Funky Kong: Difference between revisions
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|image=[[File:Funky Kong Artwork - Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze.png|300px]]<br>Funky Kong in ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'' | |image=[[File:Funky Kong Artwork - Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze.png|300px]]<br>Funky Kong in ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'' | ||
|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' ([[List of games by date#1994|1994]]) | |first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' ([[List of games by date#1994|1994]]) | ||
|latest_appearance=''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' (''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'', Wave 6) (2023) | |||
|species=[[Kong]] | |species=[[Kong]] | ||
|latest_portrayal=[[Toshihide Tsuchiya]] ([[List of games by date#2007|2007]]–present) | |latest_portrayal=[[Toshihide Tsuchiya]] ([[List of games by date#2007|2007]]–present) | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{quote|Whoa, Dudes! My name's Funky Kong! My bodacious Jumbo Barrel can launch you to any point on the island!|Funky Kong|Donkey Kong Country}} | {{quote|Whoa, Dudes! My name's Funky Kong! My bodacious Jumbo Barrel can launch you to any point on the island!|Funky Kong|Donkey Kong Country}} | ||
'''Funky Kong''' is a | '''Funky Kong''' is a [[Kong]] who first appears in ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''. While portrayed as an easygoing surfer, Funky is a very skilled mechanic, creating many vehicles and other inventions from limited materials, namely [[barrel]]s. In most of his appearances, Funky operates a transportation service for the Kongs using one or more of his vehicles. He has also made playable appearances in a few ''Super Mario'' spin-off games including ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' and ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]''. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===''Donkey Kong Country'' series=== | ===''Donkey Kong Country'' series=== | ||
====''Donkey Kong Country''==== | ====''Donkey Kong Country''==== | ||
[[File:Funky Kong surfboarding DKC artwork.jpg|thumb|left|Funky as originally depicted in ''Donkey Kong Country'']] | |||
Funky Kong is a supporting character in ''Donkey Kong Country''. He is the owner of [[Funky's Flights]], a rental service where he allows [[Donkey Kong]] and [[Diddy Kong]] to use his [[Funky Barrel]] to travel between worlds that they have either accessed or completed. | |||
Funky hosts the [[Funky's Fishing]] mini-game in both the [[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|Game Boy Color version]] and [[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)|Game Boy Advance version]], where the goal is to catch as many fish within the time limit. In the Game Boy Advance version, Funky hosts the mini-game along with his flight service during the main game. Donkey Kong and Diddy are no longer required to visit Funky to use his Funky Barrel, as the player can select the "CALL FUNKY" option from the Start menu. In each world, Funky provides a different objective for each Funky's Fishing challenge, such as in [[Kremkroc Industries, Inc.]], where Donkey Kong and Diddy must fish out ten bottles. In the same version, Funky is shown during the ending cutscene with the other Kongs. | |||
In the Game Boy Advance version, Funky hosts the mini-game along with his flight service during the main game. Donkey Kong and Diddy are no longer required to visit Funky to use his Funky Barrel, as the player can select the "CALL FUNKY" option from the Start menu. In each world, Funky provides a different objective for each Funky's Fishing challenge, such as in [[Kremkroc Industries, Inc.]], where Donkey Kong and Diddy must fish out ten bottles. In the same version, Funky is shown during the ending cutscene with the other Kongs. | |||
====''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''==== | ====''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''==== | ||
Funky Kong is a supporting character in ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''. He hosts another flight service, [[Funky's Flights II]], in every world except the [[Lost World (Donkey Kong Country 2)|Lost World]]. Funky allows Diddy and [[Dixie Kong|Dixie]] to use the [[Biplane Barrel]] if they pay two [[Banana Coin]]s, although every trip after the first one are free. | |||
Funky hosts a bonus game, [[Funky's Flights (Bonus Game)|Funky's Flights]] in each world in the [[Donkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance)|Game Boy Advance version]]. The Biplane Barrel is replaced with the [[Gyrocopter]], which Funky allows Diddy and Dixie to freely use from the world map after they complete the [[Aerial Loop]] challenge. Funky hosts a different challenge in each world, and if Diddy and Dixie complete a challenge, Funky rewards a [[DK Coin]] to them. In the same version, Funky also appears with the Gyrocopter in the ending, and he rescues Diddy, Dixie, Donkey Kong, and [[Cranky Kong|Cranky]] from [[The Flying Krock]] before it crashes onto the ground. In the [[Completion#Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest|102%]] ending, Funky drops a bomb onto [[King K. Rool|Kaptain K. Rool]] from the Gyrocopter to stop him from escaping. | |||
====''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!''==== | ====''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!''==== | ||
Funky is a supporting character in ''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]''. Funky operates [[Funky's Rentals]] from the [[Northern Kremisphere]] map, where he gives [[Kiddy Kong|Kiddy]] to Dixie at the start of her adventure. He allows them rent various watercraft to travel across the waters of the Northern Kremisphere. At first, Funky has only the [[Motor Boat]] available for lease, but as the Kongs obtain certain items along the way, Funky can use them to construct a few more vehicles, each one more effective for traversing the world map than the previous. After completing [[Kremwood Forest]], the Kongs can take the [[patch (item)|patch]] they had obtained and give it to Funky for him to create the [[Hover Craft]]. After completing [[Cotton Top Cove]] and [[Mekanos]], the Kongs can return the [[ski]]s to Funky for him to create the [[Turbo Ski]]. Throughout the game, the [[Brothers Bear]] reference a "secret project" that Funky is working on, the Gyrocopter; if Dixie and Kiddy ask Funky about the project, he acknowledges it but requires the Kongs to obtain every [[DK Coin]] to let them use it. | |||
Throughout the game, the [[Brothers Bear]] reference a "secret project" that Funky is working on; if Dixie and Kiddy ask Funky about the project, he acknowledges it but requires the Kongs to obtain every [[DK Coin]] to let them use it | |||
In the Game Boy Advance | In the [[Donkey Kong Country 3 (Game Boy Advance)|Game Boy Advance version]], Funky hosts a [[Funky's Rentals (minigame)|series of four minigames]] and rewards the Kongs with a [[Banana Bird]] if they complete all of them. | ||
====''Donkey Kong 64''==== | ====''Donkey Kong 64''==== | ||
[[File:DK64 Funky.png|thumb | [[File:DK64 Funky.png|thumb|Funky in ''Donkey Kong 64'']] | ||
Funky is a supporting character in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. His main role is operating a weapons store, [[Funky's Store]], which appears in every level except [[Hideout Helm]]. He first sells a shooter to each respective Kong when they first visit. In later levels, Funky also sells two ammo belt upgrades, a sniper scope, and the ability to pick up homing ammo. Each time the Kongs are low on ammo, right before a Kong leaves the store, Funky refills their ammo supply entirely. After defeating [[King K. Rool|King Krusha K. Rool]] at the [[boxing arena]], [[Candy Kong|Candy]] walks in and distracts him. Meanwhile, Funky walks in and fires a boot at K. Rool, knocking him up through the ceiling of the arena. During the end credits, Funky mimics the sounds of some weapons such as aerial bombs and machine guns on a cliff, then does some acrobatics. | |||
After defeating [[King K. Rool|King Krusha K. Rool]] at the [[boxing arena]], [[Candy Kong|Candy]] walks in and distracts him. Meanwhile, Funky walks in and fires a boot at K. Rool, knocking him up through the ceiling of the arena. During the end credits, Funky mimics the sounds of some weapons such as aerial bombs and machine guns on a cliff, then does some acrobatics. | |||
