Why Luigi is really Bowser — Lydia Skinner

Lydia Skinner
Jul 23, 2017 · 4 min read

In this essay, we will be discussing the many reasons why Luigi, is in fact, Bowser.

Point One: He’s evil.

Luigi in Mario Kart

I’m sure any fans of Mario Kart recognize this snap instantly. The evil look Luigi gives as he passes, bangs into, or intentionally hurts any of the other racers has become a famous meme in the Mario fandom. However, while many take this look lightly, I ask you to consider a darker alternative. Somehow this look is familiar. Somehow it gives a deeper sense of unease than if it were just a regular funny face. This is because, ladies and gents, we have seen this exact face before…

ON BOWSER.

Bowser

Look at the dilated pupils, the turned in eyebrows, the glint of evil in both of their eyes. Despite their naturally different shapes, the look of pure malice is evident is both characters. While many may question if this is simply a coincidence, you must ask yourselves this: why did the game developers specifically give Luigi alone this look of demonic emptiness? Why don’t all the characters have this same look on their faces when they cause harm? Why this very same, specific look that embodies the character of Bowser? Read on, dear reader, read on.

Point 2: The colour coordination between the two characters.

Since Luigi’s first appearance in ‘Mario Bros’ in 1983, he has always been seen as a secondary character to his more popular brother, Mario. In fact, the only factors that differentiate the two are height, weight, and of course, the signature colours of the shirts beneath their dungarees. Luigi’s green has become so closely associated with his character, that many would find it difficult to imagine him in a different colour. Why is it that these colours stick in our head so much, you may ask? Because we have seen this exact same colour combo of green and yellow before…

ON BOWSER.

Luigi vs his inner demon, Bowser

Note the subtle yellow buttons on Luigi’s dungarees. Then check out Bowser’s predominantly yellow frame. The whites of his claws being the same as Luigi’s gloves…The dark green of his shell and head, being the same shade as Luigi’s body and hat. COME ON PEOPLE. The colour coordination between the two characters is so blindingly obvious. Why doesn’t Mario coordinate with Bowser? Because Mario is not Bowser. Mario has had every opportunity possible, while Luigi has always been in the sidelines. But how did Luigi become Bowser? Read on…

Point 3: King Koopa was his own entity. Bowser is a repressed side of Luigi.

Nineties kids especially remember good old King Koopa from the original Mario games (and the Super Mario World series!). Koopa was sly, malicious and lizard-like, constantly after Princess Peach. For those who need a reminder, here’s the bloke himself:

King Koopa

Very different to the Bowser we know today, Koopa’s yellow attributes were limited to his eyes only, and he was less of a monster, and more of a crocodile/lizard. How Koopa and Bowser could be one in the same seems impossible. Their looks barely correlate, their names couldn't be more different, and their attitudes are dissimilar. Here is my argument: Luigi murdered Koopa, therefore letting his dark side explode, reincarnating itself into a Koopa/Luigi hybrid. Bowser is not purely Koopa. Nor is he purely Luigi, but he is parts of both, an outlet for Luigi’s frustration over always being second best. A reincarnated being of things thought to have been repressed and destroyed, a being a pure evil. We’ve seen this attitude before…

ON BOWSER.

And if you need proof of this claim, look no further than this screengrab of Luigi in the original Mario television series, just having been imprisoned by Koopa:

Luigi grins diabolically.

There is a reason that Koopa did not return as himself, ladies and gents. There is a reason that ‘Bowser’ was renamed and restyled. There is a reason why Luigi’s face can contort in expressions of the purest evil.

LUIGI IS BOWSER.

A villain.
Lydia Skinner

Written by

Pip Writes Stuff

Pip Writes Stuff is where Pip Turner used to keep post his ramblings. This is rarely posted on anymore, but feel free to have a browse and relive the good times.

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