A manga adaptation of the 12th Pokemon movie, “Pokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life” features an entertaining story that brings four legendary Pokemon (Arceus, Dialga, Palkia and Giratina) together in one storyline. An enjoyable story that Pokemon fans will definitely enjoy!
Image courtesy of © 2011 Pokemon. All Rights Reserved.
MANGA TITLE: Pokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life
ORIGINAL CONCEPT by Satoshi Tajiri
SUPERVISED BY Tsunekazu Ishihara
SCRIPT by Hideki Sonoda
STORY & ART by Makoto Mizobuchi
FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.
PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC
RATED: For All Ages
RELEASE DATE: February 1, 2011
Long ago, Legendary Pokemon Arceus was betrayed by a human it trusted with its life. Now Arceus is back for vengeance. With the help of their new friends Sheena and Kevin, Ash and Dawn must convince Arceus not to destroy humankind.
Entertaining and fun, for Pokemon fans, to have four major Pokemon in one storyline and having them battle it out is not only awesome but it’s a story worth reading!
“Pokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life” is the manga adaptation of the 12th Pokemon movie of the same title and both were released simultaneously.  In the past, I have watched and reviewed Pokemon films and then have read books and manga of that film afterward, but this is the first time I have read the manga first before watching the anime film.
For the most part, Makoto Mizobuchi has captured the look and feel of Pokemon very well and for a children’s manga, he has been able to make the look and feel of his story and his art accessible not just to children but for adults, because they are well illustrated and enjoyable to read.
The storyline does feature Ash, Dawn and Brock and you do see a little Pikachu action in this storyline but truthfully, the focus of the story is primarily showcasing the legendary Pokemon and the fact that you see Dialga, Palkia, Giratina and Arceus in one storyline and seeing these Pokemon against each other was quite a surprise because these Pokemon are not supposed to exist in the same time and space. So, it was quite intriguing to see them fight (or nearly fight) each other.
As for parents who are considering buying this manga for their child, there is really nothing violent about the storyline. The main premise is “revenge” which Arceus wants because humans have wronged him and Ash and friends try all they can to stop him from hurting humans. It’s a pretty straightforward story and although its hinted that Arceus killed of Damos and others for their treachery, it’s not presented in a way where the word “kill” or “dead” was used. It’s only hinted and shown in a picture. But other than that, there is nothing violent or scary about this manga and it is child-friendly. It’s also a manga graphic novel that is part of Viz Media’s “vizkids” line as well.
Overall, if you or your child is a fan of the Pokemon series and loved to read the manga, definitely give “Pokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life” a chance!