Koopalings

The Koopalings (コクッパ, Kokuppa) (also known as Bowser's minions (クッパの手下, Kuppa no Teshita) in Japan and Europe or 7 Bowser Team (クッパ7人衆, Kuppa Shichi Ninshū) in Japan) are a fictional group of seven childlike characters in the Mario video game franchise by Nintendo. Their individual names are Larry Koopa, Roy Koopa, Lemmy Koopa, Wendy O. Koopa, Iggy Koopa, Morton Koopa Jr., and Ludwig von Koopa. Originally depicted as the children of the series antagonist Bowser, they first appeared as boss characters in the 1988 game Super Mario Bros. 3. They have since appeared in subsequent Super Mario games and spin-off Mario games.

Koopalings
Mario character
Promotional artwork for New Super Mario Bros. U showing the seven Koopalings. From left to right: Lemmy, Wendy, Morton, Larry, Iggy, Ludwig, and Roy.
First appearanceSuper Mario Bros. 3 (1988)
Portrayed byFisher Stevens as Iggy (1993 film; Super Mario Bros.)
Voiced bySee below

They have made several appearances in other media, most notably in the animated series The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3, which features entirely different names for the Koopalings due to them not having had official names at the time of its production phase. Iggy Koopa is the only one to appear in Super Mario Bros.: The Movie.

Concept and creation

The Koopalings first appeared on a sketch by Yoichi Kotabe and Takashi Tezuka whose aim was finding a definitive redesign of Bowser for the Family Computer Disk System version of Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels.[1] Most of the Koopalings are distinguished by their wild punk hairstyles. The first names of the Koopalings would later be adapted for the Japanese version of Super Mario World, which was released a few months after the North American release of Super Mario Bros. 3. However, the Koopalings received a set of different names in the DiC-produced The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 animated series, as they were still unnamed when the show was in production.

The Koopalings were originally intended to be Bowser's children, as was mentioned in Japanese Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction books as well as early materials.[2][3] Subsequent official sources also confirmed that they were his offspring.[4][5] This portrayal was generally accepted by both Japanese and western gamers and media for a long time. After Bowser Jr. was introduced, the Koopalings went on a six-year hiatus after Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, only to return (now referred to as Bowser's minions) in the Japanese and European versions of New Super Mario Bros. Wii. There has been confusion on whether the Koopalings are still considered Bowser's children or not, with Shigeru Miyamoto confirming during an interview in 2012 that "our current story is that the seven Koopalings are not Bowser's children. Bowser's only child is Bowser Jr., and we do not know who the mother is."[6] According to the North American website for New Super Mario Bros. U, the Koopalings are also siblings.[7]

According to voice actor Mike Vaughn (Ludwig and Iggy), only one recording session for the Koopalings was done, in October 2009 for New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and those same audio files have been reused in several later games, most recently Super Mario Maker 2. Vaughn has publicly called this action a copyright infringement by Nintendo as the usage release signed by both parties prohibited Nintendo from using those files in advertisements or promotions. While not specifically restricting usage in future games, Vaughn asked, "Who in their right mind would have thought that a major game producer would use the same audio in future titles? Seems like a great way to make really bad, repetitive games to me."[8] Eventually, new voice actors were hired to record the Koopalings for Mario Kart 8, with the exception of Roy.

Appearances

Super Mario series

The Koopalings appear in the Super Mario series. In each game, the Koopalings each serve as the main boss character fought by Mario or Luigi at the end of each individual world. Their first appearance was in Super Mario Bros. 3, released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, where they each conquer one of seven kingdoms by stealing its king's magical wand and using it to transform him into an animal or plant.[9]:5 The Koopalings then appeared in the 1990 Super Nintendo Entertainment System game Super Mario World holding Yoshis captive in eggs at each of their respective castles in Dinosaur Land.[10]:19

The Koopalings were absent from subsequent Super Mario games until the release of New Super Mario Bros. Wii for the Wii in 2009,[11] which marks their 3D debut, and most of them having slight design changes from their original appearances. They appear again in New Super Mario Bros. 2 for the Nintendo 3DS and New Super Mario Bros. U for the Wii U, along with its DLC New Super Luigi U, both released in 2012.[12] The Koopalings returned in the combined remake of New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, titled New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch. All seven appear in the version 3.0 update of Super Mario Maker 2, each with their own attack style. They can be used in all game styles except for Super Mario 3D World.

