Maruhage Empire
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The Maruhage Empire (マルハーゲ帝国 Maruhage Teikoku) is a fictional kingdom established on Earth in the year 300X in the manga/anime series Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo by Yoshio Sawai. Also known as the Margarita Empire (anime) and the Chrome Dome Empire (American dub), it is the primary antagonist as well as the location of most of the actions in the series.
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[edit] History
The series has not established the length of the existence of the Maruhage Empire, but it is known to have been in existence for at least 200 years, about the period of time for the first four "New Emperor Playoffs" to which an emperor is chosen from the strongest fighters in the world. The meaning and purpose of the empire prior to one-hundred years before the start of the series is considered a mystery that has yet to be revealed.
One hundred years ago, the Maruhage Empire had entered into its darkest and most destructive period. The ruler during this period was the infamous Tsuru Tsurulina the 3rd, a powerful cybernetic being who desired the destruction of humanity. Gathering together many of the most powerful warriors on his side, the emperor declared war on humans and used his power to attack and kill as many as possible both in his kingdom and around his world. Through a great war, the empire grew from a minor power to the most powerful kingdom in the world within four days! Under his command were twenty-six blocks (each named after a letter of the alphabet, with "A" as the strongest and "Z" as the weakest) and five-million soldiers. However, there were some kingdoms that did resist the power of the growing empire. One of his greatest resistance was found from the Hair Kingdom (毛の王国 Ke no Oukoku), a land where warriors powered by the mysterious "Hair Ball" were able to drive away the emperor and his forces. However, just at the height of their infamy and power, just when the entire world was under their command, all of the powerful warriors, including Tsuru Tsurulina the 3rd, entered a cryogenic sleep, never to be reawakened...
With the Third and his forces entering perminant cold sleep, it is unknown who became the next emperor of the Maruhage Empire. However, the next emperor to take the name of "Tsuru Tsurulina" would come close to seventy years after the heyday of the Third Era! A young boy, born completely bald to the ruler of the Maruhage Empire, became the leader of the land from a very young age, proclaimed even in his youth as Tsuru Tsurulina the 4th. But while the world embraced their new young leader, his prestige would haunt one boy in particular: Hydrate, the new emperor's younger brother! Because of being born after his brother, Hydrate was forced into being treated like a second-class citizen in his own household. He attempted to find a way to gain respect from the 4th, attempting to learn the most powerful Shinken from famed teacher Landmine Dandy. Although he trained and prepared for eight years, this too fell apart: his teacher was taken apart (by his own daughter Torpedo Girl) and he found himself banished into the Dark World (闇の世界 Yami no Sekai) underneath his brother's castle ten years before the start of the story. Over time, Hydrate would use the power of the Dark World to grow into an empire of his own...
Ten years after being declared emperor (and twenty years prior to the start of the series), Tsuru Tsurulina the 4th would make the move that would define his rule. He declared that all of his subjects, from his soldiers to the common people, were to become bald! Thus began the great Hair Hunt (毛狩り Kegari), where bald soldiers scoured the cities and the countryside, shaving anyone and everyone they came across to meet with their leader's declaration.
