Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure
Encyclopedia
is a fourteen episode series created in 1999 by Masaki Kajishima
and produced by AIC, both well-known for the Tenchi Muyo!
franchise. It is licensed in the US by Pioneer LDC
, later known as Geneon
. In addition to the original run, an OVA special was added to conclude the series as a de facto "14th episode".
, a concept loosely based on multiverse
theory.
is found on a construction site by a worker named Yotsuga. The foreman orders that the artifact be broken apart so as to avoid delays. As Yotsuga walks towards the dumpsters to dispose of a small piece of the artifact, the world splits into two; in one world, Yotsuga tosses away the piece and the artifact is destroyed; in the other, Yotsuga keeps the artifact, leading to the discovery of extraterrestrial
technology that changes history.
In the present, Kazuki Yotsuga is a high school student who is shunned by other students as an otaku
; his web site describes battles between giant robots that only he can see, but mostly because he is occasionally seen by the other students reacting to their "presence". One day, the most popular girl in school, Mitsuki Sanada, approaches him to tell him that she likes his stories. This is only a ruse, as she lures him to her father, Dr. Ken Sanada, who wishes to study Kazuki for his research on parallel worlds.
After being thrown into the other possible world by Dr. Sanada's devices, Kazuki finds himself still in Dr. Sanada's basement, but everything is covered with cobwebs. Kazuki goes home, but his parents no longer recognize him. He is found by Mitsuki, who has followed him, and along with a military escort, takes him to the Earth Defense Force HQ, a paramilitary operation led by this world's Dr. Sanada. He soon employs him as a giant robot pilot.
Over the course of the series, Kazuki manages to attract several very different women without even trying, and becomes a hero. He is later taken prisoner by Dr. Sanada's arch-rival Dr. Rara, the father of this world's Mitsuki. Mitsuki Rara eventually defects, and is put with Kazuki and her counterpart. Unfortunately, a new type of robot made from the artifact is deployed later on that can cause objects and people to be shifted between the alternate worlds; during the battle against it Kazuki and Mitsuki Sanada are sent back to their original world, where they discover their world's Dr. Sanada covered up their disappearance by claiming that they had eloped. As it turns out, the frequent travel between worlds is taking a toll on the universe itself as the barriers separating them begin to break down, which will eventually lead to both worlds vanishing. A decision must be made: since Kazuki and the alien technology are exclusive to each world, one must be eliminated to halt the destruction. Obviously, the robots have to go, and when the last one is destroyed, the worlds combine into one, an expression of Kazuki's wish for all his friends to stay together.
The creator of both DUAL! and Tenchi Muyo!, Masaki Kajishima, confirmed that DUAL! is in fact an alternative version of the Tenchi Muyo! universe.
:
Kumu
An Alien being encased in a shrine in Rara's Garden, where it advises Ayouko Rara in the army's dealings with the Earth Defense Force late in the series. After the world merge, it is represented as a small female dag gifted to the Sanada's that has a penchant for biting Kazuki.
Ending Theme:
Earth Defense Force
Himiko
Kumu
Life Sympathy
Rara Army
The Original
Zinv
(1995)
Because of these elements, Dual is considered a parody
of Evangelion.
Masaki Kajishima
Masaki Kajishima , is a Japanese anime artist who works for AIC in a freelance capacity. He is best known for his work on Tenchi Muyo! and Dual! but has had a hand in creating several other anime...
and produced by AIC, both well-known for the Tenchi Muyo!
Tenchi Muyo!
, is a Japanese anime, light novel, and manga series created by Masaki Kajishima and Hiroki Hayashi.The generally accepted translation of the title is No Need for Tenchi or Useless Tenchi, though at the time of its appearance it was also translated variably as No Heaven and Earth and This Way Up...
franchise. It is licensed in the US by Pioneer LDC
Geneon
is a Japanese music, anime and home entertainment production and distribution enterprise headquartered in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Geneon has been involved in the production and distribution of several anime in Japan...
, later known as Geneon
Geneon
is a Japanese music, anime and home entertainment production and distribution enterprise headquartered in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Geneon has been involved in the production and distribution of several anime in Japan...
