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Splatoon #1
Splatoon, Vol. 1
All your favorite Inklings are about to get embroiled in an all-out Splatoon Turf War!
Four Inklings who can switch between human and squid forms get caught up in a Splatoon Turf War that launches them into all-new adventures based on the hit Nintendo video game series!
The Turf Wars have started in Inkopolis, and the team that inks the most ground will be crowned the winner! Goggles and Team Blue are ranked lower than their competitors. But with some teamwork and a touch of creativity, they might just leave their mark on this tournament!
Four Inklings who can switch between human and squid forms get caught up in a Splatoon Turf War that launches them into all-new adventures based on the hit Nintendo video game series!
The Turf Wars have started in Inkopolis, and the team that inks the most ground will be crowned the winner! Goggles and Team Blue are ranked lower than their competitors. But with some teamwork and a touch of creativity, they might just leave their mark on this tournament!
168 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2016
75 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
September 28, 2017
Ask yourself one question: have you played Splatoon? If not, I'd suggest skipping the manga, because it just throws you in with zero explanations.
January 16, 2018
Splatoon, before reading this manga, was simply a game to me. One that my child loves and plays enthusiastically. I requested the book on his recommendation and thought it was very energetic and wild.
The book starts in the middle of things. A turf war is about to begin between Team Blue and Team Yellow-Green. The introduction to characters was good, but they seemed rather settled, one dimensional if you will. Once the first chapter was over, things got a bit better as the characters finally got to interact on a more normal level, but that didn't last long before more Turf Wars began among them and teams that were supposedly increasingly difficult compared to them.
Team Blue is a low ranked Inkling squad, but they make up for their abilities with team work and intensity. Compared to the first team they come up against, their camaraderie is evident, even as Goggles (Inkling Boy) continually drops his pants or pops out of ink naked (all private areas are always covered). His energy was a bit much at times, not altogether off putting, but what I really didn't like about him was when he started pantsing others, such as Rider. It's a childish tact and more than a little unnerving when directed at others.
His teammates (Specs, Bobble Hat, and Headphones) didn't really standout as much as (annoying as he is) Goggles did. If they hadn't been identified by their signature look, it would've been difficult to tell them apart based on their personalities. The fact that their whole identities are wrapped up in these accessories was another tic mark on the Con list. While shopping, Goggles wears a helmet and Headphones says "you're not even Goggles anymore!"
Artistically Splatoon wasn't bad, but it had a plethora of busy scenes that made it difficult to suss out what was happening. Black and white is traditional for manga, but I think this book would have benefited from a color edition since so much of the story line is dependent upon colored inks and competitions to paint an arena.
As far as volume one goes, the chapters with Turf Wars were basically the same. A lack of development made for a somewhat dull majority of this book. Team Blue, supposedly such a badly ranked team, kept beating elite teams with little to no conflict or difficulty to make it interesting. Hopefully some kind of story line will appear in future volumes, because otherwise I can't see it lasting too long as a series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts in the middle of things. A turf war is about to begin between Team Blue and Team Yellow-Green. The introduction to characters was good, but they seemed rather settled, one dimensional if you will. Once the first chapter was over, things got a bit better as the characters finally got to interact on a more normal level, but that didn't last long before more Turf Wars began among them and teams that were supposedly increasingly difficult compared to them.
Team Blue is a low ranked Inkling squad, but they make up for their abilities with team work and intensity. Compared to the first team they come up against, their camaraderie is evident, even as Goggles (Inkling Boy) continually drops his pants or pops out of ink naked (all private areas are always covered). His energy was a bit much at times, not altogether off putting, but what I really didn't like about him was when he started pantsing others, such as Rider. It's a childish tact and more than a little unnerving when directed at others.
His teammates (Specs, Bobble Hat, and Headphones) didn't really standout as much as (annoying as he is) Goggles did. If they hadn't been identified by their signature look, it would've been difficult to tell them apart based on their personalities. The fact that their whole identities are wrapped up in these accessories was another tic mark on the Con list. While shopping, Goggles wears a helmet and Headphones says "you're not even Goggles anymore!"
