Kiyo Takamine and Zatch Bell explained

Kiyo Takamine and Zatch Bell
Series:Zatch Bell!
Multiple:yes
Creator:Makoto Raiku
Voice:Japanese:
Takahiro Sakurai[1] (Kiyo)
Ikue Ōtani (Zatch, EPs 1-141)
Konami Yoshida[2] (Zatch, EPs 142-150)
English:
Jason Spisak[3] (Kiyo)
Debi Derryberry (Zatch)
Species:Kiyo Takamine (Human)
Zatch Bell (Mamodo)

Kiyo Takamine, known in the original version as and his Mamodo (known in Japanese as a) partner Zatch Bell, known in the original version as, are fictional characters in the anime and manga franchise Zatch Bell! by Makoto Raiku. Mamodos are beings from another world with supernatural powers. The series begins when Kiyo, by the request of his father, is told to take care of Zatch. Eventually, they become involved in a tournament between Mamodos where the winner becomes king of the Mamodo World.

Kiyo and Zatch were based on the design of a normal high school student and a noble knight who combats evil. The knight however was changed into a cuter character. In the Zatch Bell! character popularity polls, Kiyo and Zatch are voted one of the most popular characters ranking in the top three. Plush dolls based on Zatch's appearance have also been made.

Creation and conception

After Raiku's Newtown Heroes series in the Shōnen Sunday Super ended, Raiku looked at his old drafts he created in the past for an idea for his next series.[4] [5] One of his ideals was a mercenary who uses a giant sword to defeat enemies. After playing with that idea for three months, Raiku decided to abandon it and go with another idea.[4] His next idea was a story where a middle school student, the prototype of Kiyo, finds an old toy and with the help of a noble knight, combats evil. After taking this up with his editor, he was advised to use a cuter character to fight resulting in Zatch's creation.[4] After Raiku worked on the idea for month, it was published.[4] The reason Zatch uses lightning spells is because his name had the word "Rai", which means "lightning" in Japanese.[6]

Character outlines

Kiyo Takamine

Kiyo Takamine is a genius 14-year-old junior high school student with an IQ of over 180. His intelligence makes him a target for teasing and harassment causing him to develop an introverted and apathetic demeanor to the point where he skips school on a regular basis.[7] However, his entire lifestyle changes when Zatch Bell arrives in his life. Due to Zatch's influence, Kiyo becomes more outgoing and eventually becomes popular in his class.[8] Kiyo still has a bad temper and is easily irritated, often venting his frustrations on Zatch or his ditzy classmate Suzy Mizuno.

Zatch Bell

Zatch is an overly cheerful boy who possesses a strong sense of justice, but is clueless about most of the world around him and often gets in trouble when not being supervised by someone. Kiyo makes Zatch a toy named Volcun 300 which he refers to as a friend. Zatch's favorite food is Yellowtail, which he prefers to eat whole.[7] When Zatch arrived to the Human world, he lived in a forest until the day Zeno attacked Zatch and removed his memory of the Mamodo world.[9] Kiyo's father finds him and sends him to Kiyo.[7] During the progress of the series, it is revealed Zatch is empowered with the power of Bao, a powerful dragon created by Zatch's father during the last Mamodo battle.[10] Due to the danger of Bao and Zatch's father's declining health, he transferred Bao into Zatch in order to prevent it from escaping and wreaking havoc in the Mamodo world.[10] He soon sent Zatch to live as a normal Mamodo so he may never discover the power of Bao.[10]

Skills

Kiyo's high intelligence and quick decision makes making him an excellent tactician which allowed Zatch to defeat Mamodos much stronger than him. During the battle within Faudo, Kiyo gained an ability called from being killed and subsequently brought back to life. This ability grants Kiyo the ability to know the answer to any question.[11] Using the ability of Answer Talker in battle allows Kiyo to completely understand an opponent's attack, how to evade it, and how to effectively counterattack.[11] Most of Zatch's spells causes Zatch to lose consciousness when cast. To get around this, Kiyo devised a method of reciting spells by training Zatch to look in the direction Kiyo points to.[12]

Zatch's primary offense at first is the spell, which causes him to fire lightning from his mouth.[7] During the course of the series, more powerful variations of Zaker are used in the order of,, [13] and .[14] Zatch's most powerful spell is which conjures a giant electrical dragon.[15] He later gains varieties of "Bao Zakeruga" such as which conjures a giant claw[16] [14] which conjures a serpentine "Bao Zakeruga" which attacks by shooting its scales, and, a manifestation of electricity in the form of a giant Lernaean Hydra.

