Editing List of references in the Kirby series

{{DISPLAYTITLE:List of references in the ''Kirby'' series}}
{{about|references within the Kirby series to things outside it|the inverse list|[[List of references to the Kirby series|List of references '''to''' the Kirby series]]}}
This page consists of a list of references to outside media in ''Kirby'' media (games, [[Kirby: Right Back at Ya!|the anime]], et cetera). This list does not include internal references to other ''Kirby'' series material or general fictional tropes shared between large amounts of media. Note that, with some exceptions, the vast majority of these references are not concretely confirmed, and that this list is not exhaustive.

==Copy Abilities==
[[File:KSA Stone Brick Block.jpg|thumb|200px|One of Kirby's more common [[Stone]] transformations in modern titles is that of a brick block from the ''Super Mario'' series.]]
*The [[Doctor]] ability shares similar moves to [[mariowiki:Dr. Mario|Dr. Mario]]'s appearance in the ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' series.
*The [[ESP]] ability, along with its associated enemy [[NESP]], is a nod to [[wikibound:Ness|Ness]]'s psychic powers in ''EarthBound''. The [[Yo-Yo]] ability also references Ness's proficiency with yo-yos.
*The [[Fighter]] ability takes inspiration from moves in the ''Street Fighter'' series, including the Hadoken, the Shoryuken, and the Tatsumaki Senpukyaku.
*The [[Mecha]] ability's appearance strongly resembles the [[wikipedia:Gundam (fictional robot)|Gundam]] from the ''[[wikipedia:Mobile Suit Gundam|Mobile Suit Gundam]]'' series, a giant battle robot that is heavily influential in Japanese pop culture. In particular, the design takes from the Gundam's pointed samurai-like helmet, primarily white-and-blue color scheme, blocky robotic fists, and back-mounted laser cannons.
*The [[Air Drop]] technique associated primarily with the [[Ninja]] ability is primarily inspired by '''{{furi|飯綱|いづな}}{{furi|落|お}}とし''' (''Izuna Drop''): a fictional ninjutsu attack from the manga ''[[wikipedia:Kamui (manga series)|Kamui Gaiden]]'', which is well known as the signature move of the protagonist Kamui. This attack has since become a common homage in Japanese works, Ninja Kirby being one of them.
*The [[Smash Bros.]] ability's name and moveset are based on Kirby's moveset from the ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' series.
*The [[Staff]] ability is a possible reference to Sun Wukong, from ''Journey to the West''.
*Some of Kirby's rarer [[Stone]] transformations are references to other video game series, such as ''Mario'', ''Metroid'', and ''BoxBoy!''.
*The [[Sword]] ability references [[zeldawiki:Link|Link]] from ''The Legend of Zelda''.
*The [[Whip]] ability is most likely a reference to action-adventure film hero [[wikipedia:Indiana Jones (character)|Indiana Jones]].
*The [[Wrestler]] ability shares similar moves to [[bulbapedia:Incineroar|Incineroar]]'s appearance in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.

