Kyo Kara Maoh!

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Kyou Kara Maou!
Cover of Kyou Kara Maou! anime series
今日からマ王！
(Kyou Kara Maou!)
Genre Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Shoujo, Shounen-ai
Light novel
Authored by Tomo Takabayashi
Artist Temari Matsumoto
Publisher Kadokawa Beans Bunko
Publish date October 2000
No. of volumes 13
TV anime
Directed by Jinji Nishimura
Studio Studio DEEN
Network Animax, NHK
Original run 3 April 2004 – 25 February 2006
No. of episodes 78
Manga
Authored by Tomo Takabayashi (story)
Temari Matsumoto (art)
Publisher Kadokawa Shoten
Serialized in Asuka (magazine)
Original run June 2005 –
No. of volumes 2

Kyou Kara Maou! (今日からマ王! Kyō Kara Maō!?) is a Japanese series of light novels written by Tomo Takabayashi, which been adapted into an anime series, a manga and a series of audio dramas. The anime series was produced by Studio Deen and aired across Japan on NHK and the anime television network, Animax, who also aired the series across its respective networks worldwide, including Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and other regions. The series has been licensed for North American distribution by Geneon under the name Kyou Kara Maou! - God (?) Save Our King!(sic). The story follows the adventures of 15-year old Yuri Shibuya as he discovers his future in a world where demons and humans are fighting against one another.

Contents

[edit] Synopsis

Yuri Shibuya is an average high school student whose passion in life is baseball. On his way home from school one day, Yuri spies his classmate, Ken Murata, being harassed by a group of boys. He decides to help and calls out to the bullies. When the bullies notice him Murata runs away. The bullies drag Yuri to the girl's bathroom to dunk his head in a toilet for letting their prey escape. However, something strange happens and Yuri finds himself getting flushed into another world. When he reaches dry land, he sees some people dressed in medieval costume. He assumes that it is a theme park. However, the people are afraid to see him and begin to pelt him with stones. Conrad Weller and Günter von Kleist rescue Yuri and take him to Blood Pledge Castle, the residence of the Maou. He meets some key characters and soon finds himself being called the 'Maou', or Demon King. There, Yuri learns he is to be crowned king and rule over 'Shin Makoku' (眞魔国 JK forever!!!).

Throughout the series, Yuri is constantly confronted with the results of even the smallest choices he makes. With a strange power dwelling inside of him, Yuri becomes a deliverer of justice in the world of Shin Makoku.

[edit] Characters

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

[edit] Main characters

Yuri Shibuya (渋谷有利 Shibuya Yūri?)

Name  : Yuri Shibuya.
Alias  : Baseball boy, Your Majesty aka 'Heika', Wimp. (Wolfram von Bielefeld's preferred nickname)
Race  : Half human, Half demon.
Gender  : Male.
Age  : 15 years old.
Hair  : Black;Dark Brown.
Eyes  : Black;Dark Brown.
Height  : ?
Weight  : ?
Status  : Maou of the Demons.

A high school student who enjoys baseball more than textbooks. The name Yuri means July in Shin Makoku. When Yuri arrives in Shin Makoku, he is declared the 27th Maou of the Mazoku, the demon race. He has a strange power that suddenly transforms him into the Maou, deliverer of justice. Throughout the story, Yuri gets dragged between worlds at inconvenient times until the end when he has the power to travel between worlds on his own. Yuri's soul was once the soul of the healer Julia von Winncott who died during the war against humans 20 years ago. The pendant Conrad gave to him belonged to her. Very close to the end, it turns out that Julia was a key as well, which makes Yuri the key to the final box.

He has many allies and friends. However his closest allies are Conrad, Wolfram, Günter, Gwendal, Murata, and Josak. They help Yuuri out throughout the series.

At his first encounter with Wolfram von Bielefeld he ends up engaged to him due to a mishap. He also has to fight with Wolfram. During that battle Yuri turns into the true Demon King.

Yuri can transform into this true Demon King form whenever he feels great anger. In this form he can summon powerful magic, even in the human territories. However, after spending time in this form Yuuri becomes worn out and in some cases passes out and doesn't remember what happened afterwards. Later in the show(after the episode when Ken and Yuri meet up with Yozak), Yuri learns to control his power and uses it to close the first box. He still turns into the more handsome form though.