====''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze''==== | ====''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze''==== | ||
[[File:Funky Kong DKCTF Switch screenshot.png|thumb|upright=1.1|Funky Kong's appearance in the Nintendo Switch version of ''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'']] | [[File:Funky Kong DKCTF Switch screenshot.png|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Funky Kong's appearance in the Nintendo Switch version of ''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'']] | ||
Funky is a supporting character in ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''. He is the owner of the item shop, named [[Funky's Fly 'n' Buy]]. In this way, he replaces [[Cranky Kong]]'s role as the owner of [[Cranky Kong's Shop|a shop]] in the [[Donkey Kong Country Returns|previous installment]] due to the elderly Kong being a playable character. Funky Kong sells various items to the Kongs in exchange for [[Banana Coin]]s, including [[DK Barrel]]s, [[Red Balloon|red]], [[Blue Balloon|blue]], and [[Green Balloon|green balloon]]s, [[Banana Juice]], [[Squawks]], [[Heart Boost]]s, and [[Crash Guard]]s. He also sells collectible toys from the [[Capsule Toy Machine]]. The shop operates on every island in the game except [[Secret Seclusion]]. When the player visits Funky's shop and they highlight the Crash Guard option, Funky will say: "Vehicle troubles? It's dangerous to go alone- take one of these!", a reference to a [[zeldawiki:Iconic Quotes from The Legend of Zelda#"It's dangerous to go alone! Take this"|well known quote]] from the [[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda|first ''The Legend of Zelda'' game]]. | |||
Funky is also a playable character in the [[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)|Nintendo Switch port]], in the newly added "Funky Mode". When selected, Funky replaces Donkey Kong as the main playable character. His abilities, aided by his surfboard, are a combination of Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky, and they include [[Double Jump (airborne)|double jumping]], hovering, treading on [[Spike Trap|Spiked Floors]], and surfing on water in a similar fashion to water skipping. He can perform perpetual [[Roll Attack]]s and [[Corkscrew (Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze)|Corkscrews]] as well. In addition, he wears a yellow pair of goggles with a snorkel whenever he plunges underwater, enabling him to breathe without having to collect [[Bubble|Air Bubbles]]. Lastly, Funky's surfboard enables him to safely jump on enemies that the other Kongs (except Cranky) cannot safely jump on, such as the [[Snaggles]]. He can also perform a [[Hand Slap|Ground Pound]] like Donkey Kong, even on spikes. He can also execute the new Pluck move slightly faster than even Donkey Kong can, though unlike the latter, he cannot carry the other Kongs on his back, even in multiplayer. While playing as Funky Kong, his shop, Funky's Fly 'n' Buy, is run by a parrot named [[Tawks]], whose speech purposely mimics Funky. If Funky shops at his store, Tawks gives him an employee discount. | |||
While playing as Funky Kong, his shop, Funky's Fly 'n' Buy, is run by a parrot named [[Tawks]], whose speech purposely mimics Funky. If Funky shops at his store, Tawks gives him an employee discount. | |||
===''Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle''=== | ===''Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle''=== | ||
[[File:Rumble Jungle Illustration - Funky Plane.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Funky Kong inspecting his damaged Barrel Plane in ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle]]'']] | [[File:Rumble Jungle Illustration - Funky Plane.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Funky Kong inspecting his damaged Barrel Plane in ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle]]'']] | ||
Funky is a supporting character in ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle]]''. He owns a custom-built plane made from a [[Barrel]], which he uses to transport clients around [[Donkey Kong Island]]. He promises [[Diddy Kong]] an exciting ride as a passenger while he performs tricks in the air. During their flight, they notice smoke coming from the long-abandoned [[Big Ape City]], which Funky prefers not to investigate because he does not enjoy looking for trouble. After Diddy's flight, Funky gets attacked by a swarm of [[Hogwash the Flying Pig|flying pigs]] near Big Ape City, causing his plane to crash. [[Donkey Kong]], [[Cranky Kong]], and Diddy cross the jungle on foot, to where he has been held captive by the [[Kremling]]s within Big Ape City. The Kremlings believe that Funky Kong is a spy, and they intend to use a painful "truth machine" on him, as ordered by [[King K. Rool]]. | |||
After breaking out of his cell, Funky involves himself in defeating a group of Kremlings, although he is normally "too laid back" to fight. He later inspects his plane in the cargo room and finds that he can easily repair most of the damage, although he requires a new water pump for the engine. He draws a map of the factory so that the other Kongs can find a replacement, due to having seen most of the factory while the Kremlings were deciding where to take him. After Funky successfully repairs the engine, all of the Kongs board the plane and Funky flies out from the factory through a hole in the wall. The plane is attacked by the flying pigs a second time; however, Funky has the idea to pour the plane's entire banana milkshake supply onto the pigs so that they are no longer able to fly. Funky then maneuvers his plane over King K. Rool's zeppelin, which allows Donkey Kong and Diddy to plant it with [[TNT Barrels]]. After destroying the Factory, Funky Kong flies the others back to their tree house in the jungle. | After breaking out of his cell, Funky involves himself in defeating a group of Kremlings, although he is normally "too laid back" to fight. He later inspects his plane in the cargo room and finds that he can easily repair most of the damage, although he requires a new water pump for the engine. He draws a map of the factory so that the other Kongs can find a replacement, due to having seen most of the factory while the Kremlings were deciding where to take him. After Funky successfully repairs the engine, all of the Kongs board the plane and Funky flies out from the factory through a hole in the wall. The plane is attacked by the flying pigs a second time; however, Funky has the idea to pour the plane's entire banana milkshake supply onto the pigs so that they are no longer able to fly. Funky then maneuvers his plane over King K. Rool's zeppelin, which allows Donkey Kong and Diddy to plant it with [[TNT Barrels]]. After destroying the Factory, Funky Kong flies the others back to their tree house in the jungle. | ||
===''Super Mario-kun''=== | |||
[[File:FunkyKong SuperMarioKun.jpg|thumb|left|Funky Kong in ''Super Mario-kun'']] | |||
Funky Kong is a supporting character in [[Super Mario-kun Volume 14|volume 14]] of ''[[Super Mario-kun]]''. He allows Mario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong to ride the Funky Barrel. | |||
===''Donkey Kong Land 2''=== | ===''Donkey Kong Land 2''=== | ||
Funky is a supporting character in ''[[Donkey Kong Land 2]]''. His role is identical as in ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''. If Diddy or Dixie pay Funky two Banana Coins, he allows them to use the Biplane Barrel to travel between worlds from the world map. | |||
===''Donkey Kong Country'' television series=== | ===''Donkey Kong Country'' television series=== | ||
[[File:DKCTVFunkyKong.png|thumb | [[File:DKCTVFunkyKong.png|thumb|Funky Kong, as he appears in the ''Donkey Kong Country'' television series]] | ||
Funky is a major character in the ''[[Donkey Kong Country (TV series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' television series. His character is relatively the same as in the games, the adventure-loving owner of Funky's Flights and one of Donkey Kong's best friends. A running gag throughout the show involves him being incompetent at maneuvering his plane. In addition to enjoying surfing and dancing, Funky is portrayed as exceptionally spiritual in the show, known to talk about subjects such as {{wp|karma}} quite often. On the show, Funky is portrayed with golden fur instead of brown, more goggle-like glasses, and a Jamaican accent, provided by voice actor [[Damon D'Oliveira]]. Likewise, his appearances on the show are often accompanied by reggae or ska background music. | |||