== Characters and enemies ==
[[File:Adventures of Lolo screenshot.png|thumb|200px|Lololo & Lalala originally hail as Lolo & Lala from ''[[wikipedia:Adventures of Lolo|Adventures of Lolo]]'', a series from HAL Laboratory that predates the ''Kirby'' series.]]
*[[Adeleine]] slightly resembles Satsuki Kusakabe, a character from the [[wikipedia:Studio Ghibli|Studio Ghibli]] animated film [[wikipedia:My Neighbor Totoro|''My Neighbor Totoro'']], in body proportions and hair color, although their color scheme and interests differ from each other.
*[[Apolo]] resembles (and is presumably named after) a type of chocolate confection called 「アポロ」''Aporo'' (Apollo), which is produced by [[wikipedia:Meiji Seika|Meiji]] and sold in Japan. This is likely the reason why Kirby is healed when he swallows one.
*[[Bo]] is extremely similar in look to the [[zeldawiki:Black Boe|Black Boe]] from [[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'']].
*[[Booler]] resembles the [[mariowiki:Boo|Boo]] enemy from the [[mariowiki:Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' franchise]].
*[[Burning Leo]] seems to be inspired by the [[wikipedia:Chinese guardian lions|guardian lions]] of Chinese culture. Burning Leo's hair vaguely resembles that of a guardian lion, and his name may also reflect his relation to them.
*[[Capsule J]] bears resemblance to the titular character of [[Wikipedia:Konami|Konami]]'s [[Wikipedia:TwinBee (series)|''TwinBee'' series]].
*[[Chameleo Arm]] bears resemblance to the giant chameleon-like deities in the intro of the Famicom Disk System game, ''Fire Bam'', which, like the ''Kirby'' series, was also created by [[HAL Laboratory]].
*[[Chef Kawasaki]] is named after [[wikipedia:Kawasaki motorcycles|Kawasaki motorcycles]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/Sora_Sakurai/status/4585384864387072 Masahiro Sakurai's Twitter answering Chef Kawasaki's name origin]</ref>.
*[[Computer Virus]] - the boss from ''[[Kirby Super Star]]'' and ''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]'' - appears to be a reference to classical Japanese RPGs such as the ''[[wikipedia:Dragon Quest|Dragon Quest]]'' games. Its windows in ''Kirby Super Star'' are also based on those of the [[wikipedia:Classic Mac OS|Classic Mac OS]].
*[[Cret]] and [[Tury]] are very similar in appearance to [[mariowiki:Lakitu|Lakitu]] from the ''Super Mario'' games.
*[[Efreeti]]'s name is likely based on the [[wikipedia:Ifrit|Efreet]] (more commonly known as Ifrit), a demon in Islamic mythology.
*[[Gabon]] bears similarities to both the [[bulbapedia:Pokémon (species)|Pokémon]] [[bulbapedia:Cubone (Pokémon)|Cubone]] and [[bulbapedia:Marowak (Pokémon)|Marowak]], as well as the [[mariowiki:Little Skull Mouser|Little Skull Mouser]] enemies from ''[[mariowiki:Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island|Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'', due to the fact that all of these creatures wear oversized skulls over their heads, as well as the fact that both Gabon and the Cubone line throw bones to attack and the fact that both Gabon and Little Skull Mousers can be unmasked.
*The [[Gator (Kirby Super Star)|Gator]] from ''[[Kirby Super Star]]'' and ''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]'' is based on the gators from the [[HAL Laboratory]] game ''[[Wikipedia:Revenge of the 'Gator|Revenge of the 'Gator]]''. This reference is made more specific with the gator-based attack from [[Kirby Quest]] in ''[[Kirby Mass Attack]]''.
*[[Gobchomplin]] looks and behaves similarly to a [[mariowiki:Piranha Plant|Piranha Plant]] from the ''Super Mario'' series.
*[[Great Gear]]'s visage bears a strong resemblance to the famous [[wikipedia:Aztec sun stone|Aztec sun stone]] found in the ruins of Tenochtitlan.
*[[Grindarr]], [[I³]], and [[Thudd]] are similar to that of [[mariowiki:Thwomp|Thwomps]] from the [[mariowiki:Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' franchise]] in how they look and operate.
*[[Gruegloom]] is very similar to (and its name possibly inspired by) a much older video game monster called the [[wikipedia:Grue (monster)|Grue]], which would eat anyone who ventured out into the dark.
*[[Haley]] appears to be named after [[wikipedia:Halley's Comet|Halley's Comet]]; a fitting name given its comet-like appearance and its common sightings in outer-space regions.
*[[Kabula]]'s modern look, starting with ''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]'', resembles that of a [[mariowiki:Banzai Bill|Banzai Bill]], with some of her projectiles bearing a much more direct resemblance.
*[[Keke]] resembles the eponymous protagonist of ''[[wikipedia:Kiki's Delivery Service|Kiki's Delivery Service]]'', a 1985 Japanese novel and subsequent 1989 animated film.
*[[Kirby]] himself was named in part to honor the late attorney [[wikipedia:John Kirby (attorney)|John Kirby]], who defended Nintendo from a lawsuit from Universal Studios over the use of "Kong" in the name "Donkey Kong".
*[[Lololo & Lalala]] are directly taken from the ''[[wikipedia:Eggerland|Eggerland]]'' series, where they were originally known as "Lolo" and "Lala".
**Likewise, the enemies [[Blocky]] and [[Skuller]] also originate from this series, where they were named "Rocky" and "Skull".
[[File:KaTAM Candy Constellation Boss.png|thumb|200px|In ''[[Kirby & The Amazing Mirror]]'', [[Master Hand & Crazy Hand]] from the ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' series appear as bosses.]]
*[[Master Hand & Crazy Hand]] appear as bosses in ''[[Kirby & The Amazing Mirror]]'', hailing from the ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]''. They would make cameo appearances in a few subsequent titles.
**Likewise, the [[Server Hands]] in ''[[Kirby's Dream Buffet]]'' greatly resemble Master & Crazy Hand.
*[[Moto Shotzo]] is based on the playable tank from the HAL Laboratory game ''Trax''.
*[[Mumbies]], and sometimes [[Scarfy|Scarfies]], typically share a similar behavior to that of the aforementioned Boo enemy from the ''Mario'' franchise in [[mariowiki:Super Mario (series)|''Super Mario'']] games.
*[[Pacto]] bears a vague resemblance to that of [[wikipedia:Bandai Namco Entertainment|Namco]]'s mascot [[smashwiki:Pac-Man|Pac-Man]].
*[[Phanta]] bears a vague resemblance to the Pokémon [[bulbapedia:Duskull_(Pokémon)|Duskull]].
*[[Pompey]]'s name may be a reference to the old Roman town of [[wikipedia:Pompeii|Pompeii]], which was destroyed by the volcano Vesuvius.
*[[Pon & Con]] are a reference to the recurring duo of the ''tanuki'' (Japanese raccoon dog) and ''kitsune'' (fox) in Japanese folklore.
*[[Simirror]] resembles earlier appearances of [[zeldawiki:Wizzrobe|Wizzrobe]], an enemy of [[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]].
*[[Spark-i]] could be a reference to Ramiel, the 5th Angel from ''[[wikipedia:Neon Genesis Evangelion|Neon Genesis Evangelion]]''. Their appearances are similar (both being blue [[wikipedia:octahedron|octahedra]]). In addition, Spark-i's Japanese name (ラミ ''Rami'') is two characters shy from Ramiel's (ラミエル ''Ramieru'').
*Starting with ''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]'', a few bosses (like the [[Winged Eggers]], and [[Whispy Woods]] and his derivatives) use the same roar as the kaiju, [[wikipedia:Mothra|Mothra]], albeit severely pitched-down and slowed down.
*[[Squishy]] bears resemblance to the [[mariowiki:Blooper|Blooper]] enemy from the ''Mario'' franchise in both appearance and behavior.
*[[Starman]]'s name may be a reference to the [[wikibound:Starman|Starman]] enemy from the [[wikibound: EarthBound/Mother (series)|''EarthBound'' series]].
*[[Togezo]] is very similar in design to the ''Mario'' franchise enemy, [[mariowiki:Spiny|Spiny]], sharing names with that enemy in the Japanese releases of ''[[Kirby's Adventure]]'' and ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]''.
*[[Two Face]] is likely based off of the [[mariowiki:Phanto|Phanto]] from ''[[mariowiki:Super Mario Bros. 2|Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' in appearance.
*[[Wappa]]'s Japanese name is "Wampa", a reference to the [[wikipedia:Wampa|species]] of the same name from the ''[[wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]]'' series.
*[[Zoos]]' name is a pun on the Greek god [[wikipedia:Zeus|Zeus]]. This is compounded by the fact that it throws lightning from a cloud.

== References by game ==
The following are more specific references by game which are not mentioned in the characters section above:
=== ''Kirby's Dream Land'' ===
*Many areas of [[Castle Lololo]] are decorated with blocks that are marked with question marks, likely referencing [[mariowiki:? Block|? Blocks]] from the ''Mario'' universe.

=== ''Kirby's Pinball Land'' ===
*By default, the scores listed on the leaderboard have the names 'ZEPHYRA', 'PHYSALI', 'DENDROB', and 'GERBERA'. These names are references to the ''[[wikipedia:Gundam|Gundam]]'' series—specifically, they are abbreviated names of mecha from the anime ''[[wikipedia:Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory|Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory]]''.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/nintendo/comments/41tvnt/all_of_the_default_high_scores_in_kirbys_pinball/ Phil_Bond on Reddit]</ref>

=== ''Kirby's Avalanche'' ===
*''[[Kirby's Avalanche]]'' - being effectively a reskin of the Japanese game ''[[wikipedia:Puyo Puyo|Super Puyo Puyo]]'' - shares many commonalities with that title.

=== ''Kirby's Dream Land 2'' ===
{{multiple image
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|footer=The Sound Test in the Japanese version of ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 2]]'' (top) is a near-carbon copy of a similar scene from ''Yūyūki'' (bottom).
|image1=KDL2 Sound Test JP.png
|image2=Famicom Mukashibanashi Yuuyuuki piano lounge screenshot.png
}}
* In the Japanese version of ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 2]]'', one of the characters that Kirby can rescue from a [[Protective Bag|bag]] is [[Chao]] from the Japanese game ''[[wikipedia:Yūyūki|Yūyūki]]''. She is replaced with the character [[Girl blob]] in international releases.
**Additionally, the image depicting Kirby, [[Rick]], [[Kine]] and [[Coo]] inside a tavern in the [[Jukebox|Sound Test]] screen is a recreation of a scene from ''Yūyūki'', where Chao reunites with Goku and the other main characters towards the end of Disk 1.

