TIME Special Edition - Pokémon: 30 Years Of Pikachu, The Games, The Shows, The Evolution, The World's Most Valuable Media Franchise, Master Pokémon Go, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Gengar, Squirtle & More! Myths & Monsters and a rundown of 25

and a rundown of 25 essential songs

) and more

Featuring eight chapters

with practical tips and tried-and-true pairings

a special issue created for fans who want the full story behind the band’s latest chapter

TIME Special Edition - Pokémon: 30 Years Of Pikachu, The Games, The Shows, The Evolution, The World's Most Valuable Media Franchise, Master Pokémon Go, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Gengar, Squirtle & More! Myths & Monsters and a rundown of 25When Pokmon was released in Japan in 1996, intrepid gamers picked up copies and discovered delightful monster catching adventures in the world of Kanto. Two years later, when the game came stateside, scores of fans rallied to embrace the universe already beloved across the Pacific. The franchise now features more than 1,000 critters, ranging from cuddly to formidable to downright scary. Chief among them is Pikachu, whose popularity is as strong as