Bowser

The Great Demon King of the Mushroom Kingdom

The great demon king of the Koopa clan who seeks to take over the Mushroom Kingdom, the boss enemy who kidnaps Princess Peach and casts spells on her.

Quotes

  • I am the Great Demon King, nano da!
  • GWAHAHA! Not bad, Mario!
  • Damn you Mario, next time I won't lose!
  • Princess Peach is mine, nano da!
  • I hate it when peace returns

Trivia

  • Bowser's name comes from a comment about wanting to eat 'yakiniku' at a yakiniku restaurant.
  • Recognized by Guinness World Records as the greatest video game villain.
  • His transformation form 'Giga Bowser' is original to the Smash Bros. series.
  • Despite a strong rivalry with Mario, he often cooperates in sports and other contexts.
  • Bowser's model is based on the Ox Demon King from the 1960 anime film ''Saiyūki''.

Alternate names

Bowser King Bowser Great Demon King Bowser Demon King Bowser

Tags

Bowser Great Demon King Mario series Mushroom Kingdom Enemy character Koopa clan Boss character Peach kidnapping Giga Bowser

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Profile

Species
Giant turtle-like monster
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Giant turtle form with yellow and green skin, red mane, horned head, and a shell with 10 spikes. The shell is green, and wears black spiked armbands and collar.
Height
Around 250cm
Weight
Secret
Hair color
Red
Distinguishing features
  • Sharp horns
  • Red mane
  • Spiked shell
  • Black spiked armbands and collar
  • Huge physique
Iconic items
  • Bowser Clown Car (Bowser's airship)
  • Hammer
  • Fire breath
  • Shell
  • Horns

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Stubborn
Detailed personality
Extremely obstinate and tyrannical with high pride. High-handed and conceited, often deceived by subordinates or others, but also has a boss-like side with strong trust in his subordinates. While in a arch-enemy relationship with the strongly antagonistic Mario, he is often portrayed not as a root-and-branch villain but as a charming antagonist.
Keywords
  • Stubborn
  • Arrogant
  • Boisterous
  • Boss-like
  • Rivalry
  • Charm
  • Boisterous laugh
Motto
~nano da
Talents
  • Fire breath
  • Super strength
  • Giant transformation
  • Magic
  • Jumping ability
Skills
  • Shell dash
  • Hammer throw
  • Aerial combat
  • Piloting giant weapons
  • Commanding subordinates
Motivation
Domination of the Mushroom Kingdom, marriage to Princess Peach (implied in multiple works)
Habits
Catchphrase '~nano da', boisterous 'GWAHAHA' laugh
Favorite foods
Grilled meat, Spicy chicken, Meat on the bone, Tamagoyaki (depending on the work)
Hobbies
Commanding subordinates, Formulating domination plans
Disliked situations
Defeat, Betrayal, His own plans collapsing

History

Backstory
As the great demon king of the Koopa Troop, he has repeatedly invaded the Mushroom Kingdom and kidnapped Princess Peach, only to be stopped by Mario. First appeared in 1985's ''Super Mario Bros.''. In many subsequent works, he stands as the enemy boss at the story's climax.
Debut date
September 13, 1985
Work title
Super Mario Bros.
Media type
Game

Debut in ''Super Mario Bros. ''

Significant event
Debut in ''Super Mario Bros. ''
Description
Occupies the Mushroom Kingdom and kidnaps Princess Peach. Engages in fierce boss battles with Mario repeatedly.

Teaming up in ''Super Mario RPG''

Significant event
Teaming up in ''Super Mario RPG''
Description
Midway through the story, aligns with Mario and others due to shared interests and temporarily cooperates.

Guinness World Record recognition

Significant event
Guinness World Record recognition
Description
Recognized in 2013 as the greatest video game villain.

New design in ''Super Mario Odyssey''

Significant event
New design in ''Super Mario Odyssey''
Description
Features Bowser leading the Blue Bowser Squad with a Japanese-style Bowser Castle.

Participation in ''Super Smash Bros.'' series

Significant event
Participation in ''Super Smash Bros.'' series
Description
Joined from 2001's ''DX''. His unique form Giga Bowser also appears.

Relationships

Bowser Jr.

Child

Deeply dotes on his son. Who believes Princess Peach is his mother.

Koopalings

Loyal subordinates

The seven elite guards who support Bowser as his powerful subordinates.

Kamek

Magical support

Supports Bowser with magic, aiding in giant transformations and revivals.

Koopa Troop

Koopa Troop: leader

Media appearances

Super Mario Bros.

Game / Protagonist

1985

Super Mario Bros.: Peach-Hime Kyūshutsu Daisakusen!

Anime / Protagonist

1986 anime film

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Movie / Protagonist

2023

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Game / Protagonist

2001

Super Mario Odyssey

Game / Protagonist

2017

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

Game / Protagonist

2009

Paper Mario: The Origami King

Game / Supporting

2020

Super Mario Bros.: Makai Teikoku no Megami

Movie / Protagonist

Live-action film 1993

Voice cast and creators

Kenny James

Voice actor
Kenny James
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Mainly games from 2002 onward
Notes
Current main voice actor

Akiko Wada

Voice actor
Akiko Wada
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Super Mario Bros.: Peach-Hime Kyūshutsu Daisakusen!

Jack Black

Voice actor
Jack Black
Language
English
Version or series
The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Kenta Miyake

Voice actor
Kenta Miyake
Language
Japanese
Version or series
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Japanese dub)

Shigeru Miyamoto

Creator name
Shigeru Miyamoto
Role
Original author

Yoichi Kotabe

Creator name
Yoichi Kotabe
Role
Character designer

Nintendo

Creator name
Nintendo
Role
Licensee

Related goods

Bowser Figure

Item name
Bowser Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Super Mario series amiibo Bowser

Item name
Super Mario series amiibo Bowser
Category
Accessory
Availability
Regular

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