Vivi picture book explores the black mage's early life

Vivi and Grandpa's Memories for the Sky, a Final Fantasy 9 picture book that debuted in Japan last year, will receive an English release on May 19. The edition is priced at $17.99 and is available for pre-order. Issued as part of Final Fantasy 9's 25th anniversary, the book traces Vivi’s early years as he’s guided by his adoptive grandfather, Quan.

Kazuhiko Aoki, who worked on Final Fantasy 9 as an event designer, wrote the story, which focuses on tender moments as Vivi learns about the world. Illustrations are by Toshiyuki Itahana, one of Final Fantasy 9’s character designers and the artist credited with Vivi’s look.

His drawings show everyday scenes — Vivi demonstrating his magic to other children or Quan preparing a rather dangerous meal. Although the game explains who Vivi is, it never offers a full flashback of his life with Quan; the picture book expands that period. One standout image shows Quan measuring Vivi's height, a moment that also serves as the origin of Vivi’s name.

Japan

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