=== ''Kirby Super Star'' and ''Kirby Super Star Ultra'' ===
{{ImCap|image=File:KSS Mario Cameo.png|align=left|size=48px|caption=In ''Kirby Super Star'' and ''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]'', characters from the ''Mario'' franchise appear in the audience in both [[Mt. Dedede]] and [[Megaton Punch]].|captionalign = center|captionwidth=200px}}
* [[mariowiki:Mario|Mario]], [[mariowiki:Luigi|Luigi]], [[mariowiki:Peach|Peach]], [[mariowiki:Toad|Toad]], and [[mariowiki:Wario|Wario]] make a cameo appearance in [[Spring Breeze]], as part of the audience watching Kirby battle King Dedede. Several of these characters can also be seen in [[Megaton Punch]].
* The world map in [[Dyna Blade (main game)|Dyna Blade]] functions very similarly to the world maps in [[mariowiki:Super Mario Bros. 3|''Super Mario Bros. 3'']]. Furthermore, the moving "E" symbol behaves similarly to the latter's [[mariowiki:Hammer Bro|Hammer Bros.]] [[mariowiki:Enemy Course|Enemy Course]] symbol on the map.
* The first room in [[Peanut Plains]] is structured in a similar vein to the opening room of the first level in [[mariowiki:Super Mario Bros. 2|''Super Mario Bros. 2'']], as both have the player descend down a mountain-like set of platforms before entering a door on the bottom of the room. The resemblance is made more noticeable in ''Kirby Super Star Ultra'', as the colors of the terrain bear more of a resemblance to those found in ''Super Mario Bros. 2''.
** Additionally, in ''Kirby Super Star'', the second room in [[???]] bears resemblance to Subspace as it appears in the NES version of ''Super Mario Bros. 2'', with the terrain entirely set in silhouette against a solid-color background. This resemblance is less noticeable in ''Kirby Super Star Ultra'', as it now uses a nighttime version of the grassland tileset.
* Many of the treasures in [[the Great Cave Offensive]] are also references to other [[Nintendo]] franchises, such as ''[[mariowiki:Mario|Mario]]'', ''[[meow:Metroid|Metroid]]'', ''EarthBound'', ''Fire Emblem'', and ''Donkey Kong''.
* The ending theme of [[Revenge of Meta Knight]] - [[My Friend and the Sunset]] - is partially based on the traditional folk song "[[wikipedia:The House of the Rising Sun|The House of the Rising Sun]]", particularly the 1964 blues cover by British rock band The Animals. The credits sequence, which features [[Wheelie Rider]] Kirby riding through a barren desert at sunset, appears to be a reference to the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Bf1tZwNNQ credits sequence] of the 1971 anime ''[[wikipedia:Lupin the Third Part I|Lupin the Third Part I]]''.
* In the [[Milky Way Wishes]] stage [[Halfmoon]], one of the background decorations in the starry areas is an image of Saturn's moon [[wikipedia:Mimas (moon)|Mimas]].

=== ''Kirby's Dream Land 3'' ===
[[File:KDL3 Sand Canyon Stage 6 Heart Star.png|thumb|200px|Many of the characters that Kirby meets at the end of stages in ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]'' come from other video game franchises. Here, in [[Sand Canyon - Stage 6]], Kirby rendezvouses with Professor Hector and R.O.B., from ''Gyromite'' and ''Stack-Up''.]]
*Several of the friendly characters that Kirby helps are cameos from other video games. More details can be found on the [[Heart Star]] page.
*[[Metroid]]s appear as enemies in this game, as part of a mission involving [[metroidwiki:Samus Aran|Samus Aran]].
*[[Hyper Zone]] shares its name with ''[[wikipedia:HyperZone|HyperZone]]'', an earlier Super NES title made by HAL Laboratory.

=== ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' ===
*The planet [[Shiver Star]], which serves as one of the levels in the game, bears a striking resemblance to Earth, albeit frozen over.
*The [[Spark-Cutter]] Power Combo gives Kirby a staff with blades of light extending from both ends. This weapon looks nearly identical to that of the MS-14S sword from [[wikipedia:Mobile Suit Gundam|Mobile Suit Gundam]], but it could also likely be a reference to the double-bladed [[wikipedia:Lightsaber|lightsaber]] first seen in ''[[wikipedia:Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace|Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace]]''—which came out a year before ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'' released—and elsewhere in the ''Star Wars'' franchise.

=== ''Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble'' ===
*The way levels are structured in this game is strikingly similar to the layout of the original [[mariowiki:Super Mario Bros.|''Super Mario Bros.'']], with eight levels consisting of four stages each, each fourth stage being a castle setting with a boss at the end, and two hidden places where the player can skip levels, similar to ''Super Mario Bros.''{{'}} three Warp Zones.
**Kirby's use of the [[Balloon (item)|Balloon]]s to puff up and fly for 15 seconds may also be inspired by the [[mariowiki:Power Balloon|P-Balloon]]s from ''[[mariowiki:Super Mario World|Super Mario World]]''. Both feature a capital letter on each, with the item from this game having a "G" while the one from the ''Mario'' series, hence its original name, has a "P" on it.

=== ''Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land'' ===
*The North American commercial for ''Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land'' used a parody of [[wikipedia:Secret Agent Man (Johnny Rivers song)|"Secret Agent Man"]] as its music, with the lyrics altered to describe Kirby instead.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1M7kJASyoQ COMMERCIAL: Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland]</ref>

=== ''Kirby & The Amazing Mirror'' ===
*The concept of Kirby possessing three copies of himself to help him is similar to Link receiving three copies of himself in [[zw:The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords|''The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords'']].

===''Kirby: Canvas Curse''===
*Some of the objects that [[Paint Roller]] can paint in [[Paint Panic]] are references to other media, as follows:
**A [[Nintendo GameCube]].
**The logo of the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series.
**The [[zw:Triforce|Triforce]] from ''The Legend of Zelda''.

===''Kirby's Epic Yarn'' / ''Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn''===
*The boss [[Squashini]] is named after the famous escape artist [[wikipedia:Harry Houdini|Harry Houdini]].

