Kirby (novel series)

Kirby[1] is an ongoing series of light novels based upon the Kirby series, written by Mie Takase, illustrated by Tau and Poto Karino, and published primarily in Japanese by Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko. The series was originally exclusively available in Japanese until 2022, when the first volume was officially translated and published in French by Mana Books. Both the first and second Kirby Star Allies volumes would go on to be officially translated and published in Korean as well. Later in early 2023, this was followed by the first and second Kirby and the Forgotten Land volumes being translated and published into Korean alongside them. Despite this, the series remains unavailable in English.

Banner featuring the main characters of the Kirby novel series.
This page covers a frequently-updated subject matter.
As such, continuous attention will be needed to ensure this page remains up to date.
This article is about the Japanese novel series based on the Kirby series. For the character in the series, see Kirby (novel character). For other uses of Kirby, see Kirby (disambiguation).
When problems disturb the yawning peace of Dream Land, Kirby and his friends Waddle Dee, King Dedede, and Meta Knight will be there to stop them. Whether it's an original plot that can only be found in the novels, an adaptation of the popular games, or a side story starring characters like Meta Knight, you're sure to have fun reading it! So, grab some Copy Abilities and head out on an exciting adventure!
— Unofficial translation of the series description on the official novel website

The books are intended for young adult readers, and as such, each volume usually consists of roughly two hundred pages, split into as few as eight to as many as sixteen chapters, not counting prologues or epilogues. Usually, two or three new volumes are published in Japanese per year. A few dozen black-and-white illustrations are additionally used in each of the books to accompany specific scenes.

Much like in the anime, Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, the series takes place in its own unique continuity that does not correlate with the games. It is much more accurate to the series overall compared to the anime series, however. Many volumes in the series take inspiration from the games by including characters, objects, and storylines from particular entries, though they do not solely take from the games, as many aspects are unique to the books just the same. Some installments take aspects from other media in the overall Kirby series, such as the real-world Kirby Café, and several merchandise series, using them as a base for more fleshed out plotlines. The series stars Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Waddle Dee as the main characters. Kirby stars as the protagonist in most volumes, while King Dedede and Meta Knight occasionally receive their own respective novels where they are the protagonist instead. Waddle Dee is the only one of the four who hasn't starred in his own novel.

The series reached one million copies sold in 2019,[2] and as of 2023, it has sold more than three million copies.[3]

CharactersEdit

ProtagonistsEdit

Character Description
A pink puffball with the ability to wield Copy Abilities by inhaling certain creatures. He is very naïve and oftentimes becomes distracted by the thought of food, sometimes making it his priority even in dire situations. However, he will toughen up and stand up for his friends when necessary.
The self-proclaimed short tempered king of Dream Land. He is selfish and often treats his servant Waddle Dee harshly when upset. He also sees Kirby as his rival and does not take kindly to his presence. Deep down, he genuinely cares for the puffball, but rarely openly admits it.
A mysterious caped swordsman who wears a mask at all times. He is respectful and skilled with his blade, but has a short temper which can easily be set off if he is humiliated in any way. Although his true motives are usually unknown, he will step up to help his friends when they need him.
A timid Waddle Dee prone to worry who is deeply loyal to King Dedede as his servant, despite the faulty treatment he receives in return. He is best friends with Kirby despite the rivalry between Dedede and the puffball. He often must switch between sides unknowingly to keep things from spiraling out of control. He is willing to help his friends when possible, and quick to finish a requested task.

Starting with Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, he gains a blue bandana, making him more analogous to Bandana Waddle Dee.

Guest & recurring side charactersEdit

Guest & recurring side characters in the Kirby novel series  
Character Exclusive to novels? Appears in Description
 
Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad! A large bird similar to Dyna Blade who trusts Kirby with protecting her egg.
 
Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!, Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Mission!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland!, Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival!, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ A member of the Meta-Knights, a group of loyal combatants who work for Meta Knight. Axe Knight's job is to manage communications with the Halberd.
 
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess A sly villain who manipulates others by controlling them with his Malice Stone. He enjoys spreading hatred among others, and will stop at nothing to obtain whatever treasure he is after.
 
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi One of Meta Knight's highest-ranking henchmen, often seen with Sword Knight. He is more prone to anger than Sword Knight is.
 
Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods!, Kirby Clash Team Unite!, Kirby: Super Team Kirby's Big Battle!, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?! A resident of an ancient ruined building in Gloomy Woods, who guards a valuable treasure with their friend Ringle. Broom Hatter's main job is to keep the place clean.

They also have a Dream Kingdom variant, who is a peaceful resident of the Castle Village.

 
Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?!, Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods!, Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!, Kirby Clash Team Unite!, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?!, Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land!, Kirby: Super Team Kirby's Big Battle!, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, Kirby: Sever Evil with a Slash in a Flash!, Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland!, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ One of King Dedede's subordinates. Has a bad temper and is hard to control when he goes berserk.
 
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess, Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?!, Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land!, Kirby: Save the Rainbow Islands!, Kirby and the Search for the Dreamy Gears!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!, Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Mission!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland!, Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival!, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ The captain of the Battleship Halberd. He works for Meta Knight.
 
Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?!, Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess, Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!, Kirby Clash Team Unite!, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?!, Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land!, Kirby: Super Team Kirby's Big Battle!, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, Kirby: Sever Evil with a Slash in a Flash!, Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland!, Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival! (mentioned), Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ A professional cook who owns the most popular restaurant in Dream Land.
 
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess (mentioned), Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!
 
Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!
 
Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad!, Kirby and the Search for the Dreamy Gears!, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ An honorable master of thievery who leads the Squeaks. Kirby and friends antagonize him at first, but he is later revealed to have no malicious intent.
 
Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!
 
Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad! One of Daroach's three henchmen. He invents many machines that they use, and is very passionate about them.
 
Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?!
 
Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?!
 
Kirby and the Search for the Dreamy Gears! A wise wizard who has knowledge about the ancient machine.
 
Kirby and the Search for the Dreamy Gears! A greedy millionaire who schemes to use the ancient machine for profit no matter the cost.
 
Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?!
 
Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?!
 
Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!, Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Mission!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland!, Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival!, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ A member of the Meta-Knights, a group of loyal combatants who work for Meta Knight.
 
Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods! Three siblings who become determined to eat the tastiest fruits in the universe and seek to become notorious for their carefully crafted schemes.
 
Kirby Clash Team Unite!, Kirby: Super Team Kirby's Big Battle!
 
Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land! A pompous boy who claims to be the CEO of Comet TV, a popular television station. The studio is actually managed by his mother.
 
Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!, Kirby Clash Team Unite!, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby: Super Team Kirby's Big Battle!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!, , Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, Kirby: Sever Evil with a Slash in a Flash!, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪
 
Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land! A magician who works as Kizario's caretaker. He is very responsible, and refuses to cast spells for selfish purposes.
 
Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby: Save the Rainbow Islands!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland!, Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival!, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ A member of the Meta-Knights, a group of loyal combatants who work for Meta Knight.
 
Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!, Kirby Clash Team Unite!, Kirby: Super Team Kirby's Big Battle!, Kirby and the Search for the Dreamy Gears!, Kirby: Lor Starcutter and a Magician of Falsehood, Kirby: Sever Evil with a Slash in a Flash!, Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland!
 
Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land!
 
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess The king of Chiffon Star, and father of Princess Marona. He is very kind and considerate.
 
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi
 
Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land! A resident of Dream Land who can attack by hurling ice cubes.
 
Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?! A gourmet who moved to Dream Land and built a mansion heavily inspired by sweets. She is often selfish and extremely picky about what food she is served, prone to overreact when her expectations are not precisely met.
 
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi
 
Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land! A miniature bear that is Kizario's pet. The two are very close.
 
Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!
 
Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land!
 
Kirby: Save the Rainbow Islands! A fairy who cast a spell on the lake that pours rain onto the Rainbow Islands which makes everyone who drinks its water become her puppet. She is a fan of Queen Sectonia and wants to be like her.
 
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess The princess of Chiffon Star, who keeps up a gentle and sophisticated image to please everyone. She is secretly tired of this role, and wants more freedom.
 
Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue! (mentioned), Kirby: Save the Rainbow Islands! (mentioned)
 
Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad! One of Daroach's three henchmen. He is the most talkative of the three, and he attacks with shurikens.
 
Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad! One of Daroach's three henchmen. He is the strongest and heaviest of the three, but is also the least talkative.
 
Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!
 
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi One of Meta Knight's highest-ranking henchmen, often seen with Blade Knight. He has immense respect for Meta Knight, and sometimes has a tendency to tease Blade Knight.
 
Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!, Kirby Clash Team Unite!, Kirby: Save the Rainbow Islands!
 
Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby: Save the Rainbow Islands!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland!, Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival!, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ A member of the Meta-Knights, a group of loyal combatants who work for Meta Knight.
 
Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?!, Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land!, Kirby: Save the Rainbow Islands!, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!, Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, Kirby: The Mysterious Incident on the Pupupu Train?!, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Start Running to the New World!, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, Kirby: Sever Evil with a Slash in a Flash!, Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland!, Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival!, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ Copies of Waddle Dee created by the Kirby Printer. Work as servants for King Dedede.
 
Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?!, Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival! A resident of Dream Land who is known for his unpleasantly loud voice. His lifelong dream is to become a commentator.
 
Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land!
 
Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad! A hotheaded sorcerer who sleeps in a cave below his temple, and will attack anyone who dares to wake him. His bad temper drove everyone away from his temple, causing it to become abandoned.
 
Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!, Kirby: Lor Starcutter and a Magician of Falsehood A resident of Dream Land who lives in the forest and produces sweet fruit.
 
Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods! An old man claiming to be the guardian of the "Gloomy Woods" area within Dream Land. In reality, he is a fickle thief whose priority is to become rich.
 
Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land!
 
Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land!
 
Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?!
  • A "guest character" is considered to be a novel exclusive character, who usually only makes an appearance in a single volume and drives the plot forward in some significant way.
  • A "recurring side character" is considered to be a character who usually is originally from the games, and appears at least twice over in the series, even if their role is insignificant.

Characters who deviate from these guidelines are considered minor characters, and are covered on this page.

Copy Abilities and Special AbilitiesEdit

Copy Abilities in the Kirby novel series  
Ability Appears in Description Notes
Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?!, Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods!, Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad!, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Start Running to the New World! An ability that allows Kirby to breathe fire and illuminate places.
Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?!, Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad! An ability that allows Kirby to transform into a wheel.
Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?!, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, Kirby: Lor Starcutter and a Magician of Falsehood, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles! An ability that allows Kirby to throw a sharp blade that returns like a boomerang. In Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, the ability only appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones.

In Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, the ability is held only by Shadow Kirby.

In Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles!, it is Buzz-Saw Cutter that makes an appearance.

Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?!, Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby: The Mysterious Incident on the Pupupu Train?!, Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival! An ability that gives Kirby a microphone, which allows him to sing loudly, which can cause destruction and pain. Mike appears in the table of contents illustration of Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!, but doesn't appear in the novel proper.
Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods!, Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Mission!, Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival! An ability that gives Kirby bells, which he can attack with in various ways.
Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad! An ability that allows Kirby to create an electricity field around him.
Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad!, Kirby: Welcome to the Starlight Theater! An ability that allows Kirby to attack with various circus-like attacks.
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi, Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Start Running to the New World!, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles! An ability that gives Kirby a sword, which he can use to attack in all sorts of ways. In Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, the ability also appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones.

In Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, the ability is also held by Shadow Kirby.

In Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles!, it is Gigant Sword that makes an appearance.

Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby: Lor Starcutter and a Magician of Falsehood, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Start Running to the New World! An ability that allows Kirby to attack with a frosty breath and other ice attacks.
Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!, Kirby: The Mysterious Incident on the Pupupu Train?! An ability that allows Kirby fly at high speed with a jetpack.
Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue! An ability that makes Kirby drastically small.
Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?! An ability that gives Kirby a beetle-like hat which he can use to attack others with its long horn, fly with its wings, and more. In Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, the ability only appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones.
Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!, Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!! An ability that gives Kirby a bow and many arrows that he can shoot. In Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, the ability only appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones.
Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi, Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ An ability that gives Kirby access to various martial arts attacks. In Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!! and Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, the ability appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones, but Kirby himself only uses the ability in the former.

In Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!, the only illustration of the ability uses its original hat design: a longer bandana without a star in the front. Later volumes use the design used in games starting from Kirby's Return to Dream Land.

Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!, Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!! An ability that greatly improves Kirby's intelligence and allows him to use various attacks related to science and medicine. In Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, the ability only appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones.

In Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!, obtaining the ability completely changes Kirby's personality, a trait unique to this copy ability.

Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure! An ability that allows Kirby to use various psychic abilities.
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior, Kirby: Lor Starcutter and a Magician of Falsehood An ability that gives Kirby a hat with wings, that allow him to fly and attack with various feather and bird-like attacks.
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior An ability that gives Kirby angelic wings, that allow him to fly, and a bow and various arrows, which he can shoot at enemies with.
Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!! An ability that allows Kirby to use various ninja attacks and techniques.
Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!! An ability that gives Kirby a hammer, which he can use to attack with. In Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!! and Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, the ability appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones, but Kirby himself only uses the ability in the former.
Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet! An ability that allows Kirby to spin, causing a tornado to appear around him. In Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, the ability only appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones.

In Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles!, it is Storm Tornado that makes an appearance.

In Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, the ability is obtained through a Copy Food, and thus appears as a Copy Food Ability.

Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!! An ability that gives Kirby multiple bombs he can throw at enemies. In Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!! and Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, the ability only appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones.
Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!, Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, Kirby: Lor Starcutter and a Magician of Falsehood An ability that gives Kirby a long whip, which he can use to attack enemies or grab things from afar. In Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!! and Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, the ability only appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones.
Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure! An ability that allows Kirby to attack with various art-like attacks.
Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?!, Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Mission! An ability that gives Kirby a long staff which he can use to attack with. In Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, the ability only appears as one of the many abilities held by the Kirby clones.
Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?! An ability that allows Kirby and allies to dance.
Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?! An ability that allows Kirby to attack with spider webs and silk.
Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!! An ability that gives Kirby a yo-yo which he can use to attack with.
Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, Kirby: Lor Starcutter and a Magician of Falsehood An ability that allows Kirby to attack with water in various ways. In Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, Kirby obtains the ability with the Goldfish Bowl Rare Hat.
Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!! An ability that allows Kirby to use various wrestler moves and techniques. In Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!, the ability is also held by Shadow Kirby.
Kirby: Lor Starcutter and a Magician of Falsehood, Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ An ability that allows Kirby to attack with various leaf and plant based moves.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Start Running to the New World!, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles! An ability that gives Kirby a gun which he can shoot star bullets with to attack. In Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles!, it is Space Ranger that makes an appearance.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Start Running to the New World!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet! An ability that gives Kirby a hat with a drill, which he can use to dig the ground, and attack with. In Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, the ability is obtained through a Copy Food, and thus appears as a Copy Food Ability.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles!, Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet! An ability that allows Kirby to surround himself with spikes and attack with them. In Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles!, it is Crystal Needle that makes an appearance.

In Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!, the ability is obtained through a Copy Food, and thus appears as a Copy Food Ability.

Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland! An ability that gives Kirby a mecha suit, allowing him to attack with it in various ways.
Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪ An ability that makes Kirby immediately fall asleep, but heals his wounds and makes him recover completely.
Special Abilities in the Kirby novel series  
Ability Appears in Description Notes
Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods! A special ability that drastically boosts Kirby's inhaling power, obtained via eating a Miracle Fruit. Only Kirby can use this ability, as nothing happened to King Dedede when he ate a Miracle Fruit in Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods!.
Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue! Special transformations Kirby and others can acquire via drawings of a magical notebook. The transformations are not exclusive to Kirby like in the games, as shown by King Dedede acquiring the rocket transformation in Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!.
Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure! A special mech that Kirby can pilot, and that can copy abilities much like he can with him as the pilot.
Kirby Clash Team Unite!, Kirby: Super Team Kirby's Big Battle! Roles based on the Sword, Hammer, Doctor and Beam abilities respectively. They give similar moves and powers to those abilities, but are ultimately different. They are not obtained through inhaling and copying, a Kirby must simply equip gear, but unlike copy abilities, the Kirby does not get stronger automatically, they have to train to properly use their role.
Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?! Special abilities involving copy abilities interacting with each other or with other friends, such as giving weapons elemental properties. Like in the games, characters other than Kirby can use these abilities, such as King Dedede and Meta Knight using Sizzle Hammer and Sizzle Sword respectively.
Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure!, Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?! Special abilities which are used by four friends, granted after standing at the top of a pedestal.
Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land! Special transformations Kirby can undergo thanks to the effect of the Metamato after touching a Metamortex.
Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land! Special abilities Kirby can obtain from Ravel Balls.
Kirby: Lor Starcutter and a Magician of Falsehood Stronger variations of regular abilities, obtained by inhaling "super" version of enemies that glow. Unlike most regular abilities, they eventually disappear after used for a while.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles! Evolved versions of regular copy abilities, made by following the instructions written in blueprints found in the new world.