Due to the creation of the Hair Hunt, the 4th chose once again to target the Hair Kingdom, seeing if he could succeed where the previous emperor had failed. Ambushing their way into the land, the Hair Hunters easily began to overrun the small follicle beings that lived here, chopping off the one strand that they held and subsequently killing them. However, there were more than merely little hair creatures living in this land: five human-type children, all of whom from the same father TUYOSHI, had been born with the great power of the Hair Kingdom. Each of these humans was a master of one of the five different kinds of hairs on the body and all held the same "Hair Ball" that would make them future protectors of this land. As the Maruhage soldiers invaded the country, the five of them were instructed to escape by their father to keep the future of the kingdom alive. However, only one of them was able to escape: eldest child Bababa-ba Ba-baba, who was accidentally launched into space before the other four were ready to embark. The second youngest, Bebebe-be Be-bebe, also seemed to mysteriously vanished at this time. (He was later revealed to have been abducted and brainwashed by Hydrate in the midst of the invasion) TUYOSHI's last hope was believed to be in his youngest son: the blond-afroed idiot Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, who had recently gained the title of the 7th Master of Hanage Shinken (Fist of the Nosehair). But, in the midst of escape, TUYOSHI chose to steal the escape pod out of the Hair Kingdom, getting out with his life while Bo-bobo was captured and taken to the Maruhage Empire, never to see his home again! Not too long after Bo-bobo's capture, the invasion of the kingdom was mysteriously called off. Only two children of the hair remained when it was over: the second-eldest boy Bibibi-bi Bi-bibi (who subsequently took over the leadership of the kingdom for reasons unknown) and middle-child daughter Bububu-bu Bu-bubu. A sixth Hair Kingdom human, a boy named Hatenko, would also leave the kingdom when the time came both to fight the Hair Hunters and to search for the survivors of this raid. (even if he would soon be distracted by....other things)
In the twenty years since the Hair Kingdom invasion and the present, the Maruhage Empire would continue to consolidate and enforce its power through the land. Tsurulina the 4th would continue to rule with ease over his people. A new generation of Block Leaders, similar to those from the previous era and coming in various styles and abilities (and flavors), would rise to spread fear through the land. And the people remained under their will as the Hair Hunters continued to shave every person in the empire! But unlike in previous times, there was finally a resistance against them. Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, the child abducted from the Hair Kingdom, would grow to become a formidable warrior that would use his "Hanage Shinken" (as well as a bunch of other crazy, wild techniques) to fight against the empire and finally bring an end to centuries of tyranny...
[edit] Divisions
In Chapter 1 of the series, an outline is shown revealing the organization of the Maruhage Empire under Tsuru Tsurulina the 4th.
- Emperor: The supreme ruler of the Maruhage Empire, this position is the one who controls every other force in the empire. Whatever he says is law. In this era, the emperor is Tsuru Tsurulina the 4th, most notable for the control of the Hair Hunt to make everyone under his rule bald.
- Giga: Leader of the prison island Cyber City, he is this current emperor's right hand man making him higher then the Big 4. (even if not previously pointed out on the diagram of the Empire) Notorious for the enprisonment and shaving of all of his subjects, he particularly goes after the "Fist Masters", turning them into statues to power his own "Fist of Obujé".
- Maruhage Empire Four Heavenly Kings (マルハーゲ四天王 Maruhage Shitenou) / Chrome Dome Empire Big Four: Taking orders directly from Tsuru Tsurulina himself, these four are the most powerful Hair Hunters in the empire. These members rule from specific locations throughout the empire (except Purupuu, who travels around the world on his own). While extremely powerful in themselves, each of these four have a vast team of warriors under their command, similar if not more effective than an average Hair Hunter. The loyalty of these four vary from member to member: while powerful and evil members such as Purupuu (Kitty-Poo) and OVER have no mercy in either killing or in ripping hair out, Halekulani is more concerned with his own profits and in making as much money as possible. On the other hand, Gunkan (Captain Battleship), while seemingly loyal to the 4th, finds his own ulterior motives in taking out enemies to the empire as well as Hair Hunters! It is said that Gunkan's desire is the destruction both of Maruhage and Hair Kingdoms, leading to the establishment of his own "Regent Kingdom"...but that is merely a rumor.
- Assassination Corp: On a level similar to the Four Heavenly Kings, these assassins take out the enemies of the empire by any means necessary. The leader of this squad, Nenchaku, is a merciless killer who is seen by the 4th as one of his most powerful warriors. It is also believed that teen Hajikelist Rice used to work as an assassin associated with this unit.
- Hair Hunt Coordination Headquarters: Very little is known of this division, but it is assumed that this is the leadership controlling the Hair Hunt blocks and coordinating the leaders. Teru, the most powerful commander of the Hair Hunters, is a member of this division. (however, little is seen to verify this command since Teru only appears once)
- Mr. Ooiwa: Little is known who or what this man is, seeing how he never appeared or what connection he has to Tsurulina or the Maruhage Empire.
