Too original? Definitely not.
If you want something with the same linear and boring storyline as the games, then the anime is there for you. But if you want something that isnt exactly what you played through the games, with new and interesting characters, (And not the same guy for 500+ episodes..) Then Pokemon Special is a great outlet. Especially for fans like me, who have been with the series since the Beginning on Game Boy, and arent 12 years old anymore. I understand how Nintendo wants to keep this a childrens series, but I personally am getting bored with the games lately, and Special is actually exciting, there is action and even death in some points, it is definitely more realistic than the show where nothing bad ever seems to happen. Also, the characters in the Anime just seem boring. I mean, May left the team, and now Dawn is there, but they are basically the same person to me. =(
I also Love the character of Ruby, he is a huge departure from many generic anime/manga heroes. I also felt a deep personal connection to his character, in nearly all aspects.
I also love Sapphire's wild personality. Another type of character who is almost unheard of in many anime/manga today, especially for a girl.
Anyway, i love the manga completely, (except maybe Emerald's chapter, i didnt feel much of a connecion with him, lol) and its great for more mature fans of the series and people who like to take the world of Pokemon more realistically.
And also, like another poster mentioned, This version of Pokemon is the one the creator himself said is most like the world he envisioned.
The Pokemon games themself are made to sell, not to entertain anymore, but the manga captures the charm of the series completely, in my opinion.
Lol, okay, im done!! Sorry for such a long post, lol, i just coudnt stop. ^^;;
Haha, or maybe im just a nerd with too much time on his hands. >_>
BTW Im only 19!! I didnt mean to sound like an old man! lol