10-year-old Satoshi, after finding a Pikachu messing with the wiring in his house, is on a journey to become the greatest Pokemon Master and to beat out his rival, Shigeru. Along the way, he meets with many other Pokemon trainers and advisors, including water-based trainer (and gym leader) Kasumi, ground- and rock-based trainer (and gym leader) Takeshi, and others.

Dengeki! Pikachu was published in English as The Electric Tale of Pikachu by Viz Media, first in sampler editions included with home video releases of Pokemon, then as sixteen monthly issues, from November 1998 to February 2000 and, finally, in four volumes, from September 5, 1999 to August 10, 2000. Aside from the home video samplers, the first two chapters were released in a collection entitled Special Signature Edition Red Version, included with a Pokemon Video Suitcase promotional set. At the time of its release, the first volume was the best-selling manga and best-selling comic book of any type in the United States.