In addition to enjoying surfing and dancing, Funky is portrayed as exceptionally spiritual in the show, known to talk about subjects such as {{wp|karma}} quite often. On the show, Funky is portrayed with golden fur instead of brown, more goggle-like glasses, and a Jamaican accent, provided by voice actor [[Damon D'Oliveira]]. Likewise, his appearances on the show are often accompanied by reggae or ska background music. | |||
===''Bumm-Badabumm im Urwald''=== | ===''Bumm-Badabumm im Urwald''=== | ||
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===''Club Nintendo''=== | ===''Club Nintendo''=== | ||
In the German edition ''[[Club Nintendo (magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'', Funky Kong appears in a somewhat minor role in the comic "[[Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24]]", where he appears at the celebration the Kong Family has at its end. In ''Club Nintendo' | In the German edition ''[[Club Nintendo (German magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'', Funky Kong appears in a somewhat minor role in the comic "[[Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24]]", where he appears at the celebration the Kong Family has at its end. In ''Club Nintendo''{{'}}s comic book length adaptation of ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'', Funky makes a brief appearance in the scene where Cranky explains Banana Coins and [[Kremkoin]]s to Diddy and Dixie. | ||
===''DK'' series=== | ===''DK'' series=== | ||
====''DK: King of Swing''==== | ====''DK: King of Swing''==== | ||
Funky is a non-playable character in Adventure mode and a playable character in [[Jungle Jam]] mode in ''[[DK: King of Swing]]''. In Adventure mode, Funky makes a minor appearance in both the opening and ending cutscenes. As a playable character, Funky's attack is strong but his jump is weak. | |||
====''DK: Jungle Climber''==== | ====''DK: Jungle Climber''==== | ||
Funky is a supporting character in Adventure mode and a playable character in the VS. Mode of ''[[DK: Jungle Climber]]''. He and many others in the Kong Family go on vacation to [[Sun Sun Island]]. When Donkey, Diddy, and Cranky meet the [[banana]] alien [[Xananab]] and decide to help in his quest to reclaim his [[Crystal Banana]]s from King K. Rool, Funky aids the four by flying them to the different islands as they track down the Kremlings. If Donkey Kong collects a certain amount of [[oil barrel]]s, he can give them to Funky Kong to power his airplane, which can fly them to a smaller version of the island they are on. Although he is not playable in story mode, he is playable in the game's wireless multiplayer mode as P4. | |||
===''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast''=== | ===''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast''=== | ||
[[File:Funky Kong DKBB artwork.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Funky Kong in ''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast'']] | [[File:Funky Kong DKBB artwork.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Funky Kong in ''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast'']] | ||
Funky Kong is an unlockable playable character in ''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]''. | Funky Kong is an unlockable playable character in ''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]''. Funky can be unlocked by completing the [[Diamond Cup]] as a Kong character. Funky's stats are shared with [[Kludge]], having very low boost and agility but maximum speed. | ||
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series=== | |||
In the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], a [[Trophy (Super Smash Bros. series)|trophy]] of Funky Kong can obtained in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' / ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U]]''. He also appears in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' as a [[smashwiki:Master spirit|master spirit]]. He runs a shop called [[Funky Kong's Shack]], where he sells [[smashwiki:Level Up#Snacks|snacks]], [[smashwiki:Skill Tree|Skill Spheres]], [[smashwiki:Support Item|Support Items]], and [[Spirit (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)|spirit]]s that are themed around transportation. | |||
===''Mario Kart'' series=== | ===''Mario Kart'' series=== | ||
====''Mario Kart Wii''==== | ====''Mario Kart Wii''==== | ||
[[File:Funky Kong MKW Artwork.png|thumb|upright=0.9|left|Funky Kong in ''Mario Kart Wii'']] | [[File:Funky Kong MKW Artwork.png|thumb|upright=0.9|left|Funky Kong is a playable character in ''Mario Kart Wii'']] | ||
Funky Kong makes his first appearance in the ''Super Mario'' franchise in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', appearing as an unlockable playable character. He is a large-sized character, unlocked by unlocking four Expert Staff Ghost Data on Time Trial mode, by winning 25 WFC Ghost Races, or by playing 2,250 races. Funky Kong is the Staff Ghost for {{classic-link|GCN|DK Mountain}}. While he does not have his own race course, he does have his own battle arena: [[Funky Stadium]]. Although Funky Kong features a good speed bonus, it is not as good as that of [[Baby Luigi]] and [[Baby Daisy]]. However, being a large-sized racer, Funky can use the [[Jetsetter]] and [[Spear]], which are the fastest kart and bike in the game, respectively. | |||
Some of Funky Kong's voice clips from ''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast'' are reused for his voice in this game. Additionally, Donkey Kong has a similar in-game model to Funky Kong in the game, with them also using many similar animations due to the developers using Donkey Kong's model as a base to create Funky Kong.<ref>{{cite|url=tcrf.net/Mario_Kart_Wii/Unused_Bones_%26_Animations|title=''Mario Kart Wii''|publisher=The Cutting Room Floor|accessdate=March 13, 2024}}</ref> | |||
{{br|left}} | |||
Some of Funky Kong's voice clips from ''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast'' are reused for his voice in this game. Additionally, Donkey Kong has a similar in-game model to Funky Kong in the game, with them also using many similar animations.<ref> | |||
====''Mario Kart Tour''==== | ====''Mario Kart Tour''==== | ||
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====''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''==== | ====''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''==== | ||
[[File:MK8D FunkyKong Preview.png|thumb|left|Funky Kong racing on {{classic-link|Tour|Los Angeles Laps}} in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''.]] | [[File:MK8D FunkyKong Preview.png|thumb|left|Funky Kong racing on {{classic-link|Tour|Los Angeles Laps}} in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''.]] | ||
Funky Kong appears as one of four new racers in the sixth and final wave of the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'' DLC, alongside [[Diddy Kong]], [[Pauline]], and [[Peachette]]. His model is reused from ''Mario Kart Tour''.<ref name=Wave6>Nintendo of America | Funky Kong appears as one of four new racers in the sixth and final wave of the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'' DLC, alongside [[Diddy Kong]], [[Pauline]], and [[Peachette]]. His model is reused from ''Mario Kart Tour'', and he is the only ''Booster Course Pass'' character not to reuse his icon from that game.<ref name=Wave6>{{cite|author=Nintendo of America|date=September 14, 2023|url=youtu.be/BiJ7IoeuhXE|title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass Wave 6 - Nintendo Switch 9.14.2023|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=September 14, 2023}}</ref> He is again a heavyweight character in this game, sharing statistics with [[Wario]], [[Dry Bowser]], and heavy [[Mii]]s. Funky Kong uses the turquoise [[Peach Parasol (glider)|Peach Parasol]] glider, making him and [[Kamek]] the only male characters (not counting [[Wiggler]], whose gender is unknown) to use a recolor of the glider. He also uses a red [[Super Glider]] instead of a light-blue one like in ''Mario Kart Tour'', making him the only character whose Super Glider color does not match their main vehicle color, with the red color presumably chosen to match the color of his surfboard. A CPU controlled Funky Kong uses the same kart combination options as [[Donkey Kong]]. During the majority of his [[Jump Boost]] animations and his character selection animation, Funky Kong will pull out his surfboard and show it off. | ||
{{br}} | {{br}} | ||
===''Mario Super Sluggers''=== | ===''Mario Super Sluggers''=== | ||
