Japan’s manga-themed Splatfest sees Champions vs Challengers

Latest event features comic-book tie-in

When it comes to Splatfest themes in Japan, they tend to be a little more esoteric than in the Western world. Many times they h🅷ave been sponsored by franchises, or have featured some cross-promotion, and this recently announ꧂ced contest is no different.

In Japan, Splatoon has its own manga adaptation, which appears in popular publication CoroCoro magazine. The new Splatfest is related to the manga’s fight between two factions: an established, upmarket team of expert players and their rag-tag, misfit opponents.

Whilst multiple outlets have translated this Splatfest differently — Champions vs Challengers, Royals vs Rebels etc — essentially this comes down to “Do you back the established, untouchable champions or the plucky, brave underdogs?”

It isn’t quite as painfully one-sided as Marvel’s Civil War event, but it’s still kinda weighted. I can only assume most people would back underdogs over the established order. To be honest, it’s not a particularly fun topic. Regardless, we’ll find out who takes the gong when the new Splatfest goes live in Japan, February 3 at 15:00 JST.

Splatoon 2 is available now on Nintendo Switch.

フェスの開催が告げられた。
お題は「どっちを応援する？ 王者 vs 挑戦者」。
小学館コロコロコミック様のご協力でお送りする。
期間は2月3日（土）15:00～2月4日（日）15:00。
頂点に君臨する王者と、果敢に挑む挑戦者、キミならどっちを応援したくなる？

— Splatoon（スプラトゥーン） (@SplatoonJP)