Punchinello

"Good day. The name's Nello...PUNCHINELLO!"

- Punchinello

Punchinello is one of the major bosses encountered in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. He is named after, a classical character in Italian theater and puppetry. His name may have also been taken from Pulcinella's English variant,. He mainly uses variations of Bob-ombs while fighting. When one of the seven Star Pieces crashed into the Coal Mines at Moleville, he took it for himself. Punchinello also wants to be famous, according to his wish on Star Hill and his Psychopath thought. When Mario and his allies arrive in Punchinello's area looking for the Star Piece, he thinks that he can become famous if he can defeat them and engages them in battle.

Despite him guarding a Star Piece and having a weapon motif, Punchinello does not appear to have any affiliation with the Smithy Gang. Regular boss music plays when fighting Punchinello instead of the music played during fights with Smithy Gang bosses, there are no Machine Made replicas of Punchinello in the Factory, and Punchinello is not mentioned among the fallen Smithy Gang members by the Clerk. Additionally, one of the wishes in Star Hill appears to be his.

Battle
If Mario walks up in front of him, he shoves Mario away with his arms, sending Mario back into the other room. Thus Mario must be behind or near the side of Punchinello to start battling.

When battle starts, Punchinello throws Microbombs at Mario, which can explode after a set amount of turns. In battle, Punchinello attacks with his fist, punching one of Mario's party members. Punchinello also uses the attack Sand Storm.

Punchinello uses four varieties of Bob-omb to aid him in battle. Each variety appears after the boss takes enough damage. He first releases four Microbombs, then four Bob-ombs, and then three Mezzo Bombs.

After Punchinello is defeated, he summons a King Bomb which lands on him and eventually explodes, covering Mario and co. in soot. After cleaning themselves off, the heroes take the third Star Piece and venture deeper into the mines.

Quotes

 * "They say I'm a hothead, but I'll show them! You... YOU will make me famous! So long!"
 * "It's CLOBBERING TIME!"
 * Simmer down, fluffy! I'm not going to waste this on YOU! Who knows what might happen!"

Trivia

 * Punchinello's introduction "Nello... PUNCHINELLO!" is likely a reference to 's catchphrase of being "Bond, James Bond". Translator Ted Woolsey originally wanted to name him "James Bomb", which explains why Punchinello introduces himself this way, but management refused to allow it.
 * Before releasing his Mezzo Bombs, Punchinello shouts "It's CLOBBERING TIME!". This is likely a reference to 's catchphrase. Domino also says the same phrase.
 * Punchinello is the only boss other than Bowser and Smithy to not yield any EXP or even show a results screen.