The iconic trainer from the first generation of Pokemon games, Trainer Red returns as a collectible statue later this year.

Not to be confused with anime counterpart Ash Ketchum, Trainer “Red” was the original protagonist of the Pokemon series, starring in Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow/Green and the FireRed and LeafGreen remakes. Red was given his first Pokemon and Pokedex from Professor Oak shortly after his 10th birthday- the catalysts for a long and challenging quest towards becoming the best Pokemon Trainer in Kanto. Though he disappeared from the public after defeating the Elite Four and rival Trainer Blue, skilled players were reunited with Trainer Red in Pokemon Gold/Silver with an incredibly difficult post-game Pokemon battle on Victory Road. Trainer Red also has a one-time appearance in the Super Smash Bros. series, as the original Pokemon protagonist was a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Wii; though Red himself may not fight on the battlefield, he can call Squirtle, Ivysaur and Charizard onto the field in succession.

From Japanese collectible manufacturer Kotobukiya, Pokemon‘s Trainer Red will be immortalized as part of the ARTFX J line of collectible figures. As suggested by the title of the collectible, the “Red With Pikachu” statue depicts Trainer Red in his “challenge to a Pokemon battle” pose, with Pikachu at his feet charging up for an attack. The 1/8th scale figure is sculpted from PVC and ABS, with an approximate height of 18.5cm/7.3in. Pikachu- though packaged with the Red figure- can be displayed separately, as it is not directly attached to the base.

The Pokemon Red With Pikachu ARTFX J collectible from Kotobukiya is now available to pre-order for $76.99, and is expected to ship in late-November/early-December.

Source: Play-Asia
Images courtesy of The Pokemon Company, Nintendo, Game Freak, Kotobukiya