The following abilities only make minor appearances in the novels:

  • Spear and Mirror - only appear in Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!! as some of many abilities held by the Kirby clones
  • Parasol and Beam - only appear in Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!! as some of many abilities held by the Kirby clones; Beam has no illustration at all, and Parasol only has an illustration in the cover, using the Paper Parasol Rare Hat
  • Stone, Hi-Jump, Burning and Jelly - only appear in Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet! as Copy Food Abilities held by Kirby and/or Kirby clones, without illustrations

VolumesEdit

In total, there are currently over twenty volumes in the series. The titles of volumes one through nine are officially localized in the Kirby Art & Style Collection book. Volumes after these are not, however, and most have only been directly translated from the original Japanese titles unofficially. These are as follows:

List of volumes  
# Cover Title Publication date[4] Original story? Translation of official description Notes
1
  Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?! JP:
August 12th, 2013

FR:
April 7th, 2022

 
"Mrs. Parfaitski, a rich woman, moves to Dream Land, where Kirby and his friends live. She lives in a big mansion and is going to throw a birthday party for herself with lots of treats. Hearing this, Kirby and King Dedede decide to attend the party in order to eat the feast...!? But that was just the beginning of a major incident involving the residents of Dream Land! An original story that can only be read here!!" This is the first volume to have been published outside of Japan after it was officially published and translated into French.[5]
2
  Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods!
March 15th, 2014
 
"King Dedede, the self-proclaimed king of Dream Land, is eating a big meal at a restaurant, when a dubious trio arrives. They are looking for Kirby, who has the ability to inhale, in order to get the tastiest fruits in the universe...? Meanwhile, Kirby, with Waddle Dee and others, follows King Dedede, who has disappeared from the restaurant, to the "Gloomy Woods," which is rumored to be dangerous. In the "Gloomy Woods," a battle for the best fruits in the universe is about to begin!" Takes slight inspiration from Kirby: Triple Deluxe.
3
  Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad!
August 15th, 2014
 
"Kirby discovers a large egg in an old temple. Kirby and his friends guard the egg and substitute for the parent bird, who is wounded and is having trouble looking after the egg. Meanwhile, the great bandits, the Squeak Squad, are coming around to steal the egg...?!" Takes inspiration from Kirby: Squeak Squad and Kirby Super Star—more specifically, Dyna Blade and The Great Cave Offensive.
4
  Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess
February 15th, 2015
 
"The princess of Chiffon Star, famous for making cakes, has gone missing!! Together with Kirby and his friends, Meta Knight heads towards Chiffon Star. An unexpected development is awaiting there?! A special arc where Meta Knight is the protagonist this time!!" This is the first volume in the series to star Meta Knight as the protagonist.
5
  Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land!
August 15th, 2015
 
"A big race that will be broadcasted on TV across the whole universe is to be held in Dream Land! Hearing that the winner receives whatever they like, Kirby and his friends are brimming with motivation! But, the sponsor Kizario is somewhat shady...?" Takes inspiration from Kirby Air Ride and Kirby Super Star—more specifically, Gourmet Race.
6
  Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue!
February 15th, 2016
 
"Magolor, whom Kirby had fought before, turned up suddenly saying “Rescue my friend for me!” While it’s suspicious, Kirby and his friend go to the Great Labyrinth of the Mirror to save his friend. An unexpected encounter awaits them in the great labyrinth……!?" Takes inspiration from Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, and Kirby and the Rainbow Curse.
7
  Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure!
July 15th, 2016
 
"A mysterious group calling themselves the Haltmann Works Company has arrived on Popstar, the peaceful planet where Kirby and friends live. That group turned everything on the planet, including the inhabitants and plants, into machines...! Kirby and Waddle Dee, who happen to be safe, start a great adventure to restore Planet Popstar! Can Kirby and his friends restore peace to Popstar?! Kirby will be making a big comeback with his new powers!" Adaptation of Kirby: Planet Robobot.
8
  Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior
March 15th, 2017
 
Takes inspiration from Kirby Super Star Ultra—more specifically, Meta Knightmare Ultra.
9
  Kirby Clash Team Unite!
August 15th, 2017
 
