Super Mario Adventures

If you’re a Nintendo fan, you most likely don’t need to read this review – this has the Nintendo label on it, so you’ll probably enjoy it no matter the actual content. On the contrary, if you’re someone who’s not that fond of Nintendo works or doesn’t have nostalgia towards Mario, this won’t be as good read to you. It’s practically undistinguishable from 90’s western comics from kids – both the artstyle and the story. Of course the pages were flipped for the English release too. It’s colourful, sure, but the art itself just isn’t interesting at all, especially for what is technically a manga. Thestory depth is at the level of Mickey Mouse and the character depth is as what you would expect from characters originating from non-story driven child’s game. Overall, read it if you want a sort of curiosity as part of your manga list of if you’re a die-hard Nintendo/Mario fan, otherwise no need to lose time with this one.

Super Mario Adventures is short, sweet, and nonstop fun. If you're even a little familiar with the Mario games, you'll love SMA. It tells a little self-contained story about (in classic Mario fashion) Bowser kidnapping Princess Peach and the Mario Bros. going to rescue her. And while that plot may sound incredibly bare-bones, it's the details that make this comic stand out. The character-writing is great. Mario and Luigi have really funny banter between each other on their adventure. Bowser is the perfect blend of tough-guy villain and lovesick goofball. Peach herself is honestly really competent, while still being pretty cute and funny in her own right.There are even a few comic-original characters, like the scheming salesman Friendly Floyd. The whole cost as really memorable and likable. The artwork's really expressive too. Everything's in full, vibrant color - and it does a good job of really looking and feeling like the Mario games. Mario has such a fun world, and SMA is a great exploration of that world. You should definitely give it a read!