Ikki Tousen
Encyclopedia
, also known as Battle Vixens, is a manga
series written and illustrated by Yuji Shiozaki
, based on the classic Chinese novel
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
. The series revolves around an all-out turf war
in the Kanto region
of Japan where fighters from seven schools battle for supremacy, and the story centers on Hakufu Sonsaku, a fighter who transfers to Nanyo Academy, one of the seven schools involved in the turf war.
The manga started serialization in the seinen manga magazine Comic GUM
, and the first tankōbon
was released on October 2000, with a total of 18 volumes available as of March 25, 2011. The manga was licensed in North America and the United Kingdom by Tokyopop
under the title Battle Vixens, and in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment
.
A 13-episode anime adaptation produced by J.C. Staff aired between July and October 2003 on AT-X
and other channels. The anime was licensed in North America by Geneon Entertainment, but it is now licensed by Funimation Entertainment
after Geneon withdrew from the anime market. A second anime season produced by ARMS
aired on AT-X between February and May 2007, spanning twelve episodes. At Otakon
2007, Media Blasters
announced they have licensed the series. A third anime season, also produced by ARMS, aired on AT-X between June and August 2008, spanning twelve episodes and featuring an all-new plotline and characters. The anime is also licensed by Media Blasters
, as with the second season. A fourth anime season produced by TNK and ARMS aired on AT-X and other channels between March and June 2010, spanning 12 episodes and introducing new schools and characters. An anime OVA was announced by Media Factory, and will be released in Japanese theaters on November 12, 2011.
of Japan, seven high schools are waging an all-out turf war
for territorial supremacy: Nanyo Academy, Kyosho Academy, Seito Academy, Yoshu Academy, Rakuyo High School, Gogun High School, and Yoshu Private School. The fighters of each school bear the sacred jewels called magatama
, which contains the essence of warriors from the Three Kingdoms
era of Ancient China 1800 years ago, as well as their fates.
Hakufu Sonsaku, the descendant of lengendary conqueror Sun Ce
, is a highly skilled fighter with a ditzy personality who transfers to Nanyo Academy where her cousin Koukin Shuyu attends under her mother's request. Her destiny, as with her predecessor, was to conquer all of the schools. But there is a darker and more dangerous side to her fate, one that may change the entire course of history forever.
. The first tankōbon
was published by Wani Books
on October 2000, with a total of 18 tankōbon available as of March 25, 2011. The manga was licensed in North America and the United Kingdom by Tokyopop
under the title of Battle Vixens, and sold fifteen volumes between April 6, 2004 and April 27, 2010. The manga is also licensed in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment
, in France by Panini Comics
, in Argentina by Editorial Ivrea
, in Germany by Carlsen Comics (under the tile of "Dragon Girls"), and in Taiwan by Sharp Point Press
.
aired on AT-X
between July 30 and October 22, 2003, with subsequent runs on TVK, Mie TV, Chiba TV
, TV Saitama, and Sun Television. Seven DVD volumes were released by Media Factory
between November 22, 2003 and May 25, 2004. A DVD box set was later released on January 25, 2008, and a Blu-ray
box set was later released on April 27, 2011. The series was licensed in North America by Geneon Entertainment, who released the series on four DVD volumes between August 10, 2004 and March 1, 2005. A box set was later released on July 19, 2005 by Geneon. The series is now licensed by Funimation Entertainment
after Geneon closed its doors to the North American market, and released a box set of the series on May 26, 2009. The series is also licensed in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment
, and in the United Kingdom by MVM Films
.
A second season, called , produced by ARMS and directed by Koichi Ohata, aired 12 episodes on AT-X between February 26 and May 14, 2007, with subsequent broadcasts on Chiba TV
, KBS Kyoto
, TV Kanagawa, Tokyo MX, Sun Television, TV Aichi, and TV Saitama. Six DVD volumes were released by Media Factory
between July 25 and November 22, 2007, each volume containing an original video animation
called , featuring the female cast in a hot spring
setting. A DVD boxset was later released on December 22, 2009. The anime is licensed in North America by Media Blasters
, who released the series on three DVD volumes between November 24, 2009 and April 20, 2010. A box set was later released on August 31, 2010. The anime is also licensed in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment, as with the first season.
