Sorcerer Hunters

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Sorcerer Hunters
Complete Collection DVD Sorcerer Hunters Box
爆れつハンター
(Bakuretsu Hunter)
Genre Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Shounen, Romance
Manga: Sorcerer Hunters
Authored by Satoru Akahori (Story) and Ray Omishi (Art)
Publisher (US) Tokyopop
Serialized in Monthly Comic Dengeki GAO! (Japan)
Original run –
No. of volumes 13
TV anime
Directed by Koichi Mashimo
Studio Xebec
Network Japan TV Tokyo
Philippines GMA Network
Original run 3 October 1995 – 3 March 1996
No. of episodes 26


OVA
Directed by
Studio
No. of episodes 3
Released
Runtime

Sorcerer Hunters ( 爆れつハンター Bakuretsu Hunter?) is a 13-volume manga created by Satoru Akahori and Rei Omishi.

Sorcerer Hunters was later adapted into an anime television series originally produced by Xebec in Japan airing from 1995 to 1996. It ran for 26 episodes, and 4 volumes released in the United States by ADV Films, on VHS and DVD in 1999. The anime was followed up by a three episode OVA.

Contents

[edit] Story

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

On the continent of Spooner, the populace is divided into two groups, the majority of which are average humans, known as Parsoners. Some, however, are born with the ability to use magic and are called Sorcerers. Marked by the contrary triangles on their foreheads, many Sorcerers dominate, exploit, torment, murder and enslave the normal humans of the Spooner Continent.

The Sorcerer Hunters are a group of warriors who protect humans from the Sorcerers. They are under the command of Big Mama, a holy woman of the Stella Church, who seeks to protect Parsoners from gifted Sorcerers who choose to use and abuse people.

The plot focuses on the adventures of a small group of Sorcerer Hunters, including Carrot Glace, his younger brother Marron, their childhood friends Tira Misu and Chocolate Misu, and Gateau Mocha.

[edit] Themes

Family is one of the story's main themes, playing a very important element throughout the manga.

Almost all character names are puns on the names of foods, particularly pastries.

The style is usually a parody of fantasy clichés, but it occasionally satirizes pop culture more broadly. For example, one entire chapter is dedicated to an Iron Chef parody. Another is mostly one or two panel scenes, wherein the cast cosplays as anime and Video Game characters.

