NDominicronthread!

[Protomorph]

As Our Shark-employing Overlord demanded, here is the Ninja Dominicron Thread!!!


What is Ninja Dominicron, you may be asking yourself?


Why it's only the most Awesomest anime series ever made!

You should ttally go out and purchase the VHS series sets (they have not been released onto DVD yet...legally)

a Series Bible is avaliable [spoiler]

Character List:

The Dominicron - Leadership
The High Dominicron
The Clan Master, Tassuro(?)
The Spirit Master
The Shadow Master, Takasugi Shengi
Akagi Hiryu and Kaga Souryu
Tasueka
Hojisiro-san


The Dominicron - Heroes (main story characters)
Grubio Kekimundo
Echiro Ichigawa
Tofuri
Big Teno
Kuusah
Isimi


Allies
The Phoenix Emperor
The Phoenix Emperor's daughter - Zai
Blind Hirojara the Keeper of The Lantern
Hajimura
Cygnus
Camsura


Enemies
Karbul the oldest Dragon
Daigo
Hykensha (evil god)
The Tajiri
Psi-Sorcerer
The Psi-Sorcerer's Stone Phalanx
Yamota
Whistling Wave
Fuji
The Ki-rin Samurai
Netmiko
Mogami & Mikamuma


Location List
Kanjei Dojo of the Clouds
Jashira Earth Stone
Mount Fusanki
The Steps of Kaliwan


Item/Power List
The Soul Sword
The Mystic Lantern
The Hokiado Amulet
The Raven's Heart
Ring of the Five Elements


Detailed Character Descriptions

The Dominicron - Leadership

The High Dominicron
-  the secretive and rarely seen leader of the order.


The Clanmaster
-  the day to day commander of the Dominicron.
-  awarded the Hokiado amulet to Echiro after the affair with the Dragon.


Takasugi Shinji, the Dominicron's Shadow agent
-  also known as Shengi or Shingi.  Long story
-  might be the most powerful character in the series.
-  has a "Blinding" ability, which is probably more of a shadowy obscurement power than an actual blinding attack.  Used to sneak up on enemies.
-  has an Enchanted Naginata which can slice through steel.
-  has incredible stealth abilities.  Can "melt into the shadows".
-  can lift about 45 tons.
-  in the episode "The Bridge"  Shengi stood alone against the forces of the Psi- Sorcerer's Stone Phalanx while defending the village of Rocin - Go.  He was lifitng those guys over his head and chucking them like beach jimmies. You gotta figure a fifteen foot tall warrior made of stones gotta be one heavy mother. And he was doing this while being pummled on by the other Phalanx dudes.


Akagi Hiryu and Kaga Souryu
-  twins who only appeared in season one.
-  possess a "Divine Wind" attack, for which they must clasp hands (must be a "twin" thing).
-  would match well with Thanos or Goku  bah!


Tasueka
-  one of the Dominicron's swordmasters.  Echiro's teacher.
-  during season three, he squared off against Whistling Wave to win Zai's hand in marriage in the episode with the Ring of the Five Elements and the metal golem thingies.


Hojisiro-san
-  sacrificed himself for the Dominicron near the end of season two.
-  used a Lightning Star attack.


Camsura
-  had a significant role in the ND: Hemispheres manga.


The Dominicron - Heroes (main story characters)

Grubio Kekimundo
-  the main character from season two onward.
-  was not present in season one.
-  was once possessed by The Tajiri.  During this time he defeated Echiro at the Kanjei Dojo of the Clouds.
-  a big guy (see Bully's skin) who is proficient in many different weapons and styles, including a double katana style.
-  uses a "Seven Monkey Storm" area attack.


