Popstar
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- This article is about the home planet of Kirby in a general context. For the first level of Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, seePop Star (Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards). For the second level of Kirby Star Allies, seeWorld of Miracles: Planet Popstar.
Planet Popstar (Pop Star in older games) is the yellow star-shaped iconic home world ofKirby and his closest friends in theKirby series. It is known throughout theKirby universe and even outside the series; its cartoon-like ringed appearance first popularized inKirby Super Star. Its brightly-colored, surreal, and vibrant landscapes also make it a well-represented Nintendo locale, akin toHyrule inThe Legend of Zelda series and theMushroom Kingdom in theSuper Mario series.
Though not always explicitly mentioned through the series, nearly everyKirby game takes place on Planet Popstar's surface, whether that be in the oft-seen kingdom ofDream Land or somewhere else in the surrounding countryside, seas, or skies. When viewed from outer space, Popstar does not appear to have any landmarks (with an often rough and cratered yellow surface), but when looking closer toward the ground, it takes on Earth-like continents, islands, and oceans, though the landmasses are often star-shaped. Due to its natural beauty and energy, Popstar is frequently the target of villainous alien invaders, who Kirby and his friends must fight off time and again. The closest that Popstar ever came to full subjugation was inKirby's Dream Land 3, whenDark Matter enveloped the world, andKirby: Planet Robobot, when the world was briefly infested by the machinery of theHaltmann Works Company. In both instances, the planet was able to quickly restore itself after the respective villains were defeated.
Overview[edit]
| “ | Your home, Popstar, is the brightest star in space. It was only a matter of time before Necrodeus decided to smother its light. | ” | — Daroach inKirby Mass Attack |
Popstar is a somewhat flat yellow star-shaped planet with two rings orbiting it (though it has three in the credits ofKirby's Dream Land 3). It gives off a very strong light from outer space (and is stated to be the brightest star in the universe inKirby Mass Attack), though on the surface, it looks much more earth-like and has a regular day-night cycle (usually). While not usually visible in outer space, Popstar has at least one Sun andMoon in its orbit, the latter of which can be visited with relative ease.
Characteristic to Popstar is its relatively untamed natural environment, brimming with life of all sorts. Landscapes include lush green meadows and forests, deserts with towering dunes, extensive tropical coastlines and deep oceans, icy mountain chains, volcanic regions, and - most strikingly - extensive cloudscapes which can be walked upon, dotted by floating landmasses. Though most of Popstar is undeveloped, there are numerous ruins which dot the planet's surface, which can be found in every biome (including the cloudscapes). The builders of these ruins are unknown, but there are hints that they were created byancient civilizations that once inhabited Popstar.
While most of Popstar's sentient inhabitants live free on the planet's surface, there are at least three established groups on Popstar. These groups are the kingdoms ofDream Land (whichKing Dedede claims to rule) andFloralia (where thePeople of the Sky, who were previously ruled byQueen Sectonia, live), and theMeta-Knights (whichMeta Knight leads).
Popstar occasionally sees changes to its topology over the course of the series. The most notable of these changes is the permanent addition of theDreamstalk connecting Dream Land to Floralia after the events ofKirby: Triple Deluxe, though this is not visible from space. Smaller changes include the planet's temporary clay-like appearance inKirby and the Rainbow Curse, its rings changing from solid rays to twinkling particles inKirby: Planet Robobot, and its surface gaining a rocky, moon-like texture inKirby Star Allies.
World maps[edit]
So far in theKirby series, there have been seven games that explicitly showworld maps that stretch across the surface of Popstar: those beingKirby's Dream Land 3,Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble,Kirby: Squeak Squad,Kirby Mass Attack,Kirby's Return to Dream Land,Kirby: Planet Robobot, andKirby Star Allies (though that last example is merely alevel hub). Generally, each area on these maps, whether they be levels or stages, will feature the following distinct environments:
- A grassland and/or forest
- A tropical beach and deep sea area
- A desert region
- An icy/snowy region
- An active volcanic region
- A cloudy region (usually with tall towers inset)
In particular, the world maps forKirby's Dream Land 3 andKirby's Return to Dream Land have their first five levels on Popstar matching each-other almost exactly in environmental theme, though the order in which they are played differs.
Game appearances[edit]
Though most of Kirby's adventures take place in and aroundDream Land, which is de-facto part of Popstar, the following will only discuss titles where the planet itself is a destination or plot point:
Kirby Super Star /Kirby Super Star Ultra[edit]
Planet Popstar was first named in-game (in all capitals as "POPSTAR" in the SNES version, and "Pop Star" in the DS version) inKirby Super Star. Most of Kirby's adventures take place on it, except forMilky Way Wishes, where Kirby only visits it in the intro. Popstar is explicitly seen from space in the level hub for Milky Way Wishes, and is also seen in the sub-gameMegaton Punch. In the latter case, when Kirby or his opponent punch the blocks with sufficient force, a crack runs through the planet to exaggerate the effect of the punch.