===''Kirby Mass Attack''===
[[File:Kirby Quest KMA title.png|thumb|150px|The title screen for the ''[[Kirby Mass Attack]]'' [[Sub-Game]] [[Kirby Quest]] is a direct reference to an older HAL Laboratory game called ''Arcana'', which also happens to be the first game Kirby ever appeared in (albeit as a cameo).]]
*The core gameplay concept of ''[[Kirby Mass Attack]]'' is very similar to that of the ''[[pikipedia:Pikmin series|Pikmin]]'' games, though more heavily focused on action and platforming rather than strategy.
*The ''Kirby Mass Attack'' sub-game [[Kirby Quest]] has several references to media outside the ''Kirby'' series, as follows:
**The title screen and logo are a direct reference to a 1992 video game produced by [[HAL Laboratory]] called ''[[wikipedia:Arcana (video game)|Arcana]]''. The sub-game's Japanese and Korean name, "Kirby Master", is a reference to Arcana's own Japanese name, ''Card Master''.
***The game over screen is a direct reference to a scene from the opening of ''Arcana'', with [[Dark Matter]] in place of the wizard Galneon. This scene was the same one in which Kirby made a cameo appearance a month before his official debut.
**One of Kirby's "Excellent" attacks calls on a horde of 66 [[Gator (Kirby Super Star)|Gator]]s to attack the enemies. This is a reference to the 1989 Game Boy game ''[[wikipedia:Revenge of the 'Gator|Revenge of the 'Gator]]'' (ピンボール66{{furi|匹|ひき}}のワニ{{furi|大行進|だいこうしん}}, ''Pinball: The Great 66-Alligator Parade''), also produced by HAL Laboratory.
**Another "Excellent" attack has Kirby ride a [[Moto Shotzo]] while being chased by a mechanical dragon with boxing gloves that highly resembles a boss from HAL Laboratories' 1991 game ''Trax''. As mentioned above, Moto Shotzo itself greatly resembles ''Trax''{{'}}s main protagonist.
*Similarly to how Kirby Quest references ''Arcana'', [[Strato Patrol EOS]] and its name, logo, title screen, and gameplay are a wholesale reference to '''{{furi|宇宙|うちゅう}}{{furi|警備隊|けいびたい}} SDF''' (''Uchū Keibitai SDF'', "Space Defense Force SDF"), a vertically-scrolling shooter released by [[HAL Laboratory]] for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] in 1990.

=== ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land'' / ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe'' ===
*[[Goriath]] is a possible reference to Saiyan warriors from the ''Dragon Ball'' franchise. This includes the change in hair colors similar to the Super Saiyan transformation and the beam attacks being a nod to the Kamehameha Wave. Additionally, Goriath's primate traits are connected to the Saiyans themselves (hinted at by their long tails resembling those of Goku's inspiration, Sun Wukong, from the 16th Century Chinese novel ''Journey to the West''), especially their Great Ape transformations on nights of a [[wikipedia:full moon|full moon]].
**Relatedly, [[Hydriath]]'s facial hair and association with water may be inspired by the Greek god [[wikipedia:Poseidon|Poseidon]]. Also, during some of Hydriath's attacks, it teleports as a form of a fake-out, with the teleportation method also being a nod to the "Instant Transmission" technique from the ''Dragon Ball'' franchise.
*The [[Stomper Boot]] item appears to be based on the [[mariowiki:Goomba's Shoe|Goomba's Shoe]] from the [[mariowiki:Super Mario (series)|''Super Mario'']] series, as it functions in much the same way.
*In some areas throughout the game, a variant of [[Scarfy|Scarfies]] known as Hunter Scarfies appear. The actions of these Scarfies are similar to those of the [[mariowiki:Phanto|Phanto]] enemies from [[mariowiki:Super Mario Bros. 2|''Super Mario Bros. 2'']], as they only attack when Kirby or one of his friends picks up a [[Key]].
*The name [[Halcandra]] may be a reference to the naming scheme of planets in [[wikipedia:C.S. Lewis|C.S. Lewis]]'s [[wikipedia:The Space Trilogy|Space Trilogy]] novels, such as "Malacandra" (Mars).
*The star visible on the mast of the [[Lor Starcutter]] during the [[Lor & Magolor]] and Lor EX & Magolor boss battles strongly resembles the [[mariowiki:Dark Star|Dark Star]] and [[mariowiki:Dark Star X|Dark Star X]] from the original ''[[mariowiki:Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story|Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]].''
*The "Hidden Magolors" that can be found in [[Merry Magoland]] in ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe'' are likely a parody of [[wikipedia:Hidden Mickey|Hidden Mickeys]] from the [[wikipedia:Disney Parks, Experiences and Products|Disney Parks]], which are symbols of Mickey Mouse hidden in the architecture or landscaping.
**Magolor's description of Merry Magoland as "the funnest place in the whole universe" is also a possible reference to the slogan of [[wikipedia:Disneyland|Disneyland]], "the happiest place on earth".

=== ''Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition'' ===
*The first area in the [[New Challenge Stages]] stage [[Smash Combat Chamber]] features a layout similar to the [[smashwiki:Battlefield (disambiguation)|Battlefield]] stage in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series. In addition, the distinct ability-providing enemies that appear in sequence to fight Kirby there is likely a reference to [[Smashwiki:Multi-Man Smash|Multi-Man Smash]].
*The [[Kirby's History]] hallway makes numerous mentions of real world events that coincided with the release of certain ''Kirby'' games.

=== ''Kirby: Triple Deluxe'' ===
[[File:KTD Old Odyssey Stage 5 5.png|thumb|200px|In [[Old Odyssey - Stage 5]] in ''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]'', Kirby reenacts the story of ''The Three Little Pigs'', playing the part of the "Big-Bad Wolf".]]
*The [[Dreamstalk]] is a nod to the fairy tale of ''[[wikipedia:Jack and the Beanstalk|Jack and the Beanstalk]]''.
*The end of [[Old Odyssey - Stage 5|Old Odyssey's 5th stage]] is a reference to ''[[wikipedia:The Three Little Pigs|The Three Little Pigs]]''.
*The battle with [[Ace Phanta|King Phanta]] may be a reference to ''[[mariowiki:Luigi's Mansion|Luigi's Mansion]]'', the piano specifically might be a reference to the [[mariowiki:Mad Piano|Mad Piano]] from ''[[mariowiki:Super Mario 64|Super Mario 64]]'' and [[mariowiki:Super Mario 64 DS|its]] [[mariowiki:Super Mario 3D All-Stars|remakes]].
*In the game's backstory, [[Queen Sectonia]] is said to have been bewitched by [[Dimension Mirror|a magic mirror]] and driven mad with the desire for perfect beauty and power. This is likely a nod to the tale of ''[[wikipedia:Snow White|Snow White]]'', particularly the character of the Evil Queen who also possesses a magic mirror and desires both beauty and power.
*The second [[Mowlee Bros.|Mowlee Bro.]] has red fur and yellow goggles, which is a similar coloration to Pookas from the arcade game, ''[[wikipedia:Dig Dug|Dig Dug]]''.

=== ''Kirby and the Rainbow Curse'' ===
*In ''[[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse]]'', there is an area of the stage [[Infiltrate the Junk Factory!]] where Kirby picks up some [[Invincible Candy]] and defeats several [[Shockcreepa]]s in a vertical maze consisting of tight corridors. This scenario is very similar to the [[wikipedia:Pac-Man|Pac-Man]] arcade game, mainly due to the nature of the Shockcreepas, the layout of the room, and the fact that lines of [[Point Star]]s appear in a similar manner to dots on a Pac-Man board.
*Some of the [[Play Nintendo]] comics feature references to other games:
**The comic "Saved by the Rainbow" takes place in a [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' game]].
**In the comic "An Evening Out", Kirby takes on the persona of [[mariowiki:Mario|Mario]] from the [[mariowiki:Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' franchise]].
**In the comic "The Waddle Dee Three", the green Waddle Dee says "I am error", referencing the same infamous line from ''[[zeldawiki:Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]''.

