The Many Faces of Donkey Kong - Celebrate the big ape's 30th anniversary by looking back at his varied resume.

We all know Donkey Kong as Mario’s first real villain. He’s been around since before the plumber got himself a royal girlfriend. But this renaissance ape is so much deeper than that. He’s lived a long and varied life these past two decades, taking on numerous different jobs and roles along the way.

This year marks the furry lug’s 30th anniversary. As such, we take a look at the many faces of Donkey Kong. You ready? Good, because it’s on… like Donkey Kong

The Villain

Young ‘uns might be surprised to know that Donkey Kong (or, I suppose, Cranky Kong - if you want to think too hard about all of this) got his start as the foil to Mario’s endeavors in the construction business. He was the original gangster, the first to kidnap Mario’s gal (who was Pauline, at the time). It was in his self-titled debut that he thought of his trademark - and genius - new use for barrels. Namely, rolling them at enemies. How had no ape thought of that before?

The Captive

In Donkey Kong Junior, poor DK is held captive by that villainous Mario creep. Wait, what? This game is the only instance in which Mario acts as a bad guy - I guess he was really pissed about the whole Pauline thing. Someone should tell Peach. This game is also the first time the other, probably more famous DK, Donkey Kong Junior, showed up. You’ll recognize him as the DK from all subsequent appearances, including Donkey Kong Country. We like to think of this game as a passing of the DK torch, the one where the original retires and is replaced by his son, who henceforth ditched the “jr” label and took over as the star of the show.

The Hero

Never mess with an ape’s bananas - such is the lesson of Donkey Kong Country. Although the former DK Jr. certainly acted heroic in his attempts to save his father from Mario, DK Country was his first full-fledged adventure as the main hero. He, alongside his little buddy Diddy, took to the trees to save their banana hoard from the dastardly King K. Rool. The rest is history.

The Racer

When not hoarding bananas - and saving said ‘nanas from evil crocs - Donkey Kong has been known to take on several side jobs. One of these is world class karter. DK was one of only eight playable racers in Super Mario Kart for SNES, and he’s remained a karting staple ever since. He’s also probably the one to blame for the slippery banana item in the game, which you can leave on the track for unsuspecting opponents to spin out on. Whether or not this is a good thing is up to you.

The Sportsman

Golf, baseball, tennis, soccer, basketball - Donkey Kong has played them all alongside the Mushroom Kingdom’s finest. You’d think such a bulky guy wouldn’t be the best sportsman, but I guess this only proves you can’t judge an ape by appearances alone. Maybe it’s all the potassium from all those bananas, but DK has proved himself time and time again as a more than capable competitor.

The Fighter

The original cast of Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 64 only included 12 playable characters - and Donkey Kong was one of them. Here DK finally got his chance to show Mario what he really thinks of him, and to also prove his worth as the heavy weight champion of the Nintendo universe.

Television Star

King Kong may have his own movie, but not his own French, computer-animated children’s television show. Score one for the Donkey. Donkey Kong Country first aired in France in 1996, making it to U.S. airwaves two years later. The show was strange, to say the least, and only lasted for two seasons. It also labeled DK as the “banana slamma.” For that alone, it will always hold a special (albeit strange) place in our hearts.

The Father Figure

Although Diddy Kong is actually DK’s nephew, it’s clear who the little guy’s real father figure is. The dude’s actual daddy is perpetually MIA, and since they first joined forces in Donkey Kong Country, Diddy’s been following DK around and aiding him in most of his adventures. DK teaches Diddy everything he knows, training him up as his banana hoard guard, apprentice and future video game star. Diddy also shares DK’s love of all things yellow and fruity. Like father figure, like son-type-person… or something.

The Lover

Everyone needs somebody to love, and Donkey Kong is no exception. If only his girlfriend was a little less… creepy. But after moving on from Pauline (both Mario and DK dropped that chick like a sack of potatoes) the big ape moved on to Candy. Who is Candy? She’s a creepy, anthropomorphic ape with unsettling ape boobs (fake - I’m calling it), blonde hair and pink lipstick. Have you no shame, DK?