# Talk:Donkey Kong (character)

I'm hoping to push this article into 100% relevancy when you search "donkey kong" we can obviously have a link at the top for the disambiguation page. the reason why should be obvious.76.27.215.219 (talk) 08:05, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

The original videogame is probably what most people are looking for, since it was a cultural phenomenon. The character is an offshoot of the game. 132.68.209.33 (talk) 07:37, 3 April 2008 (UTC)

I propose that, since many people know DK as a classic video game and not as a major character, people would expect to see the original DK rather than the character DK or the DK series. - A Link to the Past (talk) 23:02, 28 March 2008 (UTC)

There has been a common misconception among Wikipedia editors that needs to be clear up. According to some editors, Nintendo of Japan does not recognized the current Donkey Kong introduced in Donkey Kong Country as a separate character from the original Donkey Kong from the arcade game. I will say that this is entirely false.
Looking at this article from Nintendo Online Magazine, uploaded in 2000 (during the release of Donkey Kong 64), Nintendo of Japan clearly recognizes the original Donkey Kong (now known as Cranky)  and the current Donkey Kong as separate characters. Not only that, they also recognize Junior and the current Kong as separate characters.
According to this article. The Donkey Kong from the arcade game appears in a few games (including cameos) until the '94 Game Boy game. Afterwards, he becomes Cranky Kong in the Country series, while his grandson inherits the Donkey Kong name.
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0002/01/family1.html
All the video games outside the Country series merely support this, from Super Smash Bros. and Mario Baseball, they're not revealing anything new.
Jonny2x4 (talk) 19:33, 13 April 2008 (UTC)

This has been noted in the Wikipedia article several times. Relax. 89.138.196.99 (talk) 21:46, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
I'm simply pointing out this fact in case anyone feels the need to bring up this (non-existing) contradiction between Nintendo and Rare. No need to tell "just relax" if you're not bringing up anything to discussion. Jonny2x4 (talk) 02:17, 4 May 2008 (UTC)
Smash Bros., made entirely by Nintendo, also claims that Cranky Kong was the original Donkey Kong.  What does Nintendo of Japan say regarding that? King Zeal (talk) 03:37, 4 May 2008 (UTC)
That's my point, Cranky is the original Donkey and the current Donkey is his grandson. That was never my argument. My argument is that Donkey is NOT the son of Cranky. The only evidence of Donkey Kong being the son of Cranky Kong in the games is when he calls him "son" in DK64 and that seems to be more of a term of endearment that an actual evidence in the stories of being his son. Jonny2x4 (talk) 05:10, 26 May 2008 (UTC)
Well, Cranky Kong was married to current Donkey Kong's mother, Wrinkly Kong... 76.204.123.119 (talk) 16:07, 13 February 2011 (UTC)

I think it needs rewording. 89.139.158.222 (talk) 18:20, 29 April 2008 (UTC)

I don't think it sounds dirty at all, but I do question why it is even needed... -Zomic13 (talk) 20:08, 29 April 2008 (UTC)

Please consider adding this gallery as a list of relevant photos about Donkey Kong: Snapshots of Donkey Kong from Super Smash Bros. Brawl  RyanTMulligan (talk) 16:16, 15 May 2008 (UTC)

You also used that website as a citation instead of a reliable source. In this case, explain how exactly is a gallery of images relevant to the article and complies with WP:EL? « ₣M₣ » 16:05, 15 May 2008 (UTC)

It seems reasonable to change the "other appearances" section from prose to a list, preferably ordered by release date. Opinions?
85.250.159.6 (talk) 04:27, 20 August 2008 (UTC)

This article needs help. I recently moved some of the content from Appearances to "Characteristics". The "Appearances" needs more plot-info about what happened in the games. I think this article had a similar problem as Mario. They used to read like a series page, instead of a character page. Blake (Talk·Edits) 23:45, 25 April 2011 (UTC)

"He is roughly twice the size of a normal gorilla, weighing approximately 800 pounds." - This seems pretty trivial, and is unsourced. Harry Blue5 (talk) 00:18, 26 April 2011 (UTC)

Yes, I know the original Donkey Kong is Cranky, but this is just clutching at straws.  It's misinforming people and confusing them with fanbase-specific hints which haven't even been officially confirmed.  Donkey Kong's first game was Donkey Kong, that's why it's called Donkey Kong.  To say it is DKC downplays his history and importance to the Mario series.  The Cranky connection shouldn't even be mentioned outside of a "Trivia" section.

