History Trivia / Kirby

* FandomLifeCycle: Currently at Stage 4 in the West, but this is a recent development relative to the franchise's lifespan, oddly enough. Despite being a long-running series that sells well, having a very recognizable main character, and being adapted into a generally liked anime series, ''Kirby'' barely edged at Stage 3 in the West for most of its life. This can be attributed to the games' [[TastesLikeDiabetes limited appeal]] to the bigger game demographics [[AmericanKirbyIsHardcore in the West]] (which also resulted in some CriticalDissonance for the earlier games), stylistically inconsistent releases throughout the 2000s, and generally being overshadowed by other Nintendo franchises. The series had its first big break when ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl'' gave it a large focus, and fully broke into the mainstream around the release of ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'' in 2011. Since then, there's been a steady release schedule of new games and merchandise, and ''Kirby'' games are often considered major releases. However, in its home market of Japan, ''Kirby'' is at Stage 4.5, where ''Kirby''-themed pop-up shops and restaurants are commonplace in major cities and [[UsefulNotes/{{Kawaisa}} the Japanese are more receptive of cuteness, regardless of demographic, than in the West]].

** The ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' games also cause this, as Kirby is one of the central characters in each game, and is also one of the most popular characters for his character-based Copy Abilities and multiple floaty jumps. Lots of players become enamored with the pink puffball, which raises visibility and sales for his own games. This was taken even further when Meta Knight and King Dedede were added in ''Brawl'', each bringing their unique personalities and abilities to the fray and providing different perspectives on Kirby's universe.

** Between ''Kirby's Air Ride'' and ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land'' (''Epic Yarn'' was developed by Good-Feel instead), HAL Laboratory made repeated attempts to create a home console game for the ''Kirby'' series. Their most known attempt was the UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube game, announced in 2004, and widely believed to be reincarnated as ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand''. However, [[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/sukj/vol1/index.html an interview]] revealed that the [=GameCube=] game was only the first of ''four'' attempts at a home console game, the final being ''Return to Dream Land''.

* FandomLifeCycle: Currently at Stage 4 in the West, but this is a recent development comparative to the franchise's lifespan, oddly enough. Despite being a long-running series that sells well, having a very recognizable main character, and being adapted into a generally liked anime series, ''Kirby'' barely edged at Stage 3 in the West for most of its life. This can be attributed to the games' [[TastesLikeDiabetes limited appeal]] to the bigger game demographics [[AmericanKirbyIsHardcore in the West]] (which also resulted in some CriticalDissonance for the earlier games), stylistically inconsistent releases throughout the 2000s, and generally being overshadowed by other Nintendo franchises. The series had its first big break when ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl'' gave it a large focus, and fully broke into the mainstream around the release of ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'' in 2011. Since then, there's been a steady release schedule of new games and merchandise, and ''Kirby'' games are often considered major releases. However, in its home market of Japan, ''Kirby'' is at Stage 4.5, where ''Kirby''-themed pop-up shops and restaurants are commonplace in major cities and [[UsefulNotes/{{Kawaisa}} the Japanese are more receptive of cuteness, regardless of demographic, than in the West]].

* FandomLifeCycle: Currently at Stage 4 in the West, but this is a recent development, oddly enough. Despite being a long-running series that sells well, having a very recognizable main character, and being adapted into a generally liked anime series, ''Kirby'' barely edged at Stage 3 in the West for most of its life. This can be attributed to the games' [[TastesLikeDiabetes limited appeal]] to the bigger game demographics [[AmericanKirbyIsHardcore in the West]] (which also resulted in some CriticalDissonance for the earlier games), inconsistent releases throughout the 2000s, and generally being overshadowed by other Nintendo franchises. The series had its first big break when ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl'' gave it a large focus, and fully broke into the mainstream around the release of ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'' in 2011. Since then, there's been a steady release schedule of new games and merchandise, and ''Kirby'' games are often considered major releases. However, in its home market of Japan, ''Kirby'' is at Stage 4.5, where ''Kirby''-themed pop-up shops and restaurants are commonplace in major cities and [[UsefulNotes/{{Kawaisa}} the Japanese are more receptive of cuteness, regardless of demographic, than in the West]].

* CreatorsFavorite: Masahiro Sakurai's (the creator of Kirby) favorite Copy Abilities are Fighter & Suplex.

** Between ''Kirby's Air Ride'' and ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land'' (''Epic Yarn'' was developed by Good-Feel instead), HAL Laboratories made repeated attempts to create a home console game for the ''Kirby'' series. Their most known attempt was the UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube game, announced in 2004, and widely believed to be reincarnated as ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand''. However, [[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/sukj/vol1/index.html an interview]] revealed that the [=GameCube=] game was only the first of ''four'' attempts at a home console game, the final being ''Return to Dream Land''.
** ''Kirby Air Ride'' itself was trapped in DevelopmentHell for quite some time. It was originally intended as a UsefulNotes/{{Nintendo 64}} launch title, but after spending many years in production, it was quietly canceled. It finally showed up as a [=GameCube=] title at E3 2003.

