Paper Mario's story doesn't make sense due to how Bowser uses the Star Rod.

I've never heard anyone complain about the Star Rod in Paper Mario before, and I find that weird. The story doesn't make sense because the Star Rod can grant any wish and Bowser doesn't make wishes that would make him win. Bowser could just wish that Mario was dead or imprisoned in an inescapable cage if he's not keen on killing, but doesn't.