Kirby (novel series)
- 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 |
Kirby[1] is a series of Japanese exclusive light novels based on the Kirby series written by Mie Takase and published by KADOKAWA. The books are intended for young adult readers, and as such, each volume usually consists of roughly two hundred pages split into eight to ten chapters. A few dozen illustrations are used in each of the books to accompany specific scenes. The titles of volumes one through nine are officially localized in the Kirby Art & Style Collection book. However, volumes after these are not, and have only been directly translated from the original Japanese titles. The series is ongoing to this day, usually with two or three volumes published each year.
Much like the anime, Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, the series takes place in its own unique canon that does not correlate with the games. Several volumes in the series take inspiration from the games by including characters 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. The volumes revolve around Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Waddle Dee, who attempt to put a stop to problems and troubles often brought about by the hands of a villain or other sort of troublemaker.
Characters
Protagonists
Character | Description |
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A pink puffball who is able to wield Copy Abilities by inhaling certain creatures. He oftentimes becomes distracted by the thought of food and is quite naïve, but will toughen up when he needs to. | |
The self-proclaimed 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. Despite this, he sometimes is nicer than he wants to admit. | |
A mysterious swordsman who wears a mask at all times. He has a temper which shows itself when his self-image is crushed. Although his motives are unknown, he will step up to help his friends when they need him. | |
A Waddle Dee whose loyalty belongs to King Dedede. He is also friends with Kirby, which results in him having to choose one side or the other at times. He is timid and prone to worry, yet willing to help his friends when possible. Starting with Kirby Clash Team Unite!, he gains a blue bandana, which makes him more analogous to Bandana Waddle Dee. |
Side & guest characters
Side & guest characters in the Kirby novel series | ||
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Character | Appears in | Description |
Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?! | A lady who has recently moved to Dream Land and built a mansion. She is a gourmet who is often selfish and extremely picky about what food she is served. |
Volumes
In total, there are currently nineteen published volumes in the series. These are as follows:
(Note that volumes without respective covers likely have not been published yet)
List of volumes | ||||
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# | Cover | Title | Date published[2] | Synopsis |
1
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Kirby and the Dangerous Gourmet Mansion?! | August 12th, 2013
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A newcomer to Dream Land, Mrs. ParfaitLike, hosts a feast at her mansion to celebrate her birthday. After hearing about this, Kirby, King Dedede, and Waddle Dee all wish to find a way to attend, but are unable to because they did not receive invitations. Meta Knight, who was invited, manages to sneak in both Kirby and King Dedede by disguising them as his partner, a lady named Dedeby. When Mrs. ParfaitLike is kidnapped during the feast, the three of them give chase, and discover that there is more about her than meets the eye. | |
2
|
Kirby and the Big Panic in Gloomy Woods! | March 15th, 2014
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3
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Kirby Meets the Squeak Squad! | August 15th, 2014
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4
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Kirby: Meta Knight and the Puppet Princess | February 15th, 2015
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5
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Kirby: Big Race in Pupupu Land! | August 15th, 2015
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6
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Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue! | February 15th, 2016
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7
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Kirby and the Great Planet Robobot Adventure! | July 15th, 2016
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8
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Kirby: Meta Knight and the Galaxy's Greatest Warrior | March 15th, 2017
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9
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Kirby Clash Team Unite! | August 15th, 2017
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10
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File:Kirby's Decisive Battle Battle Deluxe Cover.jpg | Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!! | March 15th, 2018
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11
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Kirby Star Allies: The Great Friend Adventure! | July 14th, 2018
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12
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Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?! | August 15th, 2018
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13
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Kirby: Big Trouble in Patch Land! | March 15th, 2019
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14
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Kirby: Save the Rainbow Islands! | July 15th, 2019
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15
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Kirby: Super Kirby Clash Team's Big Battle! | December 13th, 2019
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16
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Kirby and the Search for the Dreamy Gears! | March 14th, 2020
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17
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File:Kirby Meta Knight and the Knight of Hades Cover.jpg | Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Hades | July 14th, 2020
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18
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Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?! | December 15th, 2020
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19
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Kirby Fighters: The Destined Rivals!! | March 12th, 2021
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Gallery
Kirby JP Twitter post
Video
Official Japanese video showcasing the series.
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References
- ↑ Kirby Art & Style Collection
- ↑ Official Japanese website - Tsubasa Bunko