. In addition to the original run, an OVA special was added to conclude the series as a de facto "14th episode".
Title explanation
The title refers to the fact that the story takes place in two parallel universesParallel universe (fiction)
A parallel universe or alternative reality is a hypothetical self-contained separate reality coexisting with one's own. A specific group of parallel universes is called a "multiverse", although this term can also be used to describe the possible parallel universes that constitute reality...
, a concept loosely based on multiverse
Multiverse (science)
The multiverse is the hypothetical set of multiple possible universes that together comprise everything that exists and can exist: the entirety of space, time, matter, and energy as well as the physical laws and constants that describe them...
theory.
Plot
22 years ago, a huge alien artifactMagic item
A magic item is any object that has magical powers inherent in it. These may act on their own or be the tools of the person or being whose hands they fall into. Magic items are commonly found in both folklore and modern fantasy...
is found on a construction site by a worker named Yotsuga. The foreman orders that the artifact be broken apart so as to avoid delays. As Yotsuga walks towards the dumpsters to dispose of a small piece of the artifact, the world splits into two; in one world, Yotsuga tosses away the piece and the artifact is destroyed; in the other, Yotsuga keeps the artifact, leading to the discovery of extraterrestrial
Extraterrestrial life
Extraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
technology that changes history.
In the present, Kazuki Yotsuga is a high school student who is shunned by other students as an otaku
Otaku
is a Japanese term used to refer to people with obsessive interests, particularly anime, manga or video games.- Etymology :Otaku is derived from a Japanese term for another's house or family , which is also used as an honorific second-person pronoun...
; his web site describes battles between giant robots that only he can see, but mostly because he is occasionally seen by the other students reacting to their "presence". One day, the most popular girl in school, Mitsuki Sanada, approaches him to tell him that she likes his stories. This is only a ruse, as she lures him to her father, Dr. Ken Sanada, who wishes to study Kazuki for his research on parallel worlds.
After being thrown into the other possible world by Dr. Sanada's devices, Kazuki finds himself still in Dr. Sanada's basement, but everything is covered with cobwebs. Kazuki goes home, but his parents no longer recognize him. He is found by Mitsuki, who has followed him, and along with a military escort, takes him to the Earth Defense Force HQ, a paramilitary operation led by this world's Dr. Sanada. He soon employs him as a giant robot pilot.
Over the course of the series, Kazuki manages to attract several very different women without even trying, and becomes a hero. He is later taken prisoner by Dr. Sanada's arch-rival Dr. Rara, the father of this world's Mitsuki. Mitsuki Rara eventually defects, and is put with Kazuki and her counterpart. Unfortunately, a new type of robot made from the artifact is deployed later on that can cause objects and people to be shifted between the alternate worlds; during the battle against it Kazuki and Mitsuki Sanada are sent back to their original world, where they discover their world's Dr. Sanada covered up their disappearance by claiming that they had eloped. As it turns out, the frequent travel between worlds is taking a toll on the universe itself as the barriers separating them begin to break down, which will eventually lead to both worlds vanishing. A decision must be made: since Kazuki and the alien technology are exclusive to each world, one must be eliminated to halt the destruction. Obviously, the robots have to go, and when the last one is destroyed, the worlds combine into one, an expression of Kazuki's wish for all his friends to stay together.
The creator of both DUAL! and Tenchi Muyo!, Masaki Kajishima, confirmed that DUAL! is in fact an alternative version of the Tenchi Muyo! universe.
Characters
- The main character of DUAL!, Kazuki is regarded as a pariah by his classmates because he periodically has visions of giant robots battling in the city. After being accidentally sent to the parallel world by Ken and Mitsuki Sanada, Kazuki discovers that he is the only male that can control the mechas. Because of his unbelievable piloting skill, he is commissioned to the Earth Defense Force or EDF and becomes the new pilot of the white Core Robot. His cover story at school is that he's Mitsuki's little brother, which gives Kazuki quite a bit of trouble.
- Curiously, there is no alternative version of Kazuki Yotsuga in this world. Later in the series, Kazuki subconsciously awakens one of the original alien mechas, a robot named Zinv. It is revealed that Zinv is Kazuki's counterpart in the parallel world.
