Zatch Bell!
Zatch Bell, known in Japan as Konjiki no Gash Bell!! (金色のガッシュ!!) is an anime and manga series by Makoto Raiku.
The anime, produced by Toei Animation, airs on Fuji TV in Japan. The series was later licensed by ShoPro Entertainment and premiered on Cartoon Network's Toonami programming block in North America on March 5, 2005 with the new name of "Zatch Bell!!". The manga currently runs in Shogakukan's Shonen Sunday in Japan. The manga was also licensed by Viz Communications and is slated be released in North America.
Konjiki no Gash (金色のガッシュ!!) translates to "Gash of Gold" in English.
Main Characters
Kiyomaro Takamine (Kiyo Takamine)
Kiyomaro Takamine (高嶺清麿 Takamine Kiyomaro)
Kiyomaro Takamine[[1]] is one of the main characters of Konjiki no Gash Bell. His name in the English version of the series has been shortened to "Kiyo," though his last name remains the same. Kiyomaro is the keeper of the red spellbook. He appears in the first episode.
At the series' start, Kiyomaro is an ordinary 14-year old junior high school student ... who just happens to have an IQ over 190. Unfortunately, his intelligence makes him a target for much teasing and harassment. Due to this bullying (and to his own natural self-conceit), Kiyomaro develops an anti-social and apathetic demeanor, to the point where he skips school on a regular basis. His entire lifestyle changes, however, when he receives a rather unusual birthday present -- a little demon child named Gash Bell.
In the English version of the series, Kiyo is voiced by Jason Spisak. In the Japanese version, Kiyomaro is voiced by Takahiro Sakurai.
Gash Bell (Zatch Bell)
Gash Bell[2] --
Gash Bell a.k.a. Zatch Bell is one of the main characters of Zatch Bell. He is the demon/mamodo of the red spellbook, and his powers involve lightning and electricity. He appears in the first episode.
At the beginning of the series, Seitaro Takamine (高嶺清太郎 Takamine Seitarō) finds Gash unconscious in a forest in England. He also discovers that the child has no memories of his past. When Gash promises to return the favor for saving his life, Mr. Takamine asks Gash to meet with his son, Kiyomaro. Mr. Takamine hopes that Gash can help Kiyomaro break certain bad habits, such as skipping school. In turn, Mr. Takamine also asks Kiyomaro to help Gash discover the secrets about his past.
In the English version of the series, Zatch is voiced by Debi Derryberry. In the Japanese version, Gash is voiced by Ikue Ohtani.
Zatch's/Gash's Spells:
1st spell: Zacare (Zakeru)
2nd spell: Rashield (Rashieludo)
3rd spell: Jikerdor (Jikerudo)
Demons/Mamodos and their Bookkeepers
Hyde and Eita (Eido)
Hyde is the Demon/Mamodo of the light blue spellbook. Eita is his bookkeeper.[3] In the English version of the series, Eita's name has (inexplicably) been change to "Eido". They appear in the first episode of the series.
Hyde and Eita are the first demon/bookkeeper pairing to challenge Gash and Kiyomaro. Although Hyde is quite serious about the battle, his bookkeeper is not. (Eita's reason for joining the battle is to get a better look at Suzy's panties.) Both of them, however, prove more than enough of a challenge to the inexperienced duo of Gash and Kiyomaro.
Of note, Hyde and Eita appear only in the anime version of Konjiki no Gash Bell; they do not appear in the manga canon. Hyde and Eita's powers revolve around wind.
In the English version, Eido is voiced by Rob Rist while Hyde is voiced by Michelle Ruff. In the Japanese version, Eita is voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya and Hyde is voiced by Megumi Urawa
Raycom and Hosokawa
Raycom is the demon/mamodo of the blue spellbook. Hosokawa (細川) is his bookkeeper.[4] They both appeared in episode 2 and 3 of the series.
Hosokawa and Raycom have a rather strange relationship. While at his job, Hosokawa discovered Raycom eating a giant fish in the warehouse. After that meeting, Raycom began following Hosokawa everywhere the man went. He was around when Hosokawa lost his job, and it was at the demon's prompting that Hosokawa first used the spellbook. After learning of the spellbook's power, Hosokawa began to use the book to suit his own, selfish needs. Hosokawa views Raycom simply as a tool for revenge.
And Raycom likes it that way.
Hosokawa's and Raycom's spells are based around the element of ice.
In the English version, Hosokawa is voiced by Phil Hayes and Raycom is voiced by Debi Mae West. In the Japanese version, Hosokawa is voiced by Ken Yamaguchi and Raycom is voiced by Motoko Kumai
Brago and Sherry
Brago is the demon/mamodo of the black spellbook. Sherry Bellmont (alternative spellings include Sherrie, Sherie, and Cherie) is his bookkeeper.[5] The duo first appears in episode 1; however, they do not play a prominent role until episodes 4 and 5.