Funky Kong is an unlockable playable team player in ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]'' | Funky Kong is an unlockable playable team player in ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]''. He has good batting and decent fielding skills, while lacking in pitching and running skills. He is the only Kong in the game who bats with his right hand, while fielding with his left hand. He has good chemistry with all the Kongs and bad chemistry with all the Kremlings. He is unlocked after he joins the player in Challenge Mode. | ||
===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''=== | ===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''=== | ||
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Funky Kong appears in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', where he is shown driving just behind [[Donkey Kong]], alongside [[Mario]], [[Princess Peach]], [[Toad]], and the [[Kong army]] on [[Rainbow Road]]. A picture of Funky Kong riding a surfboard can also be seen in the hut where [[Cranky Kong]] describes the plan to drive to Rainbow Road. | Funky Kong appears in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', where he is shown driving just behind [[Donkey Kong]], alongside [[Mario]], [[Princess Peach]], [[Toad]], and the [[Kong army]] on [[Rainbow Road]]. A picture of Funky Kong riding a surfboard can also be seen in the hut where [[Cranky Kong]] describes the plan to drive to Rainbow Road. | ||
===Other appearances | ===Other appearances=== | ||
Although Funky Kong does not appear in ''Donkey Kong Country Returns'', he is referenced by [[Cranky Kong]], who wishes that someone with a plane (such as Funky) could get them to the top of the island. | Although Funky Kong does not appear in ''Donkey Kong Country Returns'', he is referenced by [[Cranky Kong]], who wishes that someone with a plane (such as Funky) could get them to the top of the island. | ||
Funky Kong's face appears in ''[[Picross NP]] Vol. 8'' as one of the images that must be cleared. After solving the puzzle, he shows his eyes to the player. | Funky Kong's face appears in ''[[Picross NP]] Vol. 8'' as one of the images that must be cleared. After solving the puzzle, he shows his eyes to the player. | ||
Additionally, some merchandise based on Funky Kong has been released, most of it based off his appearance in ''Donkey Kong Country'' or the television series; this includes objects such as statuettes, plush dolls, mini figures, and keychains. | Additionally, some merchandise based on Funky Kong has been released, most of it based off his appearance in ''Donkey Kong Country'' or the television series; this includes objects such as statuettes, plush dolls, mini figures, and keychains. | ||
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===Unused appearances=== | ===Unused appearances=== | ||
====''Diddy Kong Pilot''==== | ====''Diddy Kong Pilot''==== | ||
Funky Kong was playable in the [[Diddy Kong Pilot (2001)#Very early build|Space World 2000 build]] of ''Diddy Kong Pilot''. He was unique among the [[Kong]]s and other ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' characters for being the only character to not use a plane, instead riding his surfboard with a rocket engine attached to the underside, allowing it to fly, similar to his hovering surfboard in ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''. Funky's design resembles his appearance in ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'' with a purple bandana and swim trunks, and his portrait depicting him with a red polka-dotted bandana. He is located to the left of Cranky Kong in the hand-drawn placeholder art. | |||
Funky | Funky was also playable in the 2003 iteration of ''[[Diddy Kong Pilot (2003)|Diddy Kong Pilot]]''. He was a member of Team Kong along with Donkey, Diddy and Dixie Kong. Now riding a silver jet instead of his surfboard and with his polka-dotted bandana visible in his sprites, Funky Kong had similar top speed to DK but lower weight and acceleration. When playing as Team [[Kremling|Krem]], Funky Kong would have been the third boss and would attack the team with machine gun fire and by dropping tornados behind his jet. | ||
In ''[[jiggywikki:Banjo-Pilot|Banjo-Pilot]]'', Funky's silver jet was recolored yellow and blue to be used by [[jiggywikki:Banjo|Banjo]]. Despite this, [[jiggywikki:Mumbo Jumbo|Mumbo Jumbo]]'s stats closely correlate to Funky's racing stats in the 2003 build than Banjo's stats do. | |||
In | |||
{{br}} | {{br}} | ||
==General information== | ==General information== | ||
===Physical appearance=== | ===Physical appearance=== | ||
{{ | {{quote|I only added teeth, bandana and shades to the DK model back in '94, but I still get to claim Funky as mine 😁He looks much better [[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze|now]], btw.|''Donkey Kong Country'' character designer [[Steve Mayles]] on Funky's creation}} | ||
[[File:Funkykong.png|thumb|Artwork for ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'', also used for ''Donkey Kong Land 2'']] | |||
Funky Kong has the same general build as fellow Kongs such as Donkey and | Funky Kong has the same general build as fellow Kongs such as Donkey Kong and Swanky Kong, being both large and muscular. Funky's fur is generally light brown in color, though the shade of it varies in his appearances and artwork, being either light or dark. In all of his appearances, Funky wears a pair of sunglasses which conceal what his eyes look like; however, in ''Donkey Kong Country'', Funky has an animation of him lifting his sunglasses and revealing a pair of eyes just like Donkey Kong's, and in ''Donkey Kong 64'', his sunglasses are transparent, so his eyes are visible. Funky's sunglasses were originally black in color in ''Donkey Kong Country'', but virtually all subsequent appearances depict as being purple tinted. The exception is in ''Donkey Kong 64'' where his sunglasses are tinted red. | ||
In ''Donkey Kong Country'', ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'', and ''Donkey Kong Land 2'', Funky Kong's attire is essentially the same, with him wearing a red bandanna with white polka-dots, medals around his neck ("{{wp|Bling-bling|bling}}"), a purple swimsuit, and sandals. | In ''Donkey Kong Country'', ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'', and ''Donkey Kong Land 2'', Funky Kong's attire is essentially the same, with him wearing a red bandanna with white polka-dots, medals around his neck ("{{wp|Bling-bling|bling}}"), a purple swimsuit, and sandals. In the latter games, Funky is shown to be surfing on surfboard while in midair. | ||
''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!'' radically alters Funky's appearance, having him discard his medals and replace them with tools slung from a tool belt; Funky also wears a white muscle shirt, blue shorts and black boots in this game. Additionally he has an upright posture and is taller than his last appearance. | ''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!'' radically alters Funky's appearance, having him discard his medals and replace them with tools slung from a tool belt; Funky also wears a white muscle shirt, blue shorts and black boots in this game. Additionally, he has an upright posture and is taller than his last appearance. | ||
''Donkey Kong 64'' | In ''Donkey Kong 64'', Funky was once again redesigned, this time wearing a navy blue camouflage print attire and army hat, black combat boots and red teashades. He is noticeably more muscular than Donkey Kong, though not as burly as [[Chunky Kong]]. | ||
More recently, Funky's appearance has remained consistent, being identical to his attire from ''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!'', aside from his tool belt being replaced by a regular one and having no boots. | More recently, Funky's appearance has remained consistent, being identical to his attire from ''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!'', aside from his tool belt being replaced by a regular one and having no boots. | ||
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|Cameo | |Cameo | ||
|Japan:<br>June 1, 2000 | |Japan:<br>June 1, 2000 | ||
|[[Super | |[[Super Famicom]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' | |''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' | ||
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|''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' (version 3.0.0) | |''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' (version 3.0.0) | ||
|Downloadable playable character | |Downloadable playable character | ||
|2023 ( | |2023 ([[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]], Wave 6) | ||
|Nintendo Switch | |Nintendo Switch | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 341: | Line 320: | ||
