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The mysterious vortex brought Bonkers to the new world too! They arrived before Kirby and quickly joined the ranks of the fearsome Beast Pack. They really like their new look, and they're getting along with all of their new coworkers...especially the Mookies!
— Capsule Description • Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Bonkers (referred to as Wild Bonkers in Kirby and the Forgotten Land) is a mid-boss in the Kirby series, debuting in Kirby's Adventure. He yields the Hammer ability when inhaled.

Physical Appearance[]

Bonkers appears to be a gorilla-like creature who wields a large hammer, and has no visible eyes. He appears to wear dark blue pants with torn legs and a belt, and a "jacket" with slits in it for his arms. The muscles on his arms are concentrated to the area around his supinator, in a similar fashion to Popeye. He also has purple sideburns and a pompadour haircut. In Kirby: Planet Robobot, Bonkers' ears and lower jaw are covered with metal. As a Helper in Kirby Star Allies, Bonkers wears the headband Kirby wears when he gets the Hammer Copy Ability.

In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Wild Bonkers has a more ragged look, his elbows are covered in red paint and his hammer is a large pointed stone with a red cross on the head.

Games[]

Kirby's Adventure and Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land[]

Bonkers appears as a mid-boss and the main source of the Hammer ability. He is also fought in the Yogurt Yard Arena.

Bonkers attacks by charging and then pounding the ground with his hammer, jumping up and down, leaping forward, and throwing explosive coconuts that can be inhaled and spat back at him. Occasionally, Bonkers can pound his hammer multiple times. If Kirby is in the air while Bonkers is charging forward, Bonkers will jump upwards before pounding his hammer.

Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra[]

Bonkers returns in these games as a mid-boss, where he uses the same attacks as in his initial appearance, in addition to a new attack in which he sends out multiple explosive coconuts instead of one. He is also the Helper for the Hammer ability. As an ally, he wears purple armor, which has since become his main coloration in the series. As a Helper, he has access to most of Hammer Kirby's attacks except for the Hammer Throw, probably because Helpers cannot lose their abilities. Along with Bugzzy, Bonkers is the largest Helper, standing twice as tall as the other Helpers. In Kirby Super Star Ultra, Bonkers appears in Helper to Hero, wearing red armor.

Kirby & The Amazing Mirror and Kirby: Squeak Squad[]

Bonkers appears as a mid-boss. While he uses the same attacks, he can now occasionally throw a larger explosive coconut which does more damage and needs to be Super Inhaled.

Kirby Mass Attack[]

Cannon DAuJLJbVYAER17h This section contains information that does not coincide with the main series canon. (Similar)

Bonkers appears in the sub-game Kirby Quest, reusing his appearance from Kirby Super Star Ultra. He appears in rounds 13 and 37, being accompanied by two Oohroos in the latter.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[]

Bonkers returns as a mid-boss, using the same techniques as before, such as attacking with his hammer, throwing an explosive coconut, jumping twice on the spot and taking a leap forward, in addition to new attacks such as the Hammer Spin. At low health, he throws three explosive coconuts instead of one, adds a third jump that goes higher, extends the duration of his Hammer Spin and may use Hammer Flip instead of his normal hammer attack.

In Extra Mode, Bonkers EX wears black armor and red pants, sports a red pompadour and tanned skin, and his hammer is metallic. His attacks are faster and more aggressive, such as covering more ground when he jumps thrice on the spot and being able to throw three explosive coconuts from the outset. He will always use Hammer Flip in place of his normal hammer attack. In addition, he has a new attack in which he does a Hammer Spin in the air, hovers in place and sends out three explosive coconuts in both directions. After reaching half health, his attacks will be changed up a bit. One of the three explosive coconuts from both attacks that use them will always be the large, Super Inhalable kind, and his Hammer Spin will last longer per usual. His jumping patterns will be slightly more erratic; either three times while moving forward, one high and one low with each moving forward, or two high jumps on the spot.

Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition[]

Bonkers appears in the New Challenge Stages; he appears in the Fighter Combat Chamber and the Smash Combat Chamber EX.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe[]

Bonkers reappears as a mid-boss with new techniques, which includes doing a Hammer Twirl while jumping around which leaves flames on the ground with every bounce, and using Hammer Spin to hover in and out of the background. He will use the latter more at low health. As Bonkers DX, the flames from his Hammer Flip and Hammer Twirl are a darker shade of red.

Kirby: Planet Robobot[]

Bonkers has been cyborized, as his ears and lower jaw are covered with metal. Aside from that, his attacks have not changed. As Bonkers 2.0, his explosive coconuts are green in color.

Team Kirby Clash Deluxe and Super Kirby Clash[]

Bonkers appears as a boss in Team Kirby Clash Deluxe and Super Kirby Clash, retaining his moveset from Kirby: Triple Deluxe. In Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, he is fought as a normal boss in the Dunes, a Tough category boss in the Volcano, and as a Tougher category boss in the Empyrean.