- Haruka (Tactics) - Shun Ukiya (Gatekeepers) - Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children)

- Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto) - Keigo Asano (Bleach) - Reks (Final Fantasy XII)


Conrad Weller

Name  : Lord Conrad Weller.
Alias  : The Lion of Luttenberg, Commander.
Race  : Half human, Half demon.
Gender  : Male.
Age  : ?
Hair  : Brown.
Eyes  : Brown.
Height  : ?
Weight  : ?
Status  : Commander.

A swordsman who looks after Yuri. Conrad is the second child of the previous Maou, Cecilie von Spitzberg. Conrad possesses no maryoku (demonic magic) due to his mixed heritage of human and mazoku (demon). Eventually it is discovered that Conrad's left arm is one of the keys to the 4 magical boxes that have the power to destroy the world and for a brief period Conrad betrays Yuri and Shin Makoku to join their human enemies. Later, however, it is learned that Conrad only betrayed them to learn about the whereabouts of the boxes. His plan was when the 4 boxes were gathered to steal them and return to Shin Makoku. His given name is Conrart; Yuri nicknames him Conrad, which is "closer to English" and easier to pronounce with a Japanese tongue.

His father was human while his mother was a demon. On his 16th birthday he decided to live as a demon instead of a human. He fought on the front lines for the demons during a war against the humans. He also was put in charge of the soul that was to be the new Maou, and brought it safely to Earth so that it could be born.

Furthermore, he was the one who was this inspiration for Yuri's name. He stated that "Where I come from, the month of July is called Yuri", which made Yuri's mother name him Yuri because he was born in July. For this reason, Yuri dubs him 'Nazukeoya', which is a person who names someone.

Once Yuri came back to Shin Makoku, Conrad was the one to find him and bring him safely to the castle. He acts as Yuri's bodyguard and vowed to protect Yuri with his life.

- Homura (Gensomaden Saiyuki) - Naraku (Inuyasha) - Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children)

- Squall Leonhart(Leon) (Kingdom Hearts II)


Wolfram von Bielefeld

Name  : (Lord) Wolfram von Bielefeld.
Alias  : Spoiled Brat, Little Lord Brat (by Günter and Anissina), Pretty Boy.
Race  : Demon.
Gender  : Male.
Age  : 82 years old Hair  : Blonde.
Eyes  : Green.
Height  : ?
Weight  : ?
Status  : Fiance to Yuri.
Quote  : "Now listen, you think you're cute and maybe you actually are, but being cute doesn't make it okay for you to be unfaithful."

A young man who finds himself engaged to Yuri after a mistake. Wolfram possesses fire magic, as well as being adept with a sword. He is the half-brother of Conrad and brother of Gwendal. He has extremely high pride and is hot-headed. Wolfram is obsessed with Yuri and insists on following him everywhere as he claims it's his duty to protect his fiancé. The blond noble often hides his true feelings for Yuri but it is obvious he loves him. There's a time when Wolfram is possessed by Shinou and temporarily died. Wolfram's heart is also a key.

Wolfram is the youngest son of the former Maou. He dislikes humans, even Conrad's father. Because of his demon pride, he doesn't like to admit that Conrad is his brother, even though he cares for Conrad.

Wolfram is an extremely 'pretty' person - Yuuri even calls him so upon first meeting him. This image is only enhanced by his choice of nightwear - a rather frilly pink creation that contrasts violently with his rather quick temper.

When he first becomes engaged to Yuuri he is extremely upset but the idea quickly grows on him. He takes the engagement much more seriously than Yuuri does. He follows Yuuri practically everywhere so he can keep an eye on him and even sneaks into Yuuri's bedroom at night. He gets extremely jealous when Yuuri talks to a girl or good-looking guy and often accuses him of being unfaithful.

Wolfram is a very good sword fighter and also can use fire magic and even healing magic somewhat. His magic is second only to Yuuri's own in power. He is arrogant and short-tempered but can also be quite compassionate at times.

- Tsukasa (.hack//SIGN)

- Kite (.hack//INFECTION)

Gwendal von Voltaire

Name  : (Lord) Gwendal von Voltaire.
Alias  : -
Race  : Demon.
Gender  : Male.
Hair  : Black.
Eyes  : Blue.
Status  : Commander of the Demon Army.

