Goomba (LEGO Super Mario)
mar0003 · Super Mario
Starter Course / Expansion Sets · 2020 (Released as part of the debut wave of the LEGO Super Mario line)
Figure ID
mar0003
Theme
Super Mario
Year Released
2020 (Released as part of the debut wave of the LEGO Super Mario line)
Rarity
Common. This is the most prolific enemy figure in the Super Mario theme, appearing in numerous sets and expansion packs since the line's inception.
Head
The 'head' constitutes the main body of the character. It is a reddish-brown 2x1x1 mushroom-shaped specialized element featuring pad-printed angry eyes and a frowning mouth with two visible fangs pointing upward.
Torso
The figure does not utilize a traditional minifigure torso. The central connection is a reddish-brown 1x1 round plate or small stem integrated into the buildable nature of the character.
Legs
The base consists of a specialized reddish-brown 2x1 element representing the Goomba's feet. It has a rounded, simplistic design to match the iconic video game silhouette.
Accessories
Typically none included. On the top of the Goomba's head, there is a 2x2 pre-applied scannable 'Action Tag' tile (not visible from the front angle) which interacts with the electronic Mario, Luigi, or Peach figures.
Color Scheme
Primary color is Reddish Brown. The printing uses Black for the eyebrows and mouth line, White for the eyes and fangs, and typically a white scan-code tile on top.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the front face. The alignment is usually very consistent across production runs. There is no printing on the back or sides of the head/body piece.
Variants
While the basic Goomba (mar0003) is the standard, variants include the 'Galoomba' (mar0055), 'Goomba (Backwards Hat)' from the Character Packs, and the 'Big Goomba'. This specific one is the standard version.
Condition Notes
Prone to scuffing on the top 'Action Tag' sticker/tile, which can cause reading errors for the electronic figures. Check for 'bite marks' on the plastic edges as these are common play-wear points for younger children.
Estimated Value
Used: $1.00 - $2.50 USD. New (extracted from set): $3.00 - $5.00 USD. This is a very affordable figure due to high volume production.
Price (New)
Included in the Adventures with Mario Starter Course (71360) for $59.99, or small expansion sets starting at $9.99.
Compatible Sets
71360 Adventures with Mario; 71367 Mario's House & Yoshi; 71402 Character Packs - Series 4; 30385 Super Mushroom Surprise Polybag.
Character Background
Goombas are the most iconic common enemies in the Nintendo Super Mario franchise. First appearing in Super Mario Bros. (1985), they are traitorous mushrooms that roam the Mushroom Kingdom as part of Bowser's army.
Design Notes
LEGO opted for a 'brick-built' aesthetic rather than a standard minifigure mold to maintain the scale and interactability with the electronic Mario figure's sensor.
Similar Minifigures
Galoomba (mar0055), Paragoomba, and the Series 1 Goomba with a different facial expression.
Collectibility
Low individual value but high 'army building' appeal. Collectors often seek dozens of these to populate large-scale Mario dioramas.
History
Represents the first time Nintendo characters were officially licensed to LEGO. This design has remained the standard template for Goombas since the 2020 launch.
Interesting Facts
The scanning tile on top is actually a 'Pre-applied sticker' on a tile, a rarity for LEGO which usually prefers printed parts or user-applied stickers. The code allows Mario to 'defeat' it with one stomp.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a grassy Mario-themed MOC or on a LEGO Super Mario baseplate display stand alongside other enemies like Koopa Troopas.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' custom enemy variations. The 2x1 foot piece is often used by MOC builders for small robot feet or furniture legs.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential part of the LEGO Super Mario experience. While not a traditional minifigure in the 'Minifigure' sense, it is an essential and highly accurate representation of a gaming icon. Rating: 7/10 for accuracy, 2/10 for investment rarity.