29, or read Collector’s Edition volumes 1–10. Then follow the separately titled arcs in the order listed above.
Is Pokémon Adventures appropriate for children?
VIZ rates the opening volume All Ages. Parents choosing for a particular child should still preview the action and peril, especially if the child mainly knows the gentler parts of the television series.
Where I Recommend Beginning
Choose Pokémon Adventures, Volume 1 if you want to sample the manga, or Collector’s Edition, Volume 1 if you already prefer larger collections.
Read through the opening Kanto stories before deciding how much to collect. The series is long, but getting started only requires choosing the first book—and checking that the edition on the cover matches the one you intend to read.
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