Why do you enjoy Bowser x Mario as a ship?
Sorry in advance for the yapping but this is a really good question, anon
The short answer: Their dynamic, specifically how they both affect one another with their similar character traits, is just incredibly interesting to me. And it puts the whole Mario series in an interesting perspective
The long answer: Bowser goes through a lot of internal struggle, swimming in pure denial that he'd like Mario at all, let alone in that way. And that's obviously one of my favorite aspects because, when combined with Mario's obliviousness that anyone of royalty would like him, it leads to a lot of fun moments between the two
Plus, Mario gives Bowser that thrill. The thrill of an actual challenge. Bowser even said in canon that he had chosen the right arch nemesis. He cares about how he appears to Mario (as shown in Sparks of Hope), and that plumber is on his mind. Constantly.
That's one of the main reasons why I personally prefer Bowser x Mario over Bowser x Luigi. No disrespect to people who ship that of course
When it comes to their intensity and determination, Mario meets Bowser in the middle. They're similar in a wayβobviously they differ in morality and social class, but other things like their temper, their connection to fire, their persistence, their love for their families, how they fight and don't back down or flee, they both share.
