Kirby Director Shinya Kumazaki reveals what would happen if Kirby swallowed a 'hot man'

One of the most defining things about Nintendo’s Kirby is his ability to copy enemies. This is a trait that has even made it into a Super Smash Bros. series — although this isn’t too surprising considering that the director of that series is actually the creator of Kirby.

In a recent interview with Polygon, Shinya Kumazaki — HAL Laboratory Director of games like Kirby Star Allies, Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe — was asked a peculiar question on what would happen if Kirby were to swallow a “hot man.”

This question was apparently inspired by a slide shown of Kirby that was seen at GDC panel in which Kirby was shown as a either admiring or becoming a super hero (as seen in the banner). Essentially, what type of appearance would Kirby take on if he were to inhale an attractive individual?

“I think your friend might have noticed the muscles and power the images depicted,” replied Kumazaki. “I think Kirby’s ability would be in line with that. And he’d probably have a hat associated with it. But his face would not turn into hot Kirby.”

The interviewer then asked for clarification about “sharp angles.” However, Kumazaki declared that Kirby would be “still round.”

This is particularly interesting as Kirby has actually been shown with “sharp angles” before so it actually isn’t outside of the realm of possibilities for him to abandon his “round” shape with specific copy hats.

Indeed, he acquires a blocky shape with “sharp angles” after inhaling Steve in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.