Pokemon Graphic Novel, Vol. 4: Surf's Up, Pikachu

Pokemon Graphic Novel #4

by Toshihiro Ono

In a series of zany adventures, Ash and Pikachu battle tropical seas and wild jungles while they help protect the Orange Islands from a hungry Snorlax.

Genres: Manga, Fiction, Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Childrens, Science Fiction

167 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 1999

Reviews

[Heather Purri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final volume. In this volume, Ash helps solve a mystery about a Snorlax who goes on binge eating sprees in the Grapefruit Islands, battles Rudy, competes in the Orange Islands Pokemon League, helps stop one of Team Rocket's mind-control schemes, and meets a Legendary Pokemon.

Themes include seeing things from other people's perspectives, learning that you can't buy love, saying what's in your heart, learning when to let go, and forging your own path in life.

At this point in the manga, it's clear that Ash and Gary have fun poking fun at each other and squabbling; it's just the nature of their friendship. Ash and Gary even do some traveling together. Ash also does some traveling with Ritchie. Tracey sticks to doing research with Professor Oak, but Tracey and Ash are clearly friends and enjoy each other's visits. They have a mutual admiration - Tracey for Ash's passion for life and Ash for the way Tracey sees beauty in the world. Team Rocket become friends with Ash and company (Ash uses the word "friends") and we now know how Jessie feels about James and Meowth - they're worthy of her trust.

Spoilers of the Ending:
Ash accidentally goes into the wrong hot spring room (In Vol. 2, Misty went into the wrong one.) and accidentally sees Misty naked again, but this time their reaction is different. Last time, Misty was mortified and Ash was attracted but shrugged it off as if to say, 'She's just one of the guys.' This time, it's romantic. They blush and gaze into each other's eyes.

Now for the famous part of the manga. We don't hear what is said, but it's clear that James tells Jessie that he's in love with her, and she tears up. They get married (and presumably quit Team Rocket) and have a baby.

[Danielle Booey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash and Pikachu journey to the Orange Islands to take on their gym challenge. Along the way they deal with a grapefruit munching Snorlax, a gym leader obsessed with marrying Misty, and a surprise visit from Team Rocket!

Some great gym battles, continued hilarious characterizations of Ash, Misty, etc. A brief cameo from Brock, and an extra flashback battle with Gary?! What more could you ask for??

Well, maybe some answers like why did my ILL come from a college library in Michigan? Why was it in pristine condition like it walked out of the year 2000? And why does Bay College Library have a signed edition?!!

[Kurtis Burkhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really love the Pokémon franchise, mostly the games and anime! This this was an alright quick 20 chapters manga about ash’s original Pokémon journey in the Kant’s region and the orange islands part😁👌

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annnnnd this series is finished! The Pikachu mini-series gives the series the epilogue fans long for as the show continues to drag onward. This final volume's majority is Ash taking on the Orange Island's league and having to face a Dragonite. He shows his finesse as a trainer and takes down the undefeated Champion. There was also a side story of Ash and Gary chasing down Team Rocket to save a giant Slowpoke. The Epilogue though...it was so satisfying to read as a long-time Pokemon fan. Ash and Gary team up and continue their journey; Ash and Misty continue to blush and flirt; Ash meets Lugia, and Jesse and James not only get together but a particular illustration implies they have a child together. <3 It was a nice ending to a quick and fun series.

[Ace · Rating 3 out of 5]

My parents somehow won a set of Ono's four-volume Pokemon manga, and my brother and I argued over them for hours. We both loved Pokemon and liked this series - and only liked because it was a lot different from the TV show in content, a surprise both fascinating and confusing. The manga was darker and more violent than the show was, portraying characters a little less cliched and lovable; I appreciate that more now than I did at eight.

This is a fun read for Pokemon fans.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

IDK

[Trey Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me sad this particular series ended here.