In the Mario universe, Bowser is known as the big bad who's bent on capturing Princess Peach and taking over the Mushroom Kingdom. Scary as that may seem, he's usually portrayed as the comedic villain, one that can be menacing when the time calls for it, but is mostly an unintentional funny goofball in most situations.
While Bowser isn't the most intimidating presence, the Koopa King has shown that there's more to him than just the funny thorn in both Princess Peach and Mario's side. This is exemplified no better than in Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, where he proves himself as the anti-hero the franchise deserves and fans can root for.
Those who want to see this for themselves are better off with the original Nintendo DS version rather than the remake for the Nintendo 3DS, as the latter has issues that make it less desirable to play. However, for those who don't have the time, allow me to explain how the game gives us one of the best versions of Bowser.
To better understand this, we must dive a little into the narrative of Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story.
The game begins with Bowser up to his usual antics of trying to kidnap Princess Peach; however, Mario and Luigi kick his butt. Upon failing, a returning villain named Fawful tricks the Koopa King into eating a magical mushroom, causing him to go out of control and inhale everyone in the kingdom, including the famous brothers.
After Fawful's overtaking of the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser and those he inhaled are cast far away in the hopes of never returning. With some inside assistance from the Mario bros and a Star Sprite nicknamed Chippy, it is now up to the Koopa King to take back what was lost, while also preventing another catastrophe involving the princess during the process.
Throughout the journey, Bowser remains a funny powerhouse, but his approach to situations is a stark contrast to how Mario and Luigi would handle the same situations as protagonists. Where the brothers complete tasks for the benefit of everyone else, the Koopa King does so for his own self-gain. Time and again, he'll do anything if it means getting closer to getting revenge on Fawful and taking back what's his, including eating a gigantic carrot, taking on an actual castle in battle, and many other absurd things.
Normally, people wouldn't want to root for someone so selfish, even with such odds stacked against him, but Bowser's single-minded stubbornness and brutish personality work so well that you can't help but do so. He isn't afraid to let everyone know that he's someone to be respected throughout the game in the most brash ways possible, despite all his past failures, which is commendable and charming in its own way.
It also helps that many of the NPCs consider him a joke, including his supposedly faithful henchmen, as even with all the ridicule, Bowser still shows that he's not one to give up on his belief in being the ultimate ruler. This makes the players want to root for him even more, and is a testament to how well the game has made him into an amazing anti-villain.
But where it all really comes together is in the final battle with Fawful. Without revealing too much, as it's best to experience it for oneself, it is a fight that perfectly represents everything Bowser has gone through - all the torment and pain - and how he hasn't let it get the best of him. Winning it even allows him some self-realization, showing that he finally understands what it means for a villain to lose despite having the advantage.
Nintendo made something special with the version of Bowser in Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story. He showed what it means to be an incredible anti-villain. If possible, take the time to see it for yourself; it's more than worth the effort.
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