Steel Angel Kurumi
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| Steel Angel Kurumi | |||
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 Volume 1 (English version) |
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| 鋼鉄天使くるみ (Kōtetsu Tenshi Kurumi) |
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| Genre | Adventure, romantic comedy, sci-fi | ||
| Manga | |||
| Author | Kaishaku | ||
| Publisher |  Kadokawa Shoten |
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| Demographic | Shōnen | ||
| Magazine | Monthly Ace Next | ||
| Original run | May 10, 1999 – April 4, 2000 | ||
| Volumes | 11 | ||
| TV anime | |||
| Director | Naohito Takahashi | ||
| Studio | Oriental Light and Magic | ||
| Licensor |  Madman Entertainment |
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| Network | WOWOW |
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| Original run | October 5, 1999 – April 4, 2000 | ||
| Episodes | 24 | ||
| OVA: Steel Angel Kurumi Encore | |||
| Director | Naohito Takahashi | ||
| Studio | Oriental Light and Magic | ||
| Episodes | 4 | ||
| Released |  March 11, 2003 December 10, 2005 |
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| TV anime: Steel Angel Kurumi 2 | |||
| Director | Naohito Takahashi | ||
| Studio | Oriental Light and Magic | ||
| Network | TV Kanagawa Chiba TV TV Saitama SUN-TV |
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| Original run | April 12, 2001 – June 28, 2001 | ||
| Episodes | 12 | ||
| OVA: Steel Angel Kurumi Zero | |||
| Episodes | 3 | ||
Steel Angel Kurumi (鋼鉄天使くるみ Kōtetsu Tenshi Kurumi?) is a manga and anime series following the adventures of its titular character created by Kaishaku. Directed by Naohito Takahashi, animated by Oriental Light and Magic and produced by Pony Canyon with character designs by Yuriko Chiba and Yuji Ikeda and music by Toshihiko Sahashi, it has been translated and released in North America by ADV Films. The Kurumi series as a whole consists of the first show Steel Angel Kurumi, four OVA episodes entitled Steel Angel Kurumi Encore, and a second show by the name of Steel Angel Kurumi 2, plus a sort-of dramatic prequel "Steel Angel Kurumi 0". A live-action version was made, titled Steel Angel Kurumi Pure, but has a different continuity to the anime.
This show was originally aired in Japan as part of WOWOW's Anime Complex.
The anime is a blend of action and romantic comedy.[1] However, the show is often classified as ecchi due to the focus on fanservice and panty shots. The animation style features quick shifts between typical anime, dramatic still shots, and super deformed anime. Each episode begins with an admonishment, unique to that episode, from a character or characters advising viewers not to sit too close to the television and to watch in a well-lit room. The anime is set in an alternative history version of Japan during the 1920s, prior to World War II.
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[edit] Steel Angel Kurumi
The story follows a young boy (aged 11) named Nakahito Kagura. He is pushed by a group of classmates to go into a house rumored to belong to a mad scientist. Inside, he comes across what seems to be a life-like doll. At the same time, the Japanese Army carries out an attack on the house. During the attack the "doll" falls over and Nakahito accidentally kisses it, causing it to awaken. The doll turns out to be the Steel Angel Kurumi, who is being hunted by the military for mysterious reasons.
The show comprises twenty-four 15-minute episodes and four 15-minute encores episodes. While somewhat of an oddity for the length of its episodes, the show ran for the full duration of a normal season of anime. The project enjoyed a budget that allowed for (at the time) above-average production values, noticeable in the numerous shot changes during action sequences, frequent use of computer graphic-assisted effects, and elaborate backgrounds.
[edit] Characters
- Nakahito Kagura (神維 仲人 Kagura Nakahito?)
Voiced by: Houko Kuwashima (Japanese), Kira Vincent-Davis (English)
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Nakahito in the anime
- The primary male protagonist for the show, Nakahito unwittingly becomes the master of Steel Angel Kurumi when he accidentally awakens her with a kiss. Hesitant and unsure of himself, he teaches Kurumi as much as he can while slowly falling in love with the hyperactive girl. A mystic of the Onmyou (yin and yang) tradition, he has no observable powers. Much to his chagrin, his older brother Kamihito boasts great control of spiritual abilities. Although he has latent potential, as evidenced by his awakening of Kurumi (see Mark II Heart, below), Nakahito's numerous attempts at honing his direct abilities end in failure. Clearly caught between manhood and boyhood, Nakahito seems unsure of how to handle the relentless attention of Kurumi and his other numerous one-sided love interests. Towards the end of the series he finally devotes himself to his more-than-willing servant and attempts to rescue her, proving his love.