Telling people things that they don't know isn't "confusing". It's why this website exists. If someone got King George III confused with King George I and thought he was born in 1660 instead of 1738, then the fact that the page corrects this is helpful. Likewise, if someone confuses Donkey Kong III with Donkey Kong I, it would be better to correct it instead of further disseminating the error. Donkey Kong is not his own grandpa. — DanielLC 22:06, 30 April 2023 (UTC)

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@TheJoebro64 would it be better to switch to a render or more stylized 2D art in this article's case? I'm fine for the Mario series characters to get 2D art because it is somewhat consistent to the original games' style, but this DK's visual style, being created for computer animation and definitely resembles more of Banjo & Kazooie than the general visual style of Mario. (Why would we use the original DK here for the sake of 2D art anyway.) This DK had not appeared in a single main Mario series game directly, so whatever image that should illustrate the character should at least be prioritizing those from the DKC series AND be visually consistent to that series at least, switching to Mario series 2D promo art makes as much sense as Crash Bandicoot (character) having stock promotional art from Spyro crossover games to represent the character. MimirIsSmart (talk) 22:32, 1 September 2024 (UTC)

For what it's worth, I had chosen this Mario vs. Donkey Kong art before someone else changed it to Nakaue art since it's from a Donkey Kong game, still looks relatively consistent, and just represents the character better. I'd say we should revert to that one. JOEBRO64 02:52, 2 September 2024 (UTC)
I would prefer using a render from one of the later Donkey Kong Country games because his design has stayed consistent in his main series, at least until better 2D art of this DK  like the ones used in Crash Bandicoot (character) and Spyro (character) appears. The image you initially uploaded does a good job of showing the character, though I believe an illustration of DK posing is definitely a better representation of the character than just holding a barrel. MimirIsSmart (talk) 00:52, 4 September 2024 (UTC)

Hi there. I was wondering if we could add information about Donkey Kong's best friend, Diddy Kong. He doesn't have his own article nor the main villain of the franchise, King K. Rool. I'm also perfectly sure that both Diddy Kong and King K. Rool should have their own articles. They were the most popular characters in the franchise only behind Donkey Kong himself and are even playable in Super Smash Bros. I Hope that both Diddy Kong and King K. Rool will get their own articles in the future. Thank You. 2605:B100:143:3B0F:C012:DCAA:79F8:D5AE (talk) 02:10, 16 October 2024 (UTC)

I agree that it would be great if those two characters had articles, but Wikipedia doesn't work like that. We need significant coverage from reliable sources to have an article on a character. These characters sadly do not have enough significant coverage to meet our requirements. QuicoleJR (talk) 15:39, 16 October 2024 (UTC)

I recently made an edit asserting that the Donkey Kong series is simply a subseries of the larger Mario franchise, and that listing both in the 'series' parameter in the infobox of this article is redundant. However, that edit was subsequently reverted.
The original Donkey Kong arcade game is often considered the first entry in the Mario franchise, introducing Mario and Donkey Kong as characters and establishing the series' platforming roots. As such, I would argue that even though Mario originated as a spin-off of Donkey Kong, that the Donkey Kong franchise is now simply part of the larger Mario franchise, with the characters of the two being largely integrated and both forming one consistent fictional universe. This is also consistent with how the Mario franchise article (especially its infobox) treats these two series.
However, this assumption is definitely not universal. Tagging TheJoebro64 to hear your thoughts on the matter. Loytra (talk) 03:32, 27 January 2025 (UTC)

The Donkey Kong article (a featured article, unlike the Mario one) is pretty clear that Donkey Kong is a separate franchise from Mario. It's tricky because they have shared origins and characters who overlap between both of them, but they're separate franchises with distinct histories. To call Donkey Kong simply a subseries of the Mario franchise is... reductive at best, outright false at worst. Not to mention, Nintendo treats them as separate on their website ([3]), and from my reading RSs regard Mario Bros. as the first Mario franchise game. JOEBRO64 13:01, 27 January 2025 (UTC)
Donkey Kong does appear in other Mario games though. I’ve read that his first canonical appearance in the Mario franchise is Yoshi’s Island DS, and that the Donkey Kong in that game is the same DK from Donkey Kong Country onward. SportsGamer257 (talk) 14:37, 7 May 2025 (UTC)

Are there any sources surrounding the controversial design change for Donkey Kong? If so, can we add a short paragraph about it. I'm only asking just so we can add new info. I personally am alright with the change because I understand that Nintendo most likely wants a wider range of expressions for Donkey Kong.
Also, when a new image featuring Donkey Kong's new design comes out in the future, can we use it instead of the 2D image? 2603:6010:8B00:44FF:5007:9D54:4A2:AA3D (talk) 02:19, 4 April 2025 (UTC)

The redirect Donkey Kong Jr. Jr. has been listed at redirects for discussion to determine whether its use and function meets the redirect guidelines. Readers of this page are welcome to comment on this redirect at Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion/Log/2025 April 8 § Donkey Kong Jr. Jr. until a consensus is reached.  /over.throws/✎ 15:09, 8 April 2025 (UTC)

