Posted 6 hours ago6 hr Fans of Final Fantasy IX have a delightful treat on the horizon. Square Enix has officially revealed Final Fantasy IX Picture Book: Vivi and Grandpa's Memories for the Sky, a charming 48-page illustrated hardcover diving into the origins of one of the series' most beloved characters: the timid black mage Vivi Ornitier.This new release, priced at $17.99 USD, is set to hit shelves on May 19, 2026, with preorders already live across major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the official Square Enix store. Crafted by original FFIX team members, the book promises a "delectable addition" to the game's lore, blending wholesome storytelling with stunning artwork.A Peaceful Life Before the AdventureThe picture book's synopsis paints a cozy prequel tale: Vivi, the mysterious black mage, is fished out of the ocean by Grandpa Quan—a gourmand fisherman obsessed with perfecting his culinary skills. Initially mistaking the pint-sized mage for dinner, Quan quickly realizes his error and takes Vivi under his wing. What follows is a heartwarming slice-of-life story where the duo enjoys fine feasts, makes friends, and explores the world together, culminating in Vivi's poignant day of departure to begin his journey in Final Fantasy IX.This narrative expands on Vivi's enigmatic backstory, a fan-favorite element from the 2000 PS1 classic. Vivi's existential quest about life, mortality, and purpose remains one of FFIX's emotional cornerstones, making this book a true love letter to the game's themes.amazon.comAmazon.com: Final Fantasy IX Picture Book: Vivi and Grandpa's Memories for the Sky: 9781646094738: Aoki, Kazuhiko, Itahana, Toshiyuki: BooksThe cover art (noted as preliminary) features Grandpa Quan striding across a lush green field under a vast blue sky, with Vivi's hat peeking out and a dragonfly soaring nearby. A distant castle evokes FFIX's fairy-tale aesthetic, perfectly capturing the whimsical vibe.Crafted by FFIX VeteransStory by: Kazuhiko Aoki, the original event designer for Final Fantasy IX.Art by: Toshiyuki Itahana, the game's character designer.Format: Hardcover picture book, 8-5/8 x 8-5/8 inches, 48 full-color pages.ISBN: 9781646094738.Publisher: Square Enix Manga & Books.Sample pages shared by Square Enix showcase Itahana's vibrant, watercolor-style illustrations. One depicts a lavish dinner scene with Vivi and Quan at a wooden table laden with meats, fruits, and breads, surrounded by hanging herbs and a sleepy pig. Another shows a festive gathering with fireworks, villagers, and animals, hinting at community celebrations.na.store.square-enix-games.comna.store.square-enix-games.comFan Excitement Builds on XSquare Enix Manga & Books broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), posting: "Join #FinalFantasyIX's beloved black mage Vivi as Grandpa teaches him how to live a good life! 🥟🍲 Preorder now!" The post has garnered likes, reposts, and calls for a Kindle edition, signaling strong early buzz.Outlets like ScreenRant hailed it as Vivi's "official return," while gaming sites such as Push Square and CBR amplified the hype, noting its appeal to longtime FFIX enthusiasts awaiting more content like a rumored remaster.Where to Preorder and Why It MattersSecure your copy today:RetailerLinkSquare Enix StorePreorder HereAmazonPreorder on AmazonBarnes & NoblePreorder at B&NFor Final Fantasy IX diehards—like us here at Nexus Gaming—this book is more than merch; it's a nostalgic bridge to Gaia, reminding us why Vivi stole hearts over two decades ago. With FFIX still playable on modern platforms and rumors of enhanced ports swirling, 2026 could be a big year for fans of this timeless RPG. Don't sleep on preordering—Vivi's adventure awaits!
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