Digimon Tamers

Digimon Tamers
Digimon Tamers
デジモンテイマーズ (Dejimon Teimāzu)
Genre	Action-adventure Science fiction
Anime television series
Directed by	Yukio Kaizawa
Produced by	Hiromi Seki Kyotaru Kimura
Written by	Chiaki J. Konaka
Music by	Takanori Arisawa
Studio	Toei Animation
Licensed by	NA: Saban Entertainment
Original network	Fuji TV
English network	AU: Network Ten, Fox Kids CA: YTV UK: ITV, Fox Kids US: Fox Kids, ABC Family, Jetix ZA: M-Net (K-TV)
Original run	April 1, 2001 – March 31, 2002
Episodes	51
Anime film
Battle of Adventurers
Studio	Toei Animation
Released	July 14, 2001
Runtime	50 minutes
Anime film
Runaway Locomon
Studio	Toei Animation
Released	March 2, 2002
Runtime	30 minutes
Manga
Written by	Yuen Wong Yu
Published by	Rightman Publishing Ltd.
English publisher	NA: Tokyopop SEA: Chuang Yi
Original run	April 2004 – October 2004
Volumes	4
Related works
Digimon Adventure Digimon Adventure 02 Digimon Frontier Digimon Data Squad (Savers) Digimon Fusion (Xros Wars)

Digimon Tamers (デジモンテイマーズ, Dejimon Teimāzu) is the third television anime series produced by Toei Animation based on the Japanese Digimon franchise. Unlike the previous seasons, Digimon Adventure and Digimon Adventure 02, Tamers takes place in a different universe, where the first two seasons are a TV series, the show mostly taking place in the real world and revolving heavily around the collectible card game based on the series.

This series is also known for its darker undertones in story plots, taking darker routes than in previous series', but in the English dub is more lighthearted dialogue-wise, similar to previous series. Tamers aired in Japan between April 1, 2001 and March 31, 2002, whilst an English-language version by Saban Entertainment aired in North America between September 1, 2001 to June 8, 2002. A manga adaptation by Yuen Wong Yu ran between April and October 2004. It was succeeded by Digimon Frontier.

Plot

One day Takato creates his own Digimon Guilmon when he slips a mysterious blue card he found in his deck through his hand-held card reading device, changing it into a D-Power (called a D-Arc in Japan), the Tamers version of a Digivice. The appearance and powers of this Digimon come from Takato's sketches that were scanned into the device. Guilmon bio-emerges from the Digital World and is found later by Takato. Takato meets other Tamers including Henry who met Terriermon in a computer game, and Rika whose success in card game tournaments allowed to choose Renamon, promising to make her stronger. Early in the series, the three Tamers and their Digimon duel foreign Digimon that are emerging into their world. Takato, Henry and their partners begin working together, while Rika and Renamon prefer to fight on their own; however, they all soon realize that much more is at stake during their battles and the six unite as a team. They also encounter two more Digimon, who become regular characters in the series: Calumon, a mysterious Digimon that has the power to make other Digimon digivolve, but dislikes fighting, and only wants to play and eat junk food, and Impmon, a Digimon that left his Tamers because he was sick of their bickering and selfishness, and thinks that all Digimon with Tamers are a disgrace. Other characters, Kazu, Kenta, Jeri (Takato's friends from school) and Suzie (Henry's little sister) become Tamers later on in the series, and Ryo (Rika's rival and legendary Digimon Tamer) is introduced after the team enter the Digital World. Along the way, the kids learn to be responsible for those creatures as a mysterious man known as Yamaki tries to stop wild Digimon from coming to the real world. From the secret government agency called Hypnos, Yamaki was in charge of monitoring all Digimon activity around the globe.

When Yamaki attempts to use his project, the Juggernaut programme, to every Digimon back to the Digital World, a group of powerful Digimon calling themselves the Devas, who serve the Digimon Sovereigns, hijack the programme and begin to enter the Real World. The Deva's belief that true Digimon should not pair up with humans, cause the trio of Tamers and their Digimon to fight to defend their world against them. The Devas' true purpose for entering the human world was to capture Calumon, and take him back to the Digital World, so that they could use his power of Digivolution. The Devas succeed in this goal, although many are destroyed in the attempt. The Tamers and their friends then decide to leave for the Digital World to rescue Calumon. They destroy all but one of the remaining Devas (Antylamon turned to the side of good and became Suzie's Digimon partner) and confront Impmon, who had digivolved to his mega form, Beelzemon, after making a deal with the Sovereign for more power, in exchange for eliminating the Tamers. Jeri's partner, Leomon, is killed by Beelzemon, which causes Jeri to fall into depression. Beelzemon is defeated by Gallantmon. After traveling the Digital World on their quest, the Tamers meet and battle one of the four Digimon Sovereigns, but finally agree to work together in order to destroy the D-Reaper, a computer program initially designed to keep digital life from getting out of control, but it itself became rampant. The Tamers not only must save both worlds from the D-Reaper, but also rescue Jeri, who has been taken by the renegade program and is, unwilling and unknown to her, feeding it information with her sadness. A huge battle ensues with Takato, Henry, Rika, Ryo and their Digimon versus the D-Reaper, with Takato trying to rescue Jeri while the others try to finish the D-Reaper for good. After the battle, the D-Reaper is finally defeated when Henry and Terriermon implement a plan created by Hypnos and the Monster Makers and manage to devolve the D-Reaper back to its original, harmless state, and send it back into the Digital World. Takato and Guilmon succeed in rescuing Jeri, and everyone is rescued by Takato's friends Kazu and Kenta and their Digimon. The Digimon however, are forced to return to the Digital World, forcing the children to say good-bye to all of the Digimon, with Takato promising to see Guilmon again. The story ends several months later, when Takato discovers the portal to the Digital World under Guilmon's old hiding place has opened once again, and Takato realises he will be able to keep his promise after all.