Kirby's Dream Land 3[edit]
Popstar (formatted "PopStar" in the English manual) is the main setting of the gameKirby's Dream Land 3. During the game, the peaceful planet is attacked byZero andDark Matter, which possesses some of the residents and spreads over the whole planet's surface in a black cloud. Kirby and his friends set out to stop Dark Matter by traveling through five regions of Popstar and destroying its influence in these lands. The five different areas of Popstar are calledGrass Land,Ripple Field,Sand Canyon,Cloudy Park, andIceberg in this game.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards[edit]
- Main article:Pop Star (Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards)
Pop Star is the colorful first world encountered byKirby andRibbon during their mission to rescue their realm fromDark Matter inKirby 64: The Crystal Shards. As Kirby's home planet, Pop Star is relatively far from the grasp of Dark Matter, however, the popular, and familiar tree-boss,Whispy Woods seems to be one of the only beings in the realm to be influenced severely by such dark forces. This region is known for its seasonal variety and its beautiful landscape, boasting a vivid autumn-like stage, and a grand castle (most likely Dedede's) that Kirby must infiltrate in his search forCrystal Shards.
Like in all worlds ofKirby 64: The Crystal Shards, the first three stages within Pop Star hide three Crystal Shards, while the final stage rewards only one after the defeat of the boss. Nevertheless, all shards within one level need not to be collected before Kirby is granted access to the next; Kirby must simply complete the level.
Kirby: Squeak Squad[edit]
InKirby: Squeak Squad, Popstar can be seen in the background ofGamble Galaxy's world map, as well in the backgrounds of stages2 and3 in Gamble Galaxy.
Kirby Mass Attack[edit]
Popstar is shown in the closing cutscene ofKirby Mass Attack as Kirby returns home from his arduous battle withNecrodeus. The star is said to "[shine] like a brilliant beacon of hope."
Kirby's Return to Dream Land /Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]
Planet Popstar reappears inKirby's Return to Dream Land and its remakeKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, as the site where theLor Starcutter (underMagolor's possession) crashes in the opening cutscenes of the game. Popstar constitutes the majority of the early and middle stages of game play, and is the planet whereKirby, along withBandana Waddle Dee,King Dedede, andMeta Knight must find the missing parts to the Lor Starcutter. Popstar in this game consists of the first five levels of the game:Cookie Country,Raisin Ruins,Onion Ocean,White Wafers, andNutty Noon. The remaining two main levels are located inHalcandra, what Magolor claims is his homeworld.
Near the end of the game, Popstar also appears in the background of the boss battle withMagolor and hissecond form. This time, the planet is shown through adimensional rift, which draws closer near the end of the battle.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe[edit]
Just after Kirby defeatsQueen Sectonia in their initial battle inthis game, she merges with theDreamstalk. As she does, the planet can be seen briefly, as the Queen's roots begin to strangle the life out of it. Kirby has to defeat her again to save the planet.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse[edit]
InKirby and the Rainbow Curse,Claycia steals the colors of Planet Popstar to create the seven worlds ofSeventopia. It is seen in its monochromatic, lifeless flair on the world map, in one of the pages ofElline'sSecret Diary, and once again near the end of the credits screen.
Kirby: Planet Robobot[edit]
Inthis installment, Popstar is invaded by a spaceship (theAccess Ark) roughly the same size as the planet itself, and mechanized by its robots under the command of theHaltmann Works Company. Kirby is tasked with stopping this invasion by smashing each of the legs of the ship, then boarding it to deal with its president. In the process, the ancient computer aboard the ship -Star Dream - goes berserk and takes control, forcing Kirby to battle it and the entire spaceship with the help ofMeta Knight and theHalberd. Once Star Dream is defeated, all the mechanization the planet underwent is undone.
Kirby Star Allies[edit]
- Main article:World of Miracles: Planet Popstar
Planet Popstar is the second level ofKirby Star Allies. This level consists of five regular stages along with two unlockable extra ones. As might be expected, each stage takes place in a vastly different ecological zone, ranging from tropical beach-sides and frozen tundras to volcanic regions and ancient ruins. At the end of this level, Kirby and hisstar allies run intoMeta Knight, who has been influenced by the pieces of theJamba Heart scattered across the planet. Despite still retaining some of his decorum, he battles Kirby and his team, splitting into multiple copies of himself during the fight.
Shortly after Meta Knight is subdued,a massive flying fortress crashes into Popstar from space, which serves as the next level.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land[edit]
Though the planet is largely absent fromKirby and the Forgotten Land (aside from the opening cutscene taking place withinDream Land), Popstar makes a surprise appearance at the end of the final boss battle withFecto Elfilis, where it tears open a portal from thenew world to Popstar in order to cause the two planets to collide. After Kirby defeats Fecto Elfilis usingBig-Rig Mouth, he andElfilin wind up back in Dream Land, and Elfilin manages to close the portal that Elfilis opened. After this, it is revealed that Elfilin can open up a safe portal between the two planets at any time.