Spin-off games

The Koopalings have appeared as boss characters in the spin-off Mario games Yoshi's Safari, Mario Is Missing!, and Hotel Mario, released from 1992 to 1994 on various platforms. In the 2003 Game Boy Advance video game Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga and its 3DS remake,[11] the Koopalings serve as bosses in Bowser's Castle, the last area of the game. In Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U in 2014, the Koopalings made their debut as playable characters for the first time, continuing their playable appearances in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch and in Mario Kart Tour on mobile.[13] In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and Super Smash Bros Ultimate, each of Bowser Jr.'s seven alternate costumes replace him with one of the Koopalings, with each one fighting from atop the Junior Clown Car.[14] They appear once again in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, released in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS, in which they all once again carry out roles as bosses. In Paper Mario: Color Splash, the Koopalings appear for the first time in a Paper Mario game; each one must be defeated at the end of a world, while Roy is fought early in the game's final level. The Koopalings also appeared in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey as playable characters in Bowser Jr.'s Journey mode.

In other media

The Koopalings made their first animated appearance in the Amada Anime Series: Super Mario Bros. OVA series, released in 1989. In the animated cartoon series The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 produced by DIC Entertainment, the Koopa Kids were given different names based on their given personalities. Their ages are also changed. From oldest to youngest, they are Bully Koopa (Roy), Big Mouth Koopa (Morton), Kooky Von Koopa (Ludwig), Cheatsy Koopa (Larry), Kootie Pie Koopa (Wendy), and Hip and Hop Koopa (Lemmy and Iggy respectively). After this, they appear in another animated cartoon series Super Mario World with the same names, though they more closely resemble their portrayals in the video games. Aside from their names and personalities, they look slightly different and serve their father King Koopa (as Bowser was called in the series) differently compared to their video game counterparts. Instead of their subordinate role, they act directly as his children, and do things such as seek his attention, and even plot against him. They would also appear in the Nintendo Adventure Books and comic books, wherein they use their official names and designs closer to the games. Iggy appeared as a cousin of King Koopa in the 1991 live action Super Mario Bros. film.

Voice actors and namesakes

Most of the Koopalings were named after celebrities, mainly musicians.[15][16] Each Koopaling has had four or five voice actors in different media.

NameAmada Anime series (1989)DiC animated series (1990–1991)Mario Is Missing! (DOS, 1992)Video games (2009–present)Namesake
2009–2013,
2014–2020		2014–present
Larry KoopaMasaharu SatōJames RankinRob WallaceLani MinellaMichelle HippeLarry Mullen
Morton Koopa Jr.Miyako EndōGordon MastenNot used in final gameDavid CookeMorton Downey Jr.
Wendy O. KoopaPaulina GillisKathy FitzgeraldAshley FlanneganWendy O. Williams
Iggy KoopaMasaharu SatōTara CharendoffRob WallaceMike VaughnRyan HigginsIggy Pop
Roy KoopaNaoki TatsutaDan HennesseyBruce SandigDan FalconeRoy Orbison
Lemmy KoopaTara CharendoffNot used in final gameLani MinellaCarlee McManusLemmy Kilmister
Ludwig von KoopaMichael StarkRob WallaceMike VaughnDavid J. GoldfarbLudwig van Beethoven

Reception

Since their appearance in Super Mario Bros. 3, the Koopalings have had mostly positive reception, being referred to by Nintendo as common knowledge of the Mario series due to their appearance in Super Mario Bros. 3.[17] Their popularity amongst fans led to them being reused for the Super NES sequel, Super Mario World. Nintendo Power listed each Koopaling as one of the reasons to love Nintendo, describing them as some of Nintendo's most beloved villains. They cited their eccentric designs for the quality of their personalities.[18] The Koopalings were named the 19th best Mario villains by GameDaily.[19] GamesRadar editor Henry Gilbert described the battle at the end of each world in Super Mario Bros. 3 as a "special affair"; he also praised them for adding variety to the series compared to Super Mario Bros., which featured Bowser as the last boss of each castle.[20] IGN editor Lucas M. Thomas echoed these sentiments, stating that the Koopalings brought their own looks, mannerisms, and methods of attack. Specifically, he described the battle with Lemmy Koopa in Super Mario Bros. 3 as unique and memorable, while also describing Ludwig von Koopa's battle in Super Mario World as distinct from the others.[11] In another article he listed the Koopalings as one of the characters he wants in Mario Kart 7, especially Wendy O. Koopa.[21] Fellow IGN editor Jesse Schedeen featured the Koopalings in the "Big Boss of the Day" feature, describing them as popular bosses in video games.[22]