"When Kirby gets lost in a mysterious parallel universe known as the Dream Kingdom, he is helped by a trio who look just like him?! The group of 4 Kirbys, known as "Team Kirby," must battle against roughnecks for the peace of the Dream Kingdom!" Adaptation of Team Kirby Clash Deluxe.
10
  Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!!
March 15th, 2018
 
"Dedede's big battle tournament, the Cake Royale, is being held! The opponents are copies of Kirby?! Kirby teams up with Waddle Dee to challenge the copies with various abilities! Who will get the Deluxe Tiered Cake as the winning prize?" Adaptation of Kirby Battle Royale.
11
  Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure! JP:
July 14th, 2018

KR:
August 10th, 2022

 
"The dark hearts that suddenly fell from the sky have caused the residents of Dream Land to turn violent! Kirby rescues everyone with his mysterious "Friend Heart" powers. He then sets out on a great adventure with Waddle Dee, Chilly, Vividria and others to protect Planet Popstar! Along the way, the powerful three generals of magic appear?! The popular game Kirby Star Allies is now available as a novel!" Adaptation of Kirby Star Allies—more specifically, World of Peace - Dream Land, World of Miracles - Planet Popstar, and Fortress of Shadows Jambastion.

This was the first volume to be published in South Korea, releasing at the exact same time as volume 12.[6]

12
  Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?! JP:
August 15th, 2018

KR:
August 10th, 2022

 
"Something has suddenly happened in peaceful Dream Land! An important ally, Jammerjab, has been kidnapped by Francisca, one of the three generals of magic! As Kirby and Waddle Dee travel through space on the Warp Star to rescue them, they are attacked by the three mages one after another! Together with King Dedede and Meta Knight, they seek the mastermind behind it all to stop the evil that threatens to engulf the universe!! This is the second part of a novelization of the Kirby Star Allies game!" Adaptation of Kirby Star Allies—more specifically, Far-Flung Starlight Heroes and the level Kirby Star Allies.

This was the second volume to be published in South Korea, releasing at the exact same time as volume 11.[7]

13
  Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land!
March 15th, 2019
 
"Kirby is sucked into Patch Land by a mysterious Magic Sock, and sets off on a great adventure with Prince Fluff to defeat Yin-Yarn, who is trying to conquer the world! With the new "Metamortex Transformations" and "Ravel Abilities", they face powerful enemies who block their way!! However, around that time, Yin-Yarn was also about to invade Dream Land...?! To save both worlds, Kirby is going to play a big active role! A novel version of the popular game, "Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn"!" Adaptation of Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn.
14
  Kirby: Save the Rainbow Islands!
July 15th, 2019
 
"Kirby's friends, Rick, Kine, and Coo, have arrived! There seems to be something wrong, as it's stopped raining in the Rainbow Islands, where the three live. Kirby heads to the Rainbow Islands with Meta Knight and King Dedede!! There, they meet a young girl named Pirika, who knows the cause of the issue. When they head above the clouds, they find Gooey, a good friend of Kirby's. For some reason, Gooey rushes in to attack Kirby and his friends!? What in the world happened? Kirby rushes in to resolve the case!!" Takes inspiration from Kirby's Dream Land 2 and Kirby: Triple Deluxe.
15
  Kirby: Super Team Kirby's Big Battle!
December 13th, 2019
 
"Called by the ringing of a mysterious bell, Pink Kirby has returned to the Dream Kingdom! Now, once again, terrible monsters have come to attack the Dream Kingdom...! Reuniting with Doctor Kirby, Hammer Kirby, and Beam Kirby in order to fight the monsters, Team Kirby is brought back together! However, ahead of Team Kirby, worse, stronger enemies stand in the way!! What will be the fate of the Dream Kingdom and Team Kirby?!" Adaptation of Super Kirby Clash.
16
  Kirby and the Search for the Dreamy Gears!
March 14th, 2020
 
"This is the mining town known as Diamond Town. Local airplane pilot Kirby lives a fun, happy life. One day, the town is sent into a fuss when an ancient machine is discovered in the mines. In order to get the machine to work, it seems that they must find three special gears. Kirby, Waddle Dee, President Dedede, Meta Knight, Daroach, and Magolor embark on a great adventure to find them, however, in this 'gear quest,' a tremendous evil is hiding …!? Differing from the usual setting of Dream Land, this is the story of a different world!" This is the first volume in the series to take inspiration from Kirby media that is not a game installment. Instead, it takes inspiration from the Kirby's Dreamy Gear merchandise series. It's set in a world separate from the novels' main continuity.
17
  Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi
July 14th, 2020
 
