The delightful Super Mario Adventures comic collection is on sale for only $9.47 (was $17) at Amazon, which is the best price we’ve seen in years. The 112-page paperback is filled with full-color artwork and a glossy cover featuring Mario and Luigi on the front and Bowser in his Koopa Clown Car, microphone in hand, singing about Princess Toadstool long before he composed his smash-hit ballad “Peaches.”
Inspired by classic Mario platformers for the NES and SNES, namely Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World, all 13 of the comics in this collection originally appeared in Nintendo Power in 1992-93.
$9.47 (was $17)
Table of Contents
- Snag The Super Mario Comic Collection For Less Than 10 Bucks: A Gamer’s Guide
- Where to Find Budget-Friendly Super Mario Comics
- How to Recognize a Good Deal: Condition and Scarcity
- Saving Strategies: Maximize Your Budget
- First-Hand Experience: My Quest For The Lost Comics
- Benefits of Collecting Super Mario Comics
- Practical Tips for the Avid Comic Collector
- Exploring Different Super Mario Comic Series
Viz Media acquired the rights to some of the Nintendo Power Mario comics and packaged them as a trade paperback in 2016. And just like the original run, Super Mario Adventures has proven to be quite popular. It has received at least 14 printings over the past eight-plus years.
The first 12 chapters form a graphic novel centered around–you guessed it–Bowser’s quest to marry Princess Toadstool (Peach) and rule the Mushroom Kingdom. Since these comics were written by Kentaro Takehuma in the early ’90s, Bowser is aided by his seven children, the Koopalings. These days, Bowser Jr., who didn’t make his first appearance until 2002 in Super Mario Sunshine, is King Koopa’s only child; Roy, Morton, Lemmy, and the rest of their siblings are just seven of his minions.
There’s a bonus 13th chapter called Mario vs. Wario. Based on Super Mario Land 2, this entertaining side story follows Wario’s quest for revenge stemming from a childhood grudge with Mario. A cool aspect of this comic is that Mario encounters several bosses that only ever appeared in Mario Land 2 on Game Boy, including the Three Little Pigheads, a sewer rat, and an octopus.
Like most things related to Super Mario, these comics were written for young readers, but adults who read Nintendo Power as kids and love classic Mario games will likely appreciate the charmingly nostalgic illustrations by Charlie Nozawa.
Nintendo Power also published comics based on other iconic franchises and games, including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The 12-part graphic novel originally appeared in the magazine in 1992. Just like Super Mario Adventures, Viz Media reprinted the series in trade paperback. A Link to the Past’s graphic novel adaptation remains in print a decade after its initial publication. The 196-page, full-color paperback is available for $16.89 (was $20) at Amazon.
Both franchises have received manga adaptations, too. Most of Mario’s manga series hasn’t been translated to English, but you can give the zany series a try by picking up Super Mario Manga Mania. This 160-page paperback includes an assortment of chapters from the long-running Super Mario-kun series.
Zelda fans have a lot more manga to choose from. The original 10-volume Zelda manga features adaptations of a handful of Link’s adventures. You can get the complete Legend of Zelda Manga Box Set in trade paperback for $51 (was $105) at Amazon. Viz Media also published premium Legendary Editionswhich are collected in a $72 (was $125) box set styled as a treasure chest. And if you love Zelda: Twilight Princess, the manga reimagining was collected in an 11-volume, 2,000-plus page box set last fall.
Snag The Super Mario Comic Collection For Less Than 10 Bucks: A Gamer’s Guide
Are you a die-hard Super Mario fan looking to expand your collection without breaking the bank? Do you dream of owning those classic Super Mario comic books but shudder at the thought of hefty prices? You’re in the right place! This guide is your treasure map to finding incredible Super Mario comic collections, all for less than $10.
Where to Find Budget-Friendly Super Mario Comics
The hunt begins! Discovering cheap Super Mario comics requires a bit of patience and clever searching. Here’s where to focus your efforts:
1. Used Bookstores: A Gold Mine of Nostalgia
Used bookstores are frequently enough overlooked,but they can be veritable gold mines for vintage comics. Check out the children’s section or the graphic novel area. You might stumble upon a well-loved Super Mario comic book or even a collection hiding amongst the stacks.
- Tip: Don’t be afraid to haggle! Especially if the books are in less-than-perfect condition or have been sitting on the shelf for a while.
- Search Strategy: Go during weekdays or less busy hours when you can take your time to thoroughly browse.
2. Garage Sales and Flea Markets: one person’s Trash…
Keep an eye out for local garage sales and flea markets, announced on community boards, social media groups, and local newspapers. Be an early bird to get the best deals! Comic books are often sold at ridiculously low prices by people clearing out their homes.
- Pro Tip: Bring cash in small denominations. It makes negotiating easier.
- Scouting Mission: Look for boxes labeled “comics”, “books”, or even “toys.”
3. Online Marketplaces: The Digital Bargain Hunt
Online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist are fantastic resources for finding affordable Super Mario comic collections. Filter your search by price and condition to narrow down your options.
- eBay Ninja: Set up saved searches with keywords like “super Mario comic lot”,”Nintendo comics”,or “cheap Super Mario books” and receive email notifications when new listings appear.
- Facebook Marketplace Mastery: Join local buy-and-sell groups. Filter your search area to nearby towns and cities. Use keywords and be ready to act fast!
- Craigslist Detective: Be mindful of scams! Arrange to meet in a public place and inspect the comics before handing over any money.
