King Dedede

Self-proclaimed King of Popstar

The 'self-proclaimed' king of Popstar, a selfish and mischief-loving being who sometimes becomes Kirby's ally.

Quotes

  • Environmental destruction feels great, zoi!
  • Now I'm an unprecedented, most evil villain, zoi!
  • Villainy is the privilege of the great King like myself, zoi!
  • I'll protect the peace of this country myself!
  • Pink ball!

Trivia

  • Origin of name is undisclosed. Written as 'Dedede' outside Japan with varying pronunciations in multiple languages.
  • Anime version has infantile mental development, extremely foolish and tyrannical.
  • Battle theme 'VS. Dedede' is famous as a series staple.
  • Super Smash Bros. series writes it as 'Dedede' without honorific.
  • New Dedede Hammer is a special hammer with functions like missiles and flamethrowers.
  • Subordinate Waddle Dees are weak enemies appearing in all works but loyal followers who adore him.

Alternate names

King Dedede Dedede Masked Dedede Black Dedede

Tags

King Dedede Kirby Popstar Hammer User Rival Self-proclaimed King Waddle Dee Mischief Lover Selfish Super Smash Bros.

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Profile

Species
Penguin-like character
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Chibi-style penguin or duck-like figure with yellow tarako lips and blue or yellow body color. Wears a red robe, red crown (hat-shaped), yellow gloves, and a belly band. Body shape varies by game, but larger than Kirby.
Height
Approximately 180cm (varies by work)
Weight
Heavy (specific value unknown)
Eye color
Blue
Distinguishing features
  • Tarako lips
  • Blue or yellow body color
  • Red hat-shaped crown
  • Belly band
  • Red robe
Iconic items
  • Giant Hammer
  • Red crown
  • Red robe
  • Mitten-like gloves
  • New Dedede Hammer (mechanical hammer)
  • Giant robot (Mecha Dedede)

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Selfish
Detailed personality
Gluttonous and very self-centered, mischievous and childish, but not inherently evil and occasionally performs good deeds. Cares for his subordinates, has strong possessiveness and rivalry with Kirby. Has no real political power and is not a true monarch. In the anime version, he is very rough and arrogant, leaning toward villainy, but also possesses affection and cunning.
Keywords
  • Gluttonous
  • Selfish
  • Mischievous
  • Self-centered
  • Strong possessiveness
  • Strong rivalry
  • Cares for subordinates
  • Cunning
  • Infantile mental development
  • Has kindness
Motto
I'll protect the peace of this country myself!
Talents
  • High initiative
  • Cunning
  • Subordinate leadership
  • Combat ability (powerful hammer handling)
  • Mecha and explosives operation
  • Talent as a villain
  • Pursuit of self-desires
Skills
  • Hammer attacks
  • High jump descent press
  • Flight (inflates like a pufferfish to hover)
  • Deception and psychological manipulation
  • Golf skills
  • Subordinate command
  • Mechanical hammer operation
  • Varied combat techniques
  • Multiple disguise acting (anime version)
Motivation
To monopolize Popstar's food and stars and become a king superior to Kirby.
Habits
Uses '~zoi' at the end of sentences (anime version). First-person pronouns are 'Ore-sama' or 'washi'. Enjoys his villainous actions. Often defaults on debts and leaves things to subordinates.
Favorite foods
Steak, Chicken, Sweets, Turban shell pot roast, Hot dog, Tacos, Hamburger, Cup ramen
Hobbies
Monster play, Golf, Driving, Movie watching, Birdwatching
Disliked foods
Chef Kawasaki's cooking, Jellyfish vinegar salad
Disliked situations
Defying me, Debt collection, Not being respected, Lines thinning out, Debt repayment obligations

History

Backstory
Self-proclaimed king of Popstar, who has reigned since ancient times, but has no actual governance or political power. Has been in conflict and cooperation with Kirby for many years while repeatedly causing mischief to monopolize Popstar. In the anime version, he has apprentices, is drowning in debt, cunning, but mentally remains infantile.
Debut date
April 27, 1992
Work title
Kirby's Dream Land
Media type
Game

First appearance

Significant event
First appearance
Description
Appears as the final boss in the game ''Kirby's Dream Land'' (1992). Steals Popstar's food and stars and battles Kirby.

Kirby's Adventure

Significant event
Kirby's Adventure
Description
Under the influence of Nightmare, plays the role of villain outwardly, but true purpose is to protect Popstar and cooperates with Kirby.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Significant event
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Description
Joins as a playable character. Gains popularity with unique hammer techniques and heavyweight character.

Masked Dedede's appearance

Significant event
Masked Dedede's appearance
Description
Appears as a masked enhanced form in ''Kirby: Squeak Squad'' and ''Kirby: Triple Deluxe''.

Brainwashing in Kirby Discovery

Significant event
Brainwashing in Kirby Discovery
Description
In the new world, brainwashed by the Beast Pack and goes berserk, enhanced as Wild Dedede but defeated by Kirby and regains sanity.

Relationships

Kirby

Rival

Eternal rivals who fight many times but cooperate at times. In the anime version, harbors affection deep down.

Waddle Dee

Subordinate

Loyal subordinates who are always together in groups. Bandana Waddle Dee is treated as a close aide.

Meta Knight

Relationship is mysterious, explicitly stated not a subordinate in main games. Anime version shows submissive aspects.

King of Popstar

King of Popstar: leader

Subordinate Waddle Dees

Subordinate Waddle Dees: unknown

Media appearances

Kirby's Dream Land

Game / Protagonist

1992

Kirby's Adventure

Game / Supporting

1993

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Game / Supporting

2000

Kirby Star Allies

Game / Supporting

2018

Kirby (anime)

Anime / Protagonist

2001-2003

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Game / Protagonist

2008

Kirby Discovery

Game / Supporting

2022

Voice cast and creators

緒方賢一

Voice actor
緒方賢一
Language
Japanese
Version or series
anime version

桜井政博

Voice actor
桜井政博
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Kirby 64 / Smash Bros. series
Notes
Also served as series director

Ted Lewis

Voice actor
Ted Lewis
Language
English
Version or series
Anime English dub

桜井政博

Creator name
桜井政博
Role
Original author

下村真一

Creator name
下村真一
Role
Character designer

ハル研究所

Creator name
ハル研究所
Role
Animation studio

任天堂

Creator name
任天堂
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Figures

Item name
Figures
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Plush toys

Item name
Plush toys
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Apparel items

Item name
Apparel items
Category
Apparel
Availability
Limited

Stationery

Item name
Stationery
Category
Stationery
Availability
Limited

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