The eldest son of Cecilie. From the beginning, Gwendal has objections to Yuri becoming the Maou. He is a skilled tactician and is capable using earth magic. When not otherwise busy, Gwendal indulges in his hobby of knitting and sewing but often his creatures look nothing like what they're suppose to (for example a bear got mistaken for a black pig). He is also quite fond of cute objects such as the dolphin keychain Yuri received at the dolphin show. His childhood best friend is Anissina, an inventor who often tests out her inventions on him, much to his displeasure. Gwendal's left eye is a key as well.

Gwendal is a tough guy except when it comes to his childhood friend, Anissina. He is afraid of her and often hides from her so he can prevent being used in one of her crazy experiments.

Gwendal is a good sword fighter and can also use magic. He can use earth magic and can cast barriers. He is the commander of the demon army and often comes with reinforcements when Yuri finds himself in big trouble.


- Shunsui Kyoraku (Bleach)

- Nicholas D. Wolfwood (Trigun)


Günter von Christ

Name  : Günter von Christ.
Alias  : Mr. Beautiful Hair.
Race  : Demon.
Gender  : Male.
Hair  : Very Light Purple.
Eyes  : Light Purple.
Status  : Advisor to the Maou.

A teacher and swordsman who adores Yuri. Günter is skilled in the ways of the blade and magic, but has retired to teach Yuri about Shin Makoku and his future duties as the Maou. When Günter accidentally travels to Earth, he becomes a model in New York City for a brief period of time so that he can earn money to find Yuri. Günter is another test subject of Anissina.

Günter, along with the three brothers, help Yuri run the country. He is Yuri's advisor and mentor. He usually spends his time doing various duties for Yuri or day dreaming about him.

Though Günter may look somewhat serious, he usually is not. If Yuri goes missing he becomes a nervous wreck and rushes around the castle yelling for him. He also becomes very sullen when Yuri goes back to Earth or is away on a mission.

Günter is a very good swordsman. He also has very powerful maryoku. However, he makes sure not to kill the enemy since that is what Yuri does as well. Overall, he is a very nice and friendly person who would do anything for Yuri.

His title, "von Christ" ("von Kleist" accurately) is German name.

- Kakashi (Naruto) - Yuki Eiri (Gravitation)

- Lil' Slugger (Paranoia Agent)

Ken Murata (村田健 Murata Ken?)

Name  : Murata Ken.
Alias  : MuraKen, The Great Sage, The Great Wise Man of Double Black.
Race  : ?
Gender  : Male.
Age  : 15 years.
Hair  : Black.
Eyes  : Dark Brown.

An acquaintance of Yuri's. Ken is known to smile often and keep relatively quiet. He later finds himself involved with Yuri and the other world when it is discovered he houses the soul and memories of the Great Sage.

He was actually the reason Yuuri was given a swirly, since he was the kid the bullies had been picking on. He helps get Yuri to and from worlds, although Yuuri does not know this for most of the anime.

He is very smart and calculating. He is known as the Great Sage due to his past life where that was his title. He still remembers things from that life and other lives that he has had. He is a good friend and ally to Yuuri and helps him a lot throughout the series.

- Hanataro Yamada (Bleach)

  • Voice actor: Grant George


Jozak Gurrier/Grie;
(Pronounced Yosak)

Name  : Yozak Gurrier.
Alias  : The Spy, Ms. Biceps.
Race  : Half human, Half demon.
Gender  : Male.
Age  : Unknown.
Hair  : Orange.
Eyes  : Blue.
Height  : ?
Weight  : ?
Status  : Spy of the Demon army; Maou personal guard.

Introduced by Conrad to Yuuri during the episode that they are captured on a ship. Originally doubted Yuuri, but eventually gained his trust when Yuuri left him in charge of Morgif's Jewel (his power source, which he later returned due to a attack on a human village by the holy sword stolen from its rightful owner).

He seems to have gone a long way with Conrad as shown in some episodes where he is included in Conrad's flashbacks as both a child and a warrior.

He's a kind hearted man despite his huge appearance and no matter how masculine he looks he doesn't seem bothered when his job requires him to crossdress.