{{main-gallery|Funky Kong}} | {{main-gallery|Funky Kong}} | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
FunkyKongDK64.png|''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' | FunkyKongDK64.png|''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' | ||
Funkydk3.png|''[[Donkey Konga 3 JP]]'' | Funkydk3.png|''[[Donkey Konga 3 JP]]'' | ||
Funky Kong DKKoS art.jpg|''[[DK: King of Swing]]'' | Funky Kong DKKoS art.jpg|''[[DK: King of Swing]]'' | ||
Funky Kong - DK Jungle Climber.png|''[[DK: Jungle Climber]]'' | Funky Kong - DK Jungle Climber.png|''[[DK: Jungle Climber]]'' | ||
DKCTF Funky Kong Artwork.png|''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''<br>([[Nintendo Switch]]) | DKCTF Funky Kong Artwork.png|''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)|Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''<br>([[Nintendo Switch]]) | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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|ChiS=酷喜刚 | |ChiS=酷喜刚 | ||
|ChiSR=Kùxǐ Gāng | |ChiSR=Kùxǐ Gāng | ||
|ChiSM=From 酷 (Cool) and 森喜(刚/剛) (Donkey Kong) | |ChiSM=From 酷 ("Cool") and 森喜(刚/剛) ("Donkey Kong") | ||
|ChiT=酷喜剛 | |ChiT=酷喜剛 | ||
|ChiTR=Kùxǐ Gāng | |ChiTR=Kùxǐ Gāng | ||
|ChiTM=From 酷 (Cool) and 森喜(刚/剛) (Donkey Kong) | |ChiTM=From 酷 ("Cool") and 森喜(刚/剛) ("Donkey Kong") | ||
|Fre=Funky Kong | |Fre=Funky Kong | ||
|Fre2=Funky | |||
|Fre2C=<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20001109132900/http://www.france2.fr/jeunesse/dktv/index.shtml|title=Bienvenue sur DKTV|publisher[[Donkey Kong Planet]] website|language=fr|accessdate=June 21, 2024}}</ref> | |||
|Ger=Funky Kong | |Ger=Funky Kong | ||
|Ita=Funky Kong | |Ita=Funky Kong | ||
| Line 374: | Line 354: | ||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*"Funky Kong" was one of the proposed names for [[Donkey Kong]] that was rejected during the [[Donkey Kong (game)|eponymous game]]'s development. | *"Funky Kong" was one of the proposed names for [[Donkey Kong]] that was rejected during the [[Donkey Kong (game)|eponymous game]]'s development.<ref>{{cite|author=Norman Caruso|date=January 30, 2020|url=x.com/GamingHistorian/status/1222939644217757697|title=Before settling on the name "Donkey Kong," Nintendo considered a ton of other ideas. ....not sure who suggested "Kong Dong" 😳|publisher=X (formerly Twitter)|language=English|archive=web.archive.org/web/20200205024112/https://twitter.com/GamingHistorian/status/1222939644217757697|accessdate=June 29, 2024}}</ref> | ||
*In Issue #262 of ''[[Nintendo Power]]''{{'}}s "The Score," a page listing the results of online polls, Funky Kong was voted the most wanted Kong who is not present in ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]''. | *In Issue #262 of ''[[Nintendo Power]]''{{'}}s "The Score," a page listing the results of online polls, Funky Kong was voted the most wanted Kong who is not present in ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]''. | ||
*Funky Kong's ''Mario Super Sluggers'' baseball card listed his Rookie Year as 1999, even though his first appearance was in ''Donkey Kong Country'', which was released in 1994. | *Funky Kong's ''Mario Super Sluggers'' baseball card listed his Rookie Year as 1999, even though his first appearance was in ''Donkey Kong Country'', which was released in 1994. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
{{ | {{navboxes| | ||
{{Kongs}} | {{Kongs}} | ||
{{DKC}} | {{DKC}} | ||
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{{DKL2}} | {{DKL2}} | ||
{{DKC TV}} | {{DKC TV}} | ||
{{DKP}} | |||
{{DKC3}} | {{DKC3}} | ||
{{DK64}} | {{DK64}} | ||
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[[Category:Donkey Kong Barrel Blast characters]] | [[Category:Donkey Kong Barrel Blast characters]] | ||
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country characters]] | [[Category:Donkey Kong Country characters]] | ||
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country (television series)]] | [[Category:Donkey Kong Country (television series) characters]] | ||
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest characters]] | [[Category:Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest characters]] | ||
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! characters]] | [[Category:Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! characters]] | ||
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze characters]] | [[Category:Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze characters]] | ||
[[Category:Donkey Kong Land 2 characters]] | [[Category:Donkey Kong Land 2 characters]] | ||
[[Category:Donkey Kong Planet]] | |||
[[Category:Donkey Konga 3 JP]] | |||
[[Category:LEGO Super Mario characters]] | [[Category:LEGO Super Mario characters]] | ||
[[Category:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe characters]] | [[Category:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe characters]] | ||
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[[Category:Mario Kart Wii characters]] | [[Category:Mario Kart Wii characters]] | ||
[[Category:Mario Super Sluggers playable characters]] | [[Category:Mario Super Sluggers playable characters]] | ||
[[Category:Super Mario-kun characters]] | |||
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl stickers]] | [[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl stickers]] | ||
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophies]] | [[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophies]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:46, November 29, 2024
| Funky Kong | |
|---|---|
 Funky Kong in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | |
| Species | Kong |
| First appearance | Donkey Kong Country (1994) |
| Latest appearance | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Booster Course Pass, Wave 6) (2023) |
| Latest portrayal | Toshihide Tsuchiya (2007–present) |
- “Whoa, Dudes! My name's Funky Kong! My bodacious Jumbo Barrel can launch you to any point on the island!”
- —Funky Kong, Donkey Kong Country
Funky Kong is a Kong who first appears in Donkey Kong Country. While portrayed as an easygoing surfer, Funky is a very skilled mechanic, creating many vehicles and other inventions from limited materials, namely barrels. In most of his appearances, Funky operates a transportation service for the Kongs using one or more of his vehicles. He has also made playable appearances in a few Super Mario spin-off games including Mario Kart Wii and Mario Super Sluggers.
History[edit]
Donkey Kong Country series[edit]
Donkey Kong Country[edit]
Funky Kong is a supporting character in Donkey Kong Country. He is the owner of Funky's Flights, a rental service where he allows Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong to use his Funky Barrel to travel between worlds that they have either accessed or completed.
Funky hosts the Funky's Fishing mini-game in both the Game Boy Color version and Game Boy Advance version, where the goal is to catch as many fish within the time limit. In the Game Boy Advance version, Funky hosts the mini-game along with his flight service during the main game. Donkey Kong and Diddy are no longer required to visit Funky to use his Funky Barrel, as the player can select the "CALL FUNKY" option from the Start menu. In each world, Funky provides a different objective for each Funky's Fishing challenge, such as in Kremkroc Industries, Inc., where Donkey Kong and Diddy must fish out ten bottles. In the same version, Funky is shown during the ending cutscene with the other Kongs.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest[edit]
Funky Kong is a supporting character in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. He hosts another flight service, Funky's Flights II, in every world except the Lost World. Funky allows Diddy and Dixie to use the Biplane Barrel if they pay two Banana Coins, although every trip after the first one are free.
Funky hosts a bonus game, Funky's Flights in each world in the Game Boy Advance version. The Biplane Barrel is replaced with the Gyrocopter, which Funky allows Diddy and Dixie to freely use from the world map after they complete the Aerial Loop challenge. Funky hosts a different challenge in each world, and if Diddy and Dixie complete a challenge, Funky rewards a DK Coin to them. In the same version, Funky also appears with the Gyrocopter in the ending, and he rescues Diddy, Dixie, Donkey Kong, and Cranky from The Flying Krock before it crashes onto the ground. In the 102% ending, Funky drops a bomb onto Kaptain K. Rool from the Gyrocopter to stop him from escaping.
