Real Name: There’s been some confusion on this point. The current version of Nintendo’s giant ape character from the Donkey Kong Country games is actually a hero, but it’s been offered that ancestor Cranky Kong is the original villain from the arcade games.
Why They’re So, So Bad (origin): The big simian absconded with Pauline in the first Donkey Kong arcade games, forcing the hero to climb up a treacherous construction site to save her.
Most Impressive Power: Throwing barrels
Who He/She/It Makes Life Hell For: Jumpman, who eventually became Mario
Most Dastardly Act: Aside from the whole girlfriend-kidnapping deal, those Foxfires (the fireballs with the beady eyes) were always really creepy.
How Close He/She/It Came to Ruling/Destroying the Universe: Not very. Taking over one construction site doesn’t make you much of a supervillain
Biggest Weakness: Bananas.
Real Name: Bowser, but he’s also known as King Koopa
Why They’re So, So Bad (origin): He first appeared in 1985’s Super Mario Bros on the NES
Most Impressive Power: Breathing Fire
Who He/She/It Makes Life Hell For: Mario, the super-jumping plumber from dozens of Nintendo games
Most Dastardly Act: Repeatedly kidnapping Princess Peach, Mario’s girlfriend
How Close He/She/It Came to Ruling/Destroying the Universe: Bowser actually put Mario down for the count in 2000’s Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64. Using a magical Star Rod to become invincible, Bowser defeats Mario and boots him from a flying castle.
Biggest Weakness: Falling from great heights. In his first appearance in Super Mario Bros and in his more powerful Giga Bowser for in the Smash Bros fighting games, sending him plummeting is the best way to kayo the giant spiked turtle.
