Just a Bunch of Fun – Kirby Manga Mania Vol. 1 [Manga]

Author: Hirokazu Hikawa
Publisher: VIZ Media
Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Published: June 2021

Our favorite pink blob is returning this June. VIZ Media brings us our idol and pop icon as he causes more ruckus, eats more food, and just does what he does best. Kirby is one of the characters we are very jealous of as a kid and even as we grow up. When we were kids, we quite envied his interesting copying ability. After all, he can change to just about anything. But as we grow up, our envy turns to Kirby’s almighty digestion prowess. Even though he literally inhales anything and everything, it never affected his weight. Just who wouldn’t be jealous of that, right?

Contains Spoilers

Discussion Time

Kirby has graced us with its presence for decades through games, manga, anime, and a bunch of other merch. Kirby Manga Mania is the author’s best picks amongst Kirby’s 25 volume career. Not only that, there are also some additional contents like author notes and yonkoma strips. As per usual, Kirby causes his old arch-frenemy King Dedede the biggest headaches he can afford. And hey, there’s also the first new Kirby chapter Hikawa-sensei drew after a whopping eleven years.

Why You Should Read Kirby

1. Best Of the Best

As we’ve stated above, Kirby Manga Mania Vol. 1 is the first volume of the best of the best Kirby adventures. Kirby has had a long run throughout the decades. Even though we loved each and every one of its chapters, it’s undeniable that some stand out among the rest. Reading Kirby Manga Mania is basically like eating all the strawberries in a strawberry shortcake. It’s getting all of the best with some additional goodness, so it’s needless to say that it’s one great read.

2. Hilarity Ensues

Kirby is known for being outrageous. Well, King Dedede will definitely agree to that. What’s interesting about Kirby, however, is that he’s extremely adorable. Despite all of his mishaps and the trouble that he’s caused, we still can’t bring ourselves to hate him. After all, he always does it in a very funny way. Plus, it’s always King Dedede who takes the brunt of his attacks anyway. Don’t get us wrong. We don’t wish King Dedede any harm, but the dude is just extremely dexterous.

3. Great Ol’ Kirby

Despite its long run, Kirby remains to be Kirby. That means he’s still the painfully cute pink blob that knows how to annoy King Dedede in all possible ways. Kirby has been consistent throughout the years, and he still hasn’t changed for Kirby Manga Mania. The whole volume showcases the typical Kirby manga formula. It all starts by introducing the chapter’s topic, then continues with Kirby doing some sort of gimmick. Finally, the chapter ends with something quite unexpected, but mostly hilarious.


Final Thoughts

Kirby has been a huge part of our entertainment as we grew up. From games, to manga, to anime, and whatnot, we’ve adored Kirby in literally all forms and sizes. Reading Kirby Manga Mania gives us a pleasant trip throughout the ages, all the while making the corners of our lips hurting from excessive smiling.

By: Christian Markle

Kirby Manga Mania is a best-of-collection of Hoshi no Kirby – Dedede de Pupupu na Monogatari (Kirby of the Stars: The Legend of King Dedede in Dream Land) by Hirokazu Hikawa. Despite the popularity of the Kirby franchise, this is the first time that this Kirby manga has been released in English. That said, is the classic gaming icon equally as lovable in manga form?

Kirby Manga Mania consists of self-contained gag chapters, centered around the lives of Kirby and King Dedede in Dream Land. With this premise, you’d probably expect to read a relaxing adventure about Kirby and his friends, but you’d be very wrong. In fact, the manga opens with a story about Kirby getting drunk off of “Loopy Juice” and wreaking havoc during a festival. This is something I would have never expected from a Kirby story, but to my surprise, it’s executed perfectly. This also gives you a good idea of the crazy and hilarious tone that Kirby Manga Mania embraces.

The manga’s interpretation of Kirby is that they are a walking ball of chaos. Kirby is friendly to the inhabitants of Dream Land, but Kirby is oblivious to the gravity of their own actions. This leads to Kirby often being a source of trouble, whether it’s causing massive property damage or stealing King Dedede’s precious strawberry desserts.

In contrast, King Dedede is often the manga’s “straight-man”, attempting to mitigate the effects of Kirby’s actions, while also trying to relax as the ruler of Dream Land. Unfortunately, this also leads to him being the biggest victim of Kirby’s lovable rampages, with his body and prized possessions often left in shambles. The dynamic between King Dedede and Kirby is an interesting change of pace from the early Kirby video games. Instead of Kirby being King Dedede’s arch-nemesis, they’re more like a troublesome neighbor. There are even several chapters where they hang out together and are on friendly terms. Kirby Manga Mania wants to show its cast having fun, and it does just that.

Kirby Manga Mania’s artwork is a slight departure from the usual aesthetics of the Kirby video games. Hikawa draws the characters in a more cartoon-like style, utilizing rounder body shapes and larger facial features. These stylistic differences may be an adjustment for some readers, but Hikawa’s artwork fits with the manga’s humor. Many of the manga’s panels emphasize the reactions of King Dedede and Kirby, whether it’s their bursts of laughter or their shocked panic. Kirby Manga Mania is chaotic at its core, so it’s only fitting for its artwork to further enhance its wacky nature.

Kirby Manga Mania is a hilarious read that will both entertain and surprise fans of the video game franchise. Hikawa makes some unexpected choices in their depiction of Dream Land, but the manga’s unique approach to the world of Kirby makes this an experience like no other. Our favorite pink puff ball hasn’t lost its charm!

As far as kiddy manga goes, Viz's Nintendo titles are one of the safest bets in English, and this "best of" collection of Hirokazu Hikawa's Kirby stories is no exception. It will have the most appeal for elementary school age readers who are familiar with the character from one of his many games; it's not impossible to understand the book if you're not particularly up on your Kirby lore, but it definitely pales a bit in that case. The plots are fun and silly, featuring things like board games, ghosts, body doubles, and a hat that speaks your thoughts aloud when you wear it, and there's a gentle use of humorous violence and gags throughout. Author's notes on each chapter give some insight into Hikawa's creative process, making this a good choice for a read-along or a transition to graphic novels for older readers.