Echiro Ichigawa
-  a major character throughout the whole series, but never the main character.
-  accompanied Tofuri on his "Heart's Quest" during season one.  He may or may not have learned the Five Principles of the Lotus at that time (it has deliberately been left obscure).
-  has yet to test the upper limit of his skills
-  has a "Bone Shatter" attack
-  has an "Essence of Stone" power (cannot be cut or pierced in any way).  Can only be maintained for about two hours.  When Echiro uses it he is completely immune to normal physical harm.  He still needs to breathe and what-not and can still be hurt by mystical or mental attacks.
-  possesses a "Soul Sword" that has been said to "Lay bare the inner fears of man" in addition to being a physical weapon.  The Soul Sword is NOT protected by the Essence of Stone, but it is protected by magic. . During a fight with Daigo, the sword was destroyed, but reformed itself almost instantly.  It was "forged within the fires of Karbul the oldest Dragon." . Even if physically destroyed, the Soul Sword's mystical essence would be un-affected, and could still be used as a weapon.
-  is wise, both naturally and due to his intensive training by the Dominicron
-  no qualms about killing when necessary.  Took out his own brother for dishonoring the Dominicron.
-  has the backing of the Dominicron.
-  has on certain occasions been allowed to use the Mystic Lantern which captures souls. (see Items)
-  possesses the Hokiado Amulet which allows him to amplify all his abilities indefinitely at a cost of aging himself (see Items).
-  alledgedly resolved the aging thing when he sacrificed 1/2 of his soul to save the Phoenix Emperor's daughter from the Clutches of the Evil Psi-Sorcerer.  This happened in the "Cleansing Wind" mini-series, which was produced between seasons two and three without the approval of Murakamo.  Episodes in season three generally ignore events from Cleansing Wind.
-  Echiro appeared as a baby in the third season flashback episode called "Child of Destiny".
-  is bishonen (sp?)  i.e. an anime pretty boy.
-  apparently has great hair.


Tofuri
-  the main character in season one.
-  went on a "Heart Quest" to learn the Five Principles of the Lotus.
-  left the Dominicron at the end of season one in order to assume the position of Lotus Master (the old one having died after passing on his secret).  Before leaving, he taught the Five Principles of the Lotus to his sister Isimi, who took his place in the Dominicron.
-  Echiro was Tofuri's "sidekick" on the quest, and may or may not have learned the Five Principles himself.


Big Teno
-  has Sun Armour and big hammer.
-  is very protective of Kuusah.
-  is probably not very bright, but eminently likeable.
-  uses a "Solar Hammer" attack.  Once used this attack on Netmiko.


Kuusah
-  she wears "that" outfit.
-  has a "thing" for Big Teno.
-  is often being "saved" by Big Teno.  She acts helpless around him as part of a "husband-hunting" campaign.
-  defeated The Tajiri at the end of season two (when all of the Dominicron added their powers to hers).
-  has an effective ranged attack.
-  standard attack is called Lovely Zephyr Illumination.
-  ultimate attack is called Radiant Deadly Beam Enchantment.


Isimi
-  Tofuri's sister, who learned from him the Five Principles of the Lotus and took his place in the Dominicron starting in season two.
-  possible love interest for Grubio?
-  used her knowledge of the Five Principles in her battle with Yamota.
-  since Kuusah is clearly the "flamboyant" female, then Isimi will be the demure and shy one.


Allies

The Phoenix Emperor
-  the ruler of Akikaido
-  was the Keeper of the Lantern during season one.
-  was also Keeper of the Lantern in the Cleansing Wind mini-series that was produced between seasons two and three, ignoring the fact that Blind Hirojara became Keeper of the Lantern in season two, and was still Keeper in season three (with no explanation for the discrepancy).


Zai
-  daughter of the Phoenix Emperor.
-  during season three, Tasueka squared off against Whistling Wave to win Zai's hand in marriage in the episode with the Ring of the Five Elements and the metal golem thingies.
-  Echiro sacrificed 1/2 of his soul to save her from the Clutches of the Evil Psi-Sorcerer.  This happened in the "Cleansing Wind" mini-series, which was produced between seasons two and three without the approval of Murakamo.  Episodes in season three generally ignore events from Cleansing Wind.


Blind Hirojara the Keeper of The Lantern
-  was appointed Keeper of the Lantern early in season two and still is (although the Cleansing Wind mini-series had the Phoenix Emperor as the Keeper).
-  is constantly dying and being reborn.


Hajimura
-  faced somebody at the Steps of Kaliwan


Cygnus
-  first appeared in the ND: Hemispheres manga (between seasons two and three)
-  appeared in the anime series during season three
-  his origin is hard to understand if you haven't read Hemispheres.


Enemies

Karbul the oldest Dragon
-  was vanquished.
-  the Mystic Lantern was once used against Karbul.  That's probably when he was vanquished.


Daigo
-  a swordsman who fought Echiro.  Probably a recurring rival.
-  during their fight, the Soul Sword was destroyed, but then reformed itself.
-  at one time, the Mystic Lantern was used against him, so he must be both evil and powerful.