Zatch also gains a wide range of versatile spells to assist in situations. erects a giant shield that reflect attacks back to the source while also adding electricity to the reflected attack,[17] creates a ball of electricity that magnetizes anything following immediate contact,[18] amplifies Zatch's physical attributes,[19] to guide and increase the powers of Zatch's electrical spells,[20] [21] and generates a huge ball of electricity capable of deflecting attacks and attracting the enemy into its epicenter where they are electrocuted.[22]

Plot overview

Kiyo's father sends amnesic Zatch to live with him where he discovers that reading a spell from Zatch's book causes lightning to come out of Zatch's mouth.[7] Kiyo soon learns that Zatch is a Mamodo and is one of the one-hundred Mamodo candidates in the Mamodo Battles where the remaining Mamodo who has their book intact shall become the king of the Mamodo world and thus forcing Kiyo and Zatch to fend off attacks by other Mamodos.[23] As the series progresses, Kiyo and Zatch befriend a Mamodo named Kolulu who reveals that the Mamodo King forced her into the tournament. Zatch upon hearing her story strives to become the Mamodo King in order to bring peace to the Mamodo World.[24] During the course of the story, Kiyo and Zatch befriend a super star named Parco Folgore and his Mamodo Kanchomé,[25] an idol singer named Megumi Oumi and her Mamodo partner Tia,[26] a Chinese girl named Li-en and her Mamodo Wonrei,[27] a genius magician named Dr. Riddles and his Mamodo Kido,[28] and later, a German man named Kafk Sunbeam and his Mamodo Ponygon.[29] An evil Mamodo named Zofis antagonists Kiyo and his friends prompting them to defeat him and prevent him from being the Mamodo King.[30]

After Zofis' defeat, a group of Mamodos plan to awaken the giant Mamodo Faudo and use its power to win the Mamodo battles. Kiyo and his friends realize the threat Faudo could bring to the world and infiltrates Faudo's body in order to stop its resurrection.[31] As they progress inside Faudo, Kiyo is killed in battle but is resuscitated into a catatonic state by Zatch.[32] [33] Zatch and friends move on and meet the one controlling Faudo, Zeno who reveals he is Zatch's twin brother.[34] Kiyo awakens and with Zatch battles and defeats Zeno and sends Faudo back to the Mamodo World.[35]

Later a powerful Mamodo named Clear Note reveals his intention to destroy the Mamodo world if crowned the Mamodo King.[36] Kiyo and Zatch, with the help of friends, manage to defeat Clear Note leaving only Zatch and Brago battle as the remaining Mamodos. Zatch eventually engages and defeats Brago and is then crowned King of the Mamodo World.[37] Zatch returns to the Mamodo world and restores the defeated Mamodos. Some time passes and Zatch sends Kiyo a letter telling him the peace of the Mamodo world.[38]

Appearances in other media

Kiyo and Zatch are the protagonists in the two spun off animated films and .[39] [40] The pair appear in all of the Zatch Bell! series video games where the pair are played as a single character.