- Kazuki is the stereotypical harem animeHarem animeHarem, , broadly speaking, is a loose subgenre of anime and manga characterized by a protagonist surrounded, usually amorously, by three or more members of the opposite sex. The most common and practically tantamount scenario is a male surrounded by a group of females; when this is reversed it is...
protagonist: a shy, quiet and awkward everyman possessing incredible fighting power and illogical charisma. As usual, he attracts a bevy of beautiful women.
- When Zinv is destroyed, Kazuki's desire for the group to stay together results in the creation of a third possible world, where elements from the parallel universes are combined.
- The three main characters are very similar to the three protagonists of the Neon Genesis EvangelionNeon Genesis Evangelion, commonly referred to as Evangelion, is a commercially and critically successful Japanese anime series that began airing in October 1995. The series was highly influential, and launched the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. It garnered several major animation awards...
series, Kazuki being very similar to Shinji IkariShinji Ikariis a fictional character from the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise created by Hideaki Anno. The protagonist of the series , he is the Third Child and pilots the Evangelion Unit 01...
, especially in appearance.
- Mitsuki is the most admired girl in Kazuki's school; young men constantly send her gifts and cards, and Kazuki is nearly lynched for speaking to her. She lures Kazuki to her house for her father's experiments, but is sent to the parallel world along with him.
- Mitsuki is also an exceptional robot pilot, and joins the EDF to end the war, hoping research to send her home can begin afterwards. Unfortunately, Mitsuki is hotheaded and easily manipulated, and is captured by the Rara Army towards the end of the series and coerced into piloting the complete version of Himiko.
- She clearly has an attraction to Kazuki, but covers it up by treating him abrasively. When Kazuki is lost behind enemy lines, Mitsuki is affected most of all.
- The three main characters are very similar to the three protagonists of the Neon Genesis EvangelionNeon Genesis Evangelion, commonly referred to as Evangelion, is a commercially and critically successful Japanese anime series that began airing in October 1995. The series was highly influential, and launched the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. It garnered several major animation awards...
series, with Mitsuki being very similar to Asuka Langley SoryuAsuka Langley Soryuis a 14-year old fictional character from the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. Within the series, she is designated as the Second Child and the pilot of the Evangelion Unit 02...
.
- D is a bioroidBioroboticsBiorobotics is a term that loosely covers the fields of cybernetics, bionics and even genetic engineering as a collective study.Biorobotics is often used to refer to a real subfield of robotics: studying how to make robots that emulate or simulate living biological organisms mechanically or even...
, an artificially constructed biological/mechanical being first introduced in the Tenchi Muyo! universe. The war between the Earth Defense Force and the Rara Army began when D and at least two mechas were discovered in an artifact of unknown origin. Her original body was damaged, so a bioroid was built to contain her essence (represented by a glowing orb in place of an eye) while her body healed.
- D appears to be as inhuman as the robot she pilots, speaking mechanically and asking many questions about human emotions and behavior. The only one to break through her stony exterior is Kazuki, to the shock of Commander Sanada. D frequently has visions of a horrible creature attacking, and is deathly afraid of Himiko.
- She develops a strong attachment to Kazuki, culminating in her decision to return to her real body at the climax of the series in order to save him. It is revealed that D stole Zinv and fled her world to escape Himiko and Kumu, who claimed the lives of her friends.
- As a robot pilot, D is subpar, often requiring rescue by Kazuki and Mitsuki. However, she redeems herself by removing the limiter placed upon Zinv, allowing its true power to manifest itself.
- When Zinv is destroyed and the worlds merge, D becomes Dee Sanada, taking on the animated personality of a young girl.
- There is also an apparent resemblance between D and Tenchi Muyo! GXPTenchi Muyo! GXPis a Japanese anime series created by AIC and broadcast on NTV from April 3, 2002 to September 25, 2002. It is the fourth installment of the Tenchi Muyo! line of series, succeeding Tenchi in Tokyo, localized in North America by Funimation.-Plot:...
character Neju na Melmas, leading some to believe that she and D may belong to the same race. The character of D also resembles the character Doll from the new Tenchi Muyo spin-off whose title is (currently) translated as "St. Knight's tale", which takes place in a parallel reality to the main canon Tenchi Muyo universe.
