Prince of the Koopas doesn't have the same ring as King of the Koopas. In the world of Super Mario, there's no threat in terms of popularity from the heir to the throne. Bowser is able to comfortably rule his kingdom and the masses aren't exactly rioting to install his son as a successor.
But Bowser Jr. is not merely a lesser-known prince and he's much more than just Bowser's son. While an amateur gamer might see Bowser Jr. as a baddie to switch it up when fighting his father gets monotonous, dedicated gamers are well aware that this entry into the Super Mario world is his own individual with unique actions, personality, and abilities.
10 The Brawn Of The Operation
Here's a piece of trivia that will blow the mind of even the most hardcore of gamers: Bowser is the brains of the operation, the ringleader, and an accessory to the act, but he actually isn't the one responsible for kidnapping Princess Peach.
It is revealed to the gamer in Super Mario Sunshine, in between fighting off some tough bosses, that it is Bowser Jr, disguised as Shadow Mario, who is responsible for this deed. So while Bowser is the one taking responsibility, it has been his son acting as the muscle.
9 The Artistic Sorcerer's Son
Studious fans might be aware that for all his raw strength, Bowser is also a sorcerer. His muscular might has given kids a tough time since his very first appearance and he hasn't slowed down since.
But his son is arguably the better sorcerer. While his father primarily uses his abilities to grow in size and move around, Bowser Jr. can completely transform his appearance through careful and practiced artistry. This same brush also can turn globs of lifeless paint into enough enemies to give Mario and Luigi fits.
8 An Only Child
Super Mario Bros. first introduced us to the Koopa Troopas who referred to the King of the Koopas as their father. Then, in Super Mario Brothers 3, the world met seven other Koopas who saw Bowser as their father. With these amazing titles, it seems unfathomable that Bowser Jr. is the only true son of Bowser.
Yet it is true! They might all look like mutant turtles (not of the teenage variety) and call Bowser "father," but only Bowser Jr. can claim his genetic heritage and call him "dad."
7 Mysterious Origin
Fans love to pretend that they know the answer to the question, "Who is Bowser Jr.'s mother?" Princess Peach is the fan favorite and that theory did not come out of nowhere. In fact, Bowser tells his son this is the case in Super Mario Sunshine in order to get Bowser Jr. on board with his nefarious crimes.
While Princess Peach has some dark history, having a child with Bowser is not on that list. Eventually, Bowser Jr. finds out that "Mama Peach" was a lie, but he's so deep into his fight with Mario that he continues the battle despite this revelation. Bowser, to this day, remains tight-lipped about his child's material origin.
6 Finding His Voice
Gamers can consider themselves lucky to live in an era where voice actors have delivered unforgettable performances in the medium of video game characters. Bowser Jr. is not just some snarling, mutant villain. He has entire voice lines that range from, "Crusty cheese curds!" to "I'll just relax in my comfy cockpit and watch you go BOOM!"
Bowser Jr. has voice actresses Dolores Rogers (2002-2007) and Caety Sagoian (2007-Present) to thank for his memorable ranting. As a piece of fun trivia, Rogers voices Wiggler and Flutter from the Super Mario franchise and Sagoian is an incredible singer with her own YouTube channel.
5 It Is Not A Bib
There's no shame in being a baby or a toddler and using a bib. Messes are bound to happen, even video games like Animal Crossing understands that with food comes the messes. Fans have known Bowser Jr. since he's been Baby Bowser, so it's natural to assume that creatively colored mask is likely a bib.
But Bowser Jr. eats just fine and keeps the apparel in use. It's actually a bandana that he normally wears around his neck, but gamers that have played through the New Super Mario Brothers can see that he wears it differently depending on his mood and fighting stance.
4 His Hand-Me-Down Ride
The passage of time brings on new information but at the cost of losing bits of knowledge here and there. There were entire video game franchises that were completely abandoned in this last generation.
The newer fans will instantly recognize Bowser Jr. happily captaining his flying Junior Clown Car as he throws Bob-ombs from the top of the roof. Only the Super Nintendo generation of gamers will realize that Bowser Jr.'s souped-up ride isn't his ride at all; it's a hand-me-down from his father who used it to battle Mario in Super Mario World.
3 Philosopher And Potential For Change
Bowser Jr. in his role as an antagonist cannot and should not be understated. He is lazy, conniving, accusatory, and selfish. Gamers can be grateful he's not in every tennis video game because he constantly claims he's being cheated and robbed when he's on the court.
But he is brainier than his father. He quips, "Good and evil are outdated, simplistic terms. Everything is relative!" In spite of his moral relativism, he occasionally shows some positive traits like occasionally insisting that he fight Mario on equal ground or saving his father and his minions after their defeat instead of claiming the throne.
2 Battle With Loneliness
Learning from Fire Emblem, it is tough to always hate the antagonist in a well-scripted story. Yes, Bowser Jr.'s actions are inexcusable whether it's kidnapping princesses or framing everyone's favorite plumber for littering.
But this is not to say he's an unsympathetic character; Bowser Jr. feels the burden of loneliness and knows his father's schemes are not good company. He develops a kinship with Paper Bowser Jr. and is the only character who expresses sadness to see their counterpart go. He also pleads with his dad to play baseball when he sees the gang outside, even when that gang includes his arch-nemesis.
1 His Motto
Bowser Jr. has a catchphrase that offers a bit of wisdom in both his world and the world of the gamer. Life isn't always easy, fair, or fun. Keeping an optimistic attitude is an admirable goal, but it is sometimes impossible. To demand happiness out of a struggling person is exceptionally cruel.
So Bowser Jr. tells the player, "Grin and bear it. When that don't work, grin and crush it." He accepts that smiling while drowning can't consistently be done, but fighting through life's challenges is something all people should be able to smile about.