Review: The Sun Sets on One Arc and Rises on Another in POKEMON ADVENTURES Volume 8

I just finished reading Pokémon Adventures Collector’s Edition Vol. 8 and I wanted to talk about it. VIZ Media was kind enough to provide me with a copy and you can purchase your own copy from your local comic shop, Amazon, or wherever you like to buy manga. This volume has the original volumes 22, 23, and 24 and finishes the Ruby and Sapphire arc while starting the Fire Red and Leaf Green story.

The finale of the Ruby & Sapphire arc crescendos with a battle between Legendary Pokémon Kyogre and Groudon! And, in the new FireRed & LeafGreen arc, Green’s long-lost parents have been sucked into a vortex created by a mysterious Pokémon! Red and Blue want to help, but first they must improve their battle skills.

If you’ve been following me for the last 7 volumes, you know that I’ve struggled with the Ruby and Sapphire storyline. I still struggle with it all, but I do like the ending of the arc. Everything is tied up neatly. I may not agree with Ruby’s and Norman’s stories, but I’m glad that we did get some background information.

A big part of the volume is the start of the Fire Red and Leaf Green story and I am really enjoying it despite some annoyances. Our main characters are now 16 years old and things are moving forward for them. Green is going to meet her parents, Professor Oak wants to meet with Blue and Red, everyone’s happy. What could go wrong? Well, it turns out a lot. I like how the Sevii Islands from the games are introduced and serve as the main setting. I also appreciate Ultima and what she brings to the table. Another aspect I appreciate is the tackling of motivation for the characters.

I don’t really like the villain of the arc though. I don’t want to spoil it, but the villain often comes off as the stereotypical Shonen enemy that’s always 5 steps ahead of the heroes and infinitely powerful until the last minute when the heroes come up with some new technique or complete bullcrap. I recognize this isn’t new to Pokémon, but I feel like it’s more of a problem with this story.

Overall, fans are treated to a good finale to one arc and a great start to the next in this new volume of Pokémon Adventures. I’m interested to see where it goes and am sad that the Collector’s Editions will end with the 10th volume.