Entry #10: The King to Rule All the Koopas

 

    When someone thinks, "Video Game Villain," most people think of Bowser, the King of the Koopas, the main villain of the Super Mario series. Bowser is iconic, fun, powerful, a true final boss. One that always has a new trick up their sleeves, one that's constantly trying new things. Bowser has been in several forms of Mario Media, but each time there's a different take to him. Sometimes he's a moustache twiddling villain, sometimes he's a hopeless romantic, sometimes he's a respected king, sometimes he's a comical king, and sometimes he's Jack Black. But which of these is the best interpretation of Bowser? Well, that's up to you, but here's my two sense on the matter.

    

Bowser sending off some Goombas to attack a foe: (https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/01/bowsers-inside-story-holds-up-nicely-10-years-later/)

    First things first, King Koopa from the live action Mario movie is definitely not winning. He's just.... weird beyond belief and he looks nothing like Bowser. Furthermore, King Koopa isn't making the cut because he's too non threatening. He's your average Saturday cartoon villain that gets tricked with the fake moustache and glasses. Then there's Smash Bros. Bowser, which is a lot more beastly. He's so beastly that his only sense of humanity is him taunting the opponent. He's so primal that his final smash isn't even a reference, it's a whole new form that makes him even more beastly. I don't think that fits Bowser though since he actually has a personality... and can talk. After that we have the movie, which is a fan favorite for a reason. This iteration of Bowser is played by Jack Black, who does a phenomenal job voicing Bowser. His personality is fearsome and threatening, but also very goofy with how hopeless his romantics are. I can see why this is many people's favorites, but there's better, such as the main series Bowser. He's a lot less goofy, but he's stylish and flashy. If he's going to beat you, he'll do it in style, and it's refreshing to see what new tricks he has. But all of these in my opinion pale in comparison to RPG Bowser. RPG Bowser is pretty much game Bowser, but much more cocky, somewhat dumb, very entertaining, even more of a threat, and a really good leader. He even shows his more human side, showing sympathy and care for his minions and his son. 

    Seriously, if you've never played Bowser's Inside Story or Mario RPG, I highly recommend you play them. They characterize Bowser into the most iconic and fan favorite character in video game history. RPG Bowser is every good part of Bowser and more. Even if you like another Bowser more, that characterization is outstanding. Regardless, in my opinion, RPG Bowser is easily the best Bowser. He has everything that you'd want in a Bowser and more. Long live the King of the Koopas!