Bellevue, Wash. — May 12, 2026 — Today, Pikachu Press, the official publishing imprint from The Pokémon Company International, unveiled the “Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide” Limited Edition Box Set Collection, which includes a premium hardcover collector's edition book created in partnership with Dark Horse Comics, launching Aug. 25, 2026.
A must-have for collectors, longtime Trainers and new fans alike, the “Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide” brings together all known Pokémon from the Kanto region to Paldea region — starting with #0001 Bulbasaur and ending with #1025 Pecharunt, as featured in the National Pokédex. Beautifully bound with a cover design featuring Pikachu and over 160 fan-favorite Pokémon, Trainers of all ages will experience an immersive look into the beloved Pokémon brand, organized by region, along with sections dedicated to the iconic Pikachu, recently discovered Pokémon and both Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. The “Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide” is the first book published by The Pokémon Company International that features content across the Pokémon video games, Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and Pokémon animation.
Available for preorder now at participating retailers, including Pokémon Center, the timeless collector’s edition book includes a foreword written by Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company, and over 336 glossy pages detailing Pokémon, their Evolutions, facts and more. The Limited Edition Box Set Collection will include special bonus items from the Pokémon video games, the Pokémon TCG and animation — alongside a Certificate of Authenticity.
“With artwork spanning the franchise, the ‘Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide’ Limited Edition Box Set Collection is a celebration of the brand and the many Trainers who make up the vibrant and diverse Pokémon community, who have accompanied us along the way — whether they started their journey playing the video games, collecting and playing with Pokémon cards, or tuning in to the animation,” says Heather Dalgleish Parker, senior director of original merchandise at The Pokémon Company International. “As the first of its kind for Pikachu Press, this collector’s edition box set and book celebrate the legacy and breadth of the Pokémon brand while inviting Trainers to learn more about their favorite Pokémon in a beautifully crafted and thoughtfully curated format.”
“Having the opportunity to use our expertise to create a book for Pokémon fans has been a dream. This book reflects the thorough dedication of Dark Horse, Pikachu Press, and The Pokémon Company International, as well as our passion for Pokémon, and we hope they enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed making it,” said Brett Israel, editor at Dark Horse Comics. “The ‘Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide’ features all known Pokémon in stunning detail, making it a must-have for Trainers of all types.”
The Limited Edition Box Set Collection, distributed by Simon & Schuster, is available for preorder now where books are sold in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to the Limited Edition Box Set Collection, Pikachu Press will release the “Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide” as a standalone book, also distributed by Simon & Schuster where books are sold in the U.S. and Canada, and published by Expanse, an imprint of HarperCollins in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Trainers can also preorder both products at Pokémon Center in the U.S. and Canada, and the standalone book at Pokémon Center in the U.K. The “Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide” Limited Edition Box Set Collection and standalone book go on sale Aug. 25, 2026.
To learn more about the “Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide,” or to stay up to date on the latest Pokémon news, please visit Pokemon.com.
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About The Pokémon Company International
The Pokémon Company International manages the Pokémon property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit www.pokemon.com.
About Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson as an offshoot of his comics retail chain, Things from Another World. With a goal of creating a welcoming environment for comics professionals, Dark Horse continues to publish the work of many of the greatest creators in the industry’s history. Dark Horse, from its beginning, also has a track record of establishing new creative talent. Early on, the company set a new standard for quality with licensed properties, including comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and art books based on popular film and gaming properties. Dark Horse also began building a manga publishing line in the 1980s, going on to release such classics as Lone Wolf & Cub, Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Trigun, and Berserk. Richardson established Dark Horse Entertainment as a film division in 1989, finding initial success with his own creations, The Mask and TimeCop. Recent hits from Dark Horse Entertainment include The Umbrella Academy on Netflix and Resident Alien on SyFy. In 2022, Dark Horse Media, LLC was established as Dark Horse and became part of Embracer Group AB.