Reception

In the first Weekly Shōnen Sunday popularity polls of the series, Zatch ranked first and Kiyo ranked second.[41] In the second and third Zatch Bell! character popularity contest, Zatch and Kiyo ranked first and third respectively.[42] [43] IGN's review of the first two Tankōbon of the series stated that Kiyo was not a likable character due to his abrasive attitude.[44] IGN however described Zatch as "...a funny, quirky character that's easy to like and easy to get annoyed with fairly quickly".[44] Mania.com's Jarred Pine review of the first volume also commented on Kiyo's irritating and arrogant persona.[45] In theSPJA Industry Award, Jason Spisak was nominated fifth in the category "best English voice actor" for the voice of Kiyo.[46] Debi Derryberry was nominated for "Best Actress in a Comedy" for her role as Zatch at the 2006 and 2007 American Anime Awards but did not win.[47] Since the series was released, merchandise based on Zatch's appearance has been made such as plush toys[48] and action figures.[49]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20090130024313/http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/GB/staff.html . January 30, 2009 . Konjiki no Gash Bell!! staff list . . July 14, 2009 . dead .
  2. Web site: Ikue Ohtani Ill. . . July 23, 2009.
  3. Credits from"The Lightning Boy from Another World!" . List_of_Zatch_Bell!_episodes_(Season_1)#ep01 . . . March 5, 2005 . 1 . Director: Tetsuji Nakamura and Yukio Kaizawa.
  4. Book: Raiku, Makoto . ja:金色のガッシュ!! . Golden Gash!! . . May 18, 2001 . 1 . 978-4-09-126231-8 . ja.
  5. Web site: Zatch Bell Creator Raiku Opts to Leave Shogakukan . . July 21, 2009.
  6. Web site: Origins, Creator Q & A. Shogakukan, Toei Animation. https://web.archive.org/web/20100129035235/http://www.zatch-bell.com/index3_skip.html. January 29, 2010. July 20, 2009.
  7. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. May 18, 2001. Zatch Bell. 1. 978-4-09-126231-8. ja. Level 1. 清麿、正義の味方. Level 1. Kiyomaro, the Hero.
  8. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. May 18, 2001. Zatch Bell. 1. 978-4-09-126231-8. ja. Level 4. 清麿、人気者. Level 4. Kiyomaro, Popular.
  9. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. April 18, 2002. Zatch Bell. 5. 978-4-09-126235-6. ja. Level 48. 奪われた記憶. Level 48. Stolen Memories.
  10. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. March 16, 2007. Zatch Bell. 28. 978-4-09-121023-4. ja. Level 272. これが答えだ. Level 272. This is the Answer.
  11. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. May 18, 2001. Zatch Bell. 29. 978-4-09-121077-7. ja. Level 277. アッハッハッ. Level 277. Ahaha.
  12. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. September 8, 2001. Zatch Bell. 2. 978-4-09-126232-5. ja. Level 14. 守る心. Level 14. Protecting Heart.
  13. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. December 16, 2006. Zatch Bell. 27. 978-4-09-120698-5. ja. Level 255. 新たな力. Level 254. A New Power.
  14. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. March 18, 2008. Zatch Bell. 27. 978-4-09-121296-2. ja. Level 313. 「思い」を一つに…. Level 313. Thought as One....
  15. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. July 18, 2002. Zatch Bell. 6. 978-4-09-126236-3. ja. Level 51. 戦士の覚悟. Level 51. The Resolve of a Warrior.
  16. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. December 16, 2006. Zatch Bell. 27. 978-4-09-120698-5. ja. Level 254. モモンの信じた人達. Level 254. The Ones Momon Believed In.
  17. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. May 18, 2001. Zatch Bell. 1. 978-4-09-126231-8. ja. Level 6. 清麿の切り札. Level 6. Kiyomaro's Trump Card.
  18. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. November 18, 2001. Zatch Bell. 3. 978-4-09-126233-2. ja. Level 20. 計算外の希望. Level 20. A Hope Beyond Reckoning.
  19. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. November 18, 2004. Zatch Bell. 11. 978-4-09-126451-0. ja. Level 98. 30秒の勝機. Level 98. 30 Second Fighting Chance.
  20. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. August 18, 2004. Zatch Bell. 17. 978-4-09-126457-2. ja. Level 155. 第七の術. Level 155. The Seventh Spell.
  21. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. November 18, 2004. Zatch Bell. 18. 978-4-09-126458-9. ja. Level 167. ありえないもの. Level 167. An Impossible Thing.