* FlipFlopOfGod: [[RiddleForTheAges Does Kirby have red feet, or is he wearing red shoes?]] Nothing really touches on this question except for a few [[DependingOnTheWriter licensed]] [[DependingOnTheArtist comics]]. Among [[WordOfGod series directors]], [[https://archive.fo/hpLlI Sakurai]] once stated that Kirby [[DoesNotLikeShoes does not use shoes]], but when asked what Kirby's feet look like without shoes, [[https://archive.fo/0qw9a Kumazaki]] instead laughed and replied with "[[HandWave the mysterious composition of Kirby’s body is top secret.]]" [[https://archive.org/details/nintendo-magazine-system-uk-44-may-1996/page/88/mode/2up Another source]] vaguely refers to Kirby's feet having "gummy pads" allowing him to cling to surfaces, though it also claims that Kirby can get the ability to fire "lightrays" from his eyes, which is untrue[[note]]unless one counts the Laser ability, but at this point, Kirby used his arms instead of a visor, and it describes the wrong game[[/note]]. There's also the fact that many other characters and species have similar-looking appendages, including Meta Knight, who started off with what appeared to be plainer limbs which [[ArtEvolution later evolved]] into padded armor. However, the original ''[[VideoGame/KirbysDreamLand Twinkle Popo]]'' [[https://www.chrismcovell.com/secret/GB__1991Q4.html reveal artwork]] clearly depicts the red portion as a sock or slipper-like texture with a hint of pink skin, so despite the promotional design being tweaked, it shows that they were at the very least intended to be some kind of footwear.

** It is often said by fans that the reason why Adeleine disappeared after ''VideoGame/Kirby64TheCrystalShards'' til ''VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies'' was due to Creator/MasahiroSakurai imposing mandates that prevented humans from appearing in ''Kirby''. While there is some truth to the mandate, the no humans mandate only applies to the anime adaptation, ''not'' to the games or even other adaptations (as Adeleine appeared in several manga adaptations). Why Adeleine disappeared from the games til ''Star Allies'' remains unknown.

* ShortLivedBigImpact: While the ''Kirby'' series itself has trucked on continuously since 1992, the [[FanNickname Dark Matter Trilogy]], as the nickname implies, only occupied three games: ''VideoGame/KirbysDreamLand2'', ''VideoGame/KirbysDreamLand3'', and ''VideoGame/Kirby64TheCrystalShards''. Despite this brevity, the three games have had a tremendous impact on the ''Kirby'' series since their release, introducing a greater level of "show, don't tell" storytelling, emphasis on more intricate puzzle solving (compared to the Sakurai-directed games' action-oriented approach), and willingness to delve into [[SurpriseCreepy surprisingly dark and disturbing]] imagery and subject matter that later games would follow. This is most noticeably displayed with ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'' and the games that followed its example, which despite orienting the games back in a ''Super Star''-esque direction owe much of their puzzle-solving elements, atmosphere, and storytelling styles to the template that the Dark Matter Trilogy first set.

** ''VideoGame/KirbysDreamLand'' was originally known as ''Twinkle Popo'' during development, with the starring character named [=PoPoPo=]; he was initially meant as a placeholder dummy character until the team figured out a more advanced design, but they came to like the little guy so much that they decided to keep him in. ''Twinkle Popo'' had promotional materials released and was even ready for shipment until Creator/SatoruIwata grew concerned that the initial orders were only 26,000 copies; he consulted with Creator/ShigeruMiyamoto, who suggested rebranding the game and letting Creator/{{Nintendo}} publish it, to which he agreed despite pressure at Creator/HALLaboratory to refuse and stick with the existing orders. The name "Kirby" was chosen out of a list of name candidates[[note]]which [[FlipFlopOfGod may or may not]] have been based on the surname of the lawyer who defended Nintendo in an important lawsuit from Creator/{{Universal}}[[/note]]. Miyamoto was also under the impression that Kirby was yellow (due to the game's monochrome sprites leaving room for interpretation), so he expressed surprise to Creator/MasahiroSakurai when he saw the game's box art depicting Kirby as pink[[note]]specifically the Japanese version, as International covers depicted Kirby as white; yellow Kirby was eventually used as the [[ColorCodedMultiplayer second player]] [[PaletteSwap palette swap]] for Kirby in his multiplayer appearances, including the ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series[[/note]]. In addition, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0HBCht5saI&t=4m4s concept artwork]] for the ''Twinkle Popo'' pitch reveals a different level lineup compared to the final game — Green Greens[[note]]with a chained Whispy Woods[[/note]], Silk Falls[[note]]with a giant eel or serpent with boxing gloves[[/note]], Elder Woods[[note]]which eventually appeared as [[VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies Old Growth Elder Yggy Woods]][[/note]], Air Fortress[[note]]with unknown flying enemies that somewhat resemble Waddle Doo and what may be an early [[VideoGame/KirbysAdventure Wheelie]][[/note]], Float Islands[[note]]with a submarine as well as Kaboola and a Blipper[[/note]], Bubbly Clo[[SpellMyNameWithAnS w]]ds[[note]]with boy and girl whale-shaped blimps[[/note]], and Heat Palace[[note]]possibly Mt. [=DeDeDe=] before becoming a BossRush; no sign of Castle Lololo just like in [[VideoGame/KirbySuperStar Spring Breeze]][[/note]]

** ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' was tentatively titled ''Kirby of the Stars: Active'' until Creator/ShigesatoItoi was brought on to help decide the final game. More Copy Abilities were considered — Flower[[note]]wears a ribbon and plants parasitic flowers on enemies[[/note]], Card[[note]][[VideoGame/KirbySqueakSquad later]] an attack for [[VideoGame/KirbyAndTheAmazingMirror Magic]][[/note]], Tonosama[[note]]Feudal Lord; image based on the jumping "Goal" icon from ''Kirby's Adventure''[[/note]], Rush[[note]]an early Fighter[[/note]], Donate[[note]]nurse Kirby forcibly taking blood donations from enemies with a giant needle[[/note]], Satellite[[note]]wears an antenna and communicates with a space satellite[[/note]], Summon[[note]]use a horn to call monsters[[/note]], Wing[[note]]specifically with [[VideoGame/KirbyAndTheAmazingMirror angel wings]][[/note]], Mantle[[note]]may have performed similarly to [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl Dimensional Cape]][[/note]], and Gr[[SpellMyNameWithAnS a]]nade[[note]]an alternate Bomb except with grenades and an army helmet[[/note]]. Additionally, in [[https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-kirby an interview]] promoting the release of the [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem Super NES Classic Edition]], Masahiro Sakurai revealed that there was one more game planned called "Kagero Mansion" (Japanese: ''Kagero no Yakata'', lit. Heat Haze Mansion). In it, Kirby was cursed with a mouth-sealing spell, so he had to explore a HauntedHouse in order to find a cure. Without being able to inhale, Kirby had to find other methods to obtain Copy Abilities, such as touching a candle to get Fire. The game was deemed low-priority, however, and had little to no work to show for it. He also revealed that the success of ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountry'' led the developers to remove the game's existing sprite-work in favor of an art style based on computer graphics midway through development, which was partially responsible for the late SNES release.

** Though the ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' [[https://miketendo64.com/2016/08/26/kirby-planet-robobot-ask-a-thon-round-2/ Miiverse Ask-a-thon]] confirmed that -- at least for that game -- extra games like Meta Knightmare Returns and The True Arena are [[ForWantOfANail "what-if" scenarios]], it doesn't necessarily mean elements ''within'' them are non-canon (i.e. Galacta Knight's existence), which some fans initially thought to be the case. Shinya Kumazaki later clarified in a ''VideoGame/KirbyAndTheForgottenLand'' [[https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/03/25/kirby-forgotten-land-features/ interview]] that the ''Kirby'' series itself essentially operates on a LooseCanon; the games are generally canon to each other in terms of basic plot points and character development, but [[BroadStrokes the specifics are negligible]] to restraining future plot ideas too much.

** Though the ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' [[https://miketendo64.com/2016/08/26/kirby-planet-robobot-ask-a-thon-round-2/ Miiverse Ask-a-thon]] confirmed that -- at least for that game -- extra games like Meta Knightmare Returns and The True Arena are [[ForWantOfANail "what-if" scenarios]], it doesn't necessarily mean elements ''within'' them are non-canon (i.e. Galacta Knight's existence), which some fans initially thought to be the case. Shinya Kumazaki later clarified in a ''VideoGame/KirbyAndTheForgottenLand'' [[https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/03/25/kirby-forgotten-land-features/ interview]] that the ''Kirby'' series itself essentially operates on a LooseCanon; the games are generally canon to each other in terms of basic plot points and character development, but the specifics are negligible if it restrains the story too much.

** Though the ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' [[https://miketendo64.com/2016/08/26/kirby-planet-robobot-ask-a-thon-round-2/ Miiverse Ask-a-thon]] confirmed that -- at least for that game -- extra games like Meta Knightmare Returns and The True Arena are [[ForWantOfANail "what-if" scenarios]], it doesn't necessarily mean elements ''within'' them are non-canon (i.e. Galacta Knight's existence), which some fans initially thought to be the case. Shinya Kumazaki later clarified in a ''VideoGame/KirbyAndTheForgottenLand'' [[https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/03/25/kirby-forgotten-land-features/ interview]] that the ''Kirby'' series itself essentially operates on a LooseCanon; the games are generally canon to each other in terms of basic plot points and character development, but the specifics are negigible if it restrains the story too much.

