Mario- Under the red hat.
Mario.
The name brings forth thoughts of devotion and heroism; a short red hatted man with the trademark moustache. Fighting the evils of the world and saving his long-time girlfriend, Peach, from the treachery of his arch rival, Bowser.
But, Mario wasn't always the easy-to-love hero he is today. This, is the real story.
This, is Mario.
Chapter one-Mario's Childhood
"He was always such an active little boy." Says Mario's mother, Mariwina. "He was constantly climbing trees and impressing friends…and after Luigi was born he was extremely protective, constantly by his side and assuring that he had everything he needed. He was a great big brother."
Mario's compassion and protective nature continued into his high school years, where he was elected as student body president in early '87.
"Everyone loved him." Says Mario's brother, Luigi. "I was extremely jealous, and we became emotionally separated during his high school and my junior high years. It was a rough time."
During this empty time in Mario and Luigi's relationship, Mario turned to his school counselor, J.M Thwomp, for advice.
"He came to me for help." Explains the 41 year old counselor, "He told me Luigi was being stubborn and distant. He said he kept trying to communicate with him, but Luigi repeatedly avoided or refused to discuss the matter. He wanted so badly to be close with his brother again…but eventually Mario stopped trying, all of his attempts were met with rejection, it was extremely hard for him."
Even through the conflict with his brother, Mario continued his school involvement. He played many sports, basketball being his favorite, and he eventually led the Koopaville Koopas into the state championship in late '88.
"He was the school hero." Says basketball coach, Mr. Goomba, "Even if we lost, he was always so positive, he really knew how to pull the team together, he was an awesome kid."
It seemed that Mario was on top of the world, he had excellent grades, he was part of the student council, he had won the state basketball championship…but things made an awful turn in mid '89.
"He got involved in some drugs" Explains his coach, "Within 3 months his game was off, his grades had dropped…he became a totally different person. We tried to counsel him, but he had to maintain his new "reputation". He quit basketball in May of '89 and was eventually kicked off the student council. Things went downhill quickly."
Mario's drug use was the direct result of his participation in a well known gang, appropriately named "The Destroyers." Donkey E. Kong, who was the leader of the group, initiated Mario into his gang in February, and by May of '89 Mario had quit school and had become one of the most feared gang-bangers in Koopaville.