WhenSuper Mario 3D World+ Bowser’s Furywas announced on September 2020 during Mario’s 35th anniversary Direct, many fans wondered what theBowser’s Furyadd-on would entail. Released in 2013,Super Mario 3D Worldon the Wii U became an instant classic with fans, praising its simple yet familiar gameplay. In contrast,Bowser’s Furyaims to offer a different dynamic from the original game.
Announced as a standalone experience with open world gameplay reminiscent of other 3D titleslikeSuper Mario Odyssey, the trailer for the expansion was noticeably darker in tone compared toSuper Mario 3D World. Bowser himself appeared intimidating, towering over Mario menacingly in darker colors contrasting to his bright green default colors. Bowser’s updated appearance proved to be a hit with fans following the trailer as various fan-art emerged from the artists.
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Following the release ofBowser Fury’strailer, another highly anticipated trailer involving several giant monsters loomed on the horizon. Just a few days later, the trailer for the anticipatedGodzilla vs King Kongmovie was released, showing the titular kaiju clashing with each other. InSuper Mario, Bowser has often been compared to Godzilla as both are large and reptilian-like in appearance. Another obvious comparison is Donkey Kong and King Kong as the former directly refers to the latter.
The comparisons betweenBowser’s FuryandGodzilla vs King Kong, especially due to the timing of the release of their trailers, were enough forseveral artists to produce amazing fan-artin response. Prior to the release of theGodzilla vs King Kongtrailer, artist Jasqreate recreated an iconic scenario involving kaiju Bowser glaring ominously at a terrified Mario through an office building.
As to be expected with a Bowser reveal as impactful as this one, other artists took the Bowsette approach, re-imagining the updated design in the form of the popular gender-bent fan creation. In 2018, Bowsette was created as a response to the Super Crown power-up inNew Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.The power-up, if used on Toadette, would transform her into Peachette, which, as the name suggests, gives her an appearance similar to Peach. This spawned a “what-if” scenario where Bowser wears the Super Crown and transforms into an appearance similar to Peach.
With the release ofSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Furymere weeks away andGodzilla vs King Kongslated for a March release, kaiju fans have a lot to look forward to. As Bowser and kaiju go hand in hand with each other, expect to see a lot more fan-art from fans wishing to endureBowser’s Furywhile cheering forGodzillain the comfort of their home.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Furylaunches February 12 for the Nintendo Switch.
