AlphaDream's Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story released in North America this week (Japan has had it as Mario & Luigi RPG 3!!! since February), and the game is receiving very positive review scores, partly attributable to its amusing script and its polished 2D presentation -- some are even describing the game's art as "some of the best 2D sprite work" they've seen.

But I want to share some unofficial art for Bowser's Inside Story, fanmade pieces that don't appear in the product but are just as well-produced and manage to capture the Nintendo DS game's humor.

Japanese illustrator Masa seems to specialize in producing Bowser and Bowser Jr. artwork that excellently capture the former's oafish posture and screen-filling proportions, while sneaking in the latter's impish charm (Yeah, everyone but me reviles Bowser Jr.).

I've picked out a selection of pieces from Masa's work inspired by Bowser's Inside Story and other games, and posted them below. Enjoy!

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story:

Super Mario Galaxy

Mario Kart Wii:

Miscellaneous art:

That Mario Kart Wii piece with Bowser and Bowser Jr. riding through their castle is the most heartwarming image I've seen of the two, transforming the princess-kidnapping villains into just a father and his son spending quality time together (at Dry Bones's expense).