Does the look of the DKC series match the gameplay?

[Kriven]

In fact I wouldn't say DK is unpopular anywhere. But what he lacks is a passionate fan base. Look at how much Mario and Sonic are discussed on the internet. Look at how much anticipation people have for each Zelda game. You don't see that for DK and I wonder why.

Because he is a facet of the larger Mario franchise. You're comparing a spin-off to mothership icons. It's kind of like asking "Why doesn't anybody feel strongly about Joey? All anybody ever talks about is Friends."