King Toadstool's Official Model

[Banzai Bill]

Remember King Toadstool?

He's never appeared in any of the Mario games, but he was referenced in the original Super Mario Bros. instruction booklet. This image is his most reoccurring model from the Mario comics.

Just recently, I bumped into this. I had no idea that the Japanese version of the Super Mario Bros. manual had illustrations! Do you think this is the Mushroom King's most canonical model?

[PDoogan]

I always assumed that the king of Grassland was the mushroom king.

[Clive Koopa]

Looks interesting although I always imagined the Mushroom King as being much older looking somewhat like Toadsworth.

[thedude3445]

Why does he never appear, anyway? Did he die in the first one or something?

[Koopalmier]

... What?
That isn't from the Japanese manual. That's from what I think is the Korean game guide.

In the games, we've always seen either Peach or the Chancelor / Mushroom Minister taking care of ruling the kingdom. Zero mentions of any king of the MK itself. I'll just go with that.