Joystiq editor James Ransom-Wiley called their reappearance in New Super Mario Bros. Wii a welcome addition, stating that it should boost the quality of the bosses.[23] Fellow Joystiq editor JC Fletcher described them as a draw for New Super Mario Bros. Wii for some fans, also praising the three-dimensional designs of the Koopalings.[24] During an interview with Super Mario Galaxy director Yoshiaki Koizumi, Electronic Gaming Monthly noted that they were hoping for the Koopalings to return in it.[25] Destructoid editor Conrad Zimmerman stated that the Koopalings were his favorite characters from Super Mario Bros. 3, and added that with regard to the musical references in the Koopalings' names, he doubted that anything similar would be seen in this day and age.[26] GameSpy editor Ryan Scott listed the Koopalings as one of the reasons why Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World were quality video games.[27] He also praised New Super Mario Bros. Wii for the inclusion of the Koopalings.[28] The GameSpy staff listed the Koopalings as some of their favorite bosses, stating that they have much more charm than their "dopey successor", Bowser Jr.[29]

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References
  1. As noted in the caption of the sketch found on page 65 of the Official Nintendo Guidebook of Super Mario Collection. The text says:At first Bowser's appearance was not entirely settled. In order to get to this version of the sketch, Kotabe and Tezuka collaborated multiple times. The page of the guide itself is dedicated to Super Mario Bros. 2, the Japanese name of Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels.
  2. "Super Mario Bros. 3 – Famimaga Sept. 1988 Early Beta Footage". Retrieved September 23, 2012 – via YouTube.
  3. "Original Japanese manual of Super Mario Bros. 3" (PDF). Nintendo Co., Ltd. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  4. "Super Mario Bros. 3 page on Nintendo UK's site". Nintendo UK. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  5. "Bowser, King of the Koopas, and his evil offspring have invaded yet another kingdom. The Koopalings have seized the Kingdom's precious crystals. It's up to you, armed with your trusty Nintendo Scope, to ride Yoshi to the rescue!", back of the box of the North American and PAL versions of Yoshi's Safari.
  6. "Mario's Creators Answer Burning Questions About The Series". Game Informer. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
  7. "New Super Mario Bros. U Character Profile: Koopalings". Nintendo. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  8. Cloverleaf Radio Presents: Actor Mike Vaughn "Super Mario Bros."!!. Blog Talk Radio (January 2014). Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  9. Super Mario Bros. 3. USA: Nintendo. 1990.
  10. Super Mario World. USA: Nintendo. 1991.
  11. Thomas, Lucas M. (June 29, 2009). "Revenge of the Koopalings: Stars Icons". IGN. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
  12. "New Super Luigi U Review". GameSpot. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  13. "Little Mac Joins the Super Smash Bros. Cast; Mario Kart 8 Launches May 30 with Koopalings". Nintendo. February 13, 2014. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
  14. Hernandez, Patricia. "People Are Starting to Unlock Secret Smash Bros. Characters [Update]".
  15. Klepek, Patrick. "How A Mario Character Was Named After Motorhead's Lemmy".
  16. Loguidice, Bill; Barton, Matt (2012). Vintage Games: An Insider Look at the History of Grand Theft Auto, Super Mario, and the Most Influential Games of All Time. CRC Press. p. 282. ISBN 9781136137587.
  17. "Super Mario Brothers 3 on the Virtual Console". UGO.com. November 5, 2007. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  18. Nintendo Power 250th issue!. South San Francisco, California: Future US. 2010. p. 60.
  19. Chris Buffa (October 3, 2008). "Gallery and Images". GameDaily. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  20. "Super Mario Bros 3: 20 years later". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  21. Thomas, Lucas M. "Predicting Mario Kart 7's Final Characters". IGN. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  22. Schedeen, Jesse (December 7, 2009). "Big Boss of the Day: The Koopa Kids". IGN. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  23. Ransom, James (March 9, 2006). "Koopalings to return in New Super Mario Bros., Yoshi on the sideline". Joystiq. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  24. JC Fletcher on (October 26, 2009). "New, super character art from New Super Mario Bros. Wii". Joystiq. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  25. "Super Mario Galaxy Afterthoughts from". 1UP.com. February 19, 2008. Archived from the original on November 29, 2011. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  26. "See Larry Koopa strut his stuff once more". Destructoid. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  27. "Game of the Year 2009: Our Personal Picks – Page 2". GameSpy. Archived from the original on December 26, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  28. "GameSpy: E3 2009: New Super Mario Bros. Wii Hands-on – Page 1". Wii.gamespy.com. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  29. "GameSpy: GameSpy's Favorite Videogame Bosses – Page 1". Xbox360.gamespy.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2010. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
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