** After current general director Shinya Kumazaki responded to [[https://kirbydevpostarchive.tumblr.com/tagged/eu+en+robobo questions]] about plot elements in [[NewGamePlus Meta Knightmare Returns]] and [[BossRush The True Arena]] on the Website/{{Miiverse}} ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' Ask-a-thon, much of the fanbase instantly took his [[ShrugOfGod vague comments]] to their [[ForWantOfANail logical extreme]], resulting in a somewhat BrokenBase. A common misinterpretation in the aftermath is "[[CanonDiscontinuity Galacta Knight's existence is non-canon]]," despite the fact that Kumazaki went out of his way to say quite the [[TimeyWimeyBall opposite]].[[note]]It doesn't help that the Ask-a-thon itself seems to have a [[LostInTranslation loose English translation]]; for example, the phrase "like a [[WhatIf "what if"]] scenario" was actually "[[AnotherSideAnotherStory parallel story]]" in the original Japanese text.[[/note]] Shinya Kumazaki later clarified in a ''VideoGame/KirbyAndTheForgottenLand'' [[https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/03/25/kirby-forgotten-land-features/ interview]] that the ''Kirby'' series itself essentially operates on a LooseCanon.

** Though the ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' [[https://miketendo64.com/2016/08/26/kirby-planet-robobot-ask-a-thon-round-2/ Miiverse Ask-a-thon]] confirmed that -- at least for that game -- extra games like Meta Knightmare Returns and The True Arena are [[ForWantOfANail "what-if" scenarios]], they don't necessarily say elements ''within'' them are non-canon (i.e. Galacta Knight's existence), which some fans initially thought to be the case.

** [[https://wikirby.com/wiki/Kirby_for_Nintendo_GameCube There was originally supposed to be a main platformer for the GameCube, but it never got released.]] Its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_dZenzrXRA original E3 2005 trailer]] depicts the addition of three Helpers in a version of the ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' ability system with a piggyback feature[[note]]later in ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'' and ''VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies''[[/note]], a new hardhat instead of a twisted headband for Hammer Kirby[[note]]which never happened, but as of ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'', ability caps that were {{Palette Swap}}s started being replaced with unique designs[[/note]], Water Kirby from the [[Anime/KirbyRightBackAtYa anime]][[note]]it later appeared in the games with a different design[[/note]], and a WaveMotionGun-equipped [[HumongousMecha Dedede Robot]][[note]]which later debuted in [[VideoGame/KirbyMassAttack Kirby Quest]] and got a revamp known as [[VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand HR-D3]][[/note]]. Its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6dBh5yVgGY&t=2m17s press release]] stated that the story involves Kirby getting "the stolen Warpstar back from King Dedede." [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/2/22/Concept_Art.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20150915141752&path-prefix=en Concept]] [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/8/8b/Daizen04.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120903095908&path-prefix=en artwork]] shows more unused enemies including what looks like the final boss [[spoiler:resembling [[VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand Magolor]]]] and what appears to be the idea of multiple modes in the vein of the ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' games. According to [[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/sukj/vol1/index.html an interview]], this was the first of ''three'' unsuccessful attempts at making a home console ''Kirby'' game before ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'', the fourth attempt that finally brought it out of DevelopmentHell. The 3D structure of the second attempt resurfaced in ''Kirby 3D Rumble'' (and, by extension, ''VideoGame/KirbysBlowoutBlast''; the use of abilities in that structure wouldn't be revisited until ''VideoGame/KirbyBattleRoyale''), and ''Videogame/KirbyStarAllies'' shows the return of Helpers (and, to a lesser extent, the Cleaning ability) from the well-known first attempt. The third attempt was a cel-shaded 2D game with upgradeable abilities, the latter of which would be revisited in ''VideoGame/KirbyAndTheForgottenLand'' where Kirby's abilities could be upgraded. Worth noting is that the game would have included a new knight[[note]]once mislabeled as a design for Meta Knight specifically, but WordOfGod confirmed that it was always thought to be a separate character[[/note]] with red and black [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7xuylJqjO1ra4czto1_500.jpg butterfly wings]], as first seen in the art book bundled with ''[[CompilationRerelease Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition]]''. [[spoiler:This design has been reused as [[VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies Morpho Knight]].]]

** [[https://wikirby.com/wiki/Kirby_for_Nintendo_GameCube There was originally supposed to be a main platformer for the GameCube, but it never got released.]] Its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_dZenzrXRA original E3 2005 trailer]] depicts the addition of three Helpers in a version of the ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' ability system with a piggyback feature[[note]]later in ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'' and ''VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies''[[/note]], a new hardhat instead of a twisted headband for Hammer Kirby[[note]]which never happened, but as of ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'', ability caps that were {{Palette Swap}}s started being replaced with unique designs[[/note]], Water Kirby from the [[Anime/KirbyRightBackAtYa anime]][[note]]it later appeared in the games with a different design[[/note]], and a WaveMotionGun-equipped [[HumongousMecha Dedede Robot]][[note]]which later debuted in [[VideoGame/KirbyMassAttack Kirby Quest]] and got a revamp known as [[VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand HR-D3]][[/note]]. Its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6dBh5yVgGY&t=2m17s press release]] stated that the story involves Kirby getting "the stolen Warpstar back from King Dedede." [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/2/22/Concept_Art.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20150915141752&path-prefix=en Concept]] [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/8/8b/Daizen04.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120903095908&path-prefix=en artwork]] shows more unused enemies including what looks like the final boss [[spoiler:resembling [[VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand Magolor]]]] and what appears to be the idea of multiple modes in the vein of the ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' games. According to [[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/sukj/vol1/index.html an interview]], this was the first of ''three'' unsuccessful attempts at making a home console ''Kirby'' game before ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'', the fourth attempt that finally brought it out of DevelopmentHell. The 3D structure of the second attempt resurfaced in ''Kirby 3D Rumble'' (and, by extension, ''VideoGame/KirbysBlowoutBlast''; the use of abilities in that structure wouldn't be revisited until ''VideoGame/KirbyBattleRoyale''), and ''Videogame/KirbyStarAllies'' shows the return of Helpers (and, to a lesser extent, the Cleaning ability) from the well-known first attempt. The third attempt - a cel-shaded 2D game with upgradeable abilities - has yet to be revisited. Worth noting is that the game would have included a new knight[[note]]once mislabeled as a design for Meta Knight specifically, but WordOfGod confirmed that it was always thought to be a separate character[[/note]] with red and black [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7xuylJqjO1ra4czto1_500.jpg butterfly wings]], as first seen in the art book bundled with ''[[CompilationRerelease Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition]]''. [[spoiler:This design has been reused as [[VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies Morpho Knight]].]]