=== ''Kirby: Planet Robobot'' ===
[[File:KPR MKR Star Dream cutscene.jpg|thumb|250px|Star Dream - the sentient computer at the heart of the [[Access Ark (ship)|Access Ark]] - has a single "eye" and a manner of speaking which is very similar to that of the HAL 9000 from ''2001: A Space Odyssey''.]]
*[[Qbby]] from the [[nwiki:BoxBoy! series|''BOXBOY!'' series]] makes an appearance as one of the collectable [[Sticker (Kirby: Planet Robobot)|stickers]].
*One of Kirby's rare Stone transformations in this game depicts [[nookipedia:Tom Nook|Tom Nook]] from the ''Animal Crossing'' series.
*[[Star Dream]] somewhat resembles the [[wikipedia:HAL 9000|HAL 9000]], a fictional sentient computer from ''[[wikipedia:2001: A Space Odyssey|2001: A Space Odyssey]]'', and after whom [[HAL Laboratory]] is named.
**The way Star Dream's third form teleports may be a reference to the [[lylatwiki:Gorgon|Gorgon]] boss from ''[[lylatwiki:Star Fox 64|Star Fox 64]]'' and [[lylatwiki:Star Fox 64 3D|its remake]].
*Kirby's final attack on Star Dream may be a reference to the Giga Drill Break attack from the ''[[wikipedia:Gurren Lagann|Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'' anime series.

=== ''Team Kirby Clash Deluxe'' / ''Super Kirby Clash'' ===
*In ''[[Team Kirby Clash Deluxe]]'' and ''[[Super Kirby Clash]]'', one of the [[Hammer Lord]]'s purchasable weapons - the Lucky Mallet - is directly based on a common luck symbol in Japan. Likenesses of the mallet can be seen in the real world as decoration, as well as charms and trinkets.

=== ''Kirby Battle Royale'' ===
*One of Kirby's headgear for the [[Bomb]] ability is based on Qbby, unlocked with the Japan-exclusive Qbby amiibo.
*One of Meta Knight's headgear, the Party Mask, may be a reference to [[wikipedia:Tuxedo Mask|Tuxedo Mask]] from the ''[[wikipedia:Sailor Moon|Sailor Moon]]'' series.

=== ''Kirby Star Allies'' ===
*The [[Plasma]] move 'Light-Speed Dash' functions similar to that of [[bulbapedia:Quick Attack|Quick Attack]], a move commonly associated with the Pokémon [[bulbapedia:Pikachu|Pikachu]].
*[[Yggy Woods]] is named after [[wikipedia:Yggdrasil|Yggdrasil]], an ancient and sacred tree in Norse legends.
*[[Hyness]] shares several similarities with [[zeldawiki:Zant|Zant]] from ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'', as both have violent mood swings, are dressed in a cloak and seek to restore a higher being that was once sealed away. Both Hyness and Zant also turn out to be more insane than they initially appear.
*[[Void Termina]]'s first form bears a striking resemblance to [[zeldawiki:Ganon|Beast Ganon]] from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''.
*Qbby cameos in one of Kirby's rare [[Stone]] transformations.
*[[Morpho Knight]] may be based upon [[wikipedia:Valkyrie|valkyries]], deities in Norse legends who choose those who live and those who die in preparation for [[wikipedia:Ragnarök|Ragnarök]] ("judgment day"). Its Japanese name appears to incorporate the words "valkyrie" and "[[wikipedia:Freyja|Freyja]]", a Norse goddess sometimes depicted as the leader of the valkyries.

=== ''Kirby and the Forgotten Land'' ===
*Kirby's [[Mouthful Mode]] transformations are very similar in concept and functionality to the [[mariowiki:Capture|Capture]] mechanic from [[mariowiki:Super Mario Odyssey|''Super Mario Odyssey'']].
*The "KIRBYSTORY" [[List of Present Codes in Kirby and the Forgotten Land|Present Code]] found inside the [[Waddle Dee Cinema]] may be a reference to Kirby's cameo in [[mariowiki:Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga|''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'']], in which he appears on a movie poster titled [[mariowiki:List of implied entertainment#Kirby Story|''Kirby Story'']] within the [[mariowiki:Yoshi Theater (Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga)|Yoshi Theater]].
*[[Toy Hammer]], one of Kirby's [[Evolved Copy Ability|Evolved Copy Abilities]], is based on [[wikipedia:ja:ピコピコハンマー|a popular children's toy in Japan]].
*[[The Wondaria Dream Parade]] could be a nod to the [[wikipedia:Main Street Electrical Parade|Main Street Electrical Parade]], a nighttime parade that has made numerous appearances in Disney parks over the years. The music that plays throughout the stage is very similar to the real life parade's theme song, the [[wikipedia:Baroque Hoedown|Baroque Hoedown]].
**Additionally, the mascots of Wondaria, Wondog and Wondy, could be seen as analogous to [[wikipedia:Mickey Mouse|Mickey]] and [[wikipedia:Minnie Mouse|Minnie Mouse]], given that they are pre-existing characters who formed the basis for the park.

== ''Kirby: Right Back at Ya!'' ==
The anime series ''[[Kirby: Right Back at Ya!]]'' is packed full of references to other media and events, with several episodes being directly based on other media or even real world events. Characters also make frequent references to other media through their dialogue.

=== Episode titles ===
Many of the titles of episodes directly reference other media, as follows:
*'''Japanese titles'''
**[[A Fish Called Kine|The Fish Who Loved Me]] - ''[[wikipedia:The Spy Who Loved Me (film)|The Spy Who Loved Me]]'', a spy film from 1977 based on the 1962 novel of the same name.
**[[Abusement Park|Viva! Welcome to DedeVegas]] - ''[[wikipedia:Viva Las Vegas|Viva Las Vegas]]'', a musical film from 1964 starring Elvis Presley.
**[[A Recipe for Disaster|Ultimate Iron Man Cook Osaka]] - ''[[wikipedia:Iron Chef|Iron Chef]]'', a Japanese cooking TV show from the 1990s.
**[[Scare Tactics - Part I|A Midsummer Night's Scream!]] - ''[[wikipedia:A Midsummer Night's Dream|A Midsummer Night's Dream]]'', a late 16th century comedic play by English playwright William Shakespeare.

