Super Mario Manga Creator Kazuki Motoyama Passes Away at 69: Honoring a Nintendo Icon

Kazuki Motoyama, celebrated for his vital role in bringing Nintendo’s flagship character to the world of manga, has died at the age of 69.

The news was shared on social media by his sister, Lisa Motoyama, who expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported her brother throughout his life.

While the cause of death was not disclosed, the announcement has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and the gaming industry, recognizing Motoyama’s extensive influence on the Super Mario franchise’s cultural legacy. Motoyama was the writer and illustrator for the Super Mario manga series, which ran from December 1988 through September 1998 in Kodansha’s widely read anthology magazine, Comic BomBom.

Over its decade-long publication, the series delivered 183 stories, each capturing the whimsical adventures of Mario, Luigi, and other iconic characters.

Additional chapters saw release in the magazine’s sister publication, Deluxe BomBom, further cementing the manga’s reach among readers in Japan and abroad. Throughout its run, Motoyama’s Super Mario manga explored and reimagined numerous Nintendo titles, with story arcs inspired by games such as Super Mario Bros.

3 and Super Mario 64.

His creative approach to storytelling—marked by an energetic art style, inventive comedy, and meta-humor—garnered positive critical reception and a lasting place in Nintendo’s extended media universe.

The manga’s playful reinventions introduced Mario’s world to a new audience and offered fresh takes on plots familiar to fans of Nintendo’s hardware and software, including those who would later play classics on the Nintendo Switch and buy them through the Nintendo eShop. The enduring popularity of the Super Mario manga is a testament to Motoyama’s talent and vision.

As one of the early artists to adapt Nintendo game narratives into another medium, his contributions paved the way for future collaborations between Japanese manga publishers and the gaming industry.

Motoyama’s legacy is reflected not only in the manga’s sales and longevity but also in its continued impact on the Super Mario brand. The loss of Kazuki Motoyama is deeply felt by those who admired his work, both within the manga industry and the wider gaming community.

His innovative storytelling and unique interpretations of Nintendo’s beloved characters will be remembered for years to come.

Nintendo Mario Super Mario Kazuki Motoyama Comic BomBom Kodansha Deluxe BomBom Super Mario Bros Super Mario 64