Production

Following the conclusion of Digimon Adventure 2 Toei's Hiroyuki Kakudo and the other members could not figure what series do after that. The team was eventually satisfied with the release of Digimon Tamers as Kakudo believes the series' setting could have also been applied in the previous anime. Writer Chiaki J. Konaka was concerned about the portrayal of the Digimons as kind-hearted creatures in the first two TV series might affect "the monster-like spirit of Digimon." As a result, Konaka used this series to examine what is a Digimon and their nature. Konaka wanted to explore how Digimons' nature is that of harming other creatures to become stronger since they did not possess morals. Digimons would now need to learn lessons from their comrades and become more civilized. This would be primarily explored through Guilmon due to his primitive nature. Konaka was also worried about evolutions losing impact due to their repetitiveness. In order to solve this, the new Digivice was designed so that it could be used alongside cards to give the characters another "ace up sleeve." The writer wanted to limit the use of cards at one of time. The main characters being more responsible of the evolutions and their adventures was another of Konaka's priorities as a message to children from modern society. For the last episodes of the series, Konaka believed the final enemy should neither be a human or a Digimon and created the D-Reaper.

Originally, the main cast from the first two television series was set to appear as secondary characters. They would have been the protagonists' mentors even though Takato and his friends were going through a different adventure. In the end, this idea was scrapped and only Ryo from the WonderSwan games was used. Early during the making of the series, Konaka had conceptualized the idea of the Tamers combining with their Digimon to reach the highest level of evolution, Mega. Shinji Aramaki joined the team in the making of the CGI which including the Biomerge scenes.

For the atmosphere Konaka was unwilling to introduce the idea of Digimon being reborn following their deaths. He believed death should not be treated lightly in a show for kids especially considering how the main characters are constantly risking their lives. As a result, the staff decided to portray the shocking event of a death in the series. Leomon was the chosen Digimon to die even though Konaka had doubts about it since another Leomon already died in the first TV series. While the anime proved to be dark, Konaka believes it was benefitted by the roles of Terriermon and Calumon who managed to balance the mood.