  22. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. December 16, 2006. Zatch Bell. 27. 978-4-09-120698-5. ja. Level 256. 自ら墓穴を…. Level 256. Digging your own Grave....
  23. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. May 18, 2001. Zatch Bell. 1. 978-4-09-126231-8. ja. Level 8. 王への資格. Level 8. Qualification for a King.
  24. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. September 18, 2001. Zatch Bell. 2. 978-4-09-126232-5. ja. Level 18. やさしい王様. Level 18. A King King.
  25. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. November 18, 2001. Zatch Bell. 3. 978-4-09-126233-2. ja. Level 27. 無敵の英雄. Level 27. The Invincible Hero.
  26. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. February 18, 2002. Zatch Bell. 4. 978-4-09-126234-9. ja. Level 38. 信じられる仲間. Level 38. A Trustworthy Comrade.
  27. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. December 18, 2002. Zatch Bell. 8. 978-4-09-126238-7. ja. Level 74. 第五の術. Level 74. The Fifth Spell.
  28. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. June 18, 2003. Zatch Bell. 11. 978-4-09-126451-0. ja. Level 97. 第六の術. Level 97. The Sixth Spell.
  29. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. January 17, 2004. Zatch Bell. 14. 978-4-09-126454-1. ja. Level 124. 心の会話. Level 124. Conversation of Hearts.
  30. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. August 8, 2003. Zatch Bell. 11. 978-4-09-126452-7. ja. Level 110. 手紙. Level 110. The Letter.
  31. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. March 18, 2005. Zatch Bell. 20. 978-4-09-126460-2. ja. Level 189. ファウードの正体. Level 189. Faudo's True Form.
  32. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. November 18, 2005. Zatch Bell. 23. 978-4-09-127293-5. ja. Level 215. 届かない声. Level 215. Undelivered Voice.
  33. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. November 18, 2005. Zatch Bell. 23. 978-4-09-127293-5. ja. Level 216. 拳にこめた想い. Level 216. Fist of Gathered Emotions.
  34. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. December 16, 2006. Zatch Bell. 27. 978-4-09-120698-5. ja. Level 259. 苦戦の理由. Level 259. Reason for the Struggle.
  35. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. June 18, 2007. Zatch Bell. 29. 978-4-09-121077-7. ja. Level 275. この涙は知っている. Level 275. I Know These Tears.
  36. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. September 18, 2007. Zatch Bell. 30. 978-4-09-121185-9. ja. Level 289. 魔物と魔界の光. Level 289. Hope of the Demon-king and Demon World.
  37. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. June 18, 2008. Zatch Bell. 33. 978-4-09-121399-0. ja. Level 319. 金色の本の「力」. Level 319. The Golden Book's Power.
  38. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Golden Gash!!. Shogakukan. June 18, 2008. Zatch Bell. 33. 978-4-09-121399-0. ja. Level 323. 最終話 ガッシュからの手紙. Level 323. Final Chapter, Gash's Last Letter.
  39. 2004 . 劇場版 金色のガッシュベル!! 「101番目の魔物」. . Shogakukan.
  40. 2006 . 劇場版 金色のガッシュベル!! 「メカバルカンの来襲」. . Shogakukan.
  41. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Shogakukan. June 18, 2003. 金色のガッシュ!!. 11. Level. 100. 978-4-09-126451-0. ja.
  42. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Shogakukan. June 18, 2004. 金色のガッシュ!!. 21. Level. 146. 978-4-09-126456-5. ja.
  43. Book: Raiku, Makoto. ja:金色のガッシュ!!. Shogakukan. July 15, 2005. 金色のガッシュ!!. 21. Level. 200. 978-4-09-127291-1. ja.
  44. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20090907202638/http://comics.ign.com/articles/649/649091p1.html . September 7, 2009 . Zatch Bell Vol. 1 & 2 Review . . July 21, 2009 . dead .
  45. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20090901105726/http://www.mania.com/zatch-bell-aka-konjiki-gash-vol-01_article_82272.html . September 1, 2009 . Zatch Bell (aka: Konjiki no Gash!!) Vol. #01 . Pine . Jarred . Mania.com . July 21, 2009 . dead .
  46. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20090716191443/http://www.comipress.com/press-release/2008/03/27/3442 . July 16, 2009 . SPJA Industry Award Finalists At Tokyo International Anime Fair . Comipress.com . July 23, 2009 . dead .
  47. Web site: American Anime Awards Finalists Announced . . February 2, 2007 . December 28, 2009.
  48. Web site: Zatch Bell Zatch 11 Inch Plush Figure. Amazon . July 23, 2009.
  49. Web site: 12" Kiyo & Zatch. Amazon . July 23, 2009.