- In the second series, there is a new protagonist named Nako Kagura. She is apparently a descendant of the same family as Nakahito, but it is currently unknown whether she is directly descended from either Nakahito or Kamihito.
- Kurumi (くるみ?)
Voiced by: Atsuko Enomoto (Japanese), Kelli Cousins (English)
- A Steel Angel built by Dr. Ayanokouji and equipped with a Mark II Heart, she is awakened by Nakahito's kiss in the first episode and immediately becomes possessive of him while simultaneously pledging her love and service to him. The main female lead and an incredibly wild individual, she is overwhelmingly manic when it comes to Nakahito (whom she calls "Master"). Whenever her antics become too much, one word from her master will make her stop (usually). Very protective of her master and her sisters, she will stop at nothing to ensure their safety. She is impossibly strong and rather handily defeats all her opponents due to her Mark II Heart. Although she does her best to follow orders and help out the Kagura brothers, her clumsy and ditzy nature proves to be a significant stumbling block. She is the oldest of the Angel "sisters" and assumes a fairly typical "older sister" attitude when speaking with them. Kurumi has pink hair and wears a blue maid's outfit with red trim. She sleeps in a loose yukata and generally works her way over to Nakahito's neighboring futon during the night. If he is not present, she makes do with a body pillow. She loves bathing, and generally does so with Saki, since Nakahito usually declines.
- Whenever Nakahito, whether intentionally or accidentally, makes a comment about their relationship, anyone familiar with both of them will expect Kurumi to instantly pull Nakahito into an extremely embarrassing tight hug, and noting the height difference (Nakahito is almost a head shorter than Kurumi) his head will usually be crammed between her breasts. She doesn't mind (or maybe enjoys) being naked around Nakahito, so strong is her trust in him.
- (Anime Note: In the Japanese language version, Kurumi's speech is always marked by the word "desu", or literally "it is." What makes it odd is that she adds "desu" to almost every sentence, especially when it's not needed. This is considered to be a speech quirk to make Kurumi even cuter, especially since she always pronounces it "desuu". This is also depicted when another character is imitating Kurumi.)
- Saki (サキ?)
Voiced by: Rie Tanaka (Japanese), Monica Rial (English)
- Another Steel Angel built by Dr. Ayanokouji, Saki was activated by Dr. Amagi with Dr. Brandow's help, and given orders to destroy Kurumi and seize her Mark II Heart. Amagi and the General decide to use the largest of the seized Angel Hearts to give Saki as much power as possible. Saki and Kurumi fight, with the latter being defeated easily due to Nakahito's still-standing order to not fight. The victory is short-lived however, as Saki's improper activation causes her to collapse. Kurumi kisses Saki, and her Mark II Heart reenergizes Saki's Angel Heart. The action permanently activates Saki, and the master-servant relationship is reinstated, with Saki pledging her loyalty and love to Kurumi. Kurumi largely ignores this vow, but the two mutually call each other "sister" from then on. Later, Saki was kidnapped by Karinka, who brutally attacked and defeated her. It took Saki several weeks (and about 5 episodes) after Kurumi saved her to recover. Saki is very quiet, the antithesis of Kurumi, and is quite lady-like in comparison. She is the kindest, and maybe the sweetest character in the show. She maintains wild fantasies about herself and Kurumi, but never speaks about them or properly expresses her love. Saki wears a white maid's outfit with black trim, and sleeps in a yukata similar to Kurumi's. She enjoys taking baths, though mainly because it allows her to be naked with Kurumi. In terms of battle prowess, excluding her false activation, she seems to be the weakest of the three sisters. Saki probably has a mild crush on Nakahito as she is almost as sweet to him as Kurumi is, but if she does she never mentions it so as to respect Kurumi's feelings.
- Karinka (カリンカ?)
