The Art of Splatoon

The Art of Splatoon

book

2017

WISE
92%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

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

Amazon4.9
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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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
88

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
96

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
90

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.
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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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