Sherry is the one who first tells Kiyomaro about the battle for the demon/mamono kingship. She also explains the rules of the battle and the connection between the books, the bookkeepers, and the demon children. Sherry and Brago initially defeat Kiyomaro and Gash; however, Sherry opts not to burn Gash's book, stating that she and Brago will be back to finish the deed later. Sherry and Brago's powers revolve around gravity.
In the English version of the series, Brago is voiced by Wally Wingert. Sherry is voiced by Saffron Henderson. In the Japanese version, Brago is voiced by Kazunari Kojima and Sherry is voiced by Fumiko Orikasa.
Brago's Spells:
1st spell: Raisu
2nd spell: Gravirei
3rd spell: Giganoraisu
Kolulu and Shiori (Lori)
Kolulu is the demon/mamodo of the pink spellbook. Shiori ((しおり,) is her bookkeeper.[6] In the English version of the series, Shiori's name has been changed to Lori. Both she and Kolulu appear in episode 8 of the series.
Shiori first finds Kolulu alone and crying by the side of the road. After discovering that Kolulu has no one to take care of her, Shiori decides to take the little demon/mamodo home and vows to become Kolulu's family. Since Shiori herself does not have a strong family structure either, it seems that Shiori needs Kolulu as much as Kolulu needs her. Unbeknownst to Shiori, however, Kolulu hides a dark secret within her innocent looking spellbook -- one which will change both their destinies (as well as the destiny of Gash and Kiyomaro).
In the English Version, Kolulu is voiced by Kate Higgins and Lori is voiced by Philece Sampler. In the Japanese version, Kolulu is voiced by Houko Kuwashima and Shiori is voiced by Yuka Imai
Kolulu's Spells:
1st spell: zeruku
2nd spell: zerusen
Fein and Sebeh (Sebé)
Fein is the demon/mamodo of the purple spellbook. Sebe is his bookeeper.[7] They appear in episode 9 of the series.
Fein and Sebe travel to Mochinoki (hometown of Kiyomaro) because Fein has sensed the presence of a demon in the area (Gash). Fein's goal in the demon battle is to become the all-powerful king, and he wants to make all the other demons bow to his will. Both he and his bookkeeper are ruthless, and they both do not care if innocents become embroiled in their quest. Sebe and Fein's powers revolve around the wind, which enables Fein to move at a super speed.
In the English version of the series, Sebe is voiced by Dave Wittenberg while Fein is voiced by Roger Rose. In the Japanese version, Sebe is voiced by Shoutarou Morikubo and Fein is voiced by Akemi Misaki.
Eshuros and Shinichi (Sean)
Eshuros is the demon/mamodo of the brown spellbook. Shinichi Akiyama is his bookeeper. [8] In the English version of the series, Shinichi has been renamed "Sean". They both appear in episode 10 of the series.
Shinichi used to live in Mochinoki (Kiyomaro's hometown), where he was teased and bullied while he was a child. The torment left a deep mark on Shinichi's psyche, so when he is partnered with Eshuros, the demon easily convinced Shinichi to destroy the places that once caused him so much pain. However, with this partnership, appearances are deceiving; is Shinichi truly working only to fulfill his need for revenge or does he have another motive? Just who controls the power in this pairing? If they are to survive, Kiyomaro and Gash must figure those two mysteries out. Shinichi's and Eshuros' powers revolve around the element of earth.
In the English Version, Sean is voiced by Steven Blum and Eshuros by Scott Menville. In the Japanese version, Shinichi is voiced by Nobuo Tobita and Eshuros by Yuki Kaida.
Canchome and Parco Folgore
Canchome is the demon/mamodo of the yellow spellbook. Parco Folgore is his bookkeeper.[9] Both of them first appear in episode 11 of the series.
An Italian superstar and film hero, Parco Folgore normally spends his time touring the world, giving concerts, and meeting his fans. However, he and his demon/mamodo Canchome, have come to Japan for a special purpose -- to defeat Gash and Kiyomaro. Unfortunately, even with their rather ... unique ... fighting style (which includes rather hilarious dance numbers, a lot of bluffing, and some rather out-of-this world transformation sequences), they aren't much of a challenge to anyone, much less Gash. However, there is a lot more to this duo than just being the comedic relief. When it comes to what's really important, their never-say-die attitude and their courage cannot be beat. Folgore's and Canchome's spells revolve around illusions and shapechanging.
In the English Version, Folgore is voiced by Dave Wittenberg and Canchome by Richard Steven Horvitz. In the Japanese Version, Folgore is voiced by Hiroki Takahashi and Canchome by Kikuchi Masami.
Non-combatants
Suzume Mizuno (Suzy)
Suzume Mizuno (水野鈴芽 Mizuno Suzume) is a fellow classmate of Kiyomaro Takamine. Her name in the English dub is Suzy. She first appears in episode one.
Suzume is one of Kiyomaro's first (and only) friends. She also has a not-so-secret crush on Kiyomaro. She is a self proclaimed klutz and she freely admits that she has trouble with various academic subjects. In the past, Kiyomaro has tutored her in various subjects. Her favorite hobby is to draw faces on fruits. She also is in the chorus club.
In the English version of the series, Suzy is voiced by Colleen O'Shaughnessy. In the Japanese version, Suzume is voiced by Tomoko Akiya.
