Which Pokémon manga began serialization in Japan in March 1997?

Pokémon Adventures began serialization in Japan in March 1997.

Written by Hidenori Kusaka and initially illustrated by Mato, the manga is based primarily on the Pokémon video games. Its first storyline follows Red as he receives a Pokédex, challenges Gym Leaders, and confronts Team Rocket. The manga uses game-inspired characters and settings while telling a more continuous adventure than the television anime.

Pokémon Adventures is known in Japan as Pokémon Special. Its story is divided into arcs corresponding to different game generations, including Red, Green & Blue; Yellow; Gold, Silver & Crystal; and later Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, and other arcs.

A common mix-up is treating the manga as an adaptation of the anime. It is a separate continuity, and its protagonists are often named after game versions rather than following Ash Ketchum. The series has continued across multiple generations of Pokémon games.