The world of Inkopolis is famous for its vibrant colors and high-energy ink battles, but many fans are now looking back at the series' roots for creative inspiration. Using splatoon raiders coloring pages is an excellent way to engage with the "rough draft" era of the franchise, specifically the characters and settings found in the early Splatoon Days manga. These early designs, often referred to by the community as the "Raider" style due to their experimental and slightly more rugged aesthetic, offer a unique departure from the polished look of the modern games.
Whether you are looking for splatoon raiders coloring pages featuring the energetic Osper or her brother Tripped, these illustrations provide a glimpse into an alternate version of Splatoon's history. This guide explores the best ways to utilize these pages, the lore behind the characters, and tips for bringing these "arbitrary delusions" to life with your own color palette in 2026.
The Origins of Splatoon Raiders Designs
Before the Inklings we know today were finalized, Nintendo's developers experimented with various character concepts in a manga titled Splatoon Days: Arbitrary Delusions. These designs are the primary source for most splatoon raiders coloring pages available today. The characters from this era, like the protagonist Osper, represent a version of Inkopolis that was still being defined.
In these early drafts, the Octarians were depicted as more comedic yet threatening invaders, attempting to steal the "Great Octarion" (which was actually just the sun). This "Raider" era of concept art features unique hairstyles, early weapon prototypes like the "Enzuka," and environments that feel slightly more industrial and raw than the current maps.
| Character/Element | Description for Coloring | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Osper | The original Inkling girl protagonist. | Braided tentacles, Enzuka weapon, and sporty attire. |
| Tripped | Osper's younger brother. | Unique "normal" hair style and inkling boy prototype features. |
| Octo-Troopers | The classic underground invaders. | Often depicted on stilts or in large "walls of octopi." |
| Captain Cuttlefish | The legendary war veteran. | Seen in dark tunnels, wearing a tattered hat and cape. |
Character Profiles for Your Coloring Projects
When working with splatoon raiders coloring pages, it helps to understand the personalities of the characters to choose the right markers or pencils. While modern Splatoon uses neon pinks and greens, the "Raider" era often leaned into more experimental shades.
Osper and Tripped
Osper is a 14-year-old Inkling who dreams of leaving her small seaside town for the big city. Her design is perfect for those who enjoy coloring classic Inkling girl silhouettes but want to try different tentacle patterns. Tripped, her brother, offers a rare look at an Inkling boy design that predates the iconic "top-knot" hairstyle.
The Octarian Invaders
The Octarians in the Splatoon Days manga are incredibly expressive. One popular scene for coloring involves an Octarian trooper tied to a telephone pole, detailing a plot involving superweapons. These pages allow for high-contrast coloring, especially when depicting the purple Octarian ink against the urban backgrounds of the warehouse or factory.
💡 Tip: When coloring Octarian ink, try using a deep "Grape" or "Electric Purple" to stay true to the early concept art's high-saturation look.
Iconic Scenes and Environments
The environments found in splatoon raiders coloring pages are just as important as the characters. These pages often feature locations that served as the blueprints for famous multiplayer maps like Walleye Warehouse and Urchin Underpass.
| Environment | Story Context | Coloring Focus |
|---|---|---|
| The Subway | Osper's path to the city. | Use dark, gritty tones for the tunnel and bright neon for the train. |
| The Warehouse | An abandoned battleground. | High detail on crates, machinery, and industrial pipes. |
| The UFO Crash | A major plot point in the manga. | Focus on explosive effects and metallic textures for the craft. |
| The Factory | The Octarian's secret base. | Lots of shadow work and mechanical "Octo-Robot" details. |
Advanced Coloring Techniques for Splatoon Art
To make your splatoon raiders coloring pages stand out in 2026, consider using mixed media. Since Splatoon is all about ink, using watercolor or alcohol-based markers can simulate the "splat" effect better than standard crayons.
- Layering Ink: Start with a light base color for the skin and tentacles, then layer darker shades near the tips of the hair to create a "gradient" effect common in Inkling biology.
- Glow Effects: Use a white gel pen to add highlights to the ink pools. This makes the ink look wet and reflective, just like in the games.
- Texture Work: For characters like Captain Cuttlefish, use "dry brushing" techniques with colored pencils to give his clothing a weathered, aged appearance.
For more official inspiration and the latest updates on the franchise, visit the official Splatoon website to see how modern designs evolved from these early raider concepts.
Using Coloring Pages for Lore Exploration
Many fans use splatoon raiders coloring pages to visualize "what if" scenarios. Since the original manga was labeled as "Arbitrary Delusions," there is no strict canon to follow. This gives you the freedom to experiment with colors that might not exist in the official games.
For instance, you could color the "Space Weapon Touch Penu" (the early Ink Strike) with a supernova aesthetic or give the Octarian robots a rusted, post-apocalyptic look. The "Raider" theme encourages this kind of creative deviation from the standard colorful pop aesthetic of the main series.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when using heavy markers on standard printer paper; the ink may bleed through. Always use a backing sheet or print on heavy cardstock for the best results.
FAQ
Q: Who are the "Splatoon Raiders" in the context of these coloring pages?
A: "Raiders" is a community term often used to describe the early, experimental character designs from the Splatoon Days manga and the Art of Splatoon book. These characters, like Osper, represent a more adventurous and "draft-style" version of the Inklings.
Q: Are these characters considered canon to the Splatoon story?
A: No, the Splatoon Days manga is explicitly subtitled "Arbitrary Delusions." While it contains elements that inspired the final game (like the energy crisis and the UFO crash), the characters and specific events are considered concept art or "alternate universe" drafts.
Q: What is the best way to print splatoon raiders coloring pages?
A: For the best experience, print the images on 8.5" x 11" cardstock. This allows you to use markers and watercolors without the paper warping or tearing, which is essential for capturing the "inky" look of the series.
Q: Can I find these designs in Splatoon 3?
A: While the characters themselves aren't in the game, some gear—like the "Octarian Retro" sweatshirt—features illustrations directly from this early manga, proving that Nintendo still enjoys referencing these "raider" roots in 2026.