- The three main characters are very similar to the three protagonists of the Neon Genesis EvangelionNeon Genesis Evangelion, commonly referred to as Evangelion, is a commercially and critically successful Japanese anime series that began airing in October 1995. The series was highly influential, and launched the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. It garnered several major animation awards...
series, with D being very similar to Rei AyanamiRei Ayanamiis a fictional character from the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise, a Japanese anime from Gainax. She is the First Child and pilot of the Evangelion Unit 00....
.
- Yayoi is the original pilot of the white Core Robot, which Kazuki named "Hartzenen". After suffering a serious head injury in battle, Yayoi experienced a feedback loop, effectively cutting off her connection to robots and ending her career as a pilot. Kazuki climbed into Hartzenen and took control, saving Yayoi's life. She refers to Kazuki as "her prince," and falls in love with him.
- Yayoi goes to great lengths to spend time with Kazuki, signing up to be his combat instructor and school teacher, and even moving in next door to the Sanada home and building a door into Kazuki's room. Her grandmother once tried to arrange a marriage for Yayoi to another man (due in part to Mitsuki Sanada's meddling), but her affection for Kazuki was too deep for her to even pay attention to the would-be suitor.
- When Zinv is destroyed and the worlds merge, Yayoi is Kazuki's homeroom teacher.
- The Earth Defense Force knows her as "Miss Ra," the Rara Army's spokeswoman/mascot, but when Kazuki is injured and trapped behind enemy lines, it is revealed that she is Mitsuki Sanada's counterpart in the parallel world, the daughter of Hiroshi and Ayuko Rara.
- Mitsuki Rara could very well be Mitsuki Sanada's direct opposite. She's quiet, easily embarrassed and gentle; she personally nurses Kazuki back to health. However, she places herself in a tranceTranceTrance denotes a variety of processes, ecstasy, techniques, modalities and states of mind, awareness and consciousness. Trance states may occur involuntarily and unbidden.The term trance may be associated with meditation, magic, flow, and prayer...
to play Miss Ra, becoming a ruthless warrior. When she finds out that Kazuki is an enemy pilot, she launches him away in an escape pod, remembering the time he could have killed Miss Ra, but saved her instead.
- Mitsuki is later brainwashed into piloting Himiko, one of the most powerful robots created. After Kazuki saves her, she resists returning home, eventually becoming a Core Robot pilot for the EDF. She comes the closest to capturing Kazuki's heart; the two almost go out on a date, which is unfortunately cancelled by U.N. officers intent on sending her home.
- When Zinv is destroyed and the worlds merge, Mitsuki lives in the Sanada home, even though her parents live right next door.
- Ken has A and B versions: the eccentric scientist from our world, and the parallel world's commander of the Earth Defense Force. Ken is Mitsuki's father in this world, but is childless in the other world; naturally, he's quite confused when our world's Mitsuki calls him "Dad."
- Both Kens share a love for instant ramenRamenis a Japanese noodle dish. It consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat- or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and uses toppings such as , , kamaboko, green onions, and occasionally corn...
, a slightly off-color sense of humor, and an understanding that Kazuki is special. Despite appearing to goof off on the job (antagonizing Rara never gets old), Commander Sanada takes it quite seriously. When the U.N. turns against the EDF, his subordinates remain loyal to him, proving his worth as a leader.
- When Zinv is destroyed and the worlds merge, Ken Sanada returns to being a scientist as well as being married to Akane Yamano. In the new world, Mitsuki Sanada is his daughter and Dee Sanada is his adopted daughter. His relation to Kazuki is cause for question. Kazuki calls him "Uncle" but it is debated among fans whether they are actually related in the new world.
- The Earth Defense Force's United Nations advisor. Despite Akane's tendency to work "by the book," Ken and the young pilots often convince her to defy her orders, such as Rara's demand for the EDF to repatriate his daughter. When the EDF is outlawed, she resigns her post and flees with Ken Sanada and the others.
- When Zinv is destroyed and the worlds merge, Akane becomes Ken's wife, as well as (unfortunately) Ayuko Rara's little sister.
