#bumber

" - Kirby Anon Train fan canvas.

Name: Bumber

Debut: Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Here we have Bumber, an absolutely bumbling little buddy! It does not actually bumble, since it’s not clumsy or anything, but I wanted to use the word. It just feels bumbly, in a good way, like a carefree little creature that drifts as it pleases, with the cozy vibes of a bumblebee. I think “bumble” should get a new definition for creatures like this!

Bumber’s whole deal is obvious. It has an umbrella on its head, with an alternating color pattern unmistakably evoking the pattern of the Parasol, one of Kirby’s most classic and whimsical of abilities! Bumber is found drifting slowly through the air with its parasol, and once it lands, it will sprout feet and walk back and forth on the platform. At this point, its umbrella will also cover the top of its eyes, giving it a whole new expression! It is so cute. Do you think it is part of its body, or a hat? I think it should be biological, and an inspiration for the design of parasols in this world!

But Parasol isn’t in Kirby 64! Bumber gives no ability at all! What’s going on here!

You see, Kirby 64 has a whole bunch of wacky mechanics, one of which being the ability combination system, where any two abilities can be combined into something new, with the properties of both! My guess would be that Parasol was deemed a bit too “specific” to use with this system, and so it was replaced with the more straightforward Bomb. Or maybe they just wanted to use Bomb instead! They have not told me anything. I have not asked!

But again! Another but! With all that being said, Bumber is still here, still bumbling despite all odds! For Kirby 64 has another wacky mechanic...

After inhaling a creature, Kirby can lift it over his head, and many will retain their normal behavior in this state! As we can see, jumping with Bumber causes Kirby to gently drift down with it! So even without Parasol in the game, you can have a little taste, a little smidgen of the Parasol experience, if you want. This really is such a wonderful mechanic, part of what makes 64 such a wonderful game! You can carry around nearly any creature you see, and bring them on your adventure! It is always so special when enemies are not just there to be defeated!

Lastly, I would just like to talk about Waddle Dee, our beloved friend Waddle Dee! Not just because he waddles like Bumber, but because in the original concept of Kirby 64, he was one of the multiple playable characters, and he would have specialized in picking up and holding enemies! Perhaps this wonderful mechanic was designed specifically for this wonderful friend. Thank you for your influence, Waddle Dee!

@hal labs