The Mario franchise has given us enemies that become icons in the series. Enemies such as the Hammer Bros, Shy Guys, and Koopa Troopas are enemy icons in Mario Games. Another character that has become an icon is Boo.


Boo or Boos made their first appearance in Super Mario Bros 3. In this game they were known as Boo Diddly as a tribute to legendary singer Bo Diddly. In time it was just shortened to Boo. In Super Mario Bros 3 Boos appear in the castles and fortress stages. In this game they will chase the player until they turn around and look at them.

Boos returned in Super Mario World mainly in the same role as guardians of the fortress stages. Here they also had their own fort called the ghost house.

In Yoshi's Island they appear as enemies that will chase Yoshi until he looks at them. In almost all games they work for Bowser and can be seen in his forts and castles.

However, the Luigi Mansion's series featured a lot of Boos. It was revealed that a lot of Boos reside in Boo Woods. A dark forest that is spooky. They also work for King Boo, who is one of Bowser's top friends and allies.

In the Paper Mario Series it is revealed some Boos live in the forest and work for Lady Bow. These Boos are on friendly terms with the residents of the Mushroom Kingdom unlike the others that work for Bowser or King Boo.

Appearances- Boos are white ghosts with fangs. Although sometimes they can be blue, gray, or even tanned. They have long tongues. They also have short arms this is seen in the Mario Games when they can play tennis or golf. They also tend to have small eyes.

Personality- Most Boos are shy. They prefer to ambush their targets. When a player turns around and faces them, they put their arms over the eyes and will freeze. They also like to hide and scare people. As professor E Gad stated each Boo has their own personality. They love to jump out and scare people unless their hiding place is discovered. Boos can be either funny, jolly, happy, or angry. The ones that serve Lady BoW are more friendly. While those that serve King Boo or Bowser love to scare people and can be hostile.

They are also very loyal. Those that work for Bowser are loyal to him and King Boo. They look up to their King which is King Boo. Those that follow Lady Bow are also loyal to her. It is also implied that Boos like to have fun. They can been seen playing golf, tennis, and Olympic Games. They also love to play games in Mario Party, so they can be fun loving at times.

Abilities- Their abilities are very complex. Their power increases when they are multiple Boos around according to Professor E Gad. They can go threw walls and even threw drain pipes. They are also tough as they do not have that many weaknesses. If they are faced with danger they can turn invisible as if they vanished. But they also may turn invisible to ambush or scare people. Despite not having any legs they are athletic especially in tennis and baseball. Since they are ghost they can hoover or appear to fly. It should be noted they are very fast.

Moves Attacks- Boos will mostly chase Mario and his friends, at least those that are hostile. They can also create illusions by making things disappear. Also they can sometimes form a shield around them that will damage those that try to breach it. However, their main move is ambushing and scaring people. It is shown when discovered they like to laugh and scream. Moreover, they can also increase their size temporarily to frighten people. Until, their hiding spot is discovered they can throw bombs, fake boos, and other random stuff as if they are taunting.

Weaknesses- Boos being ghost do not have that many weaknesses. In Super Mario Bros 3 they can be defeated with a hammer throw or star power. On the other hand, they quickly respawn. In Paper Mario it was revealed certain creatures can eat them unless they turn invisible. Boos main weakness is being faced. In Luigi's Mansion they are week to the E Gad's devices that can suck them up. Also in Luigi's Mansion they can be frozen temporarily.

Relationships

Allies

King Boo- A lot of Boos serve King Boo. King Boo calls regular Boos his friends. He really cares for them even though he rules over them.

Bowser- King Boo is one of Bowser's top friends. King Boo ally with Bowser. However, some Boos work directly with Bowser and are part of his minions. They are very loyal to Bowser and he in turn cares for them.

Lady Bow- A few Boos but not all work for Lady Bow. These Boos serve her only. They respect her as their ruler.

Bowser's Minions- They are friends with other Bowser's Minions mainly because they are comrades.

Enemies

Luigi- The Boos that do not work for Lady Bow are hostile toward Luigi. This is because Luigi has helped his brother defeat Bowser. Also Luigi has sucked some of them up and in turn defeat King Boo.

Mario- Due to Mario foiling Bowser's plans they do not get along. However, those that serve Lady Bow consider Mario a hero and are friendly toward him.

Yoshi- Those that do not work for Bow are hostile toward Yoshi. This is because Yoshi has stopped King Bowser's plans. Also Yoshi has defeated some of the bigger Boos himself.

Birdo- It is revealed that hostile Boos do not like Birdo because she helps the heroes.

Tubba Bubba- This is only toward those that work for Lady Bow. Tubba Bubba ate some Boos therefore he was public enemy number one for Bow. That is one reason she went with Mario on his adventure. After Bubba was defeated he released all the Boos he had ate and reformed.

Overall, Boo has become a classic Mario character and an unique one at that. Boos are unique because there are different types of them and each one has their own personality. Also, Boos work for different characters. Most of them work for King Boo or Bowser, but a few are friendly.

All Boos are extremely shy though. On the other hand, considering how they appear in games it could be that they are overcoming their shyness. They love scaring people and pleasing those that they work for. They also can gather strength in numbers. Boos love to laugh as they have that characteristic laugh in all the games. As I mentioned they love to play games.

Given how they are named after a legendary singer. It is hinted at that Boos like music esp early rock. One Boo was seen with headphones are listening to music in one game. In another game they appeared to be singing.

These are personally my favorite non Koopa enemies. The reason being is I am shy myself, so I can relate to these guys. I have always thought them to be interesting and mysterious. In summary, Boos have become an iconic name in the Mario franchise rather it be an enemy or a friend. This concludes the Boo biography.