Super Mario-kun

The Super Mario-Kun is a Japanese-published Mario comic book series written by Yukio Sawada and published by Shogakukan. They contained many of the characters and scenarios of various Mario games, including Super Mario World and Paper Mario. Interestingly, the Paper Mario series of Super Mario-Kun books came about before anyone, even in Japan, had heard about the game! Below are the covers of almost all the titles in the series, ending at the September 2005 issue. If anyone has any newer ones, please let us know. The gallery below lists the cover art, the game the issue was based on, and the date released.

• Kunissue1.jpg

  Based on Super Mario World, released 07/1991

• Kunissue2.jpg

  Another based on based on Super Mario World, released 11/1991

• Kunissue3.jpg

  And another based on Super Mario World, released 01/1992

• Kunissue4.jpg

  Yet another in the series that was based on Super Mario World, released 11/1992

• Kunissue5.jpg

  The last issue in the series based on Super Mario World, released 12/1992

• Kunissue6.jpg

  Based on Super Mario Kart, released 03/1993

• Kunissue7.jpg

  This one seems to be based on Super Mario Land 2, due to the Mario Zone figure, and Wario hiding behind it. Released 06/1993

• Kunissue8.jpg

  Another based on Super Mario Land 2, this seems to show all Mario's powers. Released 09/1993

• Kunissue9.jpg

  This one is based on Yoshi's Safari due that mario is holding a super scope. Released 12/1993

• Kunissue10.jpg

  Probably based on Super Mario All Stars plus Super Mario World, as there are both characters from Super Mario Bros 2 and SMW appearing on the cover. Wario also appears, suited up for Super Mario Land 3: Wario Land. Released 05/1994

• Kunissue11.jpg

  Based on SML3: Wario Land, released 10/1994

• Kunissue12.jpg

  This one is largly based on Super Mario Land 3, with Wario's "jar" powerups on the cover. Yoshi also appears, waving fans. Released 03/1995

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  This may be based on Mario's Picross, what with that huge Mario face in the corner. Released 08/1995

• Kunissue14.jpg

  Obviously based on Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, due to Yoshi and Baby Mario starring on the cover. Released 01/1996

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  This one seems to be a Yoshi's Island and Super Mario 64 crossover, with Baby Mario using his cape and Mario Sr. using the all-new Wing Cap. Released 06/1996

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  Based on Super Mario 64, with Eyerok looming in the back. Released 04/1996

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  Based on Mario Kart 64, Released 11/1997

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  Seems to be based on Super Mario 64, with Mario showing off his powers. Released 08/1998

• Kunissue19.jpg

  It is unknown what game (if any) this comic is based on, but with lots and lots of baby Yoshis! Released 10/1998

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  Another unknown origin one, but Mario seems to be leading the Yoshi babies on some kind of mission... Released 04/1999

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  Based on Mario Party, with the cover being similar to the box art for the hit game. Released 10/1999

• Kunissue22.jpg

  Another based on Mario Party, this cover has some of the characters showing off. Released 01/2000

• Kunissue23.jpg

  Unknown, but appears to be based on Mario Party, with that Star. What is that huge creature in the background? Has Bowser become gigantic and attempting to devour everyone?!? Released 07/2000

• Kunissue24.jpg

  Based on Mario Party 2, with Luigi as a cowboy and Yoshi and Bowser as pirates. Released 02/2001

• Kunissue25.jpg

  Based on Paper Mario, the second Mario RPG! This issue was actually released quite a bit before the game hit store shelves, even in Japan. Released 07/2001

• Kunissue26.jpg

  Based on Paper Mario, showing many of the Star Spirits on the cover, along with Goombario and Kooper. Released 03/2002

• Kunissue27.jpg

  Another based on Paper Mario, this cover features new arrivals Sushie, Watt, and... Lakilester! Released 08/2002

• Kunissue28.jpg

  Based on the new game, (at the time) Super Mario Sunshine! Released 01/2003

• Kunissue29.jpg

  Another based on Super Mario Sunshine. Not much interesting about this one. Released 01/2003

• Kunissue30.jpg

  Yet another based on Super Mario Sunshine. Released 12/2003

• Kunissue31.jpg

  ANOTHER based on Super Mario Sunshine, this one introduces Shine Sprites! Released 06/2004

• Kunissue32.jpg

  Based on the sequel to Paper Mario, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Plus, plenty of assorted new powerups litter the cover! Released 01/2005

• Kunissue33.jpg

  Another based on Paper Mario: TTYD, this shows the blimp used to get to Glitzville, along with the Emerald Crystal Star found which is there. Released 09/2005

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  The Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time Series start in this book, as well as the ending to PM2.