Behind all of Bowser’s kidnapping, is there a soul who is only looking for true love?

The image of Bowser, the arch-enemy of the Super Mario Bros. universe, is more than just a villain. Although it may not seem like it at first glance, their shell hides more than a dark soul. He is an economic and political leader with a loyal workforce, a loyal father and a hopelessly romantic leader in his own way. Aside from his unusual style and dragon turtle appearance, isn’t he a prospect who attracts love?

Love beyond the shell

Beneath Jaws, who many see as Mario’s eternal adversary, lives a father who goes out of his way for his son. Bowser Jr., the living embodiment of responsible fatherhood, finds in his father not only a war partner, but a father who sets limits and encourages a healthy play environment. It’s no coincidence that Nintendo used them as an example in the Switch’s parental controls video. The father-son relationship is so interesting that they become unlikely allies for Mario in Bowser’s Wrath.

And what can we say about Princess Peach’s eternal romance? Despite his kidnapping and crazy plans, Bowser shows a romantic, almost quixotic side. Their love is so real that they plan an epic wedding in Super Mario Odyssey. In addition, the vision of Peach as a good mother to the child shows the need for stability and family.

King of the bad

Throughout the games, Bowser oscillates between humor and horror. His portrayal ranges from Paper Mario’s sleazy villain to Super Mario RPG’s acidic anti-hero to Super Mario Galaxy’s unapologetic boss. However, even when teaming up with Mario or trying to protect his son from the horrors of the internet, he often errs on the side of comically overt evil, taking pride in his role as the main antagonist.

Perhaps the key to its appeal lies in its striking idiom. Is there anything that deceives a man who persists in believing that he can achieve everything from all opposites? In pop culture, even villains have fans, and Bowser is no exception. Mario may be a flawless hero, but Bowser represents the part of the adventure that refuses to settle, even in search of love.

Bowser and Peach’s case is more than self-obsession. While King Koopa’s actions may seem extreme, the detail and emotion he puts into each attempt at victory cannot be ignored. Maybe, but love, but even so, is it not wrinkled love?

Love and Power: Aspects of Bowser

So what does all this tell us about Bowser? Beyond his looks and his evil actions, he has a character of great emotional complexity. A leader who can inspire loyalty in his followers, a father who puts his son’s interests first, and a rival who can buy him as much as he wants to become a deep member of the group. Not only is he Mario’s eternal nemesis, but he is also a central and versatile part of one of the most popular sagas in entertainment.

With love and war as recurring themes in the story, Bowser stands as an example that, even in the most playful and colorful universe, the line between hero and villain can be as blurred as the charm. Perhaps with Bowser’s duality, we experience the fact that even the most battle-hardened hearts are susceptible to the sweet pull of love and family. And, why not, be brave enough to look beyond prejudice and see a hopeless romance in the image of a villain. Could Bowser really be an unrequited romantic hero?