It's clear that Animal Crossing stands out as one of the most popular titles outside of original IPs like Super Mario and Legend of Zelda that Nintendo has ever launched. The latest installment in the series, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, is no different. Familiar faces all made a return like Isabelle, Tom Nook, and others. But one villager, namely Marshal, has sparked interest for many new island-goers.
Marshal delivers plenty of meme-able content just in his personality and thoughts. From his fashion sense to his vigor in calling out Blathers, this little squirrel is full of surprises. But which moments did fans of the series enjoy most?
10 Eat Your Heart Out Smudge Lord
Anyone who has spent any time on the internet this year will instantly recognize this meme format. Based on a meme that started in 2018, this format became exceptionally popular, spawning tons of different variations. Just ignore the fact that the text of the tweet is referencing another meme.
But this distinctly Marshal twist fits perfectly. Can't you see his sassy self not caring about being yelled at -- especially in public? If Marshal is right, you are just going to have to accept that and move on with your life.
9 Marshal, The Fashionista
Marshal is a simple squirrel: he just wants to sit under a nice tree in his ruffled dress. While he initially appears dressed in a white long-sleeve shirt and blue puffer vest, you can give him different clothes just like the rest of the villagers.
But Marshal can't wear just ANY clothing. Since he is apparently independently wealthy, you may be able to get quite a few bells from him if you have the right items and outfits. This tendency toward being a fashionista, of sorts, has earned Marshal a meme-worthy reputation.
8 Mixed-Signals Marshal
Described many times as "so cute and so dumb," many Marshal fans see him as a "tiny romantic child." Though he does have some serious flirt-game, he also sends out some mixed signals from time to time. That's because love, connection, and intimacy are always on Marshal's mind.
A sensitive boy, his himbo tendencies are now legendary amongst AC:NH players. Cut-off from this picture, however, is Judy's fervent and firm "No" to Marshal's request. But that's all in a day's work for a himbo squirrel with a thicc tail.
7 He Just Wanted To Compliment You
Speaking of mixed signals, Marshal doesn't always know how to phrase things in the best way. Creating yet more memes just by being himself, Marshal puts his himbo qualities on full display here. He doesn't mean any harm or ill; he just wants to know why your hair smells so nice!!
The biggest question here though doesn't regard Marshal's odd phrasing. Instead, it surrounds the truthfulness of his response. Did he really want to know about your hair product or was he pondering something else a la J.D. from an episode of Scrubs?
6 Stop Trying to Make Mac and Al Happen
Despite the popularity of both Marshal and Raymond among players, Animal Crossing: New Horizons keeps trying to make Mac and Al happen. As of April 30th, Marshal was the most expensive Amiibo card you could purchase. With such an adorable personality, why wouldn't he be?
Of course, Raymond (a.k.a. the "new hotness") now takes that honor. In fact, the Animal Crossing villager black market seems to be totally consumed with Raymond fever. Again, it isn't that Mac and Al aren't...fine. It's just that Marshal and Raymond are infinitely better.
5 Tail Bops and Angry Eyes
Angry Marshal is like when an adorable bunny tries to tell you what's what: it just makes you go "aww" and forget why they're angry. And, being the Smug Villager personality archetype that he is, Marshal is prone to bouts of adorable anger.
The follow-through of his tail in his anger reinforces the all-encompassing embodiment of Marshal's character. That is to say: he wears his heart on his sleeve. Such a cute anthropomorphic squirrel he is. Of course, he isn't made of just madness, mixed messages, pick-up lines, and (apparently) bells.
4 Marshal's "Tough" Exterior
Let's file this adorable fan art under "I'm in this picture and I don't like it." It features Riza Hawkeye from the Full Metal Alchemist series. She can be a bit of a "straight man" in terms of character tropes. But she is always there for Roy Mustang when it matters.
She is also kind of a total dork (but not as big of a dork as Roy). Not only do she and Marshal have that patented not-quite-so-blank stare down, but they are both cinnamon rolls on the inside. Despite his mixed reputation, Tom Nook may be a fellow cinnamon roll.
3 All Is Fair In Love And Running Away From Wasps
That tiny romantic child makes an appearance often throughout AC:NH, but even Marshal has his personal limits. Conversely, personal limits are something the wasps in AC:NH don't seem to possess. Of course, when you have people constantly invading their nests, fans might be able to commiserate with the insects.
But little Marshal knows that every island-goer is an independent person who just needs their space sometimes. Or, at least, that's probably what he would say to you to try and make you forget that he totally bailed on you when you were in danger from a wasp cloud.
2 Sassy Marshal
Speaking of insects, Marshal is not known for mincing his words and this applies to how he feels about the other villages, too, including bug-enthusiast Blathers. Seriously, how many bugs does that guy need? Doesn't he have enough already?
Besides the fight club that the bugs can create in a museum, Marshal raises a great point about what Blathers must be doing with all those bugs. That trademark sass in combination with his himbo-tendencies and other unique quirks skyrocketed Marshal to meme-status.
1 Ultimate Marshal
Like most of the other characters in AC:NH, many fans created their own art around their personalities and interactions. This fan art by Tumblr user and artist Bruni Naka perfectly encapsulates Marshal's playful nature. Based on this classic video, curious little Marshal gets very excited about his new finding: a knife!
This tiny himbo with bangs (?), cute cheeks, and sharp wit is chock-full of well-intentioned conversation and silly interactions. Whether sicking wasps on him by accident or getting gifts to feed his coffee addiction, Marshal's the villager everyone wants on their island.