Hykensha
-  an evil god.
-  was destroyed by Echiro (using the Mystic Lantern) during the Forenshi saga.


The Tajiri
-  are the clansmen's souls that were altered by the curse the Karbul placed on them after the battle at Hokaido, where they seized control of the Iga warriors.
-  can use the inborne abilities of the soul it possesses.
-  it amplifies the powers of the soul it possesses, ever since Karbul was vanquished.
-  adds its own fighting skills to its hosts.
-  due to various unclear translations, may be referred to as "it", "he", or "them".
-  was defeated by Kuusah at the end of season two (although only because all of the Dominicron added their power to hers).
-  once possessed Grubio, but the Mystic Lantern was used to drive out its evil presence.


Psi-Sorcerer
-  major recurring villain.
-  Echiro sacrificed 1/2 of his soul to save Zai (the Phoenix Emperor's daughter) from his clutches.  This happened in the "Cleansing Wind" mini-series, which was produced between seasons two and three without the approval of Murakamo.  Episodes in season three generally ignore events from Cleansing Wind.
-  appeared in the ND: Hemispheres manga (between seasons two and three)


The Psi-Sorcerer's Stone Phalanx
-  fifteen foot tall warriors made of stones.
-  defeated by Shinji in episode called "The Bridge" (see Takasugi Shinji).


Yamota
-  an enemy who was defeated by Isimi (who used her knowledge of the Five Principles of the Lotus during their battle).


Whistling Wave
-  an enemy who was defeated by Tasueka to win Zai's hand in marriage in the third season episode with the Ring of the Five Elements and the metal golem thingies


Fuji
-  someone you SHOULD be able to defeat using the Raven's Heart


The Ki-rin Samurai
-  tried to defeat the Akagi Hiryu and Kaga Souryu with a "Screaming Thunder" attack.  They failed, and the twins mopped the floor with them.


Netmiko
-  an enemy once defeated by Big Teno with a Solar Hammer attack.


Mogami & Mikamuma
-  rivals/villains who were featured in the ND: Hemispheres manga (between seasons two and three)


Detailed Location Descriptions

Kanjei Dojo of the Clouds
-  place where Echiro and Grubio fought a duel.  Grubio Kekimundo was victorious.
-  Grubio was possesed by The Tajiri during the fight, and had secret help from Shinji.


Jashira Earth Stone
-  an item, but likely permanently tied to one location.
-  Grubio is more powerful the closer he is to it.


Mount Fusanki
-  the proper place of the Mystic Lantern.


The Steps of Kaliwan
-  place where Hajimura faced someone in an epic showdown.


Detailed Item Descriptions

The Soul Sword
-  see Echiro for description.


The Mystic Lantern
-  has the power to capture souls.
-  rarely or never used on mortals.
-  held in reserve for use against only the most powerful enemies.
-  can only absorb the souls of evil men.
-  was used on Karbul the oldest Dragon, Daigo, and to take the spirit of The Tajiri from Grubio.
-  was lent to Echiro to destroy the evil god Hykensha in the Forenshi saga.
-  it's proper place is on Mt. Fusanki. 
-  the Phoenix Emperor was Keeper of the Lantern in season one.
-  near the beginning of season two, the position of Keeper was transferred to Blind Hirojara.
-  Blind Hirojara is still the Keeper, but in the Cleansing Wind mini-series (which was produced between seasons two and three) the Phoenix Emperor was shown as still being the Keeper.  This is one of many inconsistencies in that mini-series (which was made with input or approval from series creator Murokamo).


The Hokiado Amulet
-  awarded to Echiro by the Clanmaster after the affair with the Dragon.
-  allows Echiro to amplify all his abilities indefinitely, at the cost of aging himself.


The Raven's Heart
-  an item that SHOULD allow you to take on Fuji


Ring of the Five Elements
-  powerful item appearing in that episode with the metal golem thingies, which was the same episode as when Tasueka squared off against Whistling Wave to win Zai's hand in marriage.