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble![edit]
Funky is a supporting character in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!. Funky operates Funky's Rentals from the Northern Kremisphere map, where he gives Kiddy to Dixie at the start of her adventure. He allows them rent various watercraft to travel across the waters of the Northern Kremisphere. At first, Funky has only the Motor Boat available for lease, but as the Kongs obtain certain items along the way, Funky can use them to construct a few more vehicles, each one more effective for traversing the world map than the previous. After completing Kremwood Forest, the Kongs can take the patch they had obtained and give it to Funky for him to create the Hover Craft. After completing Cotton Top Cove and Mekanos, the Kongs can return the skis to Funky for him to create the Turbo Ski. Throughout the game, the Brothers Bear reference a "secret project" that Funky is working on, the Gyrocopter; if Dixie and Kiddy ask Funky about the project, he acknowledges it but requires the Kongs to obtain every DK Coin to let them use it.
In the Game Boy Advance version, Funky hosts a series of four minigames and rewards the Kongs with a Banana Bird if they complete all of them.
Donkey Kong 64[edit]
Funky is a supporting character in Donkey Kong 64. His main role is operating a weapons store, Funky's Store, which appears in every level except Hideout Helm. He first sells a shooter to each respective Kong when they first visit. In later levels, Funky also sells two ammo belt upgrades, a sniper scope, and the ability to pick up homing ammo. Each time the Kongs are low on ammo, right before a Kong leaves the store, Funky refills their ammo supply entirely. After defeating King Krusha K. Rool at the boxing arena, Candy walks in and distracts him. Meanwhile, Funky walks in and fires a boot at K. Rool, knocking him up through the ceiling of the arena. During the end credits, Funky mimics the sounds of some weapons such as aerial bombs and machine guns on a cliff, then does some acrobatics.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze[edit]
Funky is a supporting character in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. He is the owner of the item shop, named Funky's Fly 'n' Buy. In this way, he replaces Cranky Kong's role as the owner of a shop in the previous installment due to the elderly Kong being a playable character. Funky Kong sells various items to the Kongs in exchange for Banana Coins, including DK Barrels, red, blue, and green balloons, Banana Juice, Squawks, Heart Boosts, and Crash Guards. He also sells collectible toys from the Capsule Toy Machine. The shop operates on every island in the game except Secret Seclusion. When the player visits Funky's shop and they highlight the Crash Guard option, Funky will say: "Vehicle troubles? It's dangerous to go alone- take one of these!", a reference to a well known quote from the first The Legend of Zelda game.
Funky is also a playable character in the Nintendo Switch port, in the newly added "Funky Mode". When selected, Funky replaces Donkey Kong as the main playable character. His abilities, aided by his surfboard, are a combination of Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky, and they include double jumping, hovering, treading on Spiked Floors, and surfing on water in a similar fashion to water skipping. He can perform perpetual Roll Attacks and Corkscrews as well. In addition, he wears a yellow pair of goggles with a snorkel whenever he plunges underwater, enabling him to breathe without having to collect Air Bubbles. Lastly, Funky's surfboard enables him to safely jump on enemies that the other Kongs (except Cranky) cannot safely jump on, such as the Snaggles. He can also perform a Ground Pound like Donkey Kong, even on spikes. He can also execute the new Pluck move slightly faster than even Donkey Kong can, though unlike the latter, he cannot carry the other Kongs on his back, even in multiplayer. While playing as Funky Kong, his shop, Funky's Fly 'n' Buy, is run by a parrot named Tawks, whose speech purposely mimics Funky. If Funky shops at his store, Tawks gives him an employee discount.
Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle[edit]
Funky is a supporting character in Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle. He owns a custom-built plane made from a Barrel, which he uses to transport clients around Donkey Kong Island. He promises Diddy Kong an exciting ride as a passenger while he performs tricks in the air. During their flight, they notice smoke coming from the long-abandoned Big Ape City, which Funky prefers not to investigate because he does not enjoy looking for trouble. After Diddy's flight, Funky gets attacked by a swarm of flying pigs near Big Ape City, causing his plane to crash. Donkey Kong, Cranky Kong, and Diddy cross the jungle on foot, to where he has been held captive by the Kremlings within Big Ape City. The Kremlings believe that Funky Kong is a spy, and they intend to use a painful "truth machine" on him, as ordered by King K. Rool.
After breaking out of his cell, Funky involves himself in defeating a group of Kremlings, although he is normally "too laid back" to fight. He later inspects his plane in the cargo room and finds that he can easily repair most of the damage, although he requires a new water pump for the engine. He draws a map of the factory so that the other Kongs can find a replacement, due to having seen most of the factory while the Kremlings were deciding where to take him. After Funky successfully repairs the engine, all of the Kongs board the plane and Funky flies out from the factory through a hole in the wall. The plane is attacked by the flying pigs a second time; however, Funky has the idea to pour the plane's entire banana milkshake supply onto the pigs so that they are no longer able to fly. Funky then maneuvers his plane over King K. Rool's zeppelin, which allows Donkey Kong and Diddy to plant it with TNT Barrels. After destroying the Factory, Funky Kong flies the others back to their tree house in the jungle.
Super Mario-kun[edit]
Funky Kong is a supporting character in volume 14 of Super Mario-kun. He allows Mario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong to ride the Funky Barrel.
Donkey Kong Land 2[edit]
Funky is a supporting character in Donkey Kong Land 2. His role is identical as in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. If Diddy or Dixie pay Funky two Banana Coins, he allows them to use the Biplane Barrel to travel between worlds from the world map.
Donkey Kong Country television series[edit]
Funky is a major character in the Donkey Kong Country television series. His character is relatively the same as in the games, the adventure-loving owner of Funky's Flights and one of Donkey Kong's best friends. A running gag throughout the show involves him being incompetent at maneuvering his plane. In addition to enjoying surfing and dancing, Funky is portrayed as exceptionally spiritual in the show, known to talk about subjects such as karma quite often. On the show, Funky is portrayed with golden fur instead of brown, more goggle-like glasses, and a Jamaican accent, provided by voice actor Damon D'Oliveira. Likewise, his appearances on the show are often accompanied by reggae or ska background music.
Bumm-Badabumm im Urwald[edit]
In the Donkey Kong comic "Bumm-Badabumm im Urwald", Funky (being called "Funky-Kong", with a hyphen in his name) despite not actually appearing in the story, does play a crucial role in it. In the comic, Funky is the one who alerts Donkey, Diddy and Dixie Kong, through drumming, that the Kremling Krew has plundered all the bananas on Donkey Kong Island.
Club Nintendo[edit]
In the German edition Club Nintendo, Funky Kong appears in a somewhat minor role in the comic "Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24", where he appears at the celebration the Kong Family has at its end. In Club Nintendo's comic book length adaptation of Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Funky makes a brief appearance in the scene where Cranky explains Banana Coins and Kremkoins to Diddy and Dixie.
DK series[edit]
DK: King of Swing[edit]
Funky is a non-playable character in Adventure mode and a playable character in Jungle Jam mode in DK: King of Swing. In Adventure mode, Funky makes a minor appearance in both the opening and ending cutscenes. As a playable character, Funky's attack is strong but his jump is weak.
DK: Jungle Climber[edit]
Funky is a supporting character in Adventure mode and a playable character in the VS. Mode of DK: Jungle Climber. He and many others in the Kong Family go on vacation to Sun Sun Island. When Donkey, Diddy, and Cranky meet the banana alien Xananab and decide to help in his quest to reclaim his Crystal Bananas from King K. Rool, Funky aids the four by flying them to the different islands as they track down the Kremlings. If Donkey Kong collects a certain amount of oil barrels, he can give them to Funky Kong to power his airplane, which can fly them to a smaller version of the island they are on. Although he is not playable in story mode, he is playable in the game's wireless multiplayer mode as P4.