Artistically Splatoon wasn't bad, but it had a plethora of busy scenes that made it difficult to suss out what was happening. Black and white is traditional for manga, but I think this book would have benefited from a color edition since so much of the story line is dependent upon colored inks and competitions to paint an arena.
As far as volume one goes, the chapters with Turf Wars were basically the same. A lack of development made for a somewhat dull majority of this book. Team Blue, supposedly such a badly ranked team, kept beating elite teams with little to no conflict or difficulty to make it interesting. Hopefully some kind of story line will appear in future volumes, because otherwise I can't see it lasting too long as a series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2019
This series is good and I would recommend it to anyone who knows about splatoon otherwise it wouldn’t make that much sense, but otherwise it’s a great comity and I can’t wait for the next one.
April 1, 2021
That was cute.
July 10, 2024
It was funny, and it's easy too read, it's funny how Goggle keeps pulling down Ridders pants tho, I wish I had all the books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2024
A student who couldn't make it to Manga Club referred to this book as being "very unserious" and he was 100% correct. Inklings are so dumb and I love them so much. I do feel like this would've benefited from being in color, as opposed to traditional manga B&W. But this was so fun and so cute and I can't wait to discuss it with the kids!
July 22, 2019
Not something I would normally pick up, but my son insisted I read it. I do love playing Splatoon, so I had some interest and am already familiar with the topic.
Overall, a fun comic (sorry, graphic novel) that points its humor and fast paced story telling directly at the under 13 year old audience. Being from Japan, the story actually reads backwards which makes it an interesting challenge for readers.
The humor doesn't go too far, in my opinion, despite having "nudity". It really is childish naivety without any sexual overtones. Think along the lines of Calvin & Hobbes. The only part I could have done without is the background name calling of stupid & idiot. Being this is aimed at young readers, more appropriate words could have been chosen to keep it in line with the overall playful theme of the story.
Overall, a fun comic (sorry, graphic novel) that points its humor and fast paced story telling directly at the under 13 year old audience. Being from Japan, the story actually reads backwards which makes it an interesting challenge for readers.
The humor doesn't go too far, in my opinion, despite having "nudity". It really is childish naivety without any sexual overtones. Think along the lines of Calvin & Hobbes. The only part I could have done without is the background name calling of stupid & idiot. Being this is aimed at young readers, more appropriate words could have been chosen to keep it in line with the overall playful theme of the story.
May 28, 2023
A super fun book but VERY predictable But I love seeing some characters I know, the battles were fun and though the maps didn't work much (I mean, great that you say x colour is winning but I just see light and darker grey as the book is not in colour), the characters made me laugh, love the friendship and bond between the 4 of the Blue Team, love the various weapons. Definitely makes me want to start up my Splatoon 2 and give it another try.
June 24, 2021
I have read the entire series (or at least the mangas that have come out for this series) and it gets a little repetitive, like team blue ALWAYS wins! Yup, that’s right, team blue has only lost once or twice. BUT even if the series got a little repetitive, I will still continue to read the mangas that come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2024
This series has a lot of potential as a manga, but unfortunately this was pretty idiotically written. Honestly could have been so much better without the recurring “goggles naked” gag??
September 14, 2025
Light and fun story with likeable main characters. Does get repetitive at times but overall a good time. Gave me some good laughs.
Butt naked counter: 4
Butt naked counter: 4
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May 9, 2022SPLATOON MANGA SPLATOON MANGA
June 4, 2023
Very cute
December 5, 2022
I am hooked! I started reading because I play Splatoon 2 and 3, and it was amazing! My only complaints are: 1. Why can't you actually use all the strategies in the actual game? 2. Why is there not enough Squid Sisters? All they have done so far is play by play. Also, I ship Goggles and Rider forever they best ship.
July 3, 2021
Super!!!
