Eclipsed Memories - Portrait 11: Enter Wart

As mentioned in my previous portrait, the course of the plot changes significantly once Princess Peach realizes that Bowser isn't the only villain involved. This portrait introduces what would later turn out to be the main antagonist of the story . . . Wart (or Mamū in Japanese). I felt like an RPG would be an appropriate means of bringing back this "ancient" Mario adversary — even creating an excuse as to why Wart hadn't been appearing: Wart had been banished to Subspace after the events of the Japan-only BS Super Mario USA (which is basically a broadcast system edition of Super Mario Bros 2 - the game is otherwise exactly the same) and sealed with the power of the Legendary Seven. For more details, including how I tied Mario & Luigi: Dream Team into this plot, you can read chapter 15 of my FanFiction story.

Official artwork from Super Mario Bros 2 is displayed in the picture frame, marking the first time I have put such artwork within my own sketches. In fact, I drew the picture frame above the mantle for this express purpose. Additionally, I had a little bit of trouble with the colors of Wart's chair (though not so much the design), having to search for an acceptable blend of colors from the palate of Super Mario Bros 2. Bowser's was easier — I based it off of his VIP chair in Bowser's Inside Story.

Here, Wart has invited Bowser to a little get-together in Subspace. Since Bowser had been dealing only with the Sapians up to that point, the two villains had not yet gotten the chance to meet each other. The two talk about their mutual hatred of Mario (and I give Bowser what I feel to be a very well written rant about his arch-enemy in Chapter 13 — www.fanfiction.net/s/13398828/…) and Wart tells Bowser that he can easily take over the Mushroom Kingdom with the Seven's power, thereby gaining the Koopa King's interest and cooperation.