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Luma (JP) (also referred to as Apricot Luma[1], Baby Luma[2], Little Luma[3] or young master Luma) is a major character in the games Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. Like many other Mario characters, he is named after his species.

History[]

Background[]

As chronicled in Rosalina's Storybook, Luma was first met by a young Rosalina near a rusted spaceship; he explained to her that he was awaiting his mother, who was coming for him on a comet. Rosalina promised to wait with him, and the two eventually repaired the spaceship with the intent of using it to search for her themselves. As the pair travelled through the cosmos, they came across a comet made of ice and, though there was no sign of Luma's mother, decided to remain on it as they continued their search. One night, after dreaming of her own mother leaving her, Rosalina took Luma in her arms and adopted him as her own, promising to take care of him herself from then on.

Using materials they found frozen beneath the comet's ice, Rosalina and Luma constructed a house for themselves. Following the arrival of more of his kind from a nearby planet, Luma began to fight with them over Rosalina, who proceeded to welcome them into her new home and give names to them all. Some time later, when reminded of her former home and family, Rosalina became saddened once more - to cheer her up, Luma reminded her that her mother would always be a part of her and transformed into the Beacon so that she would have a way of visiting her home planet every 100 years.

Super Mario series[]

Super Mario Galaxy[]

Many centuries later, Bowser attacks the observatory and steals the Grand Stars it requires to function - it is presumed that during the confrontation, the reborn Luma was knocked from his home and fell to the Mushroom Kingdom below. Luma is then found by Princess Peach, who invites Mario to her castle during the Star Festival to show him her discovery. After Mario is sent flying off into the cosmos by Kamek's attack, Peach sends Luma after him as her castle is towed away by Bowser's forces to the center of the universe.

Luma is formally introduced to Mario when he awakens on a planet within the Gateway Galaxy - after giving him a brief tutorial and a game of hide-and-seek, the star child determines Mario may be capable of helping Rosalina and joins him at his mother's request, taking up residence beneath the Mario Cap and in the process granting him the spin maneuver. Together, the two make their way through numerous galaxies and slowly reclaim the lost Power Stars, eventually returning enough power to the observatory's Beacon to allow themselves access to Bowser's Galaxy Reactor, where Mario uses Luma's powers to defeat the Koopa King once and for all.

Following Bowser's defeat and the rescue of the final Grand Star, the star it had already begun to form implodes on itself due to a lack of power - the ensuing black hole begins to rapidly consume the entire universe. Luma then appears from Mario's Cap and, after a wave goodbye, flings himself into the heart of the catastrophe, and is followed by the other Lumas. Their efforts succeed in stabilizing the black hole, destroying it and restoring the cosmos to their former state.

After the player collects all 120 Power Stars and defeats the final boss once more, a secret ending is displayed, in which Rosalina is shown thanking the player and promising to watch over them from beyond the stars before departing from the Gateway Galaxy in the observatory. The scene then shifts to the dilapidated spaceship from her storybook, with Luma peering out from inside; he waves once more at the camera before rising up toward the stars and out of sight.

Super Mario Galaxy 2[]

Luma makes his second appearance in Super Mario Galaxy 2, where he is called Baby Luma. He is found in the Prologue of the game lying on the ground and immediately takes a shine to Mario. Baby Luma flies into the Mario Cap and Mario's body begins to tingle, giving him the power to spin. Mario later meets two other yellow Lumas which call Baby Luma "young master Luma" and send Mario off to the Sky Station Galaxy.

Baby Luma is later reunited with Lubba who thanks Mario for saving him and together, Mario and Baby Luma travel through many new galaxies to defeat Bowser once again.

After Bowser is defeated, Mario returns to Starship Mario with Princess Peach and the Grand Star, after which Rosalina appears in her Comet Observatory. She explains to Mario that she knew all along that she would someday be reunited with the Baby Luma, because there is a power even beyond that of the stars that governs the destiny of them all. After promising that he'll never ever forget about Mario and taking the Mario Cap as a souvenir, the Baby Luma rejoins Rosalina and leaves with her.

Super Mario-Kun[]

Luma, alongside other Lumas, appears in Super Mario-Kun volume 38 after Mario lands on a planet after he is swatted away by Bowser. He wants to play with Mario, but Mario does not want to do anything, after Mario loses his confidence. Just after Luma tries to encourage Mario to get up and save Peach, a giant Goomba comes. Luma wants Mario's help, though Mario refuses. Rosalina pops up and encourages Mario to fight the Goomba. Mario then learns the Star Spin technique and defeats the Goomba, who turns out to be just an illusion created by Rosalina to help Mario regain his confidence. They team up and help each other as the adventure progresses.

In this adaption, Luma calls himself "A Star Child". He is also given a mouth, mostly to illustrate facial expressions better. The cover also depicts Luma as a yellow Luma instead of a cream-colored one.

