In the end, though, I decided to keep it simple. Plus, it allowed me to use the words centerfold and Mario in the same headline, which I believe I've never done before now (even while prepping the headers for my posts about the "Super Studly Mario Bros.").
As for why I decided to title this post, "Centerfold Mario," I think the following sketch, produced by artist Curtis Bathurst, speaks for itself:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdG9qSQiTFJzbgV93CLrcwrFKtE9XC7xkdtyJGdSSzrTkLRgMMTKRqOed48f1tf-qOcO5iLUWKaKCb5viyo90p2BdAxWTXpVB_lk5roaWNK0Gm8sFbSWNqcwIWqLlz0iZiSmpDg/s400/CurtisBathurst--CenterfoldMario.jpg)
The illustration is an homage to a controversial Burt Reynolds centerfold that appeared in a 1972 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, by the way. If you've never seen said image, check out the post "Super Mario's Birthday Suit" on Bathurst's blog at your earliest convenience.