For Super Kirby Clash, in Story Quests, Bonkers is fought as a Tough category boss in the Dunes and as a Tougher category boss in the Ruins. In Party Quests, he is only fought as part of Team Heavy Hitter. Bonkers also has an electrical variant known as Spark Bonkers.

Kirby Battle Royale[]

While Bonkers himself does not appear, a robotic version of him known as Robo Bonkers appears as the boss of the battle mode of the same name.

Kirby Star Allies[]

Bonkers appears as a mid-boss and as the friend for the Hammer ability. He now wields his hammer in his right hand. As a mid-boss, he uses most of his attacks from previous games, with the exception of the hovering Hammer Spin. A stronger version of him appears in the later stages, with black armor, a black pompadour, red pants, and white skin. The star on his hammer is also black. This version's Hammer Spin lasts longer, and brings back his Hammer Twirl move, with pink flames being left on the ground with every bounce. As a Friend, he can now use Hammer Throw an infinite number of times. Bonkers also stars in Guest Star ???? Star Allies Go!, changing the name to Guest Star Bonkers Banana Mania, which emphasizes Bonkers's previously absent love of bananas.

Bonkers appears in the game's boss rush mode, The Ultimate Choice, as a part of Mid-Boss All-Stars #1. He appears in six levels of difficulty (Sweet Breeze, Spicy Adventure, Sizzling Threat, Fiery Showdown, Infernal Crisis and Soul Melter).

During the Soul Melter EX, Twin Bonkers is instead fought.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land[]

Bonkers reappears in Kirby and the Forgotten Land under the name of Wild Bonkers. He joins up with the Beast Pack and has a more ragged and savage like appearance. He primarily uses the same attacks from Kirby Star Allies, although these attacks are now accommodated for the 3D environment while throwing durians rather than his coconuts. During his second phase, he can sometimes spin to throw large barrages of them.

In Kirby: Right Back at Ya![]

Cannon DAuJLJbVYAER17h This section contains information that does not coincide with the main series canon. (Similar)

Me want to train with Kirby.
— Bonkers • Kirby: Right Back at Ya!

Bonkers makes an appearance in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, appearing in the 79th episode Goin' Bonkers.

Demo Bonkers

Bonkers in his monster form.

In the anime, Bonkers lived in a jungle until a circus crew captured and trained him for the circus. While Bonkers was held in a cage against his will, the ringmaster decided to watch his favorite show, which was the Kirby: Right Back at Ya! show. This is how Bonkers got inspired to meet Kirby in person, so, without letting the circus find out, he quietly escaped and wandered off to Dream Land in search of his favorite hero. When he finally got to Dream Land, the Cappies at first thought he came to battle Kirby, but soon everyone learned that Bonkers really wanted to train with Kirby. Knowing this, King Dedede had plans for Bonkers, so first he asked Bonkers to impress Kirby with his hammer skills, and tried to smash Kirby with a boulder, but Bonkers smashed the boulder with his hammer to make sure his favorite superhero wasn't hurt at all. Dedede finally resorts to taking him all the way to his castle and getting Nightmare Enterprises to turn Bonkers into a monster. He was later returned to normal thanks to Hammer Kirby, however, and he left, hoping to continue his training.

In the Japanese version of the anime, Bonkers says he's a Star Warrior in training, meaning that he is not from Planet Popstar. This might be true, as he unnaturally has been wearing his armor before he is captured.

Physical Appearance[]

Normal Form[]

Bonkers' appearance in the anime is similar to his in-game counterpart, appearing as a large, gorilla-like creature who wields a large hammer, and has no visible eyes. He appears to wear dark blue pants with torn legs and a belt, and purple armor with slits in it for his arms. The muscles on his arms are concentrated to the area around his supinator. Unlike the games, however, he has brown fur on his arms. On his back is a scabbard for his hammer, which has a red uppercase B on both ends of the head.

Monster Form[]

In his second form, Bonkers is similar to his original form, only more muscular, has sharper teeth and has visible dark red eyes, thicker fur, and razor-sharp claws.

Powers and Abilities[]

Normal Form[]

In his normal form, Bonkers can throw small rocks and can swim with ease. He displays great physical strength and can jump at incredible heights. For weaponry, Bonkers wields a hammer, which he can either store on his back and hit his enemies with it by bowing down and having the hammer drop down on them or wield the hammer for combat. The hammer itself is strong enough to break a boulder in just one hit.

Monster Form[]

In his monster form, Bonkers has the same abilities that he has previously and his hammer for combat, but now gets an increase in strength.

In the Super Smash Bros. series[]

Bonkers appears as a trophy and sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. His trophy description says he gives Kirby Hammer and Smash techniques, which is not true since Bonkers only gives him the Hammer ability. The Smash ability can only be obtained from Master/Crazy Hand in Kirby & the Amazing Mirror. The sticker uses his artwork from Kirby: Squeak Squad and increases Weapon Attack by 16 for all Kirby representatives.