Characters

Main article: List of Digimon Tamers characters

Main characters

Character	Voice actor	Digimon	Voice actor
Takato Matsuki Matsuda Takato (松田 啓人)	Brian Beacock (EN) Makoto Tsumura (JP)	Guilmon	Steven Blum (EN) Masako Nozawa (JP)
An imaginative and artistic young boy who created his own partner Digimon, and gradually emerges as the unofficial leader of the Tamers. He imagined Guilmon and brought him to life after discovering his Digivice.
Henry Wong Li Jianliang/Ri Jenrya (李 健良)	Dave Wittenberg (EN) Mayumi Yamaguchi (JP)	Terriermon	Mona Marshall (EN) Aoi Tada (JP)
A half-Japanese/half-Chinese boy, the voice of reason in the group and kung-fu expert. He chose Terriermon as his partner in a video game.
Rika Nonaka Makino Ruki (牧野 留姫)	Melissa Fahn (EN) Fumiko Orikasa (JP)	Renamon	Mari Devon (EN) Yuka Imai (JP)
A tomboyish, headstrong female Tamer who is a champion Digimon card player and initially the most experienced against fighting Digimon, as well as a good singer. She chose Renamon out of her desire for the strongest partner.
Ryo Akiyama Akiyama Ryō (秋山 遼)	Steve Staley (EN) Junichi Kanemaru (JP)	Cyberdramon	Lex Lang (EN) Ikkei Seta (JP)
An enigmatic tamer that went missing after beating Rika, and taking first place in the Digimon Card Tournament.
Jeri Katou Katō Juri (加藤樹莉)	Bridget Hoffman (EN) Yoko Asada (JP)	Leomon	Paul St. Peter (EN) Hiroaki Hirata (JP)
A female tamer who is one of Takato's friends from school. She has a poor relationship with her father, as a result of her mother's death.
Kazu Shioda Shiota Hirokazu (塩田 博和)	Brad MacDonald (EN) Yukiko Tamaki (JP)	Guardromon	Richard Cansino (EN) Yanada Kiyoyuki (JP)
A comedic tamer who is very good friends with Takato and Kenta, and often defeats them in the Digimon Card Game. He also idolizes Ryo.
Kenta Kitagawa Kitagawa Kenta (北川 健太)	Steven Blum (EN) Tōko Aoyama (JP)	MarineAngemon	Wendee Lee (EN) Ai Iwamura (JP)
A Tamer who is very good friends with Takato and Kazu. He is considerably more resigned and less inclined to speak thoughtlessly compared to Kazu.
Suzie Wong Li Shaochung/Ri Shiuchon (李 小春)	Peggy O'Neal (EN) Ai Nagano (JP)	Lopmon	Michelle Ruff (EN) Aoi Tada (JP)
Henry's little sister, and the third youngest Tamer (after Ai and Makoto). Initially unaware that Terriermon is alive, she treats the Digimon like a plush toy, much to Terriermon's chagrin.
Ai and Mako Ai (アイ) and Makoto (マコト)	Rebecca Forstadt & Wendee Lee (EN) Haruhi Terada & Miwa Matsumoto (JP)	Impmon	Derek Stephen Prince (EN) Hiroki Takahashi (JP)
Two young children whom Impmon first meets during his first time in the human world; his experiences with their sibling rivalry gave him a strong dislike for humans. They reconcile with Impmon near the end of the series.

Secondary characters

• Calumon
• Alice McCoy and Dobermon
• Grani
• Locomon - Ultimate Digimon that goes on a rampage through Shinjuku, creating a portal to the Digital World. Resists attempts by Growlmon, Beelzemon, Renamon, Takato and Rika to stop him and is revealed to be controlled by Parasimon. Digivolves into GranLocomon near the end of the movie. Freed from Parasimon's control by Gallantmon and returns to the Digital World having de-digivolved back to Locomon after the battle is over, commenting that he wants to "keep on running."
• Monster Makers - Group of computer programmers/scientists who created the Digimon. Reunited by Yamaki.
  • Gorou Mizuno (水野 悟郎 Mizuno Gorō): Nickname "Shibumi". Continued on with the Digimon project after it was shut down in 1986. He later is able to help the kids while they are in the Digital World, as well as rejoining the Monster Makers in Shinjuku to help fight the D-Reaper. Voiced by Bob Glouberman (US).
  • Janyu Lee (李 鎮宇 Rī Janyū) / Janyu Wong: Nickname "Tao", Henry's father. He was voiced by Yoshiyuki Kaneko (Japan) and Jamieson Price (US).
  • Rob McCoy: Nickname "Dolphin", Alice's Grandfather, professor at Palo Alto University. Voiced by Tom Fahn (US).
  • Rai Aishuwarya: Nickname "Curly", professor at Miscatonic University. Voiced by Dorothy Elias-Fahn (US).
  • Babel: Real name unknown. Voiced by Neil Kaplan (US).
  • Daisy: Real or full name unknown. Voiced by Wendee Lee (US).

Antagonists

• D-Reaper: An out-of-control computer program. The main antagonist. Devolved by MegaGargomon and returned to the Digital World (though it is stated by Janyu in the English dub to have "disappeared forever" after the devolution).
• Hypnos
  • Mitsuo Yamaki - Head of Hypnos. He initially antagonizes the tamers and plans to destroy all Digimon, but later becomes their ally. He was voiced by Susumu Chiba (Japan) and Steven Blum (US).
  • Reika Ootori (Ootori Reika) / Riley Ootori - Chief System Operator. Voiced by Tifanie Christun (English, Series) and Philece Sampler (English, Movie).
  • Megumi Onodera (Onodera Megumi) / Tally Onodera - System Operator. Voiced by Peggy O'Neal (US).
• Man In Black - Unnamed Hypnos agent and field operative that is seen several times in the series. Voiced by R. Martin Klein.
• Zhuqiaomon: One of the four Sovereign. Initially seems the antagonist, but later puts aside his quest to destroy humans. Helps in the final battle along with the other Sovereigns by pulling the D-Reaper back to the Digital World.
• Mephistomon: Ultimate Digimon. Main enemy of Battle of Adventurers. Is created from the data of an Apoclymon and battles Omnimon before ending up in the real world. Poses as a human and creates the V-Pets to create havok and destroy the world. Is apparently destroyed by Growlmon, but after his plans after defeated, he emerges in his Mega form of Gulfmon, but is destroyed by WarGrowlmon, Rapidmon and Taomon with Trinity Burst.
• Parasimon: Mega Digimon and main enemy of Runaway Locomon. Rather weak for a Mega, but can control the actions of humans and Digimon. Controls Locomon in order to create a portal between the Real and Digital world so a massive army of Parasimon can invade Earth. Controls Rika as well, but is stopped by Guilmon. Is destroyed by Gallantmon, but sends a signal that brings the army to Earth. Many are destroyed by Gallantmon, MegaGargomon, Sakuyamon, Justimon, Guardromon, MarineAngemon and Beelzemon before Gallantmon: Crimson Mode obliterates the army with his Crimson Light attack and closes the portal. Makuramon/Makura was voiced by Joe Ochman.