"Meta Knight's treasured sword Galaxia is missing! It seems someone has stolen it and is rampaging around, pretending to be Meta Knight. He joins forces with Kirby and King Dedede to chase the imposter down, but is trapped in Yomi, the underworld. While looking for a way to return to the original world, Meta Knight challenges a new enemy that may be even more powerful than Galacta Knight... the red butterfly warrior, Morpho Knight!!!" Takes inspiration from Meta Knightmare Returns and Guest Star ???? Star Allies Go!.
18
  Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?!
December 15th, 2020
 
"Kirby and King Dedede have a showdown to see who can make the better café. With the help of Chef Kawasaki, Kirby challenges the king to a contest with Whispy Woods’s delicious fruity desserts!… but Whispy Woods has come down with a disease and has no fruit to offer. On top of that, while looking for medicine to treat the disease, Kirby and co. were put in a dire situation when, suddenly, Beetley and his pals attacked them! What the heck, which café will come out on top?!" Takes inspiration from the real-world Kirby Café.
19
  Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!!
March 12th, 2021
 
"Kirby receives a challenge letter from King Dedede and Meta Knight. It says to take a buddy and challenge the Buddy Fighters Tower: a battle tower that decides who's the strongest. With great joy, Kirby, who mistakes the written challenge for a party invitation, heads to the tower with Bandana Waddle Dee. There, strange challenges and formidable foes await them!! Can the duo beat King Dedede and Meta Knight waiting for them at the summit, and the mysterious "dark Kirby?!" A story about the hit game, Kirby Fighters 2!" Adaptation of Kirby Fighters 2—more specifically, Story Mode: The Destined Rivals.
20
  Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Mission!
July 14th, 2021
 
This is the first volume in the series to star King Dedede as the protagonist.
21
  Kirby: The Mysterious Incident on the Pupupu Train?!
December 15th, 2021
 
Takes inspiration from the Kirby Pupupu Train merchandise series.
22
  Kirby: Welcome to the Starlight Theater!
March 9th, 2022
 
Takes inspiration from the Starlight Theater merchandise series.
23
  Kirby: Lor Starcutter and a Magician of Falsehood[8]
April 27th, 2022
 
Adaptation of Kirby's Return to Dream Land.

This volume was published on the day of Kirby's 30th anniversary, and commentary by Shinya Kumazaki is featured at the end of the book. The volume was also advertised early in the previous volume.

This volume is technically not part of the Tsuabasa Bunko series and is instead published in a deluxe stand-alone hardcover format.

24
  Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Start Running to the New World! JP:
August 8th, 2022

KR:
January 5th, 2023

 
Adaptation of the main story of Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

This was the third volume to be published in South Korea.[9]

25
  Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Break Out of the Dreams of the Isolated Isles! JP:
September 14th, 2022

KR:
February 24, 2023

 
Adaptation of Kirby and the Forgotten Land—more specifically, the post-game content starting with Isolated Isles: Forgo Dreams.

This was the fourth volume to be published in South Korea.[10]

26
  Kirby: Full Stomach, Perfect Circle, Dream Buffet!
December 14th, 2022
 
Takes inspiration from Kirby's Dream Buffet; has an original story as the game did not have one.
27
  Kirby: Sever Evil with a Slash in a Flash!
March 8th, 2023
 
Takes inspiration from the Samurai Kirby Sub-Game; has an original story as the sub-game did not have one. It's set in a world separate from the novels' main continuity, in a feudal town called the Dream Village (プププ町 Pupupu-chome).
28
  Kirby: Come On Over to Merry Magoland!
August 5th, 2023
 
Takes inspiration from Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe - for the most part, Merry Magoland, but also uses other new elements of the game subtly. Has an original story, expanding on the basic premise of the mode of Magolor building a theme park.
29
  Kirby: Having a Blast at the Music Festival!
December 13th, 2023
 
Takes inspiration from the Kirby 30th Anniversary Music Festival.
30
  Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪
March 13th, 2024
 


TriviaEdit

GalleryEdit

Main article: Kirby (novel series)/gallery

VideosEdit

Official Japanese video showcasing the series.
Official announcement video made for the French version of Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?!.

References