** [[https://wikirby.com/wiki/Kirby_(Nintendo_GameCube) There was originally supposed to be a main platformer for the GameCube, but it never got released.]] Its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_dZenzrXRA original E3 2005 trailer]] depicts the addition of three Helpers in a version of the ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' ability system with a piggyback feature[[note]]later in ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'' and ''VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies''[[/note]], a new hardhat instead of a twisted headband for Hammer Kirby[[note]]which never happened, but as of ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'', ability caps that were {{Palette Swap}}s started being replaced with unique designs[[/note]], Water Kirby from the [[Anime/KirbyRightBackAtYa anime]][[note]]it later appeared in the games with a different design[[/note]], and a WaveMotionGun-equipped [[HumongousMecha Dedede Robot]][[note]]which later debuted in [[VideoGame/KirbyMassAttack Kirby Quest]] and got a revamp known as [[VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand HR-D3]][[/note]]. Its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6dBh5yVgGY&t=2m17s press release]] stated that the story involves Kirby getting "the stolen Warpstar back from King Dedede." [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/2/22/Concept_Art.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20150915141752&path-prefix=en Concept]] [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/8/8b/Daizen04.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120903095908&path-prefix=en artwork]] shows more unused enemies including what looks like the final boss [[spoiler:resembling [[VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand Magolor]]]] and what appears to be the idea of multiple modes in the vein of the ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' games. According to [[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/sukj/vol1/index.html an interview]], this was the first of ''three'' unsuccessful attempts at making a home console ''Kirby'' game before ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'', the fourth attempt that finally brought it out of DevelopmentHell. The 3D structure of the second attempt resurfaced in ''Kirby 3D Rumble'' (and, by extension, ''VideoGame/KirbysBlowoutBlast''; the use of abilities in that structure wouldn't be revisited until ''VideoGame/KirbyBattleRoyale''), and ''Videogame/KirbyStarAllies'' shows the return of Helpers (and, to a lesser extent, the Cleaning ability) from the well-known first attempt. The third attempt - a cel-shaded 2D game with upgradeable abilities - has yet to be revisited. Worth noting is that the game would have included a new knight[[note]]once mislabeled as a design for Meta Knight specifically, but WordOfGod confirmed that it was always thought to be a separate character[[/note]] with red and black [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7xuylJqjO1ra4czto1_500.jpg butterfly wings]], as first seen in the art book bundled with ''[[CompilationRerelease Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition]]''. [[spoiler:This design has been reused as [[VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies Morpho Knight]].]]

** After current director Shinya Kumazaki responded to general questions about plot elements in [[NewGamePlus Meta Knightmare Returns]] and [[BossRush The True Arena]] on the Website/{{Miiverse}} ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' Ask-a-thon, much of the fanbase instantly took his [[LooseCanon vague comments]] to their [[AlternateContinuity logical extreme]] across almost every sub-game, which resulted in a BrokenBase. A common misinterpretation in the aftermath is "[[CanonDiscontinuity Galacta Knight's existence is non-canon]]," despite the fact that Kumazaki went out of his way to say quite the [[TimeyWimeyBall opposite]].[[note]]It doesn't help that the Ask-a-thon itself seems to have a [[LostInTranslation loose English translation]]; for example, the phrase "like a [[WhatIf "what if"]] scenario" was actually "[[AnotherSideAnotherStory parallel story]]" in the original Japanese text.[[/note]]