This review is transcluded from Talk:Donkey Kong (character)/GA1. The edit link for this section can be used to add comments to the review.
Nominator: TheJoebro64 (talk · contribs) 15:00, 29 April 2025 (UTC)
Reviewer: Cukie Gherkin (talk · contribs) 21:18, 29 April 2025 (UTC)

Lead

Rewrite "throws barrels to attack or uncover power-ups" as "attacks using barrels," as this allows it to be inclusive of DK's villain and hero roles
Done JOEBRO64 14:45, 2 May 2025 (UTC)
The final line of the first paragraph feels a little out of place. I would suggest perhaps moving it after DKC is introduced as a thing and making it all about DKC, while moving the mention of Mario to the sentence about DK 81.
I don't think it's out of place—the paragraph is giving an overview of who DK is, and I think that includes who his main supporting cast is. JOEBRO64 01:05, 3 June 2025 (UTC)
The discussion of DK's gender role vs. Mario and Pauline is an interesting one, but I feel it may be too few sources discussing it to be something for the lead to include.
It's mentioned in two sources in the body. It's just a passing mention so I don't see why it should be removed. JOEBRO64 14:45, 2 May 2025 (UTC)
Images

I wonder if the rational for the Cranky Kong image is strong enough. I feel like the actual design of the character and how he differs from a typical design for DK is not given much, if any, commentary. Personally, I think that there is a stronger rationale to include an image of Bananza DK than Cranky Kong.
I updated the image in development to show the Bananza design. I'm on the fence about removing the Cranky image as I think it's important to underscore that an incarnation of DK persists as an alternate character. I'll definitely strengthen the FUR if I bring this to FAC at some point. JOEBRO64 19:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC)
Character

Might be worth adding Skylanders, since he was notably one of only two Nintendo characters to appear (along with Bowser).
Added it to the Appearances section in Development JOEBRO64 22:31, 12 May 2025 (UTC)
Are there any primary sources describing his personality? I wouldn't ask to have non-primary summaries of his personality removed, but the fact that Nintendo World Report is the only source used to cite his personality does give me pause. I'm not inherently against a single source being used for something like a character's personality, but for such a big character, I would imagine official sources exist to verify the kind of person he is.
From my looking, not really—just a few mentions that he's dumb, and that's not even super consistent across his appearances. I get the sense Nintendo treats him as sort of a blank slate a la Mario, so official sources don't get into the nitty gritty. JOEBRO64 01:05, 3 June 2025 (UTC)
"Nintendo World Report's Pedro Hernandez noted" should tweak that to make clearer that this is Hernandez's perspective on the character, as "noted" can imply that this is something to be accepted as fact.
Done JOEBRO64 01:05, 3 June 2025 (UTC)
I feel like you should be mindful of what's included here; for example, Donkey Kong Country Returns is mentioned in Reception, but nowhere else. If I may make a suggestion, it may be worthwhile to mention that DK is kidnapped in DKC2 and 3, is playable in DK64, and returns in a starring role in both Returns and Tropical Freeze. I understand that you may want to avoid adding too many games, but I think these three are worth mentioning, especially since they are all discussed later.
All mentioned in the Appearances section in Development JOEBRO64 22:31, 12 May 2025 (UTC)
Another game I think may be worthwhile to mention is to say that DK has been in every Mario Kart since Mario Kart 64, and perhaps mention that he was originally not planned for inclusion in it. Same as mentioning his appearance in all Smash titles.
Done, added to the Appearances section in Development JOEBRO64 22:31, 12 May 2025 (UTC)
In other media

"Visitors may take pictures with a Donkey Kong mascot." I feel this could be better incorporated into the previous section by mentioning that there is a DK mascot at the park, as photos are implied
Looks like this was done by another editor JOEBRO64 01:05, 3 June 2025 (UTC)
Conception

"the Nintendo CEO Hiroshi Yamauchi" Feels like it should be "then Nintendo CEO," not sure if typo or not.
WP:FALSETITLE JOEBRO64 22:31, 12 May 2025 (UTC)
I wonder if "according to court documents" is necessary, if only because a reader may wonder why court's involved since it's not been evoked yet. Minor nitpick tbh
I think it's necessary as court documents are a bit complex when it comes to citing them. Since contentious statements can be made in filings/affidavits/etc, it should probably be mentioned for the sake of qualification. JOEBRO64 22:31, 12 May 2025 (UTC)
Appearances

"Donkey Kong has appeared in dozens of games.[70] Donkey Kong's popularity quickly led to the production of a sequel, Donkey Kong Jr." I feel like these two sentences could reasonably be made into one
Is there any commentary on DK Jr.'s success, or it leading into Donkey Kong 3? I feel like DK3's failure comes up rather abruptly is all.
I removed mention of DK3's failure, checked and it's not mentioned in that source and also seems more suited for the franchise article than here. JOEBRO64 01:05, 3 June 2025 (UTC)
Design