[edit] Main characters

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
  • Carrot Glace is the de facto protagonist of the series and leader of the Sorcerer Hunters; he is an apparently powerless boy who carries a sword, but never uses it. However, when he comes into contact with a Sorcerer's magic, his Aranju and "Zoanthropy" activates one of his 12 beast genes and transforms him into a giant, out-of-control monster. It takes either Tira and/or Chocolate to bring him back to normal in the animated series. In the manga, the sisters wear Carrot's monster form down while his brother pulls the magic out of Carrot. Carrot's Forms are based on the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. He has been known to transform twice during a fight. Carrot is an extreme sexaholic and propositions nearly every woman he sees, with the exception of Tira & Chocolate, the two who really love him. Carrot doesn't consider himself cheating on the sisters because in his mind, he has a brother/sister kind of love for them rather than a romantic type. Unfortunately, this doesn't fly very well with Tira & Chocolate, who see this as rather inconsiderate of him because he chases after other girls, especially after fleeing from their own romantic advances on him. As a result, when they are not at battle with sorcerers, Carrot is perpetually the victim of the Misu Sisters' barrage of whippings as punishment for his constant infidelity towards them. That all changes later in the series when he professes his love to both Tira and Chocolate and even marries Tira at the end of the manga, but also gets sexually intimate with Chocolate earlier.
  • Marron Glace is the younger brother of Carrot, although he appears older due to his height, as well as his calm, gentleman-like, and mature manner. He is an expert practitioner of Eastern style magic, which does not require one to be born a Sorcerer, as well as a very skilled swordsman; however he rarely uses his sword skills. He is pursued by Gateau because of his beauty. While he seems to mostly ignore Gateau's advances, there is a running gag with his overt, suspicious affection for his older brother (more pronounced in the manga than the sanitized anime). Though powerful, he does have some weak points shown better in the manga, such as a total lack of tolerance for alcohol. He's named after the European chestnut of the same name.
  • Gateau Mocha was not raised in the Sorcerer Hunters' village on Mt. Saint Hordic and as a result, he is one of the few to join in adulthood. His advantage is immense physical strength due to a lifetime of martial arts training; he is also partially immune to magic due to that strength. His parents were killed by Sacher Torte and his younger sister Eclair was abducted at that time; shortly afterwards, he met Chocolate and joined her team. He is excessively macho and also bisexual, as shown in the manga by his statement "Beauty transcends gender." He also has a libido that nearly rivals that of Carrot (who is the only main character Gateau has no attraction to). Unlike Carrot, Gateau knows when to put his libido in check. His main hobby is exhibitionism, often stripping to a Speedo and posing, accompanied by a cry of "Look at meee!". There's a running gag with him openly showing attraction to Marron due to his physical beauty, only to be ignored by the delicate mystic. His name means "Cake", in French.
  • Tira Misu, along with her sister, Chocolate, was raised by Carrot and Marron's father and mother, Onion and Apricot. She resembles Little Red Riding Hood, dressed in an oversized cloak and glasses. She seems very meek and shy, but reveals a bolder side of her personality in combat, pulling away her cloak and revealing her whip and leather Dominatrix gear. She is very skilled with the whip, and is the one who usually beats Carrot down after he transforms, turning him back to human form in the anime. She is deeply in love with Carrot, but due to her shy nature she isn't very up front until later in the manga. She occasionally uses a wire/thread instead of a Whip. She also has basic knowledge of Gaia's magic, which is derived from nature; magic she learned from Apricot Glace, though she is only able to heal with it. Her dominatrix attire in the manga & OAVs is the traditional ensemble; leather stiletto-heel boots, bustiers, spiked dog chains, etc., while her anime attire has a more colorful style; a tight, orange and white dress with an emerald "tie", with white gloves and heels. In the manga, her dominatrix outfit changes often — sometimes even during the same story. Her name is an obvious pun on the Italian dessert of the same name.
  • Chocolate Misu is the sexy, straightforward, sometimes high-maintenance, short-tempered and nymphomaniac older sister of Tira. She is madly in love with Carrot (whom she often calls "Darling"), and literally throws herself at him; though often, Carrot is petrified of her and flees from her advances. Still, she keeps a close bond with Tira. She and Gateau are a separate team early in the manga, but eventually all five form a single group. She is likewise a dominatrix but is far more violent and savage than her sister, and is also able to turn Carrot back to normal in the anime — after beating him up even harder than Tira. Her main weapon is her garrote and she is incredibly skilled with it. Her dominatrix attire has a rather dark tone in the manga and OVAs; consisting of a leather cap (with the Nazi symbols of the eagle carrying the swastika as well as the Gestapo Death's Head), suspenders that barely cover her ample-sized bust, leather pants and boots. However, in the anime, her attire is more reflective of a biker; dressed in a slightly modest red, leather bra top, along with similar leather pants, boots and cap (sans the Nazi symbol), with red gloves. Chocolate can be very jealous and quite ferocious towards Carrot when she catches him cheating on her. Normally, however, she is very amorous and romantic towards him, always smothering him in deep love and affection, which is the reason Carrot stays clear of her between the two sisters. Chocolate often has romantic/sexual dreams of her and Carrot together; these fantasies usually feature Carrot as very well-groomed and debonair-looking, as well as oftentimes ending in Carrot making love to her; in which she often goes into romantic/orgasmic frenzies. Oddly enough, her own image in these fantasies show her to be either meek or submissive which is a big change from what she truly is.
  • Big Mama is an imposing being with great magical abilities. Her real name is Kanure Stella and she, alongside of Sacher Torte, formed the Sorcerer Hunters and henceforth dedicated her life to the punishment of evil Sorcerers. The highest rank of the Sorcerer Hunters, the Haz Knights, are her personal bodyguards.
  • Daughter (Dotta) is Big Mama's messenger and assistant. She is one of only two survivors of the Winged People. She wears qipao, and usually has her hair up in small buns.
  • Haz Knights: The most elite Sorcerer Hunters, with amazing powers, augmented by magical armor. Mille is the first to appear in the manga, while the others don't appear until volumes Nine, Ten and Eleven.
    • Mille feuille (or Milphey-uy): A transvestite (dresses up in women's clothes), he most often acts with Carrot's group and has a through knowledge of necromancy and all kind of magic. His power comes from his Guardian Spirit, the Phoenix. Also bisexual, he constantly flings himself at both Onion and Carrot (which draws more ire from Tira & Chocolate) and flirts with them, though he's also shown some degree of interest in Tira and Marron.
    • Cinnamon Tea: A very youthful looking, blond girl with a slow manner, she has the power of super-speed.
    • Chiffon Cake: He is a master of magical chemistry, using test tubes and flasks as powerful magic explosives, as well as for other offensive and defensive uses.
    • Kahlua: This man is another highly skilled mystic, specializing in ice.
    • Onion Glace: A former Haz Knight who left the group to raise a family. He wields twin axes that can inflict serious damage. He is Carrot and Marron's father. His appearance is very similar to Carrot's, with the addition of a facial scar and a far more muscular body. After the death of Apricot it seems he has become as much of a lecher as his oldest son, at times. Of the two he acts as if he dislikes Carrot, though adores Marron for the resemblance to his dead wife.
    • Apricot Glace: A former Sorcerer Hunter who can change into her own outfit and uses a knife as well as nature magic. She becomes the head of the Stella Church at the end of the manga. She is the Glace Brothers' mother.