- Hair Hunters Divisions A-G: The seven most powerful Hair Hunt blocks are grouped together and are considered the main leaders of the block-by-block Hair Hunt. Similar to the seven most powerful Hair Hunters from one-hundred years ago (of whom several block leaders may or may not have a strange coincidence in their selection), the seven most powerful leaders come together to discuss the progress of the Hair Hunt and any problems encountered along the way. These leaders and blocks are as follows:
- A Block: The most powerful of the Hair Hunters, it is lead by the gelatenous Tokoro Tennosuke (Jelly Jiggler) from an amusement park. After he is defeated, Tennosuke eventually joins Bo-bobo's resistance. (being food-based connects him to former leader Hanpen)
- B Block: Lead by Tsurun, it is destroyed by Gunkan's assistant Suzu during his enigmatic battle against the Empire while employed as a Heavenly King.
- C Block: Ruled from the Aitsuhage Tower headquarters by Geha the Gale, this block also employed the mysterious Babylon servant Softon for a period. (the wind powers connect Geha to former leader Jeda the Wind God)
- D Block: Lead by cosplayer Kitemasu, no other information known.
- E Block: Lead by a hooded man, no other information known.
- F Block: Lead by a hooded man, no other information known.
- G Block: Lead by the effeminate makeup-wearing Hagen, he would eventually become the first major victim of Bo-bobo's rebellion. (his effeminate nature connects Hagen to former leader Rose-Lily Kikunojō)
- Sales Department: Although a government organization, the Hair Hunters are always trying to maintain finances as well as make profits in various business ventures undertaken. Through various ventures such as the video stores in Aitsuhage Tower, the sale of Hair Hunt apparel (such as uniforms or gear) and even the running and maintenance of two amusement parks (A-Block park, which is later replaced by Neo Hair-Hunt Land MAX, and Hallelujah Land), the government is able to receive needed profits to continue effectively ruling without dissent.
- Propeganda Department: Always in need of putting their best face forward to the public, the Hair Hunters effectively use propaganda for both human relations as well as for recruitment. Appearing in the popular magazines in the empire, they are able to show themselves as a more righteous organization as well as interest though who wish to join their ranks, especially to take down threats such as Bo-bobo. (even if the one their hunting gets interested in joining as well)
- Public Relations: Certain members of the empire are required to handle the day-to-day relations with the citizens as well as keeping them informed on the latest matters regarding the emperor and the Hair Hunt. Offices in various cities conduct the interaction between the government and the people, including holding the recruitment of more Hair Hunters and day-to-day paperwork maintenance. The Maruhage Empire's television channels are also believed to be in this department, with officials in certain blocks creating various content and programming that both entertains and propagates the messages of their emperor. Characters such as Pagya (recruitment official) and Kuunyan (messenger) are believed to be part of this department.
- Hair Hunters Divisions H-Z: The nineteen Hair Hunt blocks below G-Block continue the work of the Hair Hunt in what is considers the weaker sections of the empire. Although considered not as powerful as the main seven blocks and mostly consistent of ordinary Hair Hunters and their leadership, they continue the hair-based policies on a local level. Key blocks in this set include:
- H Block: Lead by Maetel, this team is also known as the Wig Gang for their practice in covering their bald appearance with long-haired wigs. Their appearance has made enemies with the Hajike Gang based in the area.
- M Block: Led by Boss Bob, who was quickly defeated by Hatanko.
- Z Block: A strange enigma within the Hair Hunt organizations, Z Block would normally be considered the weakest of the Hair Hunt blocks due to being at the end of the alphabet. But in reality, this block is the strongest of all letter-based blocks, partially as a means to eliminate those who wish to start from "the weakest"! Normal soldiers here are considered equal to the strength (and stupidity) of A-Block leader Tokoro Tennosuke, while the elite warriors are some of the most powerful (and confusing) beings in the Hair Hunt! (such as a TV named Radioman and the game playing vice-leader Kibahage) At the top of the entire leadership for the block is the tiny white "dog" Dengaku Man, who combines his fierce power with his charm and cuteness. After the fall of the block, Dengaku Man eventually befriends and joins Bo-bobo.
- Other Notable Divisions
- River Block:Also known as "River Block" it is lead by Kodebun, a fishing expert.
- Robo Block: The guardians of a beach-front property area (the manga has it as a separate block, but the anime makes it the front door of Z Block), this block is made up of four robots working together as a team to take down any invaders and use their teamwork to achieve victory.
- Hajike Block: A block formerly closed down by the leader of the Maruhage Empire, it is the legendary block of Hajike warriors. Great Hajikelists, both working for the empire or fighting against it, search for this block both to fight against other Hajikelists as well as gain some assistance from some of the warriors or items that can be found here. The leader of this block is Rokka, but he seems rather ineffective compared to the other Hajikelists of the block. Former assassin Rice appears to live here after Bo-bobo saves him and even Tennosuke lived here for a short time before joining Bo-bobo's team.
[edit] Locations
- Inafu Village (Beauty's Hometown)
- Wigginsville
- Demode City
- C-Block's Aitsuhage Tower
- A Block Amusement Park
- Poo Poo City
- Iguana Village
- House of Blood
- Z Block Base
- Wiggin Block
- Over's Castle
- Holy Guacamole Land
- Cyber City
[edit] Known Antagonists
- Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo: One of the five children of the Hair Kingdom, he has chosen to take down the empire after being sacrificed by his father to the Hair Hunters. As he travels around the world, he continuously takes out one Hair Hunt block after another in order to bring peace to the world.
- Hajike Gang: A strange squadron first encountered around Hajike Town, it is lead by the bizarre leader Don Patch. While they do not find too much in common with the Maruhage Empire in general, they particularly take offense to the H-Block "Wig Gang". However, Don Patch does eventually join in the battle against the empire.
- Heppokomaru / Gasser: A teen boy from Puppu City, he was part of a resistance movement within his hometown against the Maruhage empire, working with his best friend Fundoshitarō (Loincloth Lloyd) to take down local Hair Hunters, particularly Gunkan. But when his friend is captured and he finds himself on the lam, he wanders across Bo-bobo and Beauty, trying to team up with them while being persued by assassins sent by Gunkan. He too eventually joins Bo-bobo's side.
- Hatenko: Another citizen of the Hair Kingdom, he left at a young age to search for the missing Bo-bobo due to the problems at home. Along the way, he takes out any Hair Hunters in the way, but gains bad blood because of such. (in particular with the legendary "Joke Killer" Torpedo Girl, who's alliance is unknown) He also has ties with Don Patch's Hajike Gang.
- Hydrate & the Reverse Maruhage Empire: Although he is the younger brother of the emperor, Hydrate holds bad blood after being forgotten, abandoned and thrown into the Dark World ten years prior. Gathering an alliance of several of the most powerful warriors of this world, he has created an empire of his own deep underground, with the primary objective of coming to the surface and claiming a birthright to be the emperor of his brother's kingdom! Although most of his forces consist of warriors from the Dark World, his alliances also include "Catharsis of Babylon" Byakkō and Hair Child Bebebe-be Be-bebe.
- Shigeki X: The original leader of the legendary Shigeki Empire, it has been said he controlled one of the few kingdoms in the entire world that was able to resist the powers of the Maruhage Empire, even drawing infamy from Tsuru Tsurulina the 3rd. Although the kingdom is no longer in existence, it has been said he may be allied currently with forces in the Hair Kingdom...
| Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo | |
|---|---|
| Characters: | Bobobo | Don Patch | Beauty | Gasser | Jelly Jiggler | Dengakuman | Softon | Hatenko | Gaoh | Namerō | Pokomi | Villains | Other | Fusions | Maruhage Empire |
| Plot: | Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo | Shinsetsu Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo |
| Media: | Episodes | Manga chapters | Dassutsu! Wiggin' Royale | Shinsetsu Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo |
| Other: | Yoshio Sawai | Shonen Jump |