Season/Episode guide

Season One
-  Main Story Arc was Tofuri's Heart's Quest. 
-  Tofuri and Echiro travelled around randomly encountering enemies and weird stuff.  At the end of the season, Tofuri finds the Lotus Master, who passes on his knowledge and then dies.  Tofuri returns to the Dominicron briefly, but leaves in the last episode to become the new Lotus Master.  Before leaving he teaches the Five Principles of the Lotus to Isimi. 
-  Echiro may or may not have learned the Five Principles from Tofuri or Isimi.  It's been hinted at but not confirmed.
-  Karbul was established as the big baddy in season one, but never fought the heroes directly.
-  Season one was somewhat surreal and featured a lot of philosophical ramblings, hence it was never considered for export to the U.S.


Season Two
-  Main Story Arc revolved around various battles to stop The Tajiri.
-  Grubio is introduced as the new main character.  He is a wisecracking bad-arse, and therefore more palatable to western audiences.
-  The Tajiri is finally vanquished by Kuusah at the end of the season.  Apparently he/it/they could only be defeated by a woman.  All the Dominicron fighters lent her their power for the fight.
-  Season two was more action-oriented than season one, but feature some weird experimental animation techniques.


Cleansing Wind mini-series
-  Murakamo had a creative dispute with the producers, delaying season three.
-  Against his wishes, the studio produced the Cleansing Wind min-series.  It was full of continuity errors.
-  Main Villain was the Psi-Sorcerer, who attempted to conquer Akikaido (the empire ruled by the Phoenix Emperor).
-  When Murakamo finally did season three, he deliberately ignored most of the events in Cleansing Wind.


Season Three
-  Main story arc involved the war with Karbul the oldest dragon.
-  The Psi-Sorcerer\'s continuing battles with the Phoenix Emperor and his family were a major sub-plot.
-  At season's end, Karbul is vanquished by Echiro using the Mystic Lantern.
-  season three is controversial.  Some fans think its the best but many thought there was a huge drop in quality.  After the mini-series was panned by the fans, Murakamo got full of himself and tried to go "High Concept" in season three. Sort of a return to season one's style. Unfortunately, it didn't work as well with the new characters (who wants to see Grubio spout philosophy?). This meant more talk and less action. This fits in with Amy's comment that "you don't understand what the whole series is about if you don't like season three". Some people like the high-brow stuff, but others just want to see kick-arse fight scenes...


Season Four
-  We're all anxiously awaiting season four. [/spoiler]

[ow_tiobe_sb]

There is a used copy of the season one tapes currently on eBay.  The current bid is 35.50 USD.  Do you think this is a reasonable price, and should I invest in this series?

ow_tiobe_sb
Phantom Bunburyist and Fop o' th' Morning

[Protomorph]

You even have to ask? Pounce on that bad boy. If you've never seen it, you're in for a treat.

[randyripoff]

Truly the greatest series of all time.

[BWPS]

Obvious 3 year old massive forum conspiracy is obvious.

[Glitch Girl]

Apparenlty BWPS is still envious of my limited edition 12 inch Echiro action figure.  :P

[ow_tiobe_sb]

12 inch Echiro action figure.

*stares at cane*

*feels strangely inadequate*

Well, I put in my bid.  There are three days left on the auction, so wish me luck! :)

ow_tiobe_sb
Phantom Bunburyist and Fop o' th' Morning

[randyripoff]

Apparenlty BWPS is still envious of my limited edition 12 inch Echiro action figure.  :P

Wow!  I thought they only came in 4" mini-figures.

[Glitch Girl]

That's why it's called "limited edition", they don' make 'em no more. ;)

[BlueBard]

Anime makes my head hurt.

{gets whacked upside the head by anime fans}

See?!

[Protomorph]

Apparenlty BWPS is still envious of my limited edition 12 inch Echiro action figure.  :P

I'm still upset they didn't release the 12" Kuusah :wub: figure (Ok, 11", cause she's short). She never got beyond the prototype stage, according to a photo I've seen in an old copy of Action Figure Monthly that I wish I still had.

[randyripoff]

Actually, I heard there was a plan to release Kuusah and Isimi in a twin pack...but they chickened out and put out yet another Ichigawa.  As if we needed him with battle suit action. :banghead:

[gdaybloke]

... you silly, silly people. It's all about Grubio.

[Protomorph]

Actually, I heard there was a plan to release Kuusah and Isimi in a twin pack...but they chickened out and put out yet another Ichigawa.  As if we needed him with battle suit action. :banghead:

wait...Ichigawa never wore a battle suit. That was Shengi. He wore it in the first season episode "Shadows" when he fought Echiro Ichigawa. It was the only thing that saved him from the (magically-amplified) Bone Shatter attack.