Voiced by: Masayo Kurata (Japanese), Hilary Haag (English)
- the third Steel Angel built on the design by Dr Ayanakouji, she was activated by the Academy to destroy Kurumi. She is very strong due to being installed with two Angel Hearts instead of one (however this also means she is exempted from following the orders of Dr. Walski, her creator). Karinka is infamous for kidnapping and nearly killing Saki. She is very temperamental, devious, and has occasionally shown traits of sadism (shown explicitly during the time she held Saki hostage). She later joins Nakahito and the group, originally to figure out Kurumi’s power, but she eventually develops a crush on Nakahito. It was thanks to Nakahito that Karinka became friendly. Like her elder sisters, she does not care if Nakahito sees her naked.
- Kamihito Kagura (神維 神人 Kagura Kamihito?)
Voiced by: Yasunori Matsumoto (Japanese), David Mantranga (English)
- Nakahito's older brother. A well trained and powerful mystic, he runs the shrine that Nakahito lives in and was originally sought to be the mystic to awaken Kurumi, but it doesn't turn out that way. He can also be somewhat of a pervert (especially when around the Steel Angels).
- Dr. Ayanakouji (綾小路博士 Ayanokōji-hakase?)
Voiced by: Hirotaka Suzuoki (Japanese), Mike MacRae (English)
- The scientist who built the three Steel Angels. He came to the area where Nakahito lives to find a mystic to activate Kurumi. He has connections with the mysterious Academy.
- Dr. Amagi (天城博士 Amagi-hakase?)
Voiced by: Ai Orikasa (Japanese), Shelley Calene-Black (English)
- She is a scientist in her twenties who works with Doctor Ayanakouji in a military development project. She is first an antagonist of Nakahito and Kurumi, but quickly joins their side. She is in love with Dr. Ayanakouji.
- The General
Voiced by: Tamio Ōki (Japanese), John Swasey (English)
- The head of the Japanese Army. He is in charge of the research projects for the military and he has a crush on Karinka.
- Dr. Walski
Voiced by: Tomomichi Nishimura (Japanese), Andy McAvin (English)
- The head of the Academy, the scientist who activates Karinka and rival to Dr. Ayanakouji.
- Dr. Brandow
Voiced by: Toshiyuki Morikawa (Japanese), Todd Waite (English)
- Walski's aide who also does field work for the Academy.
Yoshiko Koganei and Eiko Kichijoji
Voiced by: Michiko Neya and Tomoko Kawakami (Japanese), Christine Auten and Emily Carter (English)
- The two spies sent by the General to watch over and covertly aid the Steel Angels; they are junior officers in Army Intelligence. Koganei has a crush on Nakahito and Kichijoji has a crush on Dr. Amagi.
[edit] The Love Polygons
The series, being a romantic comedy, focuses heavily on the character's relationships and feelings. The number of dashes indicates the intensity of their emotions with fewer implying stronger romantic aspirations.
> Nakahito <- - - - -> Kamihito (Encore OVA)
/ / ^ \ /
Kurumi < | Karinka <
^ | \ Dr. Ayanakouji <-> Dr. Amagi <- - Kichijoji
| Koganei |
Saki <- - - - - - - The General
[edit] Steel Angel Kurumi 2
A continuation of the Steel Angel Kurumi series set in the early 21st century (about AD 200X). Bringing back the feeling of insane love polygons, the twist in this 12-episode continuation is that almost all of the characters are female, bringing an intense shōjo-ai (girl-love) story to everything.
The story takes place back at the Kagura Shrine, in AD 200X, about 4 generations after Nakahito Kagura. One day, Nako Kagura and her best friend Uruka get lost in the shrine's basement labyrinth (formerly a bomb shelter) and run across a dog and a giant, scary, flying statue. As Nako and Uruka run away from the scary flying statue, Nako trips and is caught by the statue, which covers her in a divine light. She is then given a message by Dr. Ayanakouji through the statue, "Hail to the successor,...this is my daughter, Kurumi, a Steel Angel, Mark II..." the statue breaks apart and out falls Kurumi, right onto Nako's lips. Again, the events come full circle, and Kurumi awakens from a new master's kiss.
