Tanooki Mario

File:SMB3 TanookiMario.jpg

Mario as Tanooki Mario.

Tanooki Mario is a form of Mario or Luigi in Super Mario Bros. 3 when he obtains a Tanooki Suit. When they have this form, they will look like Tanookis and turn into a statue when pressing B and Down at the same time, in addition to temporarily flying. It is an improved version of Raccoon Mario. When Tanooki Mario is a statue, he cannot be hurt and if he uses this ability in the air, he can slam down like a Thwomp. This can destroy certain enemies and trigger switches. One setback is that while he is a statue he cannot move. He can also temporarily fly when the Speed Gauge is full and jump.

Tanooki Mario is not to be confused with actual Tanookis, who are a species found only on Isle Delfino.

Statue form.

Trivia

• If Mario beats an Airship in this form, the Mushroom King will say, "Thank you, kind Raccoon. Please tell me your name."
• The Tanooki Mario form's name comes from the tanuki, an animal found in Japan who is also very notable for his several appearances in Japanese mythology.
• Miles "Tails" Prower of the Sonic the Hedgehog series (who is playable in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games) was initially going to be a tanuki, although Sega decided to can this idea after considering the possible plagiarization-based controversy that could arise over such a character and the earlier Tanooki Mario.
• Although it never appeared on the actual show, concept artwork of Tanooki Mario can be seen on the bonus disc of Shout! Factory's The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 DVD set.
• According to the comic book story "Tanooki Suits Me", Tanooki Mario's statue transformation is triggered by pressing a button on the front of the suit, and to change back, he has to simply wish he were human again.
• In Super Paper Mario there is a Sammerguy called cloak of Tanooki.

Template:Marioforms