The Art of Splatoon – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Art of Splatoon

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2017

92%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

A 320-page explosion of neon ink and streetwear that proves Nintendo’s character design is basically untouchable.

The Art of Splatoon

book

2017

92%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

A 320-page explosion of neon ink and streetwear that proves Nintendo’s character design is basically untouchable.

4.9

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is obsessed with the Splatoon aesthetic, this is a no-brainer. It's a massive, high-quality book that treats video game design like the high art it is.

It’s much better than a generic sticker book or a strategy guide—it’s a look under the hood of how a world is built. It’s technically 'retro' now since we’ve moved on to Splatoon 3, but the art style is timeless and the quality of the print is top-tier. It's the kind of book that stays on the shelf for years rather than ending up in the recycling bin.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7 and up. Younger kids will love flipping through the colors, but older kids and teens will actually appreciate the design notes and the 'making-of' aspect.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It captures the high-energy, positive vibe of the franchise. It's all about style, 'freshness,' and the joy of creativity without any of the snark or mean-spiritedness found in other teen-targeted media.

Imaginative

Splatoon is a masterclass in world-building. Seeing the evolution from 'tofu blocks' to Inklings is a fantastic look at how a truly original concept is born.

Safe

100

It's a physical book. No hidden costs, no toxic chat, and the artwork is entirely appropriate for all ages, focusing on fashion and fantasy ink-battles.

Enriching

For a kid interested in drawing or game dev, this is a goldmine. It shows the iterative process of design—meaning it teaches them that the first draft is never the final one.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

It provides a deep dive into the 'Inkling' aesthetic that defined a generation of Nintendo fans.
Shows the messy, creative process of making a game, which is great for aspiring artists.
It's a high-quality physical object that encourages kids to engage with the Splatoon world without a screen in their face.
The fashion and character designs are genuinely cool, even for adults who appreciate graphic design.

⚠

What to Watch For

The book is physically heavy—it's a massive hardcover that might be a bit much for a toddler's lap.
It focuses entirely on the first game (Wii U), so don't expect to see characters or weapons from Splatoon 3.
Some of the translated text from the developers can be a bit dry or technical for younger readers.

Conversation Starters

"Which of these outfits would you actually wear to school?"
"Why do you think the designers chose squids instead of, say, rabbits or cats?"
"Look at these early sketches—how different do they look from the final game characters?"
"If you were designing a new weapon for Inkopolis, what would it look like?"

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