[edit] Supporting Cast

  • Shicho, a Kunoichi ally of the Soga Clan who has poison in her blood. Nicknamed the "Butterfly of Death".
  • Potato Chips, a pint sized sorcerer with a lisp. He looks far more like his father who makes an appearance shortly in the manga.
  • Salad Chips, Potato's short and rather young looking mother. She is over 30 though looks no more than 12.
  • Grand Pa, an elder at the village of hunters. He offers wisdom and support to Sorcerer Hunters though his true identityhas a far darker twist. (See below in "Enemies").

[edit] Enemies

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
  • The Crystal Magicians, who turn humans into gems used for mystical purposes
    • Sapphire Regal
    • Emerald Ren
    • Diamond Ra
    • Ruby Rulan
  • Death Master, a powerful Necromancer.
  • Sacher Torte: A sorcerer doctor and wielder of the Plantina Energy. Once an ally of Big Mamma, he helped found the Sorcerer Hunters, but eventually left because of differences between himself and Mama.
  • The Sorcerer Hunter Killers
    • Dark Grey
    • Moss Green
    • Gia Purple
  • The Five Guardian Spirits, assembled by Sacher to guard the Plantina Stones
    • Artail.
    • Ice Vega, a master of ice and cold.
    • Sirius of the Wind, one of the Winged People. He falls in love with Daughter and eventuly surrendurs to the hunters. He goes to live with Daughter and they begin trying to make a family.
    • Kengyu Kiba, a living suit of Samurai Armor.
    • Deneb, once Eclair Mocha, Gateu's younger sister. Sacher removed her memories, and she became Deneb of Sacher's guardian spirits. She has strength to rival her brother's and some magical abilities, she eventuly regains her memory and goes to live at Mt. Saint Hordic with the Sorcerer Hunters. Her character designer admits her inspiration was Cammy.
  • Lendoll Carlsburg, the sonic gunslinger from the town of Tamales who gave the hunters all they could handle.
  • Four Lords of Darkness, ancient demons who once terrorized the world.
    • Almond Rasseru, the bodiless one who possessed Carrot's mother.
    • Gin Namba
    • Cashew Prize, the most ruthless of the four who reformed and became Gran Pa
    • Cool Mint, had the power to conjure dead people.
  • Charlotte Stella, Kanure's little brother who is virtually all powerful.