- In our world, Rara is a Nobel PrizeNobel PrizeThe Nobel Prizes are annual international awards bestowed by Scandinavian committees in recognition of cultural and scientific advances. The will of the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the prizes in 1895...
winning scientist. In the parallel world, he's become something of a megalomaniac. It was he who began the war in the first place, transforming himself into a messiah-like figure ("You fools have no fear of God!", "the divine power of the Rara Army").
- In the bizarre scene where Kazuki actually has dinner with the Rara family, the General reveals a softer side of himself; he believes that the war is about keeping the alien technology out of the wrong hands. However, it quickly becomes clear that Rara is simply a figurehead, with his wife wielding the real power. He "Redeems" himself, however, when Kazuki attacks their base, and gets everyone out before it gets destroyed.
- When Zinv is destroyed and the worlds merge, Rara and his wife move in next door to the Sanadas, hoping to corral Kazuki into revealing the secret of his connection to Zinv.
- Ayuko was both Rara and Sanada's wife in the two worlds, and is the mother of both Mitsukis. In the parallel world, she manipulates events while behind the scenes, posing as Rara's submissive wife. In reality, she controls the Rara Army along with the mysterious alien named Kumu. She exploits Mitsuki Sanada's love of Kazuki to convince Mitsuki to turn against the EDF. Ultimately, both Ayuko and Himiko are defeated by Kazuki and Zinv.
- When Zinv is destroyed and the worlds merge, Ayuko attempts to "arrange" her daughter and Kazuki's marriage, with humorous results.
:
- Mitsuki Rara's best friends. While initially teasing Mitsuki for her attraction to Kazuki, they help him escape the Rara base when his identity is revealed. Later, they give Kazuki her diary after a battle, letting him know Mitsuki's still thinking about him. The three later join Mitsuki Rara as pilots for the EDF.
- When Zinv is destroyed and the worlds merge, Alice, Mena and Ryla return to working for the Raras.
- A scientist in the employ of the Rara Army. She opposes the plan to force Mitsuki Rara to pilot Himiko, and warns her of her mother's machinations. Hayase later joins the Earth Defense Force and works alongside Ken Sanada.
Kumu
An Alien being encased in a shrine in Rara's Garden, where it advises Ayouko Rara in the army's dealings with the Earth Defense Force late in the series. After the world merge, it is represented as a small female dag gifted to the Sanada's that has a penchant for biting Kazuki.
Series
| Episode no. | Episode Title | Original Air Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OVA
| Episode no. | Episode Title | Original Air Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Music
Opening Theme:- "DUAL!": Act. 02 - 13
- Song by: HARU&SAYAKA from UNIVERS★LD
- Lyrics by: Hiroko Yah
- Composition and arrangement by: Seikou Nagaoka
Ending Theme:
- "Real": Act. 01 - 12
- Song by: Shifo from UNIVERS★LD
- Lyrics and composition by: Shifo
- Arrangement by: Seikou Nagaoka
- Original lyrics by: Yūsuke Kuroda
- "DUAL! (Mitsuki duet version)": Act. 14
- Song by: Mitsuki Sanada (CV: Rie TanakaRie Tanakais a singer and voice actress . Notable among her numerous roles are Lacus Clyne in Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny, Chii and Freya in Chobits, Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke in Strike Witches and Suigintou in the anime adaptation of Rozen Maiden.-Personal life:As a child, Tanaka took singing classes...
) & Mitsuki Rara (CV: Megumi ToyoguchiMegumi Toyoguchiis a voice actress, born on January 2, 1978 in Machida, Tokyo, Japan. She is employed by the talent management firm 81 Produce.-Trivia:* Toyoguchi is the only seiyū to have the distinction of appearing in every anime in the Saturday 6 p.m...
) - Lyrics and composition by: Shifo
- Arrangement by: Seikou Nagaoka
- Song by: Mitsuki Sanada (CV: Rie Tanaka
Glossary
Core Robots- Three multicolored bipedal machines reverse engineered from Zinv. Because they are man-made, the Core Robots are inferior to the originals in every way.