February 25, 2022
Pretty funny and enjoyable. Definitely geared towards kids but I still enjoyed it
December 15, 2017
I imagine Viz media must own the rights to Nintendo manga with the new Legend of Zelda and now the all new Splatoon manga. Just in case you are worried about your young ones reading this book I wouldn't worry considering this book is of a rare All Ages rating and although there is some squidly nudity you don't see anything (the hero of the story is not the brightest and forgets his clothes at least four times in the book but gets dressed quickly each time.)
For those that have not played the game I would suggest reading chapter #0:Yellow toward the end of the book which explains the basics of the game in manga form since the main manga jumps in feet first following the unique styles of Team Blue as they compete against other teams in the Corocoro Cup. If you are looking for a complicated story or a memorable book don't even glance in this book's direction but if you are looking for a nice simple manga with fun and goofy characters (often named after the gear they wear) then you might want to glance over here and give Splatoon a try.
My favorite part of the book is how Googles accidentally throws Army's team into disarray by accident. You'll have to read this volume if you are curious enough to see the randomality for yourselves. :)
For those that have not played the game I would suggest reading chapter #0:Yellow toward the end of the book which explains the basics of the game in manga form since the main manga jumps in feet first following the unique styles of Team Blue as they compete against other teams in the Corocoro Cup. If you are looking for a complicated story or a memorable book don't even glance in this book's direction but if you are looking for a nice simple manga with fun and goofy characters (often named after the gear they wear) then you might want to glance over here and give Splatoon a try.
My favorite part of the book is how Googles accidentally throws Army's team into disarray by accident. You'll have to read this volume if you are curious enough to see the randomality for yourselves. :)
December 30, 2017
I almost never read manga, but I love the Splatoon games and had to check this out. While this is obviously aimed at a young audience, I had a lot of fun reading it. I love getting to see the inklings having fun in Turf War, offering an original story in this rich world. I’m not sure why the author is so obsessed with making the main Inkling, Goggles, get naked so much, but this is still a cute story. I hope that we eventually get to see the other game modes aside from Turf War, especially since this story uses the ranking system that is NOT used for Turf War in the game.
All that being said, the lack of color here is why I couldn’t give this 5 stars. I realize no color is par for the course for most manga, but color is so integral to the world of Splatoon, that the absence of it is striking. Hopefully, once the series is over, they go back and release colored versions of these books.
All that being said, the lack of color here is why I couldn’t give this 5 stars. I realize no color is par for the course for most manga, but color is so integral to the world of Splatoon, that the absence of it is striking. Hopefully, once the series is over, they go back and release colored versions of these books.
April 11, 2018
This is a very ok read...for an adult this is probably hilarious for kids. Like most/all people who read this I played Splatoon and thought “hmm a manga for this game would be great! It could be a super epic semi serious manga about a team coming together on a journey to be the best Splatoon team around. It will also be a perfect way to explore the lore and world of Splatoon!”
And then we got butt jokes. And lots of comic nudity. -____-
By they end of it the main characters started to grow on me a little but they are definitely not what I wanted. This will be a nice mindless read but nothing of real note here.
And then we got butt jokes. And lots of comic nudity. -____-
By they end of it the main characters started to grow on me a little but they are definitely not what I wanted. This will be a nice mindless read but nothing of real note here.
January 3, 2021
Had me laughing out loud. The cast of characters are so fun; and the book has a subtle message of ‘winning doesn’t matter, having fun and being with your friends is what matters, I love that. This book won’t make you think much, or at all really, but it will make you smile. And sometimes that’s all we need.
June 14, 2024
the perfect book for any splatoon fan. reads left to right. good establishing book for the series!
although, there was little conflict which sucked but i can tell it’s just trying to set up the characters, i guess.
ALSO, what the heck is it with goggles and clothes???? just wear them man it’s weird
although, there was little conflict which sucked but i can tell it’s just trying to set up the characters, i guess.