A third season, , produced by ARMS and directed by Koichi Ohata, aired 12 episodes on AT-X between June 11 and August 27, 2008, with subsequent broadcasts on Chiba TV
, TV Saitama, TV Aichi, TV Kanagawa, Sun Television, and Tokyo MX. The series features an all-new storyline featuring Chokyo, Hakufu's younger sister and the Japanese counterpart of Xiao Qiao, introducing another Genpou Saji as an antagonist, and the return of a character who previously died in the first series. Six DVD compilation volumes were released by Media Factory between September 25, 2008 and February 25, 2009, each volume containing an original video animation
called . A DVD box set was released on March 25, 2010. The series is also licensed by Media Blasters
, as with the second season, and will be released in a complete box set on March 31, 2012. The series was originally planned to be released in two half-series sets on August 30, 2011 and October 25, 2011, respectively, prior to its rescheduled date.
A fourth season, called , was announced. Produced by TNK and directed Koichi Ohata, the series aired twelve episodes on AT-X
between March 26 and June 11, 2010, with subsequent broadcasts on Chiba TV
, TVK, TV Saitama, Tokyo MX, TV Aichi, and Sun Television. The series introduces two new schools, Nanban High School and Ryoshu Academy, and introduces Kentei, the Japanese counterpart of Emperor Xian
, as an antagonist. Six DVD and Blu-ray volumes were released by Media Factory
between June 25 and November 25, 2010. The DVD/BDs contains an original video animation
called .
A fifth season OVA
series called was announced by Media Factory, and a promotional video was posted on their YouTube channel. The OVA will be released in Japanese theaters on November 12, 2011.
The opening theme for the first season is "Drivin' Through The Night" by M.o.v.e, while the ending theme is "Let me be with you" by Shela. The opening theme for Dragon Destiny is "HEART&SOUL" by Mai Kariyuki while the ending theme is by IORI. The opening theme for Great Guardians is "No x limit" by Ami, while the ending theme is by Rio Asaba. The opening theme for Xtreme Xecutor is "Stargazer" by Yuka Masuda while the ending theme is by Masumi Asano
and Aya Endo
, the voices of Hakufu Sonsaku and Bacho Mouki, respectively.
show promoting the Dragon Destiny anime called was produced by Media Factory
and aired on MediaFac Radio between November 25, 2006 and aired 31 episodes. The show was hosted by Masumi Asano
and Hitomi Nabatame
, the voices of Hakufu and Kanu, respectively. A CD of the radio show was released by Media Factory on June 27, 2007.
Another radio show promoting Great Guardians called , also produced by Media Factory, aired on MediaFac Radio between March 26, 2008 and March 2009, spanning 23 episodes. Masumi Asano and Hitomi Nabatame reprise their host roles as Hakufu and Kanu. A CD of the show was released by Media Factory on March 25, 2009.
A radio show promoting Xtreme Xecutor called aired on HiBiKi Radio Station between December 25, 2009 and December 3, 2010, spanning 41 episodes. Like the last two radio shows, the show was hosted by Masumi Asano and Hitomi Nabatame reprising their respective roles as Hakufu and Kanu.
and released for the PlayStation 2
in Japan on July 26, 2007 by Marvelous Entertainment. The game has an original storyline with Hakufu, Ryomou, and Kanu as the main playable characters. The game introduces a new character named Chousen, the Japanese counterpart of Diao Chan. Along with Hakufu, Ryomou, and Kanu, Gentoku Ryubi, Ukitsu, Ekitoku Chouhi, Shiryu Cho-n, Housen Ryofu, and Myosai Kakouen also appear as playable characters, with Koukin Shuyu appearing as an extra character in Hakufu and Ryomou's story arcs respectively.
