Tanooki Mario

Tanooki Mario is a form of Mario or Luigi in Super Mario Bros. 3 when he obtains a Tanooki Suit. When they have this form, they will look like Tanookis and turn into a Statue Mario, in addition to temporarily flying. It is an improved version of Raccoon Mario. When Tanooki Mario is Statue Mario, he cannot be hurt and if he becomes Statue Mario in the air, he can slam down like a Thwomp. This can destroy certain enemies and trigger switches. One setback is that Statue Mario cannot move. He can also temporarily fly when the Speed Gauge is full and jump.

Tanooki Mario is not to be confused with actual Tanookis, who are a species found only on Isle Delfino.

Trivia

 * If Mario beats an Airship in this form, the Mushroom King will say, "Thank you, kind Raccoon. Please tell me your name."
 * The Tanooki Mario form's name comes from the tanuki, an animal found in Japan who is also very notable for his several appearances in Japanese mythology.
 * Miles "Tails" Prower of the Sonic the Hedgehog series (who will be playable in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games) was initially going to be a tanuki, although Sega decided to can this idea after considering the possible plagiarization-based controversy that could arise over such a character and the earlier Tanooki Mario.
 * Although it never appeared on the actual show, concept artwork of Tanooki Mario can be seen on the bonus disc of Shout! Factory's The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 DVD set.