Nintendo may be widely known as an international video game company, but that hasn’t stopped it from venturing into other forms of media, including comics. In fact, Nintendo has been secretly publishing a manga-style comic for over a year (one based on a beloved video game series), and most people didn’t even notice.
The Nintendo comic in question is Pikmin by writer/artist Kino Takahashi, and the first strip was published on June 21, 2023. It is based on the real-time strategy and puzzle video game series of the same name that debuted as a GameCube exclusive in 2001 (and has since was made available on systems including Wii, 3DS and Switch). Just like the video game, the Pikmin comic book series follows a group of Pikmin led by a chibi protagonist as they live their fun and adventure-filled lives.
The story takes place in Pikmin comic books are more ‘episodic’ in nature and less serialized narratives. It allows readers to learn about the lives of these characters as they embark on their whimsical adventures. These adventures range from observing the protagonist Pikmin and learning their ways of life, to overcome obstacles such as natural predators, poorly positioned bridges and potentially deadly puddles. THE Pikmin comics are pleasantly low riskand a fun experience for readers of all ages – even those who aren’t very familiar with Pikmin tradition.
What is Pikmin? Nintendo’s Manga Comic, Explained
Nintendo’s Most Unlikely IP Is a Stunning Comic Book
Although the comic throws fans directly into the world of Pikmin with little to no explanation of lore, the video game helps fill in these narrative gaps. Pikmin takes place on an Earth-like planet called PNF-404. This planet is home to the titular Pikmin, who are plant-animal hybrids. When aliens from other planets (including Hocotate and Koppai) arrive at PNF-404 on different space missions (which usually consist of retrieving items or observing local fauna), the Pikmin they are happy to help you in any way they can.
This tradition is built over the Pikmin video game series, and while it’s not essential to enjoying the comic, knowing the story enhances the experience. Fans will begin to notice familiar characters and fun references to the original video game when reading the comic, as well as simply enjoying the manga-style strip independently of the game. In other words, no matter how one chooses to read the Pikmin comics, It’s something everyone should check out.
Pikmin is not the first time Nintendo has released a comic book series
Introducing the Nintendo Comic System (1990-1991)
Pikmin It may be the last comic book series produced by Nintendo, but it certainly isn’t the first. Between 1990 and 1991, Nintendo released a series of comics titled Nintendo Comic Systempublished by Valiant Comics. These comics were based on a number of iconic Nintendo video game series, including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zeldaand Metroidjust to name a few. While Nintendo Comic System adopted the classic comic book format as opposed to the PikminIn the manga/comic book style, both achieve the same result: offering fans a fun and light-hearted experience in the worlds of their favorite Nintendo characters.
Nintendo continues its legacy of producing fun comics based on the worlds of its beloved video game characters with Pikmin. And the best part? Pikmin is an ongoing comic book series which fans can read right now with over a year’s worth of comics to read before catching up. And when reading the Pikmin comic book series, it’s hard to believe that people didn’t know about this incredible Nintendo comic earlier. Fans can read Nintendo books Pikmin comics for free online at pikmin.nintendo.com!