*'''English titles'''
**[[The Fofa Factor]] - ''[[Wikipedia:Fear Factor|Fear Factor]]'', an American reality TV show aired in the early 2000s.
**[[Escargoon Squad]] - ''[[wikipedia:The Monster Squad|The Monster Squad]]'', an American comedy/horror film from 1987.
**[[A Fish Called Kine]] - ''[[wikipedia:A Fish Called Wanda|A Fish Called Wanda]]'', a 1988 British-American heist comedy film.
**[[Here Comes the Son]] - "[[wikipedia:Here Comes the Sun|Here Comes the Sun]]", a 1969 song by British rock group [[wikipedia:The Beatles|the Beatles]].
**[[Hour of the WolfWrath]] - ''[[wikipedia:Hour of the Wolf|Hour of the Wolf]]'', a Swedish horror film from 1968.
**[[A Spice Odyssey]] - ''[[wikipedia:2001: A Space Odyssey|2001: A Space Odyssey]]'', a 1968 science fiction story written by [[wikipedia:Arthur C. Clarke|Arthur C. Clarke]] and [[wikipedia:Stanley Kubrick|Stanley Kubrick]] and directed by the latter.
**[[War of the Woods]] - ''[[wikipedia:The War of the Worlds|The War of the Worlds]]'', an 1897 science fiction story by English author [[wikipedia:H. G. Wells|H.G. Wells]].
**[[The Chill Factor]] - another reference to ''Fear Factor''.
**[[Waddle While You Work]] - "[[wikipedia:Whistle While You Work|Whistle While You Work]]", a song from the 1937 animated film ''[[wikipedia:Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937 film)|Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs]]''.
**[[Born to Be Mild - Part I|Born to Be Mild]] - "[[wikipedia:Born to Be Wild|Born to Be Wild]]", a 1968 song by Canadian-American psychedelic rock band [[wikipedia:Steppenwolf (band)|Steppenwolf]].
**[[Hunger Struck]] - "[[wikipedia:Thunderstruck (song)|Thunderstruck]]", a 1990 song by Australian hard rock group [[wikipedia:AC/DC|AC/DC]].
**[[Cappy Town Down]] - ''[[wikipedia:Black Hawk Down (book)|Black Hawk Down]]'', a non-fiction book from 1999 which was later adapted into a movie of the same name in 2001.

=== References by episode ===
==== Beware: Whispy Woods! ====
In the Japanese version of [[Beware: Whispy Woods!]], King Dedede remarks after building his country club that though Whispy Woods is gone, [[wikipedia:Tiger Woods|Tiger Woods]] is now here, in reference to the name and occupation of the famous golf player.

==== Un-Reality TV ====
There are numerous references to other T.V. shows and media in [[Un-Reality TV]], mainly revolving around the show titles for [[Channel DDD]]. Specific references include the following:
*"Wheel of Head Wounds" references ''[[wikipedia:Wheel of Fortune (American game show)|Wheel of Fortune]]''.
*"Dededeep Space Nine" references ''[[wikipedia:Star Trek: Deep Space Nine|Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''.
*"Globzilla" references [[wikipedia:Godzilla|Godzilla]].
*"King Klong" references [[wikipedia:King Kong|King Kong]]. The real-life baseball team, the [[wikipedia:Houston Astros|Houston Astros]] is also referenced.
*"Who Wants to Be a Dedede?" references ''[[wikipedia:Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?|Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?]]''.
*"Everybody Loves Dedede" references ''[[wikipedia:Everybody Loves Raymond|Everybody Loves Raymond]]''.
*King Dedede's line "Hasta la vista, chump!" references the line "Hasta la vista, baby!" from the 1991 science-fiction action film ''[[wikipedia:Terminator 2: Judgment Day|Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''.
*Escargoon's line "Ahh, Sire, the studio's gone with the wind!" references the 1936 novel ''[[wikipedia:Gone with the Wind|Gone with the Wind]]'' by American writer [[wikipedia:Margaret Mitchell|Margaret Mitchell]].

More references exist in the Japanese version, as follows:
*"Super Dededeman" references the American comic book franchise [[wikipedia:Superman|Superman]].
*"It's Dedede, Everyone Come On!" references a Japanese T.V. show called 8時だョ！全員集合 (''It's 8 O' Clock, Everyone Come On!'').
*"Dedede Mystery Discovery" references a Japanese T.V. show called 世界不思議発見 (''World Mystery Discovery'').
*"Gone with the Planet of the Apes" is a portmanteau of ''[[wikipedia:Gone with the Wind|Gone with the Wind]]'' and the ''[[wikipedia:Planet of the Apes|Planet of the Apes]]'' franchise.

==== Curio's Curious Discovery ====
The overall plot of [[Curio's Curious Discovery]] is likely a reference to the [[wikipedia:Japanese Paleolithic hoax|Japanese Paleolithic hoax]], in which an archaeologist made famous for stone age tool discoveries was eventually ousted as a fraud when he was caught planting artifacts at dig sites.

==== Cappy New Year ====
In the Japanese version of [[Cappy New Year]], [[Escargoon]] refers to his rocket as the "Teppoudon", which is a reference to the North Korean ballistic missile called "Taepo Dong". Additionally, while Kirby is being flung around by the robotic arm, King Dedede says he'll "have Kirby depart on his 2,001-year space odyssey", explicitly referring to the [[wikipedia:2001: A Space Odyssey|science fiction story of the same name]] (while also making reference to the year that the episode first aired).

==== Labor Daze ====
In the Japanese version of [[Labor Daze]], [[Tiff]] remarks that the pollution from King Dedede's factory is severely damaging the environment of Dream Land, which could result in a "Silent Spring". This is a reference to the [[wikipedia:Silent Spring|famous environmental science book of the same name]], published in 1962.

==== Abusement Park ====
In the Japanese version of [[Abusement Park]], when the Dream Landers are fighting over the [[Walky]] in the karaoke contest, Mayor Len attempts to sing "[[wikipedia:Y.M.C.A. (song)|Y.M.C.A.]]" by the [[wikipedia:Village People|Village People]] but gets the acronym wrong, singing "Y.W.C.A." instead. [[Sir Ebrum]] later tries to sing [[wikipedia:Tony Bennett|Tony Bennett]]'s "[[wikipedia:I Left My Heart in San Francisco|I Left My Heart in San Francisco]]" and [[wikipedia:Frank Sinatra|Frank Sinatra]]'s "[[wikipedia:My Way|My Way]]".

==== A Dental Dilemma ====
In the Japanese version of [[A Dental Dilemma]], [[Lady Like]] promises [[Tuff]] a "CubeGame" if he goes to the dentist, which is likely a reference to the [[Nintendo GameCube]]; the newest [[Nintendo]] console out at the time.

==== Watermelon Felon ====
In the Japanese version of [[Watermelon Felon]], an advertisement appears on Channel DDD promoting "DDDLAND", which is a reference to [[wikipedia:Disneyland|Disneyland]].

