Pokémon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu ##1
Viz Comics • Pokémon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu (1998 Viz Series)
Writer
Toshihiro Ono
Interior Artist
Toshihiro Ono
Cover Artist
Toshihiro Ono
Publication Date
November 1998
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (Newsstand Edition indicated by white UPC box placement)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First issue of the Western adaptation of the Pokémon manga. It introduces Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu, loosely following the plot of the first episode of the anime. It features early appearances of Misty and Gary Oak.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible minor spine stress marks, slight corner blunting on the bottom left corner, minor edge wear along the top, and light surface scuffing visible through the polybag.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50; Graded (CGC 9.8): $400 - $600; Graded (CGC 7.5): $80 - $110
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition have recently sold between $35 and $60. High-demand CGC 9.8 copies have seen peaks around $550 due to 90s nostalgia.
Grading Recommendation
Potentially worth grading if a pressing service can remove surface dimples and improve it to an 8.5 or higher. At the current estimated 7.5 range, the cost of grading may outweigh the immediate value increase.
Notable Features
First appearance of Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, and Gary Oak in American comic books. This series is known for being an 'untrimmed' version compared to later trade paperbacks which saw some art edits for Western audiences.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Viz Comics logo present at the top right; official Nintendo Licensed Product seal visible at bottom right. Correct paper stock and cover gloss for late-90s Viz monthly floppies.