- The Core Robots are used by the Earth Defense Force; Yayoi Schwael (replaced by Kazuki Yotsuga, and later by Mitsuki Rara) pilots the white Unit 1 (nicknamed "Hartzenen/Halcynen" by Kazuki), Mitsuki Sanada controls the red Unit 2, and D (briefly replaced by Alice, Mena, and Ryla) pilots the blue Unit 3.
Earth Defense Force
- A United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
-sponsored military organization under the command of Ken Sanada dedicated to foiling the Rara Army's plans for world domination. The EDF employs many soldiers, but relies solely upon the three Core Robots in battle.
- Combat between the two armies is quite different from normal warfare; Rara informs the public where and when an attack will take place, and the combat zone is evacuated. At any time, either side can submit a "callsign," indicating their surrender. Because of these measures, there have been no casualties in the war.
Himiko
- Zinv's opposite, Himiko carved a swath of ruin across D's world before she escaped. It seems as though only people with negative emotions in their hearts can control Himiko, as evidenced by its initial rejection of Mitsuki Rara, and its violent reaction to Mitsuki Sanada's jealousy. Himiko has some connection to the alien lifeform Kumu.
- Himiko is completely and totally destroyed at the hands of Zinv, compressed down to nothing to prevent it from regenerating.
Kumu
- The alien that advises Ayuko Rara. It has some relationship to D, and hates men with a passion. Kumu resembles a floating, glowing bell and garland.
- When Zinv is destroyed and the worlds merge, Kumu is the name of a puppy that is given to the Sanada family by Ayuko Rara in the hopes of finding out information about Zinv. The name fits: while it loves the girls in the house, Kazuki gets a severe bite whenever he comes near.
Life Sympathy
- A term for the power of a pilot's will to exert control over robots. High Life Sympathy levels can enable a robot to move faster and inflict more damage with melee attacks. For reasons revealed at the end of the series, the robots on Earth only respond to female Life Sympathy, though Kazuki is somehow exempt.
- Because of his overwhelming negative Life Sympathy, Kazuki's robot is capable of feats beyond most other models.
Rara Army
- Formed by Hiroshi Rara, it intends to unite the world under its banner. Like the EDF, it uses robots in battle rather than conventional weapons, but its machines are exotic and beastly, differing from its rival's humanoid robots. Rara's robots are also remotely operated, unlike the Earth Defense Force's cockpit-equipped models.
- Rara prefers to operate outlandishly, broadcasting attack trailers and boasting of his army's God-given power (often through his mascot, Miss Ra). However, despite General Rara's highly visible status within the organization, another person wields the real authority.
The Original
- A mech under the control of the Rara army, it has the power to control the atmosphere as well as some electromagnetic capabilities. It captures Kazuki along with Hartzenen and brings them to Rara's base where it falls off a large cliff, supposedly destroying it beyond repair.
- The Original and Zinv are the only mechs confirmed to be found in The Artifact.
Zinv
- An incredibly powerful robot found with D. It sat dormant in the EDF's headquarters for years until Kazuki awakened it during Rara's assault.
- Zinv has many unique abilities revolving around the manipulation of gravimetric forces, including gravitational projectiles, super speed, and crushing enemy mecha. Zinv also comes equipped with a nano-repair system that can fix any damage inflicted. Zinv only responds to Kazuki's Life Sympathy, and sometimes activates itself when Kazuki is not aboard.
- Zinv defeats the lesser version of Himiko quite easily, but Himiko's final form takes the upper hand. When D removes the limiter preventing males from piloting it (Kazuki skirts this by BEING Zinv), Zinv instantly repairs itself and generates Light Hawk Wings. With this newfound power, Kazuki decimates Himiko and creates a black hole, reducing the Rara fortress to nothing.
- With the two worlds dangerously close to oblivion, Zinv and Kazuki agree to destroy Zinv, ensuring that both worlds will live on. However, Zinv survives the explosion that consumes it, regenerating at the bottom of the ocean and returning to Kazuki in the third universe.
- Followers of Tenchi Muyo! will recognize the Light Hawk Wings, as well as the Zinv look-alike in Tenchi Muyo GXP.
Future of Dual!