Bonkers appears as an enemy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS’s Smash Run mode. Arguably the strongest Kirby enemy in the game, he can take many hits, deals great amounts of damage, and does not flinch when assaulted. He primarily attacks with Hammer Nail (which can trap the player in the ground), Hammer Swing, and Hammer Flip (which he winds up for an upward blow like Kirby's version instead of a downward smash). Bonkers drops huge Stat Boosts when defeated. In addition to appearing as an enemy in this game, Bonkers appears as a trophy.

SSBUl Spirit Fight Bonkers

Spirit battle

Bonkers appears as a Primary, Ace-class Attack spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. His spirit sports no effect when equipped.

Related Quotes[]

A large enemy who wields a giant hammer as a weapon. Bonkers battles you with several moves--his hammer attack and coconut throw could be considered his specialties. Kirby can inhale Bonkers to learn Hammer and Smash techniques. Not many know this, but Bonkers can also break down walls and pound down stakes.
— Trophy description • Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Bonkers looks quite a lot like a gorilla and swings a giant hammer with a huge launch potential. If he hits you with his own Hammer Flip attack, it's an instant KO. If that isn't bad enough, he also throws exploding coconuts. Bonkers is seriously out to ruin your day.
— Trophy description • Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Bonkers is so tough that your attacks won't make him flinch at all. However, he does leave himself wide open after swinging his hammer.
— Tips • Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
This gorilla-like foe uses a hammer to strike with a variety of attacks. When he charges up Hammer Flip, it can hit you for serious pain.
— Tips • Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
He's here to destroy things with his hammer—and he's not monkeying around!
— Quest Description • Team Kirby Clash Deluxe
This battle is in the Volcano, so we hope you like your hammers hot!
— Quest Description (Tough) • Team Kirby Clash Deluxe
Are you ready for the final hammer-swinging showdown? He's waiting...
— Quest Description (Tougher) • Team Kirby Clash Deluxe
Ook ook! I love bananas!
— Bonkers • Kirby Star Allies
He’s always looking for bananas! Even when he loses sight of this goal, this giant gourmand smashes anything in his way, wherever he likes!
— Guest Star ???? Star Allies Go! description • Kirby Star Allies
A big, gorilla-like fella who can smash enemies with his enormous hammer. Nearby friends can pump-up his weapon even more with their elemental powers.
— Choose your buddy • Play Nintendo

Etymology[]

"Bonkers" is slang for "mentally unbalanced, mad, or crazy," likely describing his behaviors. His name also contains the word "bonk," which means "to hit or strike," like with a hammer.

In Other Languages[]

Names, etymology and in other regions
Language Name Definition, etymology and notes
Japan ボンカース Translates to Bonkers.
United States of America Bonkers
People's Republic of China
(Traditional)
錘星猩 Translates to Hammer Star Ape.
People's Republic of China
(Simplified)
锤星猩 Translates to Hammer Star Ape.
Republic of Korea 본커스 Translates to Bonkers.
Federal Republic of Germany Bonkers Same as English.
Netherlands Bonkers Same as English.
French Republic
(General)
Bonkers Same as English.
Italian Republic Bonkers Same as English.
Kingdom of Spain
(General)
Bonkers Same as English.

Trivia[]

  • Bonkers serves as the mid-boss in more games than any other character in the Kirby series, with 12 mid-boss appearances.
    • Mr. Frosty has more appearances than Bonkers; however, he only serves as the mid-boss in nine games, three less than Bonkers.
  • In Bonkers' official Kirby's Adventure artwork, he had visible yellow eyes which are never seen in-game or anywhere else in the franchise.
  • While being a helper, if Bonkers Space Jumps to Kirby while he is beneath a low roof, Bonkers will not be able to move, the only way to get out is by warping back to Kirby after he is out of said low roof. This also happens with Bugzzy, another relatively big helper.
  • Bonkers, Bugzzy, Chef Kawasaki and Vividria are the only helpers who are also mid-bosses.
  • Bonkers is one of the three mid-bosses to be allied with Kirby in the anime, the others being Chef Kawasaki and Phan Phan.
  • Mostly unique to Bonkers is that he is the representative of the Hammer ability (the other enemies are the yellow Drill Balls and the Mookies.) and has only appeared in games where Hammer is present; additionally being the only source of Hammer outside of Copy Essences and Ability bubbles.
  • In Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra, inhaling two Bonkers and letting the roulette run gives Kirby invincibility.
  • He is the only returning mid-boss in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, as the rest are new.
  • Also in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, there is another version of Bonkers called Super Bonkers, who grants the Grand Hammer Super Ability.
  • Bonkers is the only enemy that appears in every game in which Mid-Boss All Stars is present.
  • The artwork for Bonkers in Kirby Super Star and its remake depict him with blue feet, while their in-game appearance in both titles is purple.
  • Bonkers is the only mid-boss who was slated to appear in the canceled Kirby GCN.

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