As the Pokémon series gears up for its 30th anniversary, Time magazine has just dropped its fourth wave of Pokémon crossover covers. This isn't just a commemorative release; it's a game-changer for the franchise. After two years and 16 covers, Time is finally featuring Pokémon from outside the Kanto region—meaning we're moving beyond the original 151—and officially putting the second and third generations in the spotlight.
Among the new covers, Mega Charizard X is undoubtedly the star, marking the first time a "Mega Evolution" form has graced a Time Pokémon cover.
With "Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A" bringing Mega Evolution back as a core gameplay mechanic, recent polls show that even with various new forms, Mega Charizard X remains the most popular Mega Evolved Pokémon.
Insiders also noted that if they had to pick a representative Mega Evolution for the Time cover, "Charizard is still the least controversial choice."
Notably, this makes Charizard the first Pokémon in Time's cover history to appear twice, as its regular form was featured in an earlier edition. Another first? A single cover featuring two Pokémon simultaneously: Lugia and Ho-Oh, signaling the official entry of the Johto region into the Time Pokémon cover universe.
But what truly has fans buzzing is the generational leap represented by Rayquaza, Lugia, and Ho-Oh. Rayquaza hails from the Hoenn region, while Lugia and Ho-Oh symbolize Johto. This marks the first time Time's Pokémon special editions have broken free from the highly popular, original 151-Pokémon constraint. For many long-time players, this selection is seen as a huge nod to the later generations.
As for the magazine's content, while this edition is a special 30th-anniversary print, the interior structure remains consistent with previous issues. The 96 pages are packed with practical info, including a look back at the "Pokémon GO" craze, a beginner's guide to the games, and tips for avoiding scams in Pokémon card trading.
All three covers are currently retailing for $14.99 each. Although the content inside is identical, for collectors, this shift in cover representation is definitely a moment worth documenting.
via： TheGamer