""I'm glad I can keep up with you out there, Kirby. Kinda makes me feel like a real hero, y'know?"" ― Bandana Waddle Dee, Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Bandana Waddle Dee, known simply as Waddle Dee prior to Kirby: Triple Deluxe, is a major protagonist and supporting character in the Kirby series. As his name implies, he is a Waddle Dee wearing a blue bandana on his head whose weapon of choice is usually a spear (but sometimes he wields a parasol). Originally shown to be King Dedede's most loyal subject, he is now shown to be Kirby's closest friend and sometimes even assists him in battling the king.
Why He's Everyone's Idol[]
- Just like Kirby and the rest of his kind, his adorableness is on par with the likes of the majority of the characters from the franchise.
- Despite only gaining relevance in the "modern era", he's already grown in fame to be a secondary mascot for the Kirby series.
- He's Kirby's closest friend and acts as Player 2 in many games. Basically, he is to Kirby what Luigi is to Mario.
- While he started out as unremarkable in Megaton Punch, it didn't take too long for him to become worthy of hanging with and even fighting alongside the best of Dream Land.
- Unllike the rest of his kind, he has a clear personality, being more often portrayed as adventurous and energetic, contrasting with the lackadaisical nature of the common Waddle Dees.
- He and Kirby can be considered a parallel to Meta Knight and King Dedede, respectively.
- As one would expect from a hero like him, he's incredibly courageous and quick to act, as seen when he fought Grab Hand.
- He thinks very highly of his friends and allies, admiring them for their strength and skills, complimenting and encouraging them.
- He has a truly inspiring attitude, always willing to do the best he can no matter what.
Bad Qualities[]
- He hasn't gotten as much of the spotlight as other main characters, which makes him seem less interesting as a character.
- He has a few insecurities, like when worries that he's holding back his friends in some way.
- He is also very dependent on his friends and allies, fretting that he can't do certain things alone.
- His alignment is a little confusing: Despite being Kirby's friend, there is a chance he'll fight him if Dedede is even somewhat willing to pit him against the pink puffball. And while he is loyal to King Dedede, he tends to join Kirby whenever they have a conflict.
Trivia[]
- Similar to Kirby, Bandana Dee seems to have an interest in food, like when he is seen fishing in Kirby and the Rainbow Curse.
- He is the only playable character from Kirby's Return to Dream Landwho doesn't appear as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. 4. He's also the only major Kirby character not to be playable in any of the Smash games, despite his popularity and fans' wish to see him in.
Videos[]
Bandana Waddle Dee - What is Kirby Canon?
WHO IS BANDANA WADDLE DEE? A Kirby Series Character Analysis (1000 SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL)