PETA Paints Mario as Tanooki Killer

In an incredibly weird flash game, PETA has targeted its next scapegoat for cruelty against animals: Tanooki Suit Mario. For anyone who sadly missed out on the joys of Super Mario Bros. 3 for NES, the Tanooki Suit is an in-game bonus item that lets Mario fly. For millions of gamers worldwide, the Tanooki Suit was just a silly, fun way to gain an ability to fly. It is doubtful anyone interpreted Tanooki Suit Mario as a powerful influence to wear fur. Regardless, PETA is spreading the word that Mario is a stone cold killer who skins helpless, cuddly animals alive so that he can fly through the Mushroom Kingdom in the latest fashions.

Of the in-game fashion travesty, PETA states the following: “Mario has been known to use any means necessary to defeat his enemy—even wearing the skin of a raccoon dog to give him special powers. Tanooki may be just a ‘suit’ in Mario games, but in real life, tanuki are raccoon dogs who are skinned alive for their fur. By wearing Tanooki, Mario is sending the message that it’s OK to wear fur.” PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman further states “this winter, everyone can give raccoon dogs and other fabulous animals a 1-UP by keeping our wardrobes fur-free.” Sorry, PETA, but using the phrase “1-UP” in an attempt to be hip will not make gamers suddenly forget your mocking of one of their most beloved characters and view your message as a friendly one.

In the game, titled Super Tanooki Skin 2D, players run through a twisted, bloody version of the Mushroom Kingdom as a grimacing tanuki. The protagonist chases Mario who flies through the air in a Tanooki Suit that drips blood.

We have yet to hear Nintendo respond. But I’m personally more interested in whether PETA will expand this campaign to incorporate the frogs suits Mario dons, or the flowers and feathers he plucks. Or, more importantly, which video game character is next? They have now targeted Mario and Super Meat Boy (in PETA’s pro-vegan Super Tofu Boy). So any game protagonist who has ever donned a an article of animal-based clothing better beware.

Via Gamingbolt & Reddit.