Libraries often hold sales to get rid of old or donated books. While you may not expect to find comics, you might be surprised! Check your local library’s website or bulletin board for upcoming sales.
- Library loot: Library books may be ex-library copies. These books typically are in a reasonable condition despite the stamps and stickers on them.
- Timing is Key: Attend the sale on the last day when prices are frequently enough slashed even further.
5. Thrift Stores: A Treasure Trove of Second-Hand Goods
Thrift stores are another great place to look for cheap Super Mario comics. Stock rotates continuously,so don’t give up if you don’t find anything on your first visit. You can also search for old video game magazines that might include Super Mario comic strips.
- Thrift Store Tactics: Check the book section, the children’s section, and even the miscellaneous items area.
- Frequent Visits: Visit regularly as new items are added daily.
How to Recognize a Good Deal: Condition and Scarcity
Before you jump on any deal, consider these factors. A comic might be cheap, but if it’s ripped to shreds, it might not be worth it (unless you’re into restoration projects!)
Assessing Condition: A Comic Book Grading Crash Course
Comic book condition is crucial for value. Even if you’re just collecting for fun and not resale, a well-preserved comic is more enjoyable.
- Mint (M): Perfect condition. looks brand new.Very rare, especially for older comics.
- Near Mint (NM): Almost perfect. Minor imperfections that are barely noticeable.
- Very Fine (VF): Slight signs of wear. Minor creases or cover imperfections.
- Fine (F): Moderate wear. Some creases,spine stress,and possibly a small tear.
- Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear. More notable creases, tears, and discoloration.
- Good (G): Heavy wear. Significant damage but still readable.
- Fair (FR)/Poor (PR): Very heavy damage.May be missing pages or have significant tears and discoloration.
Some Super Mario comics are rarer than others. Limited edition releases,comics with significant errors,or first editions can be worth more. Research online to see if the comic you’re considering has any special value.
| Comic Title | Rarity | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Comics System (Valiant) #1 | Moderately rare | First issue of the series. |
| Super Mario Adventures (Viz) – Complete Set | common (individually), Uncommon (as a set) | Popular series; Sets in good condition are harder to find. |
| club Nintendo Comics (Germany) | Rare | Regional release, limited distribution. |
Saving Strategies: Maximize Your Budget
Finding affordable Super Mario comics is about more than just knowing where to look. Use these strategies to stretch your budget even further.
Bundle Deals: More Comics for Less Money
Look for sellers offering bundle deals, where you can buy multiple comics at a discounted price. Bundles often offer steep savings compared to buying individual issues.
Embrace Imperfection: Lower your Standards (Slightly!)
Unless you’re a serious collector aiming for mint condition, consider buying comics in slightly lower grades. A comic with a crease or two is still perfectly readable and enjoyable!
Patience is a Virtue: The Art of Waiting for Price Drops
Don’t feel pressured to buy the first comic you see. Prices fluctuate, especially on online marketplaces. Watch listings carefully and wait for prices to drop. Sellers often reduce prices if items aren’t selling quickly.
Leverage Discounts and Coupons: The Power of Savings
Take advantage of any discounts or coupons offered by bookstores, thrift stores, or online retailers. Even a small percentage off can make a difference when you’re on a tight budget.
First-Hand Experience: My Quest For The Lost Comics
I remember when I started my own hunt for the Super Mario Adventures comics.Fresh out of college, my budget was tighter than a Goomba’s grip on a mushroom. I scoured every used bookstore in my town, with little luck. Then, I discovered the power of Facebook Marketplace. After weeks of searching, I found a seller listing a set of the Super Mario Adventures comics for $8! They weren’t in pristine condition, but they were complete and brought back so many memories. The thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of snagging a bargain made it all worthwhile. this inspired me to share my knowledge and help other fans rediscover these treasures at a price they can afford.
Benefits of Collecting Super Mario Comics
Beyond the joy of owning a piece of your childhood, collecting Super Mario comics offers several benefits:
- Nostalgia Trip: Relive the fun and excitement of the Super Mario universe in a different format.
- Unique Art Style: Appreciate the distinctive art styles of the various comic book artists who have tackled the Super Mario franchise.
- Investment Potential: Some rare comics can increase in value over time. However, it’s vital to collect for the love of the hobby first.
- conversation Starter: Super Mario is a universally recognized and loved character. Your comic collection is sure to spark interesting conversations.
- Relaxation & Enjoyment: Simply reading and enjoying these comics can be a great way to unwind and de-stress.
Practical Tips for the Avid Comic Collector
Once you’ve acquired your Super Mario comic collection, proper storage and care are critical to ensuring preservation.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid direct sunlight, humidity and extreme temperatures.
- Use comic Book Bags and Boards: These provide protection from dust, dirt and physical damage.
- Handle with Care: Wash your hands before handling. Hold comics by the edges to prevent creases.
- Consider Professional Grading (Later): If you acquire a rare comic in excellent condition, consider getting it professionally graded for authentication and value assessment.
Exploring Different Super Mario Comic Series
The world of Super Mario comics is more diverse than you might think. Different series offer unique interpretations of the characters and stories.
super Mario Adventures (Viz Comics)
Based on the Super Mario World game, this popular series features slapstick humor and memorable adventures. Its episodic nature makes it a fun and easy read for all ages.
Nintendo Comics System (Valiant Comics)
This series included comics based on multiple nintendo franchises, including Super Mario Bros. It frequently enough featured more action-oriented stories and different versions of the Mario characters.
Club Nintendo Comics (Germany)
This series showcases region-specific adventures and stories. These are very rare and often sought-after by dedicated collectors.