Places found on Popstar[edit]
The following continents, lands and landmarks can be found on Popstar, though it is not always clear where all these places are relative to each-other, or if all these names refer to distinct locations. Some of these places also existed at one point, but no longer do:
| Places on Planet Popstar | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Trivia[edit]
- Popstar's name is a pun on the term "pop star", someone who becomes famous for performing pop music. A similar pun is used forRock Star.
- Popstar looks to be relatively flat, yellow and star-shaped from outer space, but when near the planet's surface, it looks more curved and Earth-like. This dichotomy in shapeis still unexplained, but it has persisted even to the modern games in the series.
Gallery[edit]
Artwork[edit]
Ado's illustration of Popstar from the true end credits ofKirby's Dream Land 3
Illustration of Pop Star from the true end credits ofKirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Key artwork forKirby: Planet Robobot, featuring the mechanized Planet Popstar
The "Bad Boss Brothers"Celebration Picture fromKirby Star Allies, featuring every final boss surrounding Planet Popstar
Original sketch of the "Bad Boss Brothers" Celebration Picture
Conceptual diagram showing howAnother Dimension connects Popstar toHalcandra
Miiverse illustration commemorating Kirby's 23rd birthday
Artwork used for KIRBY Horoscope Collection merchandise series
Sprites[edit]
Popstar as it appears in the intro toKirby's Dream Land 3
Popstar gets attacked by Dark Matter (Kirby's Dream Land 3)
Dark Matter breaks Popstar's rings (Kirby's Dream Land 3)
Popstar and its rings in the true end credits (Kirby's Dream Land 3)
Screenshots[edit]
Popstar as it appears duringMegaton Punch inKirby Super Star
Planet Popstar as it appears inKirby and the Rainbow Curse
Kirby explores theWorld of Miracles: Planet Popstar inKirby Star Allies
Merchandise[edit]
"Pop Star" figure from the "Kirby's Starrium Collection" merchandise line
"Warp Star" figure from the "A New Wind for Tomorrow Terrarium Collection" merchandise line
"Warp Star & Kirby" figure from the "Swing Kirby" merchandise line
King Dedede miniature set from the "Kirby's Dreamy Gear" merchandise line, featuring a Popstar globe
A set of "Twinkle Star" jewerly by U-TREASURE
A set ofMilky Way Wishes-themed watches by U-TREASURE
Star projector based onKirby's House, featuring many character cameos as constellations.
Set 8 of the Kirby hanafuda cards, featuring Popstar.
Pop Star depicted on the Scorpio rubber keychain from the "KIRBY Horoscope Collection" merchandise line
Pop Star Travel Sticker from the "Kirby Pupupu Train" 2016 events
A Kirby-themed pocket watch withNova engraved on the front cover, featuring two different designs for the dial
The ポップスターカレー 海の幸ごろごろ仕立て (Popstar Curry Tailored with Plenty of Seafood)Kirby Café dish (Osaka picture)
The ポップスターカレー 海の幸ごろごろ仕立て (Popstar Curry Tailored with Plenty of Seafood) Kirby Café dish (Tokyo picture)
Other[edit]
Map of Popstar inKirby's Return to Dream Land
Credits picture fromKirby Star Allies, featuring Kirby and co. waving goodbye with Popstar in the background
Kirby: Planet Robobot: A Day with Kirby and SusieNintendo 3DS theme
The Planet Popstar biscuits inKirby: The Strange Sweets Island
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ポップスター Poppu Sutā | Pop Star |
| Chinese | 波普之星 bō pǔ zhī xīng | Pop Star |
| Dutch | Planeet Popstar | Planet Popstar |
| French | Planète Pop | Planet Pop |
| German | Planet Pop | - |
| Italian | Pianeta Pop | Planet Pop |
| Korean | 팝스타 Papseuta | Pop Star |
| Polish | Planeta Popstar[1] | Planet Popstar |
| Portuguese | Planeta Pop | Planet Pop |
| Russian | Планета Попстар[2] Planeta Popstar | Planet Popstar |
| Latin American Spanish | Popstar (Kirby Mass Attack) Planeta Pop (Kirby's Return to Dream Land onwards) | - Planet Pop |
| European Spanish | Planeta Pop | Planet Pop |
| Thai | Planet Popstar | - |
References
| Pop Star inKirby's Dream Land 3 | |
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 Click on an area to proceed | |
| Thestarry path inKirby Super Star (Ultra) | |
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- Articles which list Japanese names
- Articles which list Chinese names
- Articles which list Dutch names
- Articles which list French names
- Articles which list German names
- Articles which list Italian names
- Articles which list Korean names
- Articles which list Polish names
- Articles which list Portuguese names
- Articles which list Russian names
- Articles which list Spanish names
- Articles which list Thai names
