3UP Mario

3UP Mario (3UP マリオ), also referred to as Moon Mario (ムーン マリオ), is a form Mario assumes in Super Mario-kun. It is gained when Mario collects a 3-Up Moon, which would grant him three extra lives in Super Mario World.

In this form, Mario gains a crescent moon on his cap. Moon Mario has a big moon centered on his hat's "M", while 3UP Mario's moon is more inclined, is smaller, and can be detached and thrown at enemies.

In volume 2 chapter 2, Mario becomes Moon Mario and uses this form to finish the Mekakuppa by granting invincibility against the robot's lasers and letting him take a Cape Feather from the Item Storage to use to tickle the Mekakuppa to death.

In volume 3 chapter 3, Mario grabs the 3-Up Moon and becomes 3UP Mario to defeat Metto Oyakata with a fire kick, but sends it against the powder magazine, making it explode.

In volume 6 chapter 10, Ultra Pukupuku sends Mario flying into a rock, where he finds a 3-Up Moon, becomes 3UP Mario, and uses the moon like a fishing hook and a lightning rod as the wire to trap Ultra Pukupuku and shrink it, defeating it.

3UP Mario