* UrbanLegendOfZelda:
** In the late 2000s, there were a bevy of FanWank all centered around "plot elements" that allegedly [[LostInTranslation only existed in the Japanese versions of the games]]. Most of these centered around Dark Matter being TheManBehindTheMan to just about every ''Kirby'' villain under the sun, with a particularly notorious one claiming Dark Matter was present in ''VideoGame/KirbyCanvasCurse'' and gave Drawcia her powers via DealWithTheDevil becoming widespread enough that it had to be wiped from this very Wiki several times. Funnily enough, some concept art later revealed Dark Matter (along with Nightmare) really ''was'' going to be in ''Canvas Curse'' albeit as a playable character rather than a boss, making it an ''enemy'' of Drawcia rather than an ally as the rumor claimed.
** The Japanese 25th anniversary ''Art & Style Collection'' book does not explicitly confirm that Ado and Adeleine are the same character. This stemmed from a page in the art book describing reference material for Ado's design in the ''Kirby's Dream Land 3'' manga, which was misinterpreted by a Japanese fan as describing Adeleine's design; this misinterpretation was then carried to the English-speaking fandom by way of, of all things, the LetsPlay/ProtonJon community, one member of whom publicized the misinterpretation in English on Twitter. Currently, the closest to a direct statement on the matter is in ''20th Anniversary Hoshi no Kirby Pupupu Taizen'', which suggests that Ado may be a [[InSeriesNickname nickname]] for Adeleine but does not officially confirm either way.

* TheWikiRule: NIWA's [[https://wikirby.com/wiki/Kirby_Wiki WiKirby]], Fandom/Wikia's [[https://kirby.wikia.com/wiki/Kirby_Wiki Kirby Wiki]], and Miraheze's [[https://kirby.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Kirby_Encyclopedia The Kirby Encyclopedia]].[[note]][[http://kirbysrainbowresort.net/ Kirby's Rainbow Resort]]'s Kirbypedia is defunct.[[/note]]

**

* CowboyBebopAtHisComputer: The long-standing debate over whether Ado and Adeleine were the same person wasn't helped by the fact that ''Magazine/NintendoPower'' [[ViewerGenderConfusion mistook Ado for a boy]] in their walkthrough for ''Kirby's Dream Land 3''. They did the same thing in their first ''Kirby 64'' preview, but corrected it for the walkthrough proper.
* CreatorsFavorite: Masahiro Sakurai's (The creator of Kirby) favorite copy abilities are Fighter & Suplex.

** Between ''Kirby's Air Ride'' and ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land'' (''Epic Yarn'' was developed by Good-Feel instead), HAL Laboratories made repeated attempts to create a home console game for the ''Kirby'' series. Their most known attempt was the UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube game, announced in 2004, and widely believed to be reincarnated as ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand''. However, [[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/sukj/vol1/index.html an interview]] revealed that the [=GameCube=] game was only the first of ''four'' attempts at a home console game, the final being ''Return to Dream Land''.

** Are Ado and Adeleine two different people? Or is Adeleine just Ado having grown out of [[EarlyInstallmentCharacterDesignDifference the SNES days]]? A straight answer has never been given and probably never will.
*** Although, the Japanese romanisation of Adeleine is "Adorinu", meaning it is likely that the two are the same.
** Are the Three Mage Sisters actual sisters, or just "sisters" in the sense of being priests? (Given that they're part of a cult.) It's acknowledged in ''Star Allies''' Nintendo Switch Channel as a "mystery" (along with Kirby and Meta Knight's relation).

** For ''VideoGame/KirbysAdventure'', [[http://shmuplations.com/kirbysadventure/ an interview in the Japanese player's guide]] revealed that there were over 40 Copy Abilities at one point of development, including a rocket (implemented as Missile in ''Amazing Mirror''), an Animal ability for scratching and biting enemies (implemented in ''Squeak Squad''), and block creation (which gets used in another HAL Laboratory game, ''Videogame/BoxBoy''). [[https://i.imgur.com/liSCa0L.jpg Concept artwork]] also shows that the Spark ability could have functioned more like Fire and Ice instead of Needle and Freeze as well as a scrapped shrinking ability, the latter of which still has DummiedOut sprites and was later used in ''Kirby & The Amazing Mirror'' as the Mini ability.

** Kirby, with the addition of a pink, curly hair on his head, was originally supposed to star in a SpinoffBabies game, ''[[http://kirby.wikia.com/wiki/Kid_Kirby Kid Kirby]]'', for the SNES; it was never finished, and all that remains of the game now are a few sprites and a few stage layouts released by a former developer for DMA Design (now Rockstar North) via his [[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikedailly/sets/72157602112466044/ Flickr account]].
** ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' was tentatively titled ''Kirby of the Stars: Active'' until Creator/ShigesatoItoi was brought on to help decide the final game. More Copy Abilities were considered — Flower[[note]]wears a ribbon and plants parasitic flowers on enemies[[/note]], Card[[note]][[VideoGame/KirbySqueakSquad later]] an attack for [[VideoGame/KirbyAndTheAmazingMirror Magic]][[/note]], Tonosama[[note]]Feudal Lord; image based on the jumping "Goal" icon from ''Kirby's Adventure''[[/note]], Rush[[note]]an early Fighter[[/note]], Donate[[note]]nurse Kirby forcibly taking blood donations from enemies with a giant needle[[/note]], Satellite[[note]]wears an antenna and communicates with a space satellite[[/note]], Summon[[note]]use a horn to call monsters[[/note]], Wing[[note]]specifically with [[VideoGame/KirbyAndTheAmazingMirror angel wings]][[/note]], Mantle[[note]]may have performed similarly to [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl Dimensional Cape]][[/note]], and Gr[[SpellMyNameWithAnS a]]nade[[note]]an alternate Bomb except with grenades and an army helmet[[/note]]. Additionally, in [[https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-kirby an interview]] promoting the release of the [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem Super NES Classic Edition]], Masahiro Sakurai revealed that there was one more sub-game planned called "Kagero Mansion" (Japanese: ''Kagero no Yakata'', lit. Heat Haze Mansion). In it, Kirby was cursed with a mouth-sealing spell, so he had to explore a HauntedHouse in order to find a cure. Without being able to inhale, Kirby had to find other methods to obtain Copy Abilities, such as touching a candle to get Fire. The sub-game was deemed low-priority, however, and had little to no work to show for it. He also revealed that the success of ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountry'' led the developers to remove the game's existing sprite-work in favor of an art style based on computer graphics midway through development, which was partially responsible for the late SNES release.