I suppose next they'll make a "Beach Fun Ichigawa" and "Fireman Ichigawa"  :angry:

[Sword]

Hey I got this import game "Grubio's Ninja Knife Fight." You think it's worth anything?

[Sevenforce]

...You guys are mean.

I love that :wub:

[Protomorph]

Hey I got this import game "Grubio's Ninja Knife Fight." You think it's worth anything?

As with most collectables, the purchaser is ultimately the judge of such things so I'm uncertain about its worth. What I AM certain about is that it is not an officially marketed product. You'll notice that nowhere on the game does the legend "Ninja Dominicron" appear on it, despite the obvious similarities to the characters. Asian properties are notorious targets of bootleggers.  The creator was so incensed about its creation (due to it being pure awful) that he vowed never to have a digital representation made without his DIRECT involvement, which is (as far as I know) what is stalling the DVD release, as it is a digital format. Kinda like George Lucas' reaction to the Star Wars Holiday Special.

There have been DVDs and VCDs made and sold, true, but they are all ports from vhs or broadcast, and also not official releases.

[Glitch Girl]

Actually, I heard there was a plan to release Kuusah and Isimi in a twin pack...but they chickened out and put out yet another Ichigawa.  As if we needed him with battle suit action. :banghead:

wait...Ichigawa never wore a battle suit. That was Shengi. He wore it in the first season episode "Shadows" when he fought Echiro Ichigawa. It was the only thing that saved him from the (magically-amplified) Bone Shatter attack.


I suppose next they'll make a "Beach Fun Ichigawa" and "Fireman Ichigawa"  :angry:

I'll take it you never saw a picture of the soccer figure then.  It was a very poorly thoughtout FIFA tie-in that happened right before ND's creator started renegotiating contracts and fired his manager, and thankfully never got released.

Echiro's a hottie and all, but the shorts looked SO wrong. 

[The Phantom Eyebrow]

I was never much of a fan, to be honest, but I have to admit it did have its moments.  There was the time when they took an almost metafictional angle to the whole story, with a cartoon within the cartoon extolling the heroics of Echiro.  I liked the scene where Shengi was shown watching it and professing to enjoy it greatly; "The anime of my enemy" indeed...

[Glitch Girl]

The anime of my enemy

I still think someone needs to be seriously flogged for that pun. 

[Protomorph]

Ouch.



And No, I thankfully never saw the Soccer edition figure.


As for the episode that Phantom was talking about, I don't think the "cartoon" that Shengi was watching was supposed to be any more a 'toon than he was. The reflecting pool that the wizard (whose name escapes me) that was displaying the story in had was close enough to a TV that it was thought to be a parody of Anime in general. Sort of a "what would the past generations think of it?" Myself, I think it was just a hyperbolic story, like the ones told about Hercules around campfires by greek travellers. But there are several ways to interpret episodes like these, showing how well written they were. But it was an interesting way to show some exposition about Echiro's past heroism and legend (hence the title, "Heroes of Legend") without actually showing Echiro in the present at all that episode.

[ow_tiobe_sb]

Well, I am sorry to say that I did not win the auction.  My loss was largely due to the fact that I came down with another case of the flu that involved fever, aches, chills, sore throat, etc., but at least it did not last as long as my earlier bout.  The winning bid was 55.95 USD, a bit more than I was willing to spend anyway.   :(

If only Netflix carried this series...*sigh*

ow_tiobe_sb
Phantom Bunburyist and Fop o' th' Morning

[Glitch Girl]

Maybe someday ow_tiobe_sb.  Maybe someday.

BTW: Does anyone know how that whole thing with VIZ Media turned out? I heard they wanted to distribute but there was some kind of problem? I never found the details.

[Protomorph]

There is no mention of it on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viz_Media

This could be due to it being still pending, but given their practice of mistranslations and censorship to kiddie-fy anime, I'd just as soon see Tokyopop do it, TBH.

[BWPS]

There is no mention of it on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viz_Media

This could be due to it being still pending, but given their practice of mistranslations and censorship to kiddie-fy anime, I'd just as soon see Tokyopop do it, TBH.

There's a brief mention of it on the ND wiki. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja_Dominicron

[Protomorph]

I've never before seen a Wiki that tried so hard to convince people of its veracity. :lol: