Nintendo Comics System (1990) 1

Today we celebrate the stereo-typed Italian plumber in his primary colored coveralls. Today is National Mario Day.

Mario first appeared without fanfare in 1981 as the unnamed hero in Donkey Kong. He wasn’t christened until 1983 when he shared the spotlight in Mario Bros. with sibling Luigi.

Nintendo Comics System

Over time Mario, and to a lesser degree, Luigi would become the face of Nintendo. With the Nintendo Entertainment System all the rage in homes, Mario and the subsequent population of the Mushroom Kingdom would be appearing in the Nintendo Comics System series published by Valiant Comics from 1990 to 1991. Also featured in four color were Super Mario Bros. and Adventures of the Super Mario Bros.

Stories from Valiant’s NCS were reprinted in text form in England. These were the basis for the Nintendo Adventure Books in which readers could choose their own endings.

In addition to the comic book medium, Mario has starred on television and the big screen as well as live performances.

National Day Calendar suggests inviting friends over to play video games, do something nice for those named Mario and/or to use #NationalMarioDay to post best wishes.

Those are all well and good, but we think maybe a well-read issue of your favorite Mario comic book might also be in order.