[edit] Criticisms

Many fans of the original manga disliked the anime version, viewing it as being unfaithful to the manga with its many differences in story and character design. There is some debate over whether Sorcerer Hunters was edited to match with Japanese broadcast standards for children's television or whether the show was altered to appeal more to younger audiences without controversy. The OAV uses the original character designs and many characters who did not appear in the television series.

[edit] English Voice actors, Japanese Seiyu and their characters

[edit] TV Episode List (1995 - 1996)

Ep English Title Japanese Title Original Airdate
Katakana Romaji
1 Float-Bridge of Love 愛のなんぱ橋 Ai no Nanba Hashi 03 October 1995
2 Red Flower of Life 命召しませ紅花 [あかきはな] Inochi Meshimase Akaki Hana 10 October 1995
3 Unwritten Laws about Light and Dark 影と光の不文律 Kage to Hikari no Fubunritsu 17 October 1995
4 Fireworks Competition of Love 愛の花火大会だ Ai no Hana Kadai Kai da 24 October 1995
5 A Dreamy Girl at Lakeside 湖畔の夢少女 Kohan no Yume Shoujo 31 October 1995
6 Heresy of Love is Crystal 異端の愛は水晶 [クリスタル] Itan no Ai wa Crystal 07 November 1995
7 Love, as it Drifts 愛、流れるまま Ai, Nagereru mama 14 November 1995
8 The Forbidden Fire 禁じられた炎 Kinjirareta Hontou 21 November 1995
9 Labyrinth Opera House 迷宮への歌劇場 [オペラハウス] Meikyuu he no Opera House 28 November 1995
10 To Love a Vagabond 恋すれど風来坊 Koisuredo Fuuraibou 05 December 1995
11 Forbidden Fruit 許されざる果実 Yurusarezaru Kajitsu 12 December 1995
12 The Fossilized Warrior 化石の勇者 Kaseki no Yuusha 19 December 1995
13 In Between Dreams and Reality 夢と現 [うつつ] の間 [はざま] で Yume to Utsutsu no Hazama de 26 December 1995
14 God's a Big Fool 神様は大たわけ Kamisama wa Dai Tawake 02 January 1996
15 The First Reunion 初めての再会 Somete no Saikai 09 January 1996
16 The Great Hospital of Love 愛の大病院だ Ai no Dai Byouin da 16 January 1996
17 Big Mama Once Again マム、再び… Mamu, Futatabi... 23 January 1996
18 The Gods Within 秘められし神々 Himerareshi Kamigami 30 January 1996
19 Darling is a Love-Stricken Ass まほろばの恋人[ダーリン] Mahoroba no Darling 06 February 1996
20 The Boy Has Seen It 少年は見た Shounen wa Mita 13 February 1996
21 A Sleepless Night 眠れない夜 Nemurenai Yoru 20 February 1996
22 Sorcerer Hunter Spirits 法族狩り精神 [ソーサラーハンター・スピリッツ] Sorcerer Hunter Spirits 27 February 1996
23 The Foible of Kindness 優しさの敗北 Yashisa no Haiboku 05 March 1996
24 Overture of Destruction 破滅への序曲 Hametsu he no Jyokyoku 12 March 1996
25 The Awakening of the Destroyer 破壊神復活 Hakai Kami Fukkatsu 19 March 1996
26 A Forgotten Piece from the Future 未来からの忘れ物 Mirai kara no Wasuremono 26 March 1996

[edit] References

  • Sorcerer Hunters Manga Volumes 1-13, the English translation by Tokyopop, First Edition.

[edit] External links

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