"Miyamoto designed Donkey Kong to appear dumb,[6] as he saw him as a humorous rather than evil antagonist." Antagonist feels unnecessary given the context of the sentence; instead, you could say "saw him as humorous rather than evil."
Done JOEBRO64 22:31, 12 May 2025 (UTC)
I feel like some of the comments here about DK's Bananza design would work better in the last paragraph of Commentary, Scullion's comment could be kept to provide a description of his design, but I think it would be nice if multiple sources could be found that also describe it like this.
Moved Bayliss's commentary down. JOEBRO64 01:05, 3 June 2025 (UTC)
Voice

I feel like the first and second paragraphs should swap, especially since it deals with the same thing as the third (non-VG VA)
Done JOEBRO64 19:09, 12 June 2025 (UTC)
Commentary

Could another source be found on the game's success being attributed to the character? I think that would be helpful.
I haven't had time to look so I added attribution. Should suffice for now. JOEBRO64 19:09, 12 June 2025 (UTC)
I feel like Donkey Kong's popularity fading is a good stopping point for the paragraph, and Reeve's comment on DKC reviving its popularity could be included in the next paragraph.
Done JOEBRO64 19:09, 12 June 2025 (UTC)
"The Country games received criticism" feels a little unnecessary for this section, as the articles cited for this line doesn't really cover the character as part of this criticism. I feel like some restructuring would help, like maybe take commentary from these articles about how the visuals were seen as elevating a game that the cited critics felt was otherwise poor or overrated.
Did some rewriting, let me know what you think JOEBRO64 19:09, 12 June 2025 (UTC)
Analysis

"Games featuring Donkey Kong as a protagonist depict melodramatic adventures that emphasize action over characterization." The way this is phrased, I feel like it's stating as fact in how it's written, and should be tweaked due to it being only supported by a single reference.
I personally think this is an uncontroversial statement that's unlikely to be challenged—Donkey Kong games aren't particularly known for having complex characters and storytelling: "(Donkey Kong is) Nintendo's oldest major franchise and perhaps its least narratively-driven"
I feel like the analyses by PopMatters staff and Wesp should be clarified sooner as being their analyses.
Attribute it to "PopMatters staff"
Done JOEBRO64 19:09, 12 June 2025 (UTC)
In popular culture

I feel like "Considered Nintendo's second-biggest character" ought to be connected to the first sentence.
Done JOEBRO64 19:09, 12 June 2025 (UTC)
"The director, Rich Moore, said Ralph was conceived as an animal similar to Donkey Kong before becoming more distinct" 'before becoming more distinct' can be dropped, as being human implies that he became more distinct
Done JOEBRO64 19:09, 12 June 2025 (UTC)
Sources

I noticed that there were ref ideas on the talk page; have these been included or otherwise determined to not be useful?
Forgot to clean it up as I rewrote, I removed all the used/unnecessary ones. I left two that I may incorporate later. JOEBRO64 19:09, 12 June 2025 (UTC)
Spotcheck

[4] Checked
[5] Checked
[6] Article does not mention Gregg or Cranky's senility
[7] Checked; side note: I noticed this sentence "He is stubborn, buffoonish, and innocent, and strives to help others and be accepted." It's not technically incorrect, but it does read a little awkwardly with three ands in close succession; could you rephrase it?
General comments

Make sure to be consistent between ". and ." (only a couple instances I noticed)


#### Comments
Apologize for the delay in resolving all this—been chaotic these past few weeks! Will finish up this week. JOEBRO64 00:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC)

No problem, take your time. Once you're done responding to comments, I'll double check the changes (and non-changes) and finish the spotcheck Cukie Gherkin (talk) 04:35, 28 May 2025 (UTC)
@Cukie Gherkin: well it's been a bit longer than a week eh? Done lol JOEBRO64 19:09, 12 June 2025 (UTC)
Spotcheck done @Joebro64:, just needs one issue dealt with (and a small side issue I caught). I'm still skeptical about the Cranky Kong image; for FAC, I would definitely try to look for any sources that discuss Cranky's design in context to DK. - Cukie Gherkin (talk) 01:05, 23 June 2025 (UTC)
@Joebro64: - Cukie Gherkin (talk) 16:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC)
ah, didn't get the ping! Will resolve once I'm home from work JOEBRO64 19:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC)
@Cukie Gherkin: done JOEBRO64 01:10, 1 July 2025 (UTC)
Sorry about the delay. Nice job, I'm comfortable passing this. - Cukie Gherkin (talk) 17:54, 4 July 2025 (UTC)

I changed character to fictional character but all of a sudden it was reverted. Why did this happen? 50.100.64.165 (talk) 16:57, 3 October 2025 (UTC)

All characters are fictional characters. It's tautological. Popcornfud (talk) 16:58, 3 October 2025 (UTC)