[edit] New Characters in Kurumi 2
- Nako Kagura
Voiced by: Houko Kuwashima (Japanese), Luci Christian (English)
- Great granddaughter of either Nakahito or Kamihito, Nako is a soft-spoken, shy, and clumsy 9th grade student at an all-girls school. She lives at the old Kagura shrine with her mother, Misaki (which proves even further that dark blue hair just runs in the family), and lives next door to her very rich neighbor and best friend, Uruka. Nako is also a very skilled cellist, and may prove to one day be famous. The day she found Kurumi was the day she gave her first kiss(es), and from then on was blessed (or cursed) with being the new master of Steel Angel Kurumi. Now being the receiver of the same affection that was given to her great ancestor Nakahito, Nako is constantly chased and protected by Kurumi. Like Kurumi's "desuu," Nako has a mantra of her own: "Hani hani da yo," or translated by ADV as "This really sucks!"
- Uruka Sumeragi
Voiced by: Mie Sonozaki (Japanese), Rozie Curtis (English)
- Best friend of Nako until Kurumi came along. Uruka (also called Uu-chan by Nako) is a lesbian who is in love with Nako, and had originally hoped to be the one to take Nako's first kiss. On the day that Kurumi appeared, she was the first witness to see the fateful kiss, to which she could not get over for an entire day. Uruka now sees Kurumi as an obstacle to Nako and will try anything to remove Kurumi, even if it means asking her father to call upon the family's private army to take her down. But it doesn't end there, because when Uruka's father accidentally finds Steel Angel Saki in another statue, things start getting really interesting. When they find that Saki is a Steel Angel, the family army decides to use her as a weapon against Kurumi, the "source of Uruka-chan's unhappiness." On the day that Saki was to be awakened, Uruka was there to supervise the process, but got involved in a fantasy of her own (involving Nako) and ended up kissing Saki. Saki, of course, falls in love with her new master, and Uruka wants nothing to do with her. When Saki is ordered to fight Kurumi, history again repeats itself and Saki remembers that Kurumi is her sister (and previous item of affection), thus foiling Uruka's plans again. Uruka's mantra is along the lines of "This is a nightmare."
- Kyanwan
Voiced by: Rikako Aikawa
- The first animal Steel Angel, Kyanwan is Kurumi's pet dog that has the ability to transform into a jet, which then transforms into mechanical wings for Kurumi (not angel wings), or also into fins for speed underwater. Part cute "magical girl" pet and useful plot device, Kyanwan generally remains by Kurumi's side unless he is with Nako's mother.
- Karinka, Mark II
- Although not a new character, she does get a character design makeover. Losing the "flight attendant leotard" look that she had in the first series, she now has curly pigtails and pants. Again history repeats itself in her introduction, and just like last time, her awakening was not by a kiss. Having no master, she runs off of the program that Steel Angels are to protect humanity, not fall in love and become servants to them. Karinka Mark II's upgrades include built-in flight ability (no bionic dogs needed) and increased tactical battle data. Again, history repeats when Karinka kidnaps Saki, fights Kurumi, and loses after finding that Kurumi has more strength and will to fight because of love, specifically Nako. And all over again, Karinka gets a crush on whomever Kurumi loves, and Nako becomes victim to another suitor.
[edit] The Love Polygon 2
Again, the polygons just keep building, and again the dashes represent how closely one feels about the other. (Not all names have been gathered.)
Karinka - - -Yutaka Kizaki (her cello teacher)
\ /
> Kurumi <
/ / \ \
Saki<- >Tenkai Sumeragi (Uruka's father)<- -Uruka
\ / /
Nako <- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[edit] Kagura Family Line
Keep in mind, it is unknown who Nakahito or Kamihito eventually married, but it is likely that there was a son or two until the birth of Misaki who would eventually become Nako's mother. The Question mark means that the spouse's name is unknown.
Nakahito(or Kamihito)Kagura-m.-?
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Mrs. Misaki Kagura's Father-m.-?
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Mrs. Misaki Kagura-m.-?
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Nako Kagura
[edit] Notes and references
- ^ Anime News Network's Encyclopedia: Steel Angel Kurumi. Retrieved on 2007-03-16.
[edit] External links
- Official ADV Website
- Kaishaku home page Publisher of the comic.
- Master of Entertainment home page Japanese publisher of the TV series.
- Steel Angel Kurumi (manga) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
- Steel Angel Kurumi (anime) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
- Steel Angel Fansite
