It may have been launched in the mid-1990s by Nintendo as a video game, but in the 14 years since, Pokémon has become a multimedia franchise including movies, toys and a television series. And among the most enduring parts of that franchise is the trading card game still played by millions of kids.
The Salt Lake City championships for the Pokémon card game take place this weekend, with competitors in Junior, Senior and Masters divisions pitting their decks against opponents for a variety of Pokémon prizes and a shot at an invitation to the 2011 World Championship in San Diego in August. To you, those colorful manga creatures are just silly pieces of paper; to a kid you know, it may be his shot at glory.
Pokémon City Championship @ Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Dec. 18, 9 a.m., free. Pokemon.com