Super Mario 3D World[]

Lumas appear in Super Mario 3D World where they can be seen floating around in the world maps as well as various levels in bonus worlds. Their behavior has not changed from the previous Super Mario Galaxy games, though the player cannot talk to them.

Mario Kart series[]

Mario Kart Wii[]

In Mario Kart Wii, when playing as Rosalina (whom you can unlock by having a Super Mario Galaxy save file on your Wii), a Yellow Luma hovers around her at all times. It makes tiny noises whenever the player does an aerial trick or gets hit by an explosion.

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games[]

Yellow Lumas appear in the Wii version of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the Dream Spacewalk event. Here, they aid the athletes in defeating Dino Piranha. They first transform into Launch Stars that send the characters into space. Following this, they periodically appear to create rings that the athletes must all pass through in order to damage Dino Piranha.

Fortune Street[]

In Fortune Street, Lumas appear in the unlockable Good Egg Galaxy board. A Luma can also be a customizable mascot for the player and is unlocked by placing first in all Mario series boards in the Standard Tour.

Mario Tennis series[]

Mario Tennis Open[]

A Luma makes a debut as a playable character in Mario Tennis Open. He is a Technique-type player and can be unlocked by completing level 3 of the Galaxy Rally special game, where, in the special game, he rallies the ball against players. His racquet is turquoise with a picture of a Luma on it. Red, green, and turquoise Lumas appear as line judges in the Galaxy Arena court. Also, if the player uses Luma in the Galaxy Rally game, the opponent Luma is blue.

Mario Tennis Aces[]

In Mario Tennis Aces, a yellow Luma appears during Rosalina's Tournament Finals introduction sequence. Also, when Rosalina uses her Special Shot, a yellow, green, and red Luma appear to each use a Star Spin to pass the ball to her.

A playable Luma also appears as a character available from January 2019, reprising his Technical type from his previous playable appearance.[4]

Mario Party: Island Tour[]

Lumas make their Mario Party debut in Mario Party: Island Tour for the Nintendo 3DS. Yellow Lumas populate the space-themed board Rocket Road where players travel from one space to another in small spaceships. One of them is also holding the checkered flag at the end of the board, while another hosts Battle Minigames. Also, when one of the characters reach the finish line and is congratulated by Rosalina, a yellow Luma, a pink Luma, and a blue Luma appear as well.

Mario Golf: World Tour[]

Luma appears in Mario Golf: World Tour, making a cameo in Rosalina's best post-hole animations. He is seen wearing Mario's cap like he does in the ending of Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Super Smash Bros. series[]

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rosalina and Luma are playable characters, and their skin coloration can be changed. An alternate skin for the Luma is colored after the Baby Luma. This character is also present in the form of a trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Mario Sports Superstars[]

Due to Mario Sports Superstars reusing Rosalina's golf animations from Mario Golf: World Tour, Luma reappears in this game in the same capacity.

Other appearances[]

Although Lumas themselves do not appear in Mario Kart 8 or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a Luma is seen in the logo of Galaxy Air and a Luma's artwork can be seen on the back of the Star Cup trophy. Lumas also appear in the scenery of GBA Ribbon Road included in the second DLC pack.

While no Lumas appear physically in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, a Battle Card depicts a Yellow Luma alongside Mario and Yoshi, taking their artwork from Super Mario Galaxy 2.

While not playable in the base game, graphics for a Dr. Luma have been extracted in Dr. Mario World.

Color variations[]

Lumas come in a variety of different colors, some of which have abilities to help Mario or Luigi on his adventure.

Color Description
Yellow The most common colour of Luma. Can transform into a Launch Star or Sling Star. Two giant ordinary yellow Lumas appear in Super Mario Galaxy 2's Supermassive Galaxy.
Blue Transforms into a Pull Star.
Pink Hungry Lumas that transform into new planets or galaxies before leaving behind pink Launch Stars. When Mario returns to the Comet Observatory after the Luma has transformed, it will be a regular-sized ordinary pink Luma. Also, if Mario wants to go back to the galaxy created by the Hungry Luma, then the pink Luma will transform into a pink Launch Star. When in their "hungry" state, they are an orange pink, but when in their "normal" state, they are a light neutral pink.
Apricot The Luma companion who accompanies Mario or Luigi throughout his journey and grants him the ability to spin and comes out of his hat when he gets a Power Star is the only known apricot-colored Luma. They are called Master Luma.
Green Four of them are found on the Planet of Trials after the Green Power Stars are collected.
Cyan Lumalees that sell Life Mushrooms and 1-Up Mushrooms to Mario/Luigi. In Mario Party 10, generic cyan-colored Lumas appear on the Rosalina Board.
Red Luma The Luma that allows Mario to use the power of the Red Star on the Comet Observatory and the one in the ending sequence in Super Mario Galaxy 2 are the only known red-colored Lumas.
Purple Luma Lubba, the leader of the Lumas, and the Comet Tico, that gives Mario information about Prankster Comets and moves them between galaxies, are notable purple-colored Lumas. Generic purple Lumas are unused in Super Mario Galaxy but appear in Mario Party: Island Tour on the Rocket Road board and in Mario Party 10 on the Rosalina Board.
Black Polari, Rosalina's companion who gives Mario/Luigi access to the galaxy map in Super Mario Galaxy, is the only known black-colored Luma. He is also said to be very old. Also the only Luma type to have different coloured eyes since they are blue instead of black.
Orange The Co-Star Luma, who serves as the Player 2 character, and a similar one found on Starship Mario in Super Mario Galaxy 2 are the only known orange-colored Lumas.