==== A Novel Approach ====
[[File:E38 Scene 6.png|thumb|200px|The episode [[A Novel Approach]] features a fictional fantasy book which bears a striking resemblance to the first book in the ''Harry Potter'' novel series.]]
The premise of [[A Novel Approach]] revolves around characters reading a new bestselling novel called ''Pappy Pottey and the Fool's Stone'', which is a direct reference to the 1997 fantasy novel ''[[wikipedia:Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone|Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone]]''. Likewise, the story also features Castle Dedede stylized as a "magic school" similar to Hogwarts, and a character called [[Rowlin]] appears, who is a stand-in for ''Harry Potter'' author [[wikipedia:J. K. Rowling|J.K. Rowling]].

==== Prediction Predicament - Part II ====
In the Japanese version of [[Prediction Predicament - Part II]], the asteroid heading towards Dream Land is called [[Phantom Star Gerath]], which is a reference to the Japanese film ''[[Wikipedia:Gorath|Gorath]]'', which involves a white dwarf star heading directly toward Earth. Additionally, in the Japanese version, King Dedede sings a song on the swings that translates to,  "Life is short... Fall in love, Dedede..." This references the ending of the 1952 [[wikipedia:Akira Kurosawa|Akira Kurosawa]] film ''[[wikipedia:Ikiru|Ikiru]]'', in which terminal cancer patient Kanji Watanabe sings "[[wikipedia:Gondola no Uta|The Gondola Song]]" to himself while playing in the playground that he built.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umLtGRl_WE4 The scene being referenced in question]</ref> Dedede's song likewise riffs on the opening of "The Gondola Song", replaceing "otome" ("maidens") with "Dedede."

==== Scare Tactics - Part II ====
[[File:E46 Scene 17.png|thumb|200px|In [[Scare Tactics - Part II]], King Dedede and Escargoon recreate the "shower scene" from the Alfred Hitchcock film ''Psycho''.]]
In [[Scare Tactics - Part II]], King Dedede and Escargoon reenact the murder in the shower scene from the 1960 horror film ''[[wikipedia:Psycho (1960 film)|Psycho]]'', directed by English filmmaker [[wikipedia:Alfred Hitchcock|Alfred Hitchcock]].

==== Don't Bank on It ====
The ending of [[Don't Bank on It]] references the final scene in the film ''2001: A Space Odyssey''.

==== Snack Attack - Part II ====
Some of the [[Martial Arts All-Stars]] that Kirby faces in [[Snack Attack - Part II]] are references, as follows:
*Kung-Fu Lee is a reference to Chinese-American martial artist [[Wikipedia:Bruce Lee|Bruce Lee]], who is credited with popularizing kung fu in the United States.
*Boxer Dyson is a reference to American boxer [[Wikipedia:Mike Tyson|Mike Tyson]].
*Karate Kid is named after the American martial arts film franchise [[Wikipedia:The Karate Kid (franchise)|of the same name]].

==== One Crazy Knight ====
The guest character of [[One Crazy Knight]] – [[Sir Gallant]] – is a reference to the main character of the 1605 novel ''[[wikipedia:Don Quixote|Don Quixote]]'' by Spanish writer [[wikipedia:Miguel de Cervantes|Miguel de Cervantes]]. Likewise, the monster that features in this episode – the [[Windwhipper]] – references a scene from the novel where Don Quixote attacks a row of windmills, mistaking them for giants.

==== Mabel Turns the Tables ====
The scene in [[Mabel Turns the Tables]] where [[Mabel]] and Kirby part the sea is a reference to the biblical [[wikipedia:Book of Exodus|Book of Exodus]], where the Abrahamic prophet Moses parts the Red Sea with Yahweh's power to help the Hebrews escape the Egyptian army.

==== The Meal Moocher ====
In the Japanese version of [[The Meal Moocher]], after [[Cook]] Kirby defeats the [[Garnie]] by frying it to death, Dedede admits that he doesn't feel like eating crab anymore, slipping into a Kansai dialect as he does so. The accent's use in this context acts as a reference to [[wikipedia:Kani Dōraku|Kani Dōraku]], a famous seafood restaurant in Osaka (a city in the Kansai region) distinguished by the giant animatronic crab above the front door.

==== The Kirby Quiz ====
In [[The Kirby Quiz]], the [[N.M.E. Sales Guy]] reveals that the winners of the game show will receive a trip to "Planet Hawahu". This is a reference to the real-world location of Hawaii, and the image shown appears to be that of the city Honolulu.

==== Waddle While You Work ====
In [[Waddle While You Work]], the scene where King Dedede eats a turnip and cries out that he will never go hungry again is a reference to ''[[wikipedia:Gone with the Wind (film)|Gone with the Wind]]''.

==== Caterpillar Thriller ====
This episode revolves around a giant moth-like monster called [[Mosugaba]] who lives on a remote island with two tiny fairy twins called the [[Island Sisters]]. These are direct references to the equivalent characters from the Japanese monster film ''[[wikipedia:Mothra (film)|Mothra]]''.

==== Fossil Fools ====
In both parts of [[Fossil Fools - Part I|Fossil]] [[Fossil Fools - Part II|Fools]], numerous references to both the science fiction film ''[[wikipedia:Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park]]'' and the H.G. Wells story ''[[wikipedia:The Island of Doctor Moreau|The Island of Doctor Moreau]]'' are made, with the latter primarily taking the form of the villain [[Doctor Moro]].

==== Dedede's Monsterpiece ====
[[File:E77 Scene 17.png|thumb|200px|The episode [[Dedede's Monsterpiece]] features recreations of several real-world famous paintings, which the characters view in a museum.]]
The episode [[Dedede's Monsterpiece]] revolves around the Dream Landers looking at several examples of real-world famous paintings and sculptures.

==== Right Hand Robot ====
In [[Right Hand Robot]], the scene where Escargoon empowers the [[Escar-droid]] using lightning is a reference to [[wikipedia:Frankenstein (1931 film)|the 1931 film adaptation]] of the 1818 science horror novel ''[[wikipedia:Frankenstein|Frankenstein]]'' by English writer [[wikipedia:Mary Shelley|Mary Shelley]]. In the film, Victor Frankenstein uses lightning to bring the Creature to life; the process of making and animating him was left deliberately vague in the original book.

==== Goin' Bonkers ====
In the English version of [[Goin' Bonkers]], several characters have lines that reference the 1968 science-fiction movie ''[[wikipedia:Planet of the Apes (1968 film)|Planet of the Apes]]''. Additionally, while [[Bonkers]] is in his monster form, his actions mimic scenes from the 1933 monster movie ''[[wikipedia:King Kong (1933 film)|King Kong]]''. Lastly, in the Japanese version, when Bonkers first shows up, [[Chef Kawasaki (anime character)|Chef Kawasaki]] speculates that Bonkers might be a [[Wikipedia:Terminator (character concept)|Terminator]].