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast[edit]
Funky Kong is an unlockable playable character in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast. Funky can be unlocked by completing the Diamond Cup as a Kong character. Funky's stats are shared with Kludge, having very low boost and agility but maximum speed.
Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
In the Super Smash Bros. series, a trophy of Funky Kong can obtained in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U. He also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a master spirit. He runs a shop called Funky Kong's Shack, where he sells snacks, Skill Spheres, Support Items, and spirits that are themed around transportation.
Mario Kart series[edit]
Mario Kart Wii[edit]
Funky Kong makes his first appearance in the Super Mario franchise in Mario Kart Wii, appearing as an unlockable playable character. He is a large-sized character, unlocked by unlocking four Expert Staff Ghost Data on Time Trial mode, by winning 25 WFC Ghost Races, or by playing 2,250 races. Funky Kong is the Staff Ghost for GCN DK Mountain. While he does not have his own race course, he does have his own battle arena: Funky Stadium. Although Funky Kong features a good speed bonus, it is not as good as that of Baby Luigi and Baby Daisy. However, being a large-sized racer, Funky can use the Jetsetter and Spear, which are the fastest kart and bike in the game, respectively.
Some of Funky Kong's voice clips from Donkey Kong Barrel Blast are reused for his voice in this game. Additionally, Donkey Kong has a similar in-game model to Funky Kong in the game, with them also using many similar animations due to the developers using Donkey Kong's model as a base to create Funky Kong.[1]
Mario Kart Tour[edit]
Funky Kong returns in Mario Kart Tour as a High-End driver, being made available on May 20, 2020. He was part of the first week's spotlight of the Jungle Tour, alongside the Bolt Buggy and the Banana Wingtip. Funky also returned as part of the 2nd week spotlight of the 2020 Los Angeles Tour. Starting with the 2021 Cat Tour, he is now a regular High-End driver, and starting with the Bowser vs. DK Tour, he has his own self-named cup. Funky Kong’s special item is the Banana Barrels, which is shared with Diddy Kong and the Light Green Mii Racing Suit.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]
Funky Kong appears as one of four new racers in the sixth and final wave of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass DLC, alongside Diddy Kong, Pauline, and Peachette. His model is reused from Mario Kart Tour, and he is the only Booster Course Pass character not to reuse his icon from that game.[2] He is again a heavyweight character in this game, sharing statistics with Wario, Dry Bowser, and heavy Miis. Funky Kong uses the turquoise Peach Parasol glider, making him and Kamek the only male characters (not counting Wiggler, whose gender is unknown) to use a recolor of the glider. He also uses a red Super Glider instead of a light-blue one like in Mario Kart Tour, making him the only character whose Super Glider color does not match their main vehicle color, with the red color presumably chosen to match the color of his surfboard. A CPU controlled Funky Kong uses the same kart combination options as Donkey Kong. During the majority of his Jump Boost animations and his character selection animation, Funky Kong will pull out his surfboard and show it off.
Mario Super Sluggers[edit]
Funky Kong is an unlockable playable team player in Mario Super Sluggers. He has good batting and decent fielding skills, while lacking in pitching and running skills. He is the only Kong in the game who bats with his right hand, while fielding with his left hand. He has good chemistry with all the Kongs and bad chemistry with all the Kremlings. He is unlocked after he joins the player in Challenge Mode.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie[edit]
Funky Kong appears in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, where he is shown driving just behind Donkey Kong, alongside Mario, Princess Peach, Toad, and the Kong army on Rainbow Road. A picture of Funky Kong riding a surfboard can also be seen in the hut where Cranky Kong describes the plan to drive to Rainbow Road.
Other appearances[edit]
Although Funky Kong does not appear in Donkey Kong Country Returns, he is referenced by Cranky Kong, who wishes that someone with a plane (such as Funky) could get them to the top of the island.
Funky Kong's face appears in Picross NP Vol. 8 as one of the images that must be cleared. After solving the puzzle, he shows his eyes to the player.
Additionally, some merchandise based on Funky Kong has been released, most of it based off his appearance in Donkey Kong Country or the television series; this includes objects such as statuettes, plush dolls, mini figures, and keychains.
Unused appearances[edit]
Diddy Kong Pilot[edit]
Funky Kong was playable in the Space World 2000 build of Diddy Kong Pilot. He was unique among the Kongs and other Super Mario characters for being the only character to not use a plane, instead riding his surfboard with a rocket engine attached to the underside, allowing it to fly, similar to his hovering surfboard in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. Funky's design resembles his appearance in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest with a purple bandana and swim trunks, and his portrait depicting him with a red polka-dotted bandana. He is located to the left of Cranky Kong in the hand-drawn placeholder art.
Funky was also playable in the 2003 iteration of Diddy Kong Pilot. He was a member of Team Kong along with Donkey, Diddy and Dixie Kong. Now riding a silver jet instead of his surfboard and with his polka-dotted bandana visible in his sprites, Funky Kong had similar top speed to DK but lower weight and acceleration. When playing as Team Krem, Funky Kong would have been the third boss and would attack the team with machine gun fire and by dropping tornados behind his jet.
In Banjo-Pilot, Funky's silver jet was recolored yellow and blue to be used by Banjo. Despite this, Mumbo Jumbo's stats closely correlate to Funky's racing stats in the 2003 build than Banjo's stats do.
General information[edit]
Physical appearance[edit]
- “I only added teeth, bandana and shades to the DK model back in '94, but I still get to claim Funky as mine 😁He looks much better now, btw.”
- —Donkey Kong Country character designer Steve Mayles on Funky's creation
Funky Kong has the same general build as fellow Kongs such as Donkey Kong and Swanky Kong, being both large and muscular. Funky's fur is generally light brown in color, though the shade of it varies in his appearances and artwork, being either light or dark. In all of his appearances, Funky wears a pair of sunglasses which conceal what his eyes look like; however, in Donkey Kong Country, Funky has an animation of him lifting his sunglasses and revealing a pair of eyes just like Donkey Kong's, and in Donkey Kong 64, his sunglasses are transparent, so his eyes are visible. Funky's sunglasses were originally black in color in Donkey Kong Country, but virtually all subsequent appearances depict as being purple tinted. The exception is in Donkey Kong 64 where his sunglasses are tinted red.
In Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, and Donkey Kong Land 2, Funky Kong's attire is essentially the same, with him wearing a red bandanna with white polka-dots, medals around his neck ("bling"), a purple swimsuit, and sandals. In the latter games, Funky is shown to be surfing on surfboard while in midair.
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! radically alters Funky's appearance, having him discard his medals and replace them with tools slung from a tool belt; Funky also wears a white muscle shirt, blue shorts and black boots in this game. Additionally, he has an upright posture and is taller than his last appearance.
In Donkey Kong 64, Funky was once again redesigned, this time wearing a navy blue camouflage print attire and army hat, black combat boots and red teashades. He is noticeably more muscular than Donkey Kong, though not as burly as Chunky Kong.
More recently, Funky's appearance has remained consistent, being identical to his attire from Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, aside from his tool belt being replaced by a regular one and having no boots.
While Funky's bandanna has always been red with white polka dots in official artwork, in-game sprites depicted it as purple in the first two Donkey Kong Country games and solid red in the third. DK: King of Swing introduced Funky's modern design, and it is the first game where Funky has a polka-dot bandanna.