Media

Anime television series

Main article: List of Digimon Tamers episodes

Digimon Tamers aired 51 episodes on Fuji TV in Japan from April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2002.

The English-language version produced by Saban Entertainment aired on Fox Kids in the United States from September 1, 2001 to June 8, 2002, receiving various changes to character names and music, as well as edits pertaining to violence and cultural references. The Japanese version of Digimon Tamers (with English subtitles) was released on Hulu in February 2011.

New Video Group release the dubbed version as a DVD boxset in North America on June 11, 2013.

As of April 2014, Digimon Tamers (listed as Digimon Season 3) is available to watch on Netflix in the United States.

Theme songs

Opening theme

• "The Biggest Dreamer" by Kōji Wada

Ending themes

• "My tomorrow" by AiM
  • Episodes: 1-23
• "Days -Aijō to Nichijō-" (Days-愛情と日常-, "Days (Love and Everyday)") by AiM
  • Episodes: 24-51

Insert songs

• "Slash" by Michihiko Ohta
• "EVO" by Wild Child Bound
• "One Vision" by Takayoshi Tanimoto
• "3 Primary Colors" by Tamers
• "Kaze" (風, "Wind") by Kōji Wada
• "Starting Point" by Kōji Wada, AiM and Michihiko Ohta

Anime films

Main article: List of Digimon films

Short story

This short story, written by Chiaki J. Konaka and illustrated by Kenji Watanabe, was published in 2002 in Volume 5 of SF Japan, a Japanese science fiction magazine. Tamers 1984 was intended for a more mature audience, specifically the adult fans of Digimon Tamers, and focused on the creation of the original Digimon program by the Monster Makers at Palo Alto University in the United States. It revolved around the roles and thoughts of each of the Monster Makers, and dealt largely with the philosophical and technological issues surrounding the creation of artificial intelligence.

Audio drama

This audio drama takes place several months after the end of the series. The Tamers have yet to be reunited with their Digimon Partners, but the Monster Makers have discovered a way in which the Tamers may be able to send messages to the Digital World. However, it's not certain if it'll work, or if their Partners will receive their messages. But with the memories and love for their Partners guiding them, the Tamers each make their own emotional and heartfelt messages, hoping that their Partners will hear them. They talk about the past, their plans for the future, how they've changed, and most of all, how important they believe that their Partners were to them, and convey the hope and certainty that will meet up with each other once again.

Reception and analysis

Due to its differences from the first two Digimon series, Tamers received mixed reviews when it first aired in the United States (September 1, 2001). Tim Jones of THEM Anime writes, "Although Digimon Tamers has its faults (slow character development, a sudden change in new characters from the last series, and a less-than-exciting first half), the more you watch it, and the further you get into it, the more you'll enjoy it." In comparison to the first two series, Tamers also displayed darker undertones in its plot. According to English-language dub voice actor Dave Wittenberg, the new series possessed "an element of seriousness" that was not present in the first two series. Additionally, some parts would be better understood by older viewers due to the introduction of more difficult concepts.

The airing of Digimon Tamers coincided with the September 11 attacks, and in at least one case, the events have been analyzed within the context of the series. Margaret Schwartz of PopMatters writes, "As NPR and other […] media began to debate the September 11 images, I began to see just how important it was to consider how we as a culture define and experience "reality" […] Some argue that the shocking video footage […] is a necessary experience of the catastrophe—even a condition of it." She points out the metafictional story of Tamers where "bits of forgotten computer data have fused to become a separate world inhabited by live creatures". In acknowledging the line drawn between good and evil in the series, Schwartz writes, "The evil here consists in refusing to see that Digimon are "real", real creatures, and that destroying any one of them is in fact murder." Through the existence of intangible communication networks as a "product of human ingenuity", she concludes that "those of us in the "real" world have become so good at playing creator, at making "things" appear much like "real" creatures, that we tend to confuse the two."

External links

• Toei Animation official site (Japanese)
• DIGIMON TAMERS RESOURCES (Notes and history of Digimon Tamers from Chiaki J. Konaka) (Japanese/English)