Animal Crossing New Horizons, Vol. 1 Deserted Island Diary (1) by KOKONASU RUMBA

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a serene island where your biggest worries are fishing, bug-catching, and paying off your mortgage to a raccoon, then Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Vol. 1: Deserted Island Diary (1) by Kokonasu Rumba is the perfect literary getaway. This manga adaptation of the beloved Nintendo game captures the charm, humor, and laid-back magic of Animal Crossing while adding its own delightful spin.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the franchise or a newcomer looking for a cozy read, this manga offers a heartwarming experience. But does it live up to the game’s legacy? Let’s dive deep into this island adventure and find out.

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The story follows a young villager (whose gender and appearance are left open to interpretation, much like the game) as they embark on a new life on a deserted island, courtesy of Nook Inc.’s infamous "Deserted Island Getaway Package." Under the watchful eye—and ever-present clipboard—of Tom Nook, the protagonist sets out to build a home, befriend quirky animal neighbors, and slowly transform the island into a thriving community.

Without spoiling too much, the plot mirrors the game’s structure but with added narrative depth. The protagonist interacts with familiar faces like Timmy and Tommy, Blathers the museum curator, and the ever-energetic Isabelle. Each chapter feels like a mini-adventure, whether it’s fishing for rare sea creatures, participating in seasonal events, or dealing with the hilarious antics of the island’s residents.

What makes this manga special is how it expands on the game’s loose storytelling. While Animal Crossing: New Horizons lets players create their own narratives, Deserted Island Diary gives us a structured yet flexible story that still feels personal.

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One of the manga’s biggest strengths is how it fleshes out the game’s characters beyond their in-game dialogue.

• The Protagonist – Unlike the silent player character in the game, the manga’s protagonist has a distinct personality—curious, kind, and occasionally exasperated by Tom Nook’s business tactics. Their reactions to island life feel relatable, making them an excellent stand-in for the reader.
• Tom Nook – Still the shrewd (but not entirely evil) raccoon we know, but with more nuance. His interactions with the protagonist reveal a surprising paternal side, making him more than just a meme-worthy loan shark.
• Isabelle – Her boundless optimism and slight workaholic tendencies are on full display, making her even more endearing.
• The Villagers – Each animal neighbor gets their own mini-arcs, from a lazy penguin’s endless naps to a peppy squirrel’s relentless energy. Their quirks are exaggerated just enough to be hilarious without losing their charm.

The character dynamics make the island feel alive, and longtime fans will appreciate seeing their favorite NPCs in new situations.

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Kokonasu Rumba’s writing style perfectly matches Animal Crossing’s vibe—lighthearted, whimsical, and full of warmth. The dialogue is snappy and humorous, with plenty of fourth-wall-breaking jokes that fans will love.

The manga uses a slice-of-life episodic format, meaning each chapter is a self-contained story, but they all contribute to the overarching theme of building a new home. This makes it easy to pick up and read in short bursts, much like playing the game in small daily sessions.

The art style is vibrant and expressive, staying true to the game’s aesthetic while adding more fluidity to character expressions. The backgrounds are lush and detailed, making the island feel like a real, lived-in place.

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At its core, Deserted Island Diary is about community, perseverance, and the beauty of slow living. Themes include:

• The Value of Hard Work – Paying off loans, gathering resources, and improving the island mirrors real-life responsibilities but in a stress-free way.
• Friendship & Belonging – The protagonist’s growing bonds with the villagers highlight how even the smallest interactions can create meaningful connections.
• Escapism & Comfort – In a chaotic world, the idea of starting fresh on a peaceful island is deeply appealing.

The manga doesn’t shy away from light existential musings—like why we chase after rare bugs or why we feel compelled to decorate our homes—but it never gets heavy-handed. It’s a gentle reminder to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

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Reading this manga felt like wrapping myself in a warm blanket. As someone who poured hundreds of hours into New Horizons during lockdown, revisiting this world in comic form was nostalgic and comforting.

I particularly loved the small, unexpected moments—like a villager’s over-the-top reaction to receiving a fruit or Tom Nook’s hilariously transparent sales tactics. The humor is genuinely funny, and the emotional beats land perfectly.

If I had one tiny critique, it’s that the pacing can feel slow at times, but that’s also part of Animal Crossing’s charm. This isn’t a high-stakes adventure—it’s a relaxing retreat.

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Fans of slice-of-life manga like Yotsuba&! or Non Non Biyori will adore this book. It shares the same focus on everyday joys and quirky characters. Compared to other video game adaptations (The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess manga, for example), Deserted Island Diary stands out by embracing the game’s relaxed tone rather than forcing a dramatic narrative.

It also complements the Animal Crossing novelizations, but where those books expand on lore, this manga focuses on humor and character interactions.

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✔ Faithful to the game’s spirit while adding new depth.
✔ Hilarious and heartwarming character moments.
✔ Gorgeous artwork that enhances the island’s charm.
✔ Perfect for fans and newcomers alike—no prior Animal Crossing knowledge needed.

❌ Pacing might feel too slow for readers expecting high-energy storytelling.
❌ Some jokes rely on familiarity with the game’s mechanics.

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• Animal Crossing fans (obviously!).
• Slice-of-life manga lovers who enjoy gentle, character-driven stories.
• Gamers looking for a cozy read between play sessions.
• Anyone in need of a feel-good escape from stress.

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"When life gives you weeds… make medicine!" — A villager’s questionable life advice.

"I don’t always understand why I’m digging up fossils, but Blathers’ excitement makes it worth it." — The protagonist’s relatable musings.

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a cultural phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering players a virtual escape during lockdowns. This manga captures that same comforting energy, making it a nostalgic artifact of that era.

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Ready to escape to your own deserted island? Grab your copy here:
Amazon

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Vol. 1: Deserted Island Diary (1) is a delightful, wholesome read that perfectly captures the magic of the game. With its charming characters, beautiful art, and soothing storytelling, it’s like a mini-vacation in book form.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) – A near-perfect adaptation that’s only missing a virtual campfire to roast marshmallows over.

Discussion Question: If you could have one Animal Crossing villager as a real-life neighbor, who would it be and why? Let me know in the comments! 🏡💬

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