  • Seiyu: Masanori Takeda

- Kouzaburo (Windy Tails)

  • Voice actor: Marvin Lee

[edit] Supporting characters

Cecilie von Spitzberg

The previous Maou and mother of Gwendal, Conrad, and Wolfram. Although initially, Cecilie seems to be rather airheaded, she is actually very astute and intelligent and a very caring person. Cecilie goes by the name Celi, which is pronounced "Cheri" in Japanese. Because of that some fans call her "Cheri" while others use "Celi" (Pronunce as "Tseri" accurately in Romanization of Japanese). Both spellings are acceptable however and just depends on personal preference.


Anissina von Khrennikov

Anissina is an inventor and possesses powerful maryoku. She is also Gwendal's childhood friend and often uses him to test out her inventions. It is for this reason that Gwendal seems to fear Anissina. When Gwendal is not around, Gunter becomes her test subject.

Her title is written in a Japanese original as "von Karbelnikoff" (フォンカーベルニコフ卿).


Ulrike

A 800-year old priestess with the form of a young girl. Ulrike is known as the "Original Priestess" as she was the one who served the "Original King". Ulrike is the one who, at the order of the Original King, transports Yuri to and from his world to Shin Makoku.


Adelbert von Grantz

Adelbert is the first important character that Yuri meets in Shin Makoku. He is Julia's former fiancé and abandons Shin Makoku upon her death, as he feels that the way of the Mazoku is wrong. He believes that the Mazoku are simply toys of the "Original King". Though in the beginning he is considered an enemy, as the series progresses he begins to protect Yuuri.


Stoffel von Spitzberg

Cecilia's older brother; he was the former regent of the former Maou and was kicked out of the castle when Yuri arrived. He got mad at Yuri and his nephews for kicking him out of the castle, waged a war against his nephews, and tried to convince Yuri that his 3 nephews were just using him to control Shin Makoku. Yuri, as the Maou, made his punishment for waging war house arrest in his own castle and lands. His favourite food is sauteed Neguroki no Mayakishi.


Gisela

She is the adopted daughter of Günter and was a friend of Julia von Winncot. She is usually sweet and caring, but has her 'scary' moments. During these moments, she is feared by Dorcas, Kennan, Wolfram and many others. Her nickname is sergeant, a military physician.


Greta

Greta is the adopted daughter of Yuri and Wolfram. After she tries to kill Yuri by posing as his illegitimate daughter, he forgives her and adopts her. Wolfram also adopts Greta, reasoning that as Yuri's fiancé he is also Greta's parent.


Jose Rodriguez

Associates of the Maou of Earth and also of Conrad. Transported the Great Sage's soul to Japan at the same time Conrad transported Julia's. He became Ken's pediatrician when Ken was younger and began to remember his previous lives.


Bob

The Maou of Earth. A businessman who owns several prosperous companies and is even called the Maou in the business world.


Shouri Shibuya (渋谷勝利 Shibuya Shouri?)

Yuri's older brother who is apparently a genius and who is very protective of Yuri. He is to become Bob's successor as the Maou of Earth. Shouri eventually goes to Shin Makoku as well. He also has very powerful maryoku.

[edit] Media

[edit] Light novels

The novels are currently serialized in Kadokawa's Beans Collection.

Main Story
Side Stories

[edit] Anime

Opening theme
  1. Hateshinaku Tooi Sora ni (果てしなく遠い空に) In the Endlessly Far Sky by The Stand Up
Closing themes
  1. Suteki na Shiawase (ステキな幸せ) Thank You by The Stand Up (episodes 1-39)
  2. Arigatou~ (ありがとう～) by BON'z (episodes 40-78)

The anime series was produced by Studio Deen and aired across Japan on NHK and the anime television network, Animax. It is licensed and distributed across North America by Geneon Entertainment under the title, Kyo Kara Maoh! - God (?) Save the King!

[edit] Manga

The manga is currently serialized in ASUKA, a monthly manga magazine. Its production started in July 2005. Only two volumes of the manga has been published in Japan.

[edit] Drama CDs

  • Kondo wa MA no Tsuku Saishuu Heiki!
  • Konya wa MA no Tsuku Daidassou!
  • Ashita wa MA no Tsuku Kaze ga Fuku!

[edit] External links

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