Is Mario a short man who grows big, or an average-sized man that shrinks?

[Daft Punk]

At the beginning of SMB, Mario is really short - approximately Goomba/Koopa height. He needs a powerup to grow to the equivalent height of Peach.

In SMB2/SMBUSA, Mario starts off at average height and shrinks upon damage. This may be a dream though (Mario subconsciously wanting to be a bigger man) and perhaps it is debatable whether this is admissible evidence.

In SMB3, SML and SMW Mario again starts off short, and needs powerups to grow.

In NSMB, Mario starts of walking with Peach in his average-sized form and shrinks on contact with Bowser Jr. This could be because he gained a powerup before visiting Peach, though this is not shown happening.

So what is it then? Is Mario a short man who grows to average-height (assuming Peach is average)? Or is Mario average-height as standard who, with a powerup, grows to a giant (inferring Peach is a giant as standard)?

Help me with this. With evidence, if possible.

[SRTie4k]

I think the real question here - is Mario gay?

He never bangs his "love" the Princess. He almost exclusively hangs around other guys all the time (although whether Toad is a guy is somewhat disputable). He's also very acrobatic, which means he must have run around in a leotard in gymnastics class in his younger years.

[Daft Punk]

I dont think hes gay, Toad Cock blocks his ass all the time.

[Ruthless.]

i think you just put way too much thought into SMB.

[Vennum]

Quote: Originally Posted by SRTie4k

I think the real question here - is Mario gay?

He never bangs his "love" the Princess. He almost exclusively hangs around other guys all the time (although whether Toad is a guy is somewhat disputable). He's also very acrobatic, which means he must have run around in a leotard in gymnastics class in his younger years.

Toad is most likely metrosexual. As far as Mario is concerned, I say average guy who gets smaller.

[smoger]

here's my theory:

he's refered to as "super" mario when he's big. So small is his normal height.

BUT... he's not a small man. Residents and creatures of the mushroom world are twice as large as earth people (heck, look how big the mushrooms are)

so.. short mario = average human size
super mario = average mushroom world size

mystery solved

[monstab757]

I think he's short and grows up. I mean he's shorter than Luigi and Peach and a lot of other characters. Plus he's italian and us italians are known for being on the short side.