A second video game, , was developed by Tamsoft
for the PlayStation Portable
and released on October 2, 2008 by Marvelous Entertainment. The game is a hybrid between fighting and adventure, and it features 15 Ikki Tousen heroines and a new character named Kanpei, the Japanese counterpart of Guan Ping
and the protagonist of the game. New characters include Motoku Sousou (Dragon Potent Unlocked), Teni, Koumei Shokatsuryo, Gentoku Ryubi, Genpou Saji, and Shishi Ouin, along with EX-Hakufu (Dragon Potent Unlock) and EX-Ryubi (Shining Dragon). Eloquent Fist omits the presence of Ukitsu, and new finishing maneuvers and altered movesets have either been buffed, or have been nerfed.
A third installment based on the Xtreme Xecutor anime, called , was developed by Tamsoft
for the PlayStation Portable and released on April 28, 2010 in Japan. It features a new character named Ato along with the return of Ukitsu as a playable character, and Koudai Chinkyu, Yojo Bashoku, Kyocho, and Chutatsu Shibai are added as playable characters. The game adds a "Super Arts" bar, tag-team battles and combos, and the addition of the alternate striker system. The gameplay was also revamped to include an aerial pursuit rave and a Finishing Screen.
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
series written and illustrated by Yuji Shiozaki
Yuji Shiozaki
is Japanese manga author. He is best known for the manga series Ikki Tousen, also known as Battle Vixens in English.- Biography :Shiozaki made his debut in Shueisha's Young Jump...
, based on the classic Chinese novel
Chinese literature
Chinese literature extends thousands of years, from the earliest recorded dynastic court archives to the mature fictional novels that arose during the Ming Dynasty to entertain the masses of literate Chinese...
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based on the events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history, starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in...
. The series revolves around an all-out turf war
Turf war
According to Wordnet the definition of a turf war is "a bitter struggle for territory or power or control or rights". For example: a turf war erupted between street gangs; the president's resignation was the result of a turf war with the board of directors. In larger companies Turf wars could...
in the Kanto region
Kanto region
The is a geographical area of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. The region includes the Greater Tokyo Area and encompasses seven prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa. Within its boundaries, slightly more than 40 percent of the land area is the Kantō Plain....
of Japan where fighters from seven schools battle for supremacy, and the story centers on Hakufu Sonsaku, a fighter who transfers to Nanyo Academy, one of the seven schools involved in the turf war.
The manga started serialization in the seinen manga magazine Comic GUM
Comic Gum
is a Japanese seinen manga magazine pushlished on a monthly basis by Wani Books.Unlike other Japanese magazines, Comic Gum rarely contains posters or pin-up pictures. However, a special gift is given away together with each issue, which is releated to one of the series featured in the magazine...
, and the first tankōbon
Tankobon
, with a literal meaning close to "independently appearing book", is the Japanese term for a book that is complete in itself and is not part of a series , though the manga industry uses it for volumes which may be in a series...
was released on October 2000, with a total of 18 volumes available as of March 25, 2011. The manga was licensed in North America and the United Kingdom by Tokyopop
Tokyopop
Tokyopop, styled TOKYOPOP, and formerly known as Mixx, is a distributor, licensor, and publisher of anime, manga, manhwa, and Western manga-style works. The existing German publishing division produces German translations of licensed Japanese properties and original English-language manga, as well...
under the title Battle Vixens, and in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment
Madman Entertainment
Madman Entertainment is an Australian company that distributes international films as well as Japanese anime and manga in Australia and New Zealand. The company is owned by Funtastic Limited and is one of the major entertainment companies in Australia. It employs 130 people and has an annual...
.