Official profiles and statistics[]

Super Mario Galaxy[]

  • Trading Card Description: There are no other Lumas in the Galaxy that are like the very special Apricot Luma. This is the Luma that Rosalina gives to Mario in the beginning of the game, who grants Mario the power to do star spins -- a move that will be invaluable against many unforeseen enemies.
  • Prima Games Official Guide Bio: There are many Luma in the cosmos, but this particular Luma is Mario's constant companion during his space travels. This cute little star gifts Mario with some amazing skills, such as the ability to survive in deep space and unleash a special spin that helps him break free of gravity and damages various dangerous denizens. While Mario explores the galaxies, he will meet many different Luma, from helpful black Luma that manage the charts of the cosmos to green Luma that hide a special secret.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 Manual Bio[]

"Mario found this lost little Luma. He grants Mario a mysterious power of the stars, which comes in handy as they explore the cosmos together!"

Mario Tennis Open[]

Character Type: Technique
Site Bio: Luma joins Mario Tennis for the first time! Luma floats through the air, aiming shots toward the far corners of the court.
Bio 2: Luma has come down from the night sky to make his Mario Tennis debut! Though he may look gentle and fluffy, his clinical shots head straight for the corners of the court!

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Trophy[]

Name Appears in NTSC-U Description PAL Description
Baby Luma Wii Super Mario Galaxy 2 11/2007 Once every hundred years, stardust will rain down upon the land. Of course, this is a perfect time for Peach to get kidnapped. In order to save her, Mario sets off across the galaxies with the aid of a lost, little star child. Named Little Luma, this star child uses its star powers to help Mario. Once every hundred years, shining stardust falls on the Mushroom Kingdom. Surprisingly enough, this time it leads to Peach being kidnapped AGAIN! To rescue her, Mario embarks on a journey across the galaxies with this lost little star child who uses his mysterious star power to help Mario, all while looking incredibly adorable!

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Spirit[]

Names Games Types Classes Effects How To Obtain Spirit Battles
Opponents Battle Conditions Stages Songs
Luma Super Mario Series Support (1) Advanced Super Launch Star Equipped World of Light (Light Realm); Spirit Board Kirby ×4 Rule: Item: Stars
  • Take your strongest team into this no-frills battle
Mario Galaxy Rosalina in the Observatory/Luma's Theme

Game appearances[]

Titles Description Release date(s) Systems/formats
Super Mario Galaxy Non-playable character 2007 Wii
Mario Kart Wii Non-playable character 2008 Wii
Super Mario Galaxy 2 Non-playable character
Playable character (Co-Star Luma)
2010 Wii
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games Non-playable character 2011 Wii
Fortune Street Non-playable character 2011 Wii
Mario Tennis Open Unlockable playable character 2012 Nintendo 3DS
Super Mario 3D World Non-playable character 2013 Wii U
Mario Party: Island Tour Non-playable character 2013 Nintendo 3DS
Mario Golf: World Tour Non-playable character 2014 Nintendo 3DS
Mario Kart 8 Cameo 2014 Wii U
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U Playable character 2014 Nintendo 3DS/Wii U
Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8 (Mario Kart 8 DLC) Cameo 2015 Wii U
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Cameo on Battle Card 2015 Nintendo 3DS
Mario Sports Superstars Non-playable character 2017 Nintendo 3DS
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Cameo 2017 Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Odyssey Cameo on costume (version 1.2.0) 2018 Nintendo Switch
Mario Tennis Aces Non-playable character, Playable character (version 2.1.0) 2018 Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Party Cameo 2018 Nintendo Switch
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Playable character 2018 Nintendo Switch
Dr. Mario World Unlockable playable character 2019 Mobile

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • Luma's coloration is very similar to the color "Cosmic Latte", which astronomers determined to be the average color of the universe.
  • If Mario replays the "Grand Star Rescue" mission of Gateway Galaxy, there will appear to be two Lumas, one that helps him spin (an ability he is supposed to get later in the mission), and one that Mario chases as a Star Bunny.

References[]

  1. Super Mario Galaxy trading card.
  2. Super Mario Galaxy 2 English manual, page 4.
  3. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophy description. Retrieved November 29, 2014
  4. Luma, Boom Boom, and Pauline reveal for Mario Tennis Aces
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