Koopalings

The Koopalings are a group of seven fictional characters in the Nintendo Mario video game series. They are typically depicted as the children of Bowser and act as recurring bosses in several games. The Koopalings first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990), where each one serves as a boss in a different world, helping to drive the game’s progression.

Their names are Larry, Morton, Iggy, Wendy, Roy, Lemmy, and Ludwig. Each Koopaling has a distinct color scheme, personality traits, and often a unique weapon or ability that affects the fight mechanics. The characters have been referenced and used in various Mario titles beyond SMB3, appearing as bosses, minibosses, or playful antagonists in multiple 2D and 3D games, as well as in spin-offs and educational titles.

In-universe, the Koopalings are generally portrayed as Bowser’s offspring, integrated into his plans for conquering the Mushroom Kingdom. They are widely recognized for their individualized designs and their association with Bowser’s broader family of antagonists, including Bowser Jr., who is sometimes treated as Bowser’s son in later material. Their portrayal has varied across games and generations, but they are commonly treated as a coordinated group rather than standalone antagonists.

Design and presentation emphasize color-coded outfits, distinctive headwear, and varying abilities that reflect each Koopaling’s gimmick in a given game. The Koopalings remain among the most recognizable and long-running antagonists in the Mario franchise, contributing to the series’ thematic diversity while maintaining a consistent role as Bowser’s camp of challengers.