A 13-episode anime adaptation produced by J.C. Staff aired between July and October 2003 on AT-X
AT-X (company)
is a Japanese anime television network owned by . AT-X, Inc. was founded on June 26, 2000 as a subsidiary of TV Tokyo Medianet, which, in turn, is a subsidiary of TV Tokyo. Its headquarters are in Minato, Tokyo. AT-X network broadcasts anime via satellite and cable since December 24, 1997.AT-X is...
and other channels. The anime was licensed in North America by Geneon Entertainment, but it is now licensed by Funimation Entertainment
Funimation Entertainment
Funimation is an American entertainment company. Originally founded in 1994 by Gen Fukunaga, the company became a subsidiary of Navarre Corporation on May 11, 2005...
after Geneon withdrew from the anime market. A second anime season produced by ARMS
ARMS Corporation
is a Japanese anime studio which has been involved in the production, animation, or Japanese distribution of a substantial number of releases.The famous animator and character designer Rin Shin is the chief animation director for several productions by ARMS which have an above average amount of...
aired on AT-X between February and May 2007, spanning twelve episodes. At Otakon
Otakon
Otakon is a fan convention in the United States focusing on East Asian popular culture and its fandom. The name is a portmanteau derived from convention and the Japanese word otaku...
2007, Media Blasters
Media Blasters
Media Blasters is an entertainment corporation founded by John Sirabella and Sam Liebowitz, based in New York City. They are in the business of licensing, translating, and releasing to the North American market manga compilations and anime and live-action movies and television series to home-video...
announced they have licensed the series. A third anime season, also produced by ARMS, aired on AT-X between June and August 2008, spanning twelve episodes and featuring an all-new plotline and characters. The anime is also licensed by Media Blasters
Media Blasters
Media Blasters is an entertainment corporation founded by John Sirabella and Sam Liebowitz, based in New York City. They are in the business of licensing, translating, and releasing to the North American market manga compilations and anime and live-action movies and television series to home-video...
, as with the second season. A fourth anime season produced by TNK and ARMS aired on AT-X and other channels between March and June 2010, spanning 12 episodes and introducing new schools and characters. An anime OVA was announced by Media Factory, and will be released in Japanese theaters on November 12, 2011.
Plot
In the Kanto regionKanto region
The is a geographical area of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. The region includes the Greater Tokyo Area and encompasses seven prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa. Within its boundaries, slightly more than 40 percent of the land area is the Kantō Plain....
of Japan, seven high schools are waging an all-out turf war
Turf war
According to Wordnet the definition of a turf war is "a bitter struggle for territory or power or control or rights". For example: a turf war erupted between street gangs; the president's resignation was the result of a turf war with the board of directors. In larger companies Turf wars could...
for territorial supremacy: Nanyo Academy, Kyosho Academy, Seito Academy, Yoshu Academy, Rakuyo High School, Gogun High School, and Yoshu Private School. The fighters of each school bear the sacred jewels called magatama
Magatama
Magatama , are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jōmon period.They are often found inhumed in mounded tumulus graves as offerings to deities . They continued to be popular with the ruling elites throughout the Kofun Period of Japan, and are often romanticised as indicative of...
, which contains the essence of warriors from the Three Kingdoms
Three Kingdoms
The Three Kingdoms period was a period in Chinese history, part of an era of disunity called the "Six Dynasties" following immediately the loss of de facto power of the Han Dynasty rulers. In a strict academic sense it refers to the period between the foundation of the state of Wei in 220 and the...
era of Ancient China 1800 years ago, as well as their fates.
Hakufu Sonsaku, the descendant of lengendary conqueror Sun Ce
Sun Ce
Sun Ce was a military general and warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was the oldest of the children of Sun Jian who was killed during the Battle of Xiangyang when Sun Ce was only 16. Sun Ce then broke away from his father's overlord, Yuan Shu, and headed to...
, is a highly skilled fighter with a ditzy personality who transfers to Nanyo Academy where her cousin Koukin Shuyu attends under her mother's request. Her destiny, as with her predecessor, was to conquer all of the schools. But there is a darker and more dangerous side to her fate, one that may change the entire course of history forever.
Terminology
- Magatama are jewels worn as earrings by all fighters which contain the spirits and essence of warriors from the era of the Three KingdomsThree KingdomsThe Three Kingdoms period was a period in Chinese history, part of an era of disunity called the "Six Dynasties" following immediately the loss of de facto power of the Han Dynasty rulers. In a strict academic sense it refers to the period between the foundation of the state of Wei in 220 and the...
in ancient China. How they all wound up in Japan is a mystery. Magatama impart their power and fate upon each fighter (regardless of age or gender; all of the characters from this period are male, but most of the cast are young girls), which range from average to incredibly powerful, but come with the will of the spirit within and ultimately their fate, which usually tends to be tragic and painful. However, a few characters seem to be in the process of defeating their fates, even though the cycle has played over repeatedly for 1800 years. Not every fate is the same however; numerous important characters are missing, and some relationships and obviously personalities have been drastically altered, but the end results are significantly analogous. Some magatama are very selective; others can switch their magatama, increasing their own personal power. They also indicate a fighter's skill and power by a distinctive color related to the Olympic medal system, which often tends to be misleading with certain characters. The ambiguity of it is further enhanced by the anime's introduction of Hakufu's jade magatama (which was briefly replaced with a red when she was possessed by Totaku).
- The Imperial seal supposedly found by Bundai Sonken, Hakufu's father. It is a large jade seal that serves a role similar to a Royal Crown. Whoever carries it is granted authority over all the other nations, but it expectedly becomes a big target for everyone. Seito Academy originally held it before Totaku stole it, but it eventually went to Ryomou from Ryofu, who passed it to Saji before it finally returns to Seito.
- The Ruling Dragon or Shoryu (literally Dragon Lord) is an enigmatic entity or entities resembling a massive oriental dragon conferred uniquely upon the three destined rulers of the Three Kingdoms period: Hakufu, Sousou and Ryubi. It is proof of their birthright as conquerors. They confer massive power onto each of them, putting them well above A-rank regardless of their own skill, though each manifestation varies. Ouin managed to stop Hakufu's first manifestation fairly easily, however Koukin was only able to subdue it the second time with both a Hyakuhekitou and Ukitsu's help.
- They do, however, create terrible destructive impulses that differ for each character. Hakufu's manifests a berserk, sadistic, psycho-sexual monster, but less so than Ruubi and Sousou. Sousou's dragon is psychotic and the most malicious but otherwise completely in control, while Ryubi's is completely out of control to the point of suicide and self-mutilation. It is also the most evil, radiating deathly energy that consumes the life around it.
- In addition to the three Ruling Dragons, other characters in the series have been shown to harbor dragons as well. Because of the qualities of Ryubi's dragon, Kaku believed Totaku may have possessed a dragon of his own. As a result of Ryubi's dragon first awakening three years ago and the ensuing battle its presence caused, Ryomou possesses a dragon as well. However, only Saji, Teifu, and the main characters of Seito (excluding Ryubi) are aware of this fact. Koumei is believed to harbor a dragon as well, as Ryubi witnessed it for a brief instant.
- It has also been hinted several times in both the anime and manga that Cho-un also harbors a dragon, as whenever she opens her eyes, her pupils are cat-like and yellow in color, very similar to those of the awakened fighters. Likewise in the manga, Kanu displayed identical pupils after Gakushin's aborted attempt to invade her mind, during her fight with Kyosho's Three-Pillared Gods.
- Typically when a dragon manifests, the eyes of the fighter either glow red or turn yellow with cat-like slits. The forearms manifest bulging veins, which can sometimes extend over the entire body; fangs are also sometimes shown. In the second season of the anime, each dragon is of a different color; Hakufu's is blue, Sousou's is red, and Ryubi's is gold. Unlike the manga, Ryomou's dragon appears to be her own and not Ryubi's, and is black. Koumei is also shown with a silver dragon referred to as the Crouching Dragon.
- A set of 5 legendary Chinese jianJianThe jian is a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China. The first Chinese sources that mention the jian date to the 7th century BCE during the Spring and Autumn Period; one of the earliest specimens being the Sword of Goujian.Historical one-handed versions have blades...
made of jewels. Supposedly made by Cao CaoCao CaoCao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
in ancient China, they are each named after an animal: Dragon, Tiger, Sparrow, Bear, and Horse. Incredibly evil and powerful swords capable of beating even the Dragons of Hao. Originally all five were embedded in a large boulder on Chosho's property and sealed with chiQiIn traditional Chinese culture, qì is an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as life energy, lifeforce, or energy flow. Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts...
, making them impossible to remove. Totaku extracted an unnamed sword while studying and failing under Chosho. Kanu also trained under Chosho and extracted one of the blades, but broke a sword named KusanagiKusanagiis a legendary Japanese sword and one of three Imperial Regalia of Japan. It was originally called but its name was later changed to the more popular Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi .-Legends:...
in half, leaving the remaining half of the blade still embedded in the rock. It is unknown which of the five it is. Teni had Dragon likely passed to her from Chiba, and Hakufu managed to remove Tiger completely intact, but Saji recovered it and entrusted it to Koukin so he could stop Hakufu's dragon. Totaku later destroyed the boulder, freeing the remaining two and the other half of Kusanagi which he brought with him to his grave. Sousou recovered all of them and two of the intact blades were seen under high security at Kyosho.
- Saji had a sword made of jade, and it is also an ancient sword. It is unknown if it is one of the five, as it is named Dragon, but Teni had Dragon distinctly named as a Hyakuhekitō, so it is likely another ancient sword. On a sidenote, a katanaKatanaA Japanese sword, or , is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese swords, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture.-Description:...
named MuramasaMuramasaMuramasa Sengo was a famous swordsmith who founded the Muramasa school and lived during the Muromachi period in Japan...
lies in Gogun academy. All of these are so far absent from the anime.
- Guan Yu's legendary Green Dragon Crescent Blade visually accurately depicted and carried by Kanu at all times, though supposedly made of jewel rather than metal. This may in fact be allegory, as a particularly high-quality type of steel in Japan is known as tama-hagane, or "jewel steel". Extremely powerful and possessing massive chi. It was melted during a battle against Ryuubi's dragon 3 years prior to the start of the series, but was apparently repaired at some point.
- A new artifact introduced in Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny. It is a gold oriental dragon coiling around a gold orb sealed in a glass orb. It is said that the Dragon Jade has the ability to tame a dragon (though has failed to do so as of yet) as well as change the destiny of any fighter, something otherwise impossible. It is extremely mythical, and up until Ryomou found it, everyone thought it didn't exist; in fact, very few even knew about it in the first place. A mysterious monk (who is presumed to be the same one who was with Kaku earlier on) told Ryomou about who proceeded to find it. Ryomou, however, was ambushed and badly injured by Teni, who was finally defeated by Shiryu who stole it and brought it to Kanu. According to the monk, it will only activate when all three dragons are roused and brought together, but Ryomou is seen holding it and activating it, creating a blue aura, making her left eye glow blue, then summoning a black dragon.
- Towards the end of Dragon Destiny, the Dragon Jade truly activates due to the presence of all the three dragons (Sousou's Red Dragon, Ryubi's Yellow Dragon, and Sonsaku's Blue Dragon) in its vicinity and causes the change of fate, that it was destined to do in the first place.
Manga
Ikki Tousen began serialization in the seinen manga magazine Comic GUMComic Gum
is a Japanese seinen manga magazine pushlished on a monthly basis by Wani Books.Unlike other Japanese magazines