Bowser: King of the Koopas and Mario's iconic enemy

1113 mots | Temps de lecture : 5 minute(s)

Bowser , also known as King Koopa , has been the main antagonist of the Super Mario franchise since its inception. Recognizable by his spiky shell , imposing size , and fiery breath , Bowser is feared , charismatic , and sometimes even comical . He has become a major figure in video games , to the point of transcending his role as a “ villain ” to become a character in his own right, sometimes a ferocious conqueror , sometimes a father hen , or even an anti-hero in spite of himself.

Creation and inspirations

Bowser was designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka . His appearance is inspired by a mix between a turtle (Koopa), a dragon , and a bull . Miyamoto originally envisioned a giant ox inspired by the anime Alakazam the Great , before Tezuka suggested a shelled creature , better suited to the style of the Mario universe.

Bowser's Beginnings

He made his first appearance in 1985's Super Mario Bros. , where he kidnapped Princess Peach and took control of the Mushroom Kingdom . In seven of the game's eight castles, the Bowsers he fights are actually substitutes in disguise . This twist already adds a touch of mystery to his character.

Appearance and characteristics

Bowser is a fearsome hybrid creature :

• A green shell decorated with spikes.
• A red crest, fierce eyes and a carnivorous smile .
• A breath of fire , an essential signature.
• Massive fists and a thick tail used in combat.

Its size varies enormously from game to game, ranging from slightly larger than Mario… to several dozen meters tall. In some cases, it even destroys castles or threatens entire planets .

Objective: Dominate the Mushroom Kingdom

Bowser has two classic goals: kidnapping Peach and world domination . He builds fortresses , commands armies (Koopas, Goombas, Lakitus, etc.), and devises outlandish schemes involving magic, technology, or both. While he consistently fails, he always does so with panache .

Bowser in the main games

• Super Mario Bros. – Final boss and master of the trapped castles.
• Super Mario Bros. 3 – He sends the Koopalings to wreak havoc in neighboring kingdoms.
• Super Mario 64 – Three 3D battles where Mario must throw himself into bombs.
• Super Mario Galaxy – He attempts to create a new universe , proclaiming himself cosmic emperor.
• Super Mario Odyssey – Arranged marriage, offbeat humor and a spectacular finale in Bowser's moons.

Bowser, the hero in spite of himself

In Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (2009), Bowser is the playable protagonist . While attempting to reclaim his castle, he unwittingly becomes the host of miniaturized Mario and Luigi within his own body. The game depicts him as a proud , angry but brave , and often ridiculous character. This title remains one of the most beloved in the series for its brilliant writing and unique gameplay .

The most significant transformations

• Dry Bowser – His menacing, faster skeleton version, who appeared in New Super Mario Bros.
• Giga Bowser – The beastly version of Bowser in Super Smash Bros. , uncontrollable and destructive .
• Bowser's Fury – In Bowser's Fury (2021), Bowser loses all control, transforming into a giant black monster , halfway between Godzilla and Kaiju.
• Mecha Bowser – A piloted robotic Bowser in Super Mario Sunshine .

Bowser in spin-off games

• Mario Kart – Heavy driver, excellent in a straight line, often a boss in arcade modes.
• Mario Party – Big source of chaos, trapping players or launching punishing mini-games.
• Super Smash Bros. – A massive fighter with a brutal style, he can transform into Giga Bowser .
• Mario Sports – Football, tennis, golf or Strikers, Bowser plays them with aggression and power .

A somewhat unusual father figure

Bowser is the father of Bowser Jr. , a mischievous character who appeared in Super Mario Sunshine . Their relationship is often affectionate , though awkward . Bowser pushes his son to follow in his footsteps, but also shows tenderness and concern for him.

The Koopalings , long referred to as his "children" in the 1990s, are now portrayed as his subordinates, though they retain a strong bond with their " heart father ."

Bowser's Voice

• Originally, he growled or roared via generic sound effects.
• In Super Mario Sunshine , he speaks for the first time with a deep , raspy voice.
• Jack Black lends him his voice in the film Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), bringing a singing , theatrical and charismatic dimension.

Bowser in pop culture

• The “ Bowsette ” meme, born from fan art in 2018, imagined a female version of Bowser, going viral.
• He is one of the most cosplayed antagonists at gaming conventions.
• Giant statues of Bowser adorn the Super Nintendo World attractions at Universal Studios .

Why is Bowser a video game icon?

• A unique design : neither human, nor beast, nor robot – an archetype in its own right.
• A charismatic villain : he often fails, but always comes back, more inventive than ever.
• A multifaceted character: tyrant, dad , boss, comedian , sometimes hero.
• A historic pillar : present since 1985, it evolves with technologies and audiences .

Conclusion

Bowser is more than just a final boss : he's a pillar of video game history. With his blend of intimidation , humor , and pathos , he's become one of the most endearing villains in the gaming world. King of the Koopas , bumbling father, cosmic menace, or karting opponent, Bowser reigns supreme in the hearts of fans... even when victory is stolen from him again on the last lap.