Personality[edit]
Funky Kong is a laid-back primate like Donkey Kong. According to his guide bio from Mario Kart Wii and as he himself states in the story from the manual of Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Funky Kong abhors adventuring, preferring to aid his friends through other means, such as through his shops and flight services. Funky is portrayed as bold and energetic, and often uses casual phrases in his speech (e.g. "This. Stuff. Is. Awesome. I have no idea what it is, dude, but it tastes radical!"). Also, despite his dislike for adventuring, it seems that he is willing to adventure to help his friends, as he is a playable character in the Nintendo Switch version of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Funky's hobbies include such things as surfing and tinkering with and building various machinery such as vehicles and weapons.
Profiles and statistics[edit]
- Main article: List of Funky Kong profiles and statistics
DK: King of Swing[edit]
- Instruction booklet: "The sunglasses wearing, coolest of the Kongs. Preferring attack-based contests to races, he's the dark horse of the Jungle Jam."
- Jump: 2
- Attack: 4
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast[edit]
| Funky Kong | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||
| Rival | Kludge | Boost | 1/5 | ||
| Speed | 5/5 | Agility | 1/5 | ||
| How to unlock: Win the Diamond Cup with a Kong. | |||||
Mario Kart Wii[edit]
- Size: Large
- Actual Bonuses
- Speed: +4
- Off-Road: +3
- Guide Bio: "This funky monkey doesn't like adventuring, so he's split his time between surfing, drumming, and learning some of the craziest kart shortcuts around!"
Quotes[edit]
- Main article: List of Funky Kong quotes
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze[edit]
- "Whoa, long time no see! Welcome to Funky's Fly 'n' Buy. Don't tell me you forgot your pal Funky Kong? I'm here to help ya on another epic adventure!" (introducing himself when first entering his shop)
- "Pitfalls got ya down? Way down? This balloon will really lift your spirits!" (Selecting a Green Balloon)
- "Feeling the need for some jet-powered action? Diddy's got the skills!" (Selecting a Diddy Kong Barrel)
- "Wanna get the jump on those frozen flipper-heads? Dixie's your dudette! (Selecting a Dixie Kong Barrel)
- "Need a little extra spring in your step? Cranky's no spring chicken, but he sure is spry! (Selecting a Cranky Kong Barrel)
- "Radical! I was about to say, if I had a coin for every time I saw you fall out there, I'd be surfin' instead of sellin'!" (Buying a Red Balloon)
- "Groovy, gotcha down for an appointment with the bodacious bird! What, didja think you owned him now? Nah!" (Purchasing Squawks)
- "With this, you'll totally show those annoying Snowmads what it means to be on like Donkey Kong!" (Buying Banana Juice)
- "Three's totally better than two, right? Yeah, that's totally right." (Buying a Heart Boost)
- "Whoa, slow down there, dude! You're totally overloaded!" (Trying to buy a Red Balloon when at maximum capacity)
- "Whoa, dude, you've got all the toys there are! Hey, wanna do some trading later?" (Trying to buy a figurine when the player has the whole collection)
- "Remember to work with your buddies, Kong. A little extra help might be what ya need to find some cool hidden stuff!" (Leaving the shop)
- "Those Snowmads are a gnarly bunch! I hear they're enjoyin' your island. Go get 'em, DK!" (Leaving the shop)
- "Show those pesky penguins the radical righteousness of us supreme simians!" (Leaving the shop)
Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle[edit]
- "Just surfing the wind currents, dudes. Nothing to get uptight about. Stay mellow, stay cool."
- "That used to be the biggest city on Donkey Kong Island. It's called Big Ape City."
- "I don't go looking for trouble, and most of the time it doesn't come looking for me."
Portrayals[edit]
- Damon D'Oliveira - Donkey Kong Country television series
- Toshihide Tsuchiya (2007-present)
List of appearances[edit]
| Title | Description | Release date | System/format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donkey Kong Country | Non-playable character | 1994 | Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
| Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest | Non-playable character | 1995 | Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
| Donkey Kong Land 2 | Non-playable character | 1996 | Game Boy |
| Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! | Non-playable character | 1996 | Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
| Donkey Kong 64 | Non-playable character | 1999 | Nintendo 64 |
| Picross NP Vol. 8 | Cameo | Japan: June 1, 2000 |
Super Famicom |
| Donkey Kong Country | Non-playable character | 2000 | Game Boy Color |
| Donkey Kong Country | Non-playable character | 2003 | Game Boy Advance |
| Donkey Kong Country 2 | Non-playable character | 2004 | Game Boy Advance |
| Donkey Konga 2 | Non-playable character | 2004 | Nintendo GameCube |
| DK: King of Swing | Playable character in Jungle Jam mode | 2005 | Game Boy Advance |
| Donkey Konga 3 JP | Playable character | 2005 | Nintendo GameCube |
| Donkey Kong Country 3 | Non-playable character | 2005 | Game Boy Advance |
| Donkey Kong Barrel Blast | Unlockable playable character | 2007 | Wii |
| DK: Jungle Climber | Playable in VS mode | 2007 | Nintendo DS |
| Super Smash Bros. Brawl | Cameo as a trophy and sticker | 2008 | Wii |
| Mario Kart Wii | Unlockable playable character | 2008 | Wii |
| Mario Super Sluggers | Unlockable playable character | 2008 | Wii |
| Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | Non-playable character | 2014 | Wii U |
| Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U | Cameo as a trophy | 2014 | Nintendo 3DS / Wii U |
| Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | Playable character | 2018 | Nintendo Switch |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Cameo as a spirit | 2018 | Nintendo Switch |
| Mario Kart Tour | Playable character (requires update) | 2020 (Jungle Tour) | Android / iOS |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (version 3.0.0) | Downloadable playable character | 2023 (Booster Course Pass, Wave 6) | Nintendo Switch |
Gallery[edit]
- For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Funky Kong.
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ファンキーコング[?] Fankī Kongu |
Funky Kong | |
| Chinese (simplified) | 酷喜刚[?] Kùxǐ Gāng |
From 酷 ("Cool") and 森喜(刚/剛) ("Donkey Kong") | |
| Chinese (traditional) | 酷喜剛[?] Kùxǐ Gāng |
From 酷 ("Cool") and 森喜(刚/剛) ("Donkey Kong") | |
| French | Funky Kong[?] | - | |
| Funky[3] | |||
| German | Funky Kong[?] | - | |
| Italian | Funky Kong[?] | - | |
| Korean | 펑키 콩[?] Peongki Kong |
Funky Kong | |
| Portuguese | Funky Kong[?] | - | |
| Russian | Фанки Конг[?] Fanki Kong |
Transliteration of the English name, Funky Kong | |
| Spanish | Funky Kong[?] | - |
Trivia[edit]
- "Funky Kong" was one of the proposed names for Donkey Kong that was rejected during the eponymous game's development.[4]
- In Issue #262 of Nintendo Power's "The Score," a page listing the results of online polls, Funky Kong was voted the most wanted Kong who is not present in Donkey Kong Country Returns.
- Funky Kong's Mario Super Sluggers baseball card listed his Rookie Year as 1999, even though his first appearance was in Donkey Kong Country, which was released in 1994.
References[edit]
- ^ Mario Kart Wii. The Cutting Room Floor. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
- ^ Nintendo of America (September 14, 2023). Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass Wave 6 - Nintendo Switch 9.14.2023. YouTube. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ Bienvenue sur DKTV. Archived November 9, 2000, 13:29:00 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
- ^ Norman Caruso (January 30, 2020). Before settling on the name "Donkey Kong," Nintendo considered a ton of other ideas. ....not sure who suggested "Kong Dong" 😳. X (formerly Twitter) (English). Retrieved June 29, 2024. (Archived February 5, 2020, 02:41:12 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
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