Since 2001, there has been a fan speculating about a Dual! sequel in the works but according to AIC Anime English website, there are currently no plans to release such a sequel.Connections to Tenchi Muyo Universe
It has been confirmed by the creator of Tenchi Muyo and Dual! that the two series are related, although the extent of the connection is unknown at this time. A mecha similar to Zinv is found during an episode of Tenchi GXP which is a sequel to the Tenchi OVA series. Both Mitsuki Sanada and Ken Sanada appear in the Tenchi GXP novels as alternative versions of themselves. Sasami and several other Tenchi Muyo characters are featured in inserts found in the Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure laser disks.- Mitsuki Sanada resembles Kiriko MasakiKiriko Masakiis a fictional character in the anime series Tenchi Muyo! GXP: Galaxy Police Transporter.-Background:Seina's childhood friend, Kiriko Masaki would often be tending to the many injuries that Seina would suffer from his bad luck. She cares for Seina deeply and would fight to protect him from further...
- Yayoi Schwael resembles Amane KaunaqAmane Kaunaqis a fictional character in the anime series Tenchi Muyo! GXP: Galaxy Police Transporter.-Background:Originally the galaxy's greatest supermodel, Amane Kaunaq felt disgusted and burned-out from it and left the business to become part of the Galaxy Police. She was very good at her job...
- Mitsuki Rara resembles Ryoko BaltaRyoko Baltais a fictional character in the Tenchi Muyo! spinoff series: Tenchi Muyo! GXP: Galaxy Police Transporter.-Background:Although she named herself after Ryoko Hakubi, Ryoko Balta is hardly as bloodthirsty as that infamous space pirate was rumored to be. Even though she was a member of the dreaded...
- D resembles Neju Na MelmasNeju Na Melmasis a fictional character in the anime series Tenchi Muyo! GXP: Galaxy Police Transporter.-Background:Although she looks like a ten year-old girl, Neju is actually a 2000 year-old high priestess and spiritual leader of her planet. Politically savvy as well as extremely cunning, she had countless...
- Akane Yamano resembles Airi MasakiAiri Masakiis a fictional character in the anime Tenchi Muyo!, making her first animated appearance in the third part of the OVA series and its spinoff, Tenchi Muyo! GXP....
- Ayuko Rara resembles Seto Kamiki JuraiSeto Kamiki Juraiis a fictional character in the Tenchi Muyo! series, as well as a brief part in Hitoshi Okuda's The All-New Tenchi Muyo! manga series, published in the U.S. by VIZ Media....
- Zinvu resembles the Idol mecha piloted by Seina YamadaSeina Yamadais a fictional character in the Tenchi Muyo! series and serves as the main character of Tenchi Muyo! GXP, a television spinoff from the original OVAs.-Unlucky boy:...
Other Similarities
Several elements in Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure (1999) are very similar to Neon Genesis EvangelionNeon Genesis Evangelion
, commonly referred to as Evangelion, is a commercially and critically successful Japanese anime series that began airing in October 1995. The series was highly influential, and launched the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. It garnered several major animation awards...
(1995)
- The main character changes the world in the last episode to merge two conflicting worlds and to make them both more to his own liking.
- The end result of merging of both worlds in Dual! is extremely similar to a 'hypothetical' outcome displayed to the main character of Neon Genesis Evangelion.
- The rifle guns that the Sanada-style robots use look and act like the rifles of Evangelion.
- The Sanada-style robots can be compared to Evangelion robots, with similar shoulders, hand-to-hand combat styles, and one male pilot with two female pilots on the team.
- The color scheme of the robot of the confident and somewhat hot-headed female pilot in Dual! is very similar to the color of the robot of the female pilot Asuka Langly Soryu in Evangelion
- The color scheme of the robot of the reserved female pilot in Dual! is very similar to the color of the robot of the reserved female pilot, Rei Ayanami, in Evangelion.
- The Rara-style robots start out as nonhumanoid in the first battles and change their type each battle in size and power, similar to the Angels.
- The main character has a mysterious female friend that is usually quite reserved, until she meets the protagonist, which amazes everyone else. And they both have non-human origins.
- The main character has a female teacher that dotes on him.
Because of these elements, Dual is considered a parody
Parody
A parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...
of Evangelion.