9 Best Pokémon Art Books That Turned Into Valuable Collector Pieces

Art books dedicated to Pokémon showcase the creative process behind the iconic characters and world of the franchise. These books are filled with vibrant illustrations, character designs, and concept art, providing a deeper connection to the Pokémon universe. The detailed imagery and artistic vision presented in these books highlight the effort that goes into creating each Pokémon. As limited edition prints, these books often gain value over time, making them highly desirable for collectors.

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Pokémon The Art of Mewtwo Strikes Back

Released in 1999 by Shogakukan, this art book was created to celebrate the release of the first Pokémon movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back. It features early concept sketches, character designs, and detailed artwork from the film’s production. Collectors appreciate this book for its rare look at the movie’s visual development, as it includes never-before-seen materials. Today, a complete copy can sell for around $120 to $250, depending on its condition. As a piece tied to the first Pokémon film, it holds both nostalgic and historical value.

The book’s value also stems from the limited number of copies that were produced. As time has passed, the rarity of these books has made them increasingly sought after by collectors. This item continues to be a favorite for those who admire the movie’s artwork or wish to own a piece of Pokémon history.

Pokémon Adventures Official Illustration Book

Released in 2001 by Shogakukan, the Pokémon Adventures Official Illustration Book gathers artwork from the beloved Pokémon Adventures manga series. It includes full-color illustrations, character studies, and concept art, making it a must-have for fans of the series. The book is valuable for its unique collection of rare images and early artwork that is not available in other volumes. The current market value for a well-preserved copy is between $100 and $220.

This book is highly regarded because it gives readers a deeper connection to the characters and stories of the Pokémon Adventures series. The variety of artwork makes it a versatile addition to any collection, appealing to both manga fans and collectors of Pokémon merchandise. Its rarity adds an extra layer of desirability for those looking to complete their collection.

Pokémon Official Strategy Guide Art Book

The Pokémon Official Strategy Guide Art Book, published in 2000 by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, is a companion piece to the original Pokémon games. It contains detailed artwork of characters, Pokémon, and environments, along with gameplay tips. The book is valuable because it combines art with practical game advice, making it a collector’s item for both gamers and Pokémon fans. Copies of this book typically sell for $80 to $180 in today’s market.

Collectors appreciate this book for its insight into the development of the original Pokémon world and its usefulness as a game guide. The combination of detailed art and useful information makes it an interesting piece to revisit. Its limited run and connection to the early Pokémon games continue to drive its value.

Pokémon XY Official Art Book

Released in 2013 by Shogakukan, the Pokémon XY Official Art Book showcases artwork from the Pokémon X and Y games. This book features stunning character designs, environments, and new Pokémon introduced in the Kalos region. It holds value due to its high-quality art and its place in documenting one of the most celebrated game generations. The book typically sells for $80 to $160 on resale markets.

Fans of the XY games find this book appealing due to its in-depth look at the creative process behind the visuals. The book also captures the changing artistic direction of Pokémon as it entered the 3D era. As a piece of Pokémon history, it’s an essential addition to many collectors’ libraries.

Pokémon Art Academy Official Art Book

Released in 2014 alongside the Pokémon Art Academy game, this book provides an introduction to drawing Pokémon with step-by-step tutorials and artist examples. The book contains both educational content for aspiring artists and beautiful artwork from the game. The rarity of this book, paired with its educational aspect, makes it an attractive collector’s item. The resale price typically ranges from $60 to $130.

This book is especially appealing to fans who want to learn how to draw their favorite Pokémon. It combines art instruction with the fun of Pokémon, offering a unique crossover between gaming and art. Its educational value, along with its limited print run, makes it highly sought after.

Pokémon Sun Moon Official Art Book

The Pokémon Sun Moon Official Art Book was released in 2017 and highlights the art from the Sun and Moon games. Featuring beautiful character art, regional designs, and various Pokémon, this book offers an exclusive look at the Alola region. The market value for this book today ranges from $100 to $180. As it was printed in limited quantities, it has become a highly collectible piece.

Collectors value this art book for its stunning portrayal of the Alola region and the new Pokémon that debuted in Sun and Moon. Its vibrant art style, along with its limited release, has made it a desirable item for fans of the franchise. The book’s connection to a fan-favorite generation adds to its appeal.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Collection Art Book English 2016

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Collection Art Book was released in English in 2016 by The Pokémon Company. This book features stunning artwork from over 20 years of Pokémon trading card designs, showcasing the evolution of card illustrations throughout the series. Collectors value this book for its rare and high-quality art, including some of the most iconic and beloved cards. It is currently valued between $120 and $250 depending on its condition and availability.

This art book is highly sought after by both trading card collectors and Pokémon fans who appreciate the intricate designs that make the cards so popular. It also offers insight into the artistic process behind the cards, with commentary from the illustrators themselves.

Pokémon Legends Arceus Art Book Pokémon Center

Released alongside the game in 2022, the Pokémon Legends Arceus Art Book is a celebration of the artwork from the Pokémon Legends Arceus game. This art book features detailed character and environment designs, as well as sketches that reveal the game’s creative process. Its value lies in the unique visual style of the Hisui region, offering fans a closer look at the world that shaped the game. The book is currently priced between $70 and $150.

Fans of Pokémon Legends Arceus appreciate this book for its exclusive content and for showcasing the early concept designs that influenced the game’s final version. The combination of beautiful illustrations and behind-the-scenes details makes this art book a valuable addition for collectors.

Pikachu 20th Anniversary Art Book Pokémon Center Nintendo

Released in 2016 by Nintendo and Pokémon Center, the Pikachu 20th Anniversary Art Book celebrates 20 years of Pikachu as the face of the Pokémon franchise. This art book includes illustrations, concept art, and rare promotional images of Pikachu throughout its history. The book is a collector’s item because it marks the milestone of Pikachu’s rise to global fame and its role in the Pokémon legacy. The current market value for this book is around $100 to $200, depending on condition.

Collectors highly value this book for its exclusive content and the rare visuals showcasing Pikachu’s evolution over the years. The limited edition print run has increased its scarcity, making it a prized find for fans of the Pokémon series. As the franchise’s mascot, Pikachu’s widespread appeal and significant role in the Pokémon universe add to the book’s collector’s value.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.