ALSO, what the heck is it with goggles and clothes???? just wear them man it’s weird
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March 5, 2021This book is an excellent reflection of the hit Nintendo game Splatoon 2. Four Inklings bonded together over Turf War in Inkopolis Plaza come together in an epic competition against formidable opponents. Will they win? Telling you would ruin the book, so read it yourself!
May 15, 2021
Cute story :) I think you have to know some stuff about the game (like what the different levels are (C-, C and C+ ect are mentioned)) but I think if you understand that its an enjoyable story!! I’ll be looking out for #2 :)
June 20, 2018
Just plain weird but my 7 year old has read it several times, giggling. He wanted me to read it, so I did.
September 23, 2019
lmao why is Goggles always naked?
April 17, 2021
I’ve never played splatoon but it’s a really fun manga!
April 12, 2023
very cute!!!!!! loved team blue and their silly shenanigans while playing turf war :’D
October 25, 2023
Based on the 2015 Nintendo title of the same name, the Splatoon graphic novel follows a cast of original characters based in the video game’s universe. Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where squids can transform into humanoids, the plucky protagonist of the manga is Goggles, alongside his best friends in Team Blue. Together, they must unite together to defeat an array of stronger teams, including the four best in the city (A.K.A. the “S4). As someone who has never played the video games, I liked this first volume of the graphic novel for the most part.
The characters are charming, if not a little one-dimensional in this first volume. Goggles, the main character, holds the competition his team participates in in high regard. However, despite this, he never comes off as overly competitive. Rather, he is in the game for the fun and friendship of it, which is a good message to send to readers. The next most prominent character in the cast is probably Specs, a fellow member of Team Blue. He often acts as the straight-man to Goggles’ various hijinks and antics, providing a level-headed (but conventional) way of looking at things. Goggles, on the other hand, views the world with an optimistic and non-traditional pair of eyes. The two work well together to establish the importance of both perspectives. The two other members of Team Blue, Headphones and Bobble Hat, are not deeply characterized in this volume, but still provide entertaining commentary and facial expressions.
The illustrations of the manga are dynamic and quirky, replicating the cartoonish art-style of the original game well. In most panels, a character can be seen making a new and exaggerated expression, and the emotiveness of each is not lost on the reader. Many of the designs incorporate rounder characteristics, adding to the lighthearted tone. The character designs were quite unique for the most part, especially in the opposing teams. Most of them sported spikier and sharper designs than our protagonists, creating effective shape language. I really enjoyed the two-page spreads, as they tended to be the most movement-focused and dynamic aspects of the entire novel. Stylistically simplistic, the art was extremely charming and captured the personality of the cast wonderfully.
My main gripe with the manga is its accessibility to non-Splatoon fans. The exposition contained in each chapter could be somewhat overwhelming, especially in the amount of text shown on each page. It could make the pacing of the story somewhat slow. However, that is not to dismiss the importance of this explanation, particularly to those not familiar with the game and its world. As Team Blue comes up with increasingly creative ways to win against stronger teams, a basic understanding of these rules (and the ways they work around them) are necessary. Nonetheless, I do feel like the explanation - and the text that goes with it - could be spread out somewhat more. I would suggest this graphic novel most strongly to middle-school readers, due to the amount of text in the manga and some inappropriate humor.
The characters are charming, if not a little one-dimensional in this first volume. Goggles, the main character, holds the competition his team participates in in high regard. However, despite this, he never comes off as overly competitive. Rather, he is in the game for the fun and friendship of it, which is a good message to send to readers. The next most prominent character in the cast is probably Specs, a fellow member of Team Blue. He often acts as the straight-man to Goggles’ various hijinks and antics, providing a level-headed (but conventional) way of looking at things. Goggles, on the other hand, views the world with an optimistic and non-traditional pair of eyes. The two work well together to establish the importance of both perspectives. The two other members of Team Blue, Headphones and Bobble Hat, are not deeply characterized in this volume, but still provide entertaining commentary and facial expressions.
