Super Mario Manga Creator Kazuki Motoyama Dies at 69
The gaming and manga community mourns the loss of Kazuki Motoyama, the renowned manga artist behind the Super Mario series, who passed away at the age of 69. The news was confirmed by his sister, Lisa, who shared the announcement on social media without disclosing the cause of death. Lisa, who is currently active as a content creator on YouTube, stated that she would be taking a temporary break from releasing new videos as the family grieves this loss.
Motoyama’s Super Mario manga became an iconic adaptation of the beloved Nintendo franchise, spanning from Super Mario Bros. 3 on the Famicom in 1989 up to Super Mario 64 in 1998. His version of Mario stood out for its distinct art style, featuring proportionate human-like characters and incorporating elements and characters from outside the Mario universe. The series often included witty humor aimed at older audiences, distinguishing it from Super Mario-kun, and earning a special place among fans of retro gaming culture.
In Southeast Asia, Super Mario manga by Motoyama was never officially licensed for publication by Kodansha. However, during the 1990s, many fans might have encountered local, unofficial versions sold at small comic stalls for as little as 25 to 35 baht. Some of these unofficial prints included titles like Super Mario Land and Mario Golf, and even other works inspired by classic titles like Qix and Tetris.
Beyond Super Mario, Kazuki Motoyama’s talent extended to other genres, including romantic comedies and historical manga. Unfortunately, during the mid-2000s, he was diagnosed with diabetes and had been under treatment for many years. His passing marks the end of a creative legacy that brought smiles and laughter to a generation of gamers and readers alike.
THIS IS OUR SAY:
Kazuki Motoyama’s work bridged gaming and storytelling with charm and humor. His artistic legacy reminds us that even pixel heroes can live on through ink and imagination, inspiring new generations to dream beyond the screen.
