Super Mario Adventures

(image: https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=V7xYXa_lOMS1tgWbratw&q=super+mario+adventures&oq=super+mario+adventures&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0l10.1135.3530..3713…0.0..1.540.3155.12j6j0j1j0j2……0….1..gws-wiz…….0i131.VKHWp7tRqjY&ved=0ahUKEwjv7JL_s4vkAhXEmq0KHZvWCg4Q4dUDCAc&uact=5)

the back cover reads:

Every post past this point will be a spoiler, so please read ahead with caution!

Plot: 1/2 star.  You know, I honestly feel bad giving it only half a star, but quite honestly, the plot was for the brothers to fix the palace pipes in time for Princess Peach’s party that night.  Not only did they not fix the pipes at any time throughout the manga, but it took them more than a week to even go after the kidnapped princess and possibly several more days to bring her home.  Unfortunately, even her party got cancelled.  So, the main plot was not completed…  They did save the princess, though, so I will give them half a star for that.

Art: 1 star.  Unlike most manga I read, this one was in full color which was very fun ❤  There were a few derp faces throughout the manga, but over all, everything flowed really well.  I had a blast reading this, and visually, it worked very well.  The arrangement of panels helped to show movement and bring my eye across the page, and the different expressions (and even art styles at times) was very entertaining for me.

Story Progression: 1 star.  There is a lot going on in this manga, but since it’s only thirteen chapters long, then I don’t find that to be a problem.  It’s very episodic because it was published on a monthly basis, but no chapter felt too full or rushed, and conversely, no chapter felt dull.  I had a wonderful time reading this from start to finish.

Genre: 1/2 star.  Weirdly enough, I couldn’t find a genre.  Not on Google or Wikipedia (without actually searching, and I’m not going to do that).  I’m going to give it half a star for that, but if there’s no genre given, then I guess I can assign one.  Definitely a comedy.  Between all the puns -sooooo many puns- and so much word play, not to mention the different faces, funny scenes, and general hijinks, then this is without a doubt a comedy manga.  If you wanted to add fantasy or something (because of the monsters and being in another world) then you could, but my focus is the comedy.

Enjoyment: 1 star.  I wish I could give it more stars for this, but that wouldn’t be fair.  I loved this manga.  Part of that is because I’ve grown up with Mario games and that I met the voice of Mario/Luigi (and others), so I have tons of nostalgia, but really, this manga is just a joy to read.  It is completely ridiculous with the puns, though, so you have been warned of that xD  I loved Princess Peach’s character in this.  The creators made her a strong, fearless woman who liked video games and who was willing to fight for her kingdom.  She didn’t like being bullied and could actually be a bit of a bully herself (she was not kind to the Koopalings, but I suppose they weren’t nice to her either).  I really liked Mario and Luigi’s dynamic.  They felt like partners, and yes, Mario was the leader, but he genuinely cared for his brother while still pushing him forward.  Mario was quite terrible to Wario, though xD  I worry that Mario didn’t even realize, and that makes me wonder how Mario actually sees the world.  Does he really not see the negative things around him, or is he really just that much of a troll?  Honestly, this showed a different side of Bowser to me.  He’s generally a very good father, though he is a tyrannical ruler.  He sees Princess Peach as a trophy rather than a person, so he’s definitely still a villain.  I liked that there was another human in Floyd as random as that is xD

Anyway, I’m sorry that I couldn’t give this five stars, but I do unofficially recommend it!  I keep sharing this manga with my friends and family, and I recommend you do the same!  I didn’t even know this manga existed, and I think there are a lot of people out there who don’t know of it either.  Let’s spread the word!