** [[https://wikirby.com/wiki/Kirby_(Nintendo_GameCube) There was originally supposed to be a main platformer for the GameCube, but it never got released.]] Its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_dZenzrXRA original E3 2005 trailer]] depicts the addition of three Helpers in a version of the ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' ability system with a piggyback feature[[note]]later in ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'' and ''VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies''[[/note]], a new hardhat instead of a twisted headband for Hammer Kirby[[note]]which never happened, but as of ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'', ability caps that were {{Palette Swap}}s started being replaced with unique designs[[/note]], Water Kirby from the [[Anime/KirbyRightBackAtYa anime]][[note]]it later appeared in the games with a different design[[/note]], and a WaveMotionGun-equipped [[HumongousMecha Dedede Robot]][[note]]which later debuted in [[VideoGame/KirbyMassAttack Kirby Quest]] and got a revamp known as [[VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand HR-D3]][[/note]]. Its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6dBh5yVgGY&t=2m17s press release]] stated that the story involves Kirby getting "the stolen Warpstar back from King Dedede." [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/2/22/Concept_Art.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20150915141752&path-prefix=en Concept]] [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/8/8b/Daizen04.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120903095908&path-prefix=en artwork]] shows more unused enemies including what looks like the final boss [[spoiler:resembling [[VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand Magolor]]]] and what appears to be the idea of multiple modes in the vein of the ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar'' sub-games. According to [[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/interview/sukj/vol1/index.html an interview]], this was the first of ''three'' unsuccessful attempts at making a home console ''Kirby'' game before ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'', the fourth attempt that finally brought it out of DevelopmentHell. The 3D structure of the second attempt resurfaced in ''Kirby 3D Rumble'' (and, by extension, ''VideoGame/KirbysBlowoutBlast''; the use of abilities in that structure wouldn't be revisited until ''VideoGame/KirbyBattleRoyale''), and ''Videogame/KirbyStarAllies'' shows the return of Helpers (and, to a lesser extent, the Cleaning ability) from the well-known first attempt. The third attempt - a cel-shaded 2D game with upgradeable abilities - has yet to be revisited. Worth noting is that the game would have included a new knight[[note]]Often thought to be a beta design for Meta Knight; WordOfGod confirmed it is a separate character from Meta Knight[[/note]] with red and black [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7xuylJqjO1ra4czto1_500.jpg butterfly wings]], as first seen in the art book bundled with ''[[CompilationRerelease Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition]]''. [[spoiler:This design has been reused as [[VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies Morpho Knight]].]]

** ''VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies'' has several pieces of concept art released through official Twitter accounts, including various incarnations of the [[https://nintendoeverything.com/kirby-star-allies-jambastion-mages-concept-art/ Jambastion mages]] and [[https://nintendoeverything.com/kirby-star-allies-gets-some-new-concept-art/ ability caps]] for Artist and Festival.

* TheWikiRule: [[https://wikirby.com/wiki/Kirby_Wiki WiKirby]], [[http://kirbysrainbowresort.net/ Kirby's Rainbow Resort]], and [[http://kirby.wikia.com/wiki/Kirby_Wiki Kirby Wikia]], although Rainbow Resort is mostly defunct as of late.