==== Cooking Up Trouble ====
In the Japanese version of [[Cooking Up Trouble]], the monster [[SlicerDicer]] is named "Cookinger Z", a clear reference to the influential super robot series ''[[wikipedia:Mazinger Z|Mazinger Z]]'' and its titular mecha.

==== Shell-Shocked ====
In [[Shell-Shocked]], when King Dedede is imagining what Escargoon would look like without his shell, he pictures the famous painting [[wikipedia:The Birth of Venus|The Birth of Venus]] with modifications to make Venus resemble Escargoon.

==== Tooned Out ====
There are several references to cartoons and other subjects related to animation and film in [[Tooned Out]], as follows:
*In the Japanese version, King Dedede mentions that his animation aspirations had "gone with the wind" while the recap montage shows the scene in [[Waddle While You Work]], which references ''[[wikipedia:Gone with the Wind (film)|Gone with the Wind]]''.
*The monster [[Anige]] is initially disguised as "Dis Walney", who is an amalgamation of American animator and businessman [[wikipedia:Walt Disney|Walt Disney]] and Japanese manga artist and animator [[wikipedia:Osamu Tezuka|Osamu Tezuka]]. In the Japanese version, he is named "Owalt Dezney", making the portmanteau more obvious.
*Several of the ideas that the townsfolk come up with are references to other popular cartoons and films.
**[[Gangu]] proposes a cartoon where a space hero fights monsters only to find out that he is actually a toy. This references the plot of the 1995 animated film ''[[wikipedia:Toy Story|Toy Story]]''.
**[[Professor Curio]] proposes "Curio Jones", which is inspired by ''[[wikipedia:Indiana Jones|Indiana Jones]]''.
**Some references exist only in the Japanese version:
***Mayor Len proposes a character called "Wooltaro". This is a reference to the popular anime series ''[[wikipedia:Hamtaro|Hamtaro]]''.
***[[Doctor Yabui]] proposes an idea for a medical anime called "White Jack". This refers to the medical suspense manga ''[[wikipedia:Black Jack (manga)|Black Jack]]'', which has received numerous adaptations as Osamu Tezuka's second most famous work after ''[[wikipedia:Astro Boy|Astro Boy]]''.
***[[Iro]] proposes a robot character called "Ovangelidan". This is a reference to the 1995 anime series ''[[wikipedia:Neon Genesis Evangelion|Neon Genesis Evangelion]]''.
***[[Honey]] proposes a cartoon idea similar to the 1989 animated film ''[[wikipedia:Kiki's Delivery Service|Kiki's Delivery Service]]''.

==== Born to Be Mild ====
[[Melman]]'s alter-ego "Steppenwolf" is a reference to the [[wikipedia:Steppenwolf (band)|band of the same name]].

==== Hunger Struck ====
In the Japanese version of [[Hunger Struck]], when King Dedede and Escargoon are being chased by the Waddle Dees, Escargoon says a line that translates to "This is a revolt! No... it's a revolution!" This may be a reference to the famous line offered to [[wikipedia:Louis XVI|King Louis XVI]] of France when the [[Wikipedia:Bastille|Bastille]] was stormed in 1789.

==== Cowardly Creature ====
In the Japanese version of [[Cowardly Creature]], when King Dedede is hammering [[Phan Phan]], he repeats a line that translates to "Defense only!" This is a reference to Japan's policy that its armed forces are for self-defense only.

==== Frog Wild ====
In [[Frog Wild]], the way Mabel reacts after Devil Kirby cracks her crystal ball in two is a reference to the 1893 painting ''[[wikipedia:The Scream|The Scream]]'' by Norwegian artist [[wikipedia:Edvard Munch|Edvard Munch]].

==== Cappy Town Down ====
In the Japanese version of [[Cappy Town Down]], when King Dedede and Escargoon first see the [[Halberd]], they reference the anime ''[[wikipedia:Space Battleship Yamato|Space Battleship Yamato]]'', which the Halberd itself was based on. The composer for the Japanese version of the anime, [[Akira Miyagawa]], has worked on the ''Space Battleship Yamato'' franchise and is the son of the series' original composer, Hiroshi Miyagawa.

==== Kirby 3D ====
The monster [[Lobzilla]] is named after the film monster [[wikipedia:Godzilla|Godzilla]] in English; his name is エビゾウ (''Ebizō'') in Japanese, after a famous family line of kabuki actors, [[wikipedia:Ichikawa Ebizō|Ichikawa Ebizō]]. Fittingly, he gives Kirby the [[Kabuki]] ability. Kabuki Kirby's human form resembles warrior-monk [[wikipedia:Saitô Musashibô Benkei|Saitô Musashibô Benkei]] (西塔武蔵坊弁慶) from feudal Japan, specifically his appearance in the Japanese dance-drama ''[https://www.kabuki21.com/kanjincho.php Kanjinchô]''. Notably, Benkei was portrayed by [https://www.kabuki21.com/ebizo5.php Ichikawa Ebizô V], which ties further into the reference.

=== Other references ===
*The Japanese name of the [[Booma-Dooma Volcano]], Gilauea,  is a reference to the [[wikipedia:Kīlauea|Kīlauea]] volcano in [[wikipedia:Hawaii|Hawaii]].
*The location [[Babagahara]] is likely a reference to the real-world Japanese forest [[wikipedia:Aokigahara|Aokigahara]], also known as the Sea of Trees, located near Mount Fuji.
*The veteran [[Star Warrior]]s Sir Arthur, Sir Galahad, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Percival are named after various [[wikipedia:Knights_of_the_Round_Table|Knights of the Round Table]].
*The giant [[Destroya]] starships greatly resemble the alien motherships from the science fiction film ''[[wikipedia:Independence Day (1996 film)|Independence Day]]''.
*[[eNeMeE's Fortress]] is very similar to the [[wikipedia:Death Star|Death Star]] from the ''Star Wars'' franchise.

==Other media==
*In ''[[Kirby Manga Mania Volume 1]]'', there is a comic strip named "Mario Kirby" in which Kirby dresses as Mario, and says he will rescue "Princess Peaches". King Dedede tries to correct him, but with no success. At the end, Princess Peach herself shows up, saying it might be easier to just go with "Peaches".
*In ''[[Kirby Manga Mania Volume 2]]'', ''Chapter 4: Hero Kirby Appears!'' contains numerous parodies of tropes found in RPGs such as the ''Dragon Quest'' series. Similarly, ''Chapter 5: Operation Secret Kirby Agents!'' contains numerous references to media such as the ''James Bond'' and ''Mission: Impossible'' film series.
*In ''[[Hoshi no Kirby: KiraKira Pupupu World|Hoshi no Kirby: KiraKira Pupupu World Volume 1]]'', two of the 4koma strips feature Kirby meeting Qbby. Kirby compliments Qbby on his ability to make boxes. Qbby then asks Kirby what his special ability is, and Kirby answers by saying that he can inhale. Afterwards, Kirby ends up inhaling Qbby and the nearby boxes created by him.

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