Pokémon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu #3
Viz Comics • Pokémon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu (Vol. 1)
Writer
Toshihiro Ono
Interior Artist
Toshihiro Ono
Cover Artist
Toshihiro Ono
Publication Date
January 1999
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Ash Ketchum enters the Pewter City Gym to challenge Brock for the Boulder Badge. This issue features the battle against Brock’s Onix and Ash's Pikachu being supercharged. It is based on the 'Showdown in Pewter City' episode of the anime.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Moderate surface scratching/scuffing visible in the gloss (center-right), minor blunting on corners, and small spine stress ticks. There appears to be a slight wave to the paper, possibly from storage/bagging pressure.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20 / Graded (9.8): $150 - $250
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar condition typically sell for between $12 and $18 on eBay. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have sold for over $200 during peak Pokémon market interest.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in this condition. The visible surface scuffs and spine wear would likely result in a grade below 9.0, meaning the cost of grading would exceed the increased market value.
Notable Features
Features Brock and Misty on the cover. Iconic early US Pokémon manga adaptation. Notable for featuring artwork that was sometimes censored in later trade paperback editions compared to the original monthly single issues.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Viz Comics single issue. Features correct trade dress, including the $3.25 USD price point and the official Nintendo licensed product seal. Color saturation and logo placement are consistent with late 90s Viz 'Monthly Manga' format.