The illustrations of the manga are dynamic and quirky, replicating the cartoonish art-style of the original game well. In most panels, a character can be seen making a new and exaggerated expression, and the emotiveness of each is not lost on the reader. Many of the designs incorporate rounder characteristics, adding to the lighthearted tone. The character designs were quite unique for the most part, especially in the opposing teams. Most of them sported spikier and sharper designs than our protagonists, creating effective shape language. I really enjoyed the two-page spreads, as they tended to be the most movement-focused and dynamic aspects of the entire novel. Stylistically simplistic, the art was extremely charming and captured the personality of the cast wonderfully.
My main gripe with the manga is its accessibility to non-Splatoon fans. The exposition contained in each chapter could be somewhat overwhelming, especially in the amount of text shown on each page. It could make the pacing of the story somewhat slow. However, that is not to dismiss the importance of this explanation, particularly to those not familiar with the game and its world. As Team Blue comes up with increasingly creative ways to win against stronger teams, a basic understanding of these rules (and the ways they work around them) are necessary. Nonetheless, I do feel like the explanation - and the text that goes with it - could be spread out somewhat more. I would suggest this graphic novel most strongly to middle-school readers, due to the amount of text in the manga and some inappropriate humor.
August 30, 2019
My sister is a big Nintendo Fan. In fact, I love Nintendo too. Splatoon 2 was one of the many Switch games I've played and I have enjoyed it a lot. So when I found out there was a Splatoon manga, I got excited. A Nintendo property as a manga!? HELL YES!
However...
This was pretty cringey to read. There are parts that I enjoyed and laughed at, but the story for this first volume follows a similar pattern. Goggles shows up without clothes, blue team almost loses, blue team does good, INKZOOKA!, then, blue team wins. End of Chapter. That's it. That's the entire story.
In fact, there doesn't seem to be any story whatsoever. It's just turf wars put onto a page with one dimensional characters. This is excessively juvenile stuff and I was pretty disappointed to find out that most of the time there is no tension as blue team always wins. If they lose in the next volume, I might become more interested in this so called "Story" but right now this was a incredibly weak debut.
The only things that were surefire hits was the art style and few moments of funniness. But even then those are few and far between.
You would think that a Splatoon manga would appeal to everyone, including the hardcore Japanese fanbase for this game that are not all kids but adults as well. A Splatoon manga should appeal to everyone and not just young kids. I was struggling a bit with the humor and storytelling with this book. However, there are some good moments in it, but the turf wars are basically the same. The parts I enjoyed the most were when they were out of the turf wars and in Inkopolis. Those moments of world building were really good.
I'll continue on to the second volume, but if it doesn't improve, I'll probably just give these two volumes for my sister to read. She'll probably enjoy it much more.
3/5
However...
This was pretty cringey to read. There are parts that I enjoyed and laughed at, but the story for this first volume follows a similar pattern. Goggles shows up without clothes, blue team almost loses, blue team does good, INKZOOKA!, then, blue team wins. End of Chapter. That's it. That's the entire story.
In fact, there doesn't seem to be any story whatsoever. It's just turf wars put onto a page with one dimensional characters. This is excessively juvenile stuff and I was pretty disappointed to find out that most of the time there is no tension as blue team always wins. If they lose in the next volume, I might become more interested in this so called "Story" but right now this was a incredibly weak debut.
The only things that were surefire hits was the art style and few moments of funniness. But even then those are few and far between.
You would think that a Splatoon manga would appeal to everyone, including the hardcore Japanese fanbase for this game that are not all kids but adults as well. A Splatoon manga should appeal to everyone and not just young kids. I was struggling a bit with the humor and storytelling with this book. However, there are some good moments in it, but the turf wars are basically the same. The parts I enjoyed the most were when they were out of the turf wars and in Inkopolis. Those moments of world building were really good.
I'll continue on to the second volume, but if it doesn't improve, I'll probably just give these two volumes for my sister to read. She'll probably enjoy it much more.
3/5
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