Did You Know Kirby Had an Anime? Why You Should Watch It Now

Rediscovering a forgotten gem as Kirby rises again.

Kirby isn’t just a pink puffball with a knack for inhaling enemies — he’s also the star of a legendary anime.

With the recent announcement of Kirby Air Riders for Switch 2, fans around the world are rediscovering their love for Dream Land’s cutest warrior. But long before this upcoming release, there was another form of Kirby content that captured hearts: the anime series “Kirby: Right Back at Ya!”

Let’s take a look back at what made it special — and why now’s the perfect time to dive in.

🍰 What Was the Kirby Anime?

Aired: 2001–2003 in Japan (100 episodes total)
Studio: Studio Comet
English Title: Kirby: Right Back at Ya! (aired by 4Kids in 2002)

The show followed Kirby as he crash-landed in Dream Land and went head-to-head with the bumbling King Dedede and monsters sent by a shady intergalactic company. It was part action, part slapstick comedy, and full of heart.

😆 Why Did It Become a Legend?

King Dedede’s one-liners (Japanese and English versions both had meme-worthy quotes)
Nightmare Enterprises (Holy Nightmare Co.) – an evil Amazon-like company that delivered monsters on demand
Surprisingly serious tone at times, with horror-themed episodes, social satire, and deep lore hidden beneath the humor

🌍 The Global Impact

The anime aired worldwide thanks to 4Kids, gaining a huge international fanbase
It lives on today through YouTube clips, meme culture, and Reddit nostalgia threads
For many fans, this was their first introduction to Kirby’s world — and it left a lasting impression

🚀 Why Watch It Now?

Kirby Air Riders for Switch 2 is reigniting the franchise — what better time to look back?
The anime offers a rich, character-driven look at Kirby’s world you won’t get in the games alone
Whether you’re a longtime fan or totally new to it, the series is full of joy, chaos, and charm