* FanNickname:
** King Dedede is sometimes referred to as "DDD", "Triple-D", or "3D".
** Meta Knight is often called "MK". The Japanese fans sometimes call him "Papa Knight" for his anime portrayal, i.e being shown to care more for Kirby than in the games.
*** He's also been called a "[[MemeticMutation borb]]."
*** Fans of WebVideo/PeaTea64 call Meta Knight "Fernando".
** Chef Kawasaki is affectionately referred to as "KWSK" in Japanese communities.
** The queen of the fairies on Ripple Star from ''VideoGame/Kirby64TheCrystalShards'' has NoNameGiven, so fans usually call her the Fairy Queen or Queen Ripple.
** The sailor-capped Waddle Dee crewmember from Revenge of Meta Knight also originally had NoNameGiven, so he was given the name "Sailor Dee" among fan circles until his sticker in ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' named him the [[AscendedFanon suspiciously similar]] [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Sailor Waddle Dee]].
** ''VideoGame/KirbysDreamLand2'', ''VideoGame/KirbysDreamLand3'', and ''VideoGame/Kirby64TheCrystalShards'' are collectively known as the "Dark Matter Trilogy" due to the three games having Dark Matter as the main villain(s). All three games were directed by Shinichi Shimomura instead of series creator Masahiro Sakurai (who directed all other non-spinoff games in the series prior to his departure post-''Air Ride''), and have more of a focus on puzzle solving rather than combat. Other similarities these games share include:
*** Having no traces of Meta Knight whatsoever.
*** [[spoiler:Having King Dedede be possessed by Dark Matter then fighting him.]]
*** Having some form of Copy Ability mixing system.
*** Having a true final boss only accessed by collecting all of a certain collectible, which then form a weapon used to combat said boss.
** The pre-release version of Magolor was originally referred to as "Daizen" and treated as a separate character due to the filename of his picture. Eventually people figured out that "Daizen" actually referred to the book the picture came from and switched to "Betalor".
** "Blob" for the female Gooey in the international version of ''VideoGame/KirbysDreamLand2'', which allegedly originates from ''Magazine/NintendoPower''. It was actually Gooey himself they called a "blob character", with the female being the "Girl blob".
** The fandom tends to use "lore" as shorthand for the descriptions in pause menus during boss fights (which first started appearing in ''Super Star Ultra''), due to them being the main source of exposition in the Kumazaki-directed games.
** Ever since ''VideoGame/TeamKirbyClashDeluxe'' where he served as a shopkeeper that sold gem apples for exorbitant prices (asking for real world currency), Magolor (or, at least, that version of him) has gained the nickname Microtransagolor. He's also commonly referred to as an egg and Easter is now referred to as Magolor Day on Reddit since he's egg shaped and Sundays were always Magolor days in ''Team Kirby Clash Deluxe''.

** It is often said by fans that the reason why Adeleine disappeared after ''Crystal Shards'' was due to Creator/MasahiroSakurai imposing mandates that prevented humans from appearing in ''Kirby''. While there is some truth to the mandate, the no humans mandate only applies to the anime adaptation, ''not'' to the games or even other adaptations (as Adeleine appeared in several manga adaptations). Why Adeleine disappeared from the games til ''Star Allies'' is not made clear.

** It is often said by fans that the reason why Adeleine disappeared after ''Crystal Shards'' was due to Sakurai imposing mandates that prevented humans from appearing in ''Kirby''. While there is some truth to the mandate, the no humans mandate only applies to the anime adaptation, ''not'' to the games or even other adaptations (as Adeleine appeared in several manga adaptations). Why Adeleine disappeared from the games til ''Star Allies'' is not made clear.

** It is often theorized by fans that the reason why Adeleine disappeared after ''Crystal Shards'' was due to Creator/MasahiroSakurai not wanting humans in ''Kirby''. While there is some truth to the mandate, the no humans mandate seemingly only applies to the anime adaptation, ''not'' to the games. Why Adeleine disappeared from the games til ''Star Allies'' is not clear.

* GodNeverSaidThat: After current director Shinya Kumazaki responded to general questions about plot elements in [[NewGamePlus Meta Knightmare Returns]] and [[BossRush The True Arena]] on the Website/{{Miiverse}} ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' Ask-a-thon, much of the fanbase instantly took his [[LooseCanon vague comments]] to their [[AlternateContinuity logical extreme]] across almost every sub-game, which resulted in a BrokenBase. A common misinterpretation in the aftermath is "[[CanonDiscontinuity Galacta Knight's existence is non-canon]]," despite the fact that Kumazaki went out of his way to say quite the [[TimeyWimeyBall opposite]].[[note]]It doesn't help that the Ask-a-thon itself seems to have a [[LostInTranslation loose English translation]]; for example, the phrase "like a [[WhatIf "what if"]] scenario" was actually "[[AnotherSideAnotherStory parallel story]]" in the original Japanese text.[[/note]]

** ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' also resulted in an influx of newcomers to the series thanks to positive reception and word-of-mouth, interestingly despite the game being much more continuity-based than previous titles.

* CreatorsFavorite: Masahiro Sakurai's (The creator of Kirby) favorite copy ability is Fighter & Suplex.

** Ever since ''VideoGame/TeamKirbyClashDeluxe'' where he served as a shopkeeper that sold gem apples for exorbitant prices (asking for real world currency), Magolor (or, at least, that version of him) has gained the nickname Microtransagolor.
*** He's also commonly referred to as an egg and Easter is now referred to as Magolor Day on Reddit since he's egg shaped and Sundays were always Magolor days in ''Team Kirby Clash Deluxe''.

** BubblyClouds

* TheWikiRule: [[http://wikirby.com/wiki/Main_Page WiKirby]], [[http://kirbysrainbowresort.net/ Kirby's Rainbow Resort]], and [[http://kirby.wikia.com/wiki/Kirby_Wiki Kirby Wikia]], although Rainbow Resort is mostly defunct as of late.