Hana Takamine and Seitaro Takamine
Hana Takamine is Kiyomaro's mother, while Seitaro Takamine is Kiyomaro's father. Both of them are very worried about their son's social ineptness, and both of them want him to become more sociable. Seitaro Takamine is the one who first saved Gash in England, while Hana Takamine is the one who takes care of both Gash and Kiyomaro while they live in Japan. Mr. Takamine is a professor of Anthropology and Mrs. Takamine is a Japanese Housewife. Hana Takamine appears in the first episode of the series, while Seitaro Takamine appears in episode 20 (although his voice is heard as early as episode one).
In the Japanese version of the series, Hana Takamine is voiced by Wakana Yamazaki and Seitaro Takamine is voiced by Ryotaro Okiayu.
Yuta Akiyama
Yuta Akiyama is a young boy that Kiyomaro and Gash meet at the Mochonoki hospital. He has broken his leg, and it has taken him an abnormal time to heal. When Kiyomaro makes a rather insensitive remark regarding this fact, Yuuta gets angry, and decides to take revenge ... by stealing Gash's book. Yuta appears in the sixth episode of the series.
In the English version of the series, Yuta is voiced by Mona Marshall. In the Japanese version, Yuta is voiced by Satsuki Yukino.
Tsukushi Kiyama (Ivy)
Tsukushi Kiyama (known as "Ivy" in the English dub) is the caretaker of Mochonoki's Botonical Gardens. She has known Kiyomaro ever since Kiyomaro was in middle school, because Kiyomaro used to take refuge in her gardens when the bullying at school became too much for him to handle. Tsukushi's biggest regret is that she wasn't a better friend to Kiyomaro when he needed her. Tsukushi appears in the seventh episode of the series.
In the English version of the series, Ivy Kiyama is voiced by Michelle Ruff. In the Japanese version, Tsukushi Kiyama is voiced by Yuu Asakawa
NOTE: Much of the voice acting information was obtained from either Nagibook's Japanese Character List [10] or Sampo's English Cast List[11]
Magic Spells
Attack spells: spells that are mainly attacks
- Zacare (Zakeru) - produces a quick, sharp blast of lightning, (pronounced za-care)
- Geecare - creates a gust of air with whisps of green to attack the opponent
- Ugar - A blast of purpleish wind(?) shoots out of the mamodo's mouth
- Rayce (Rais) - hurls a ball of darkmatter
- Degano Rayce (Gigano Reis) - blasts darkmatter at everything in its path
- Geykor (Gekore) - throws a giant ice shard at the enemy
- Dorsen - fires sharp rocks at enemy
- Jemaro Yermay (Raja Jugaro) - a large plant grows from the ground and shoots huge spiked seeds
- Sherosen (Zerusen) - launches both fists at the foe like rockets
- Ground Garugo - ten-foot tall spikes shoot up from the ground
- Ground Send - boulders are launched from the ground as if out of cannons
- Ground Pai - a snake large enough to eat a small mamodo erupts from the ground to attack
Immobilizing spells:
- Jikerdor (Jikerudo) - creates a sphere of electricity that magnetizes the enemy
- Degan (Gravi-Rei) - intensifies gravity to cripple and smash the target
- Freyzuno (Frezudo) - freezes the target into a block of ice
- Yermay (Juron) - controls giant roots to strangle people
- Ground Dom - two plates of ground fold together like a mouse trap
- Playdo - a patch of clay forms beneath the opponent's feet, and tendrils shoot up to wrap the opponent
Defense/assist spells: spells that are not attacks
- Rasheildo (Rashield) - blocks projectile attacks and reflects the attack with an extra lightning charge
- Glishield - creates a small wall of earth to block attacks
- Ground Bow - a small explosion of dirt erupts around the mamodo and its spellcaster
- Horu - An assist spell that gives the mamodo high-speed motion
- Uruk - An assist spell that shunts the mamodo in another direction, allowing for high-jumps and mid-air double jumps
Transformation spells: alters a Mamodo into a stronger and/or more agressive form
- Hlektam (Doruke)
- Shero
- Zeruk
List of spells by the demon/mamodo performing them:
Spells by Gash and Kiyomaro :
- Zacare
- Rashield
- Jikerdor
Spells by Eido and Hyde:
- Geecare
Spells by Sherry and Brago):
- Reis
- Gravi-Rei
- Gigano-Reis
Spells by Hosokawa and Reykom:
- Gekore
- Frezudo
Spells by Haruhiko and Sugino: :
- Juron
- Raja Jurago
Spells by Renji and Gofure:
- Doruke
- Dorsen
Spells by Shiori and Kolulu:
- Zeruk
- Zerusen
Spells by Sebe and Fien:
- Ugar
- Uruk
Spells by Shinichi and Eshuros:
- Ground Dom
- Ground Bow
- Ground Pai
- Ground Send
- Ground Garugo
- Glishield
- Plaido
External links
English
- English Zatch Bell! website
- TV Tome Some more Zatch Bell information and facts.