For fans of Nintendo, it can be tough to track down extras for their favorite games. Sure, there are compendiums and collectibles, but what about more? What about lore? For that, players can always turn to the magic of books! Manga series in particular can often be found alongside top-rated games and anime, and Nintendo’s worlds are no different.
Throughout the years Nintendo has released a number of anime and manga tie-ins for their most popular franchises, but in typical fashion they just as quickly removed them, never to be seen again. There’s still hope yet for manga-loving Nintendo fans though! With titles that include their biggest characters, the Nintendo manga library is small but mighty!
1. Super Mario Adventures
This volume can be tough to come by, but it’s a must-have for fans of the Mario series. So many characters get to shine in this comic, which was originally published in Nintendo Power 30 years ago! The best part about this series is the insight readers get on what goes on at Bowser’s castle while Mario is fighting his way to save Peach. Bowser lives a lavish lifestyle and can be pretty foolish because of his perceived security. Meanwhile, Peach doesn’t take being taken lightly; at one point she tries to lead a workers’ revolt!
Aside from Peach being awesome, Mario and Luigi have their own wins to celebrate as they bash their way through the baddies of the Mushroom Kingdom and Dinosaur Land as a whole!
Get Super Mario Adventures on Amazon now!
2. Kirby Manga Mania
Kirby is everyone’s favorite pink ball of…whatever he’s made of; he’s just so lovable! Or is he? Kirby Manga Mania showcases Kirby during his downtime, when he eats and destroys everything! This oblivious goofball leads a hilariously destructive life alongside his waddle dee pals. Kirby also has a tenuous friendship with King Dedede who always seems to be on the edge of absolutely losing it with Kirby and his decimation of everything around him.
Through plenty of laughs, readers will get to enjoy a side of Dream Land not often seen and perhaps finally settle whether Kirby is some kind of lovecraftian monster, always hungry for more, or if he’s really just a lovable, blue mage bubblegum blob.
Get Kirby Manga Mania on Bookshop.org or on Amazon now!
3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Originally published in 1999, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga adaptation closely follows the game’s plot with a few added bits that give fans more context for Hylian life. While these little extras are certainly fun for players who love lore, what’s more impressive is how the book is presented. This manga is beautiful. The compendium volume comes in the familiar forest green that just looks fantastic on a shelf, especially when placed alongside the other volumes like Majora’s Mask. The art itself is done in a classic manga style, but it’s done with such attention to detail that it manages to feel like a modern volume. Plus, unlike the original, some of the pages are in full color!
Regardless of the prestige of the Zelda series, this manga is absolutely stunning and the plot is solid fantasy garb. Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is well worth the read and should be considered one of the best Nintendo manga series of all time.
Get The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Bookshop.org or on Amazon now!
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons Deserted Island Diaries
A game that took the Nintendo Switch to new heights during the pandemic, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the ultimate cozy, approachable game. The manga version is likewise easy to approach, but offers much more comedy and characterization of the villagers than the game. The main plot follows four villagers starting their own town on a deserted island, but they’re all just terrible at everything!
The story gives a behind the scenes look at the daily lives of villagers and includes a handful of tips for dealing with characters in the game! Fans of Animal Crossing might enjoy this comedic romp, but this manga is best for younger audiences and those who appreciate non-stop slapstick comedy with a healthy dose of puns!
Get Animal Crossing: New Horizons Deserted Island Diaries on Bookshop.org or on Amazon now!
5. Pokemon Adventures
Pokemon Adventures aims to be the very best with this retelling of Ash’s journey in the Kanto region. Ash has been replaced by a similar character named Red (with Gary now being called Blue), but that kind of surface-level similarity is all the series has in common with the anime. The pokemon shown are more varied, Red is much more invested in catching them all, and overall the setting is a bit darker than the show was. For Pokemon fans old and new, this manga offers a fresh, exciting story with a classic art style that evokes nostalgia, even as the story diverges from the original series many of us grew up with.
Get Pokemon Adventures on Bookshop.org or on Amazon now!
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Some of these titles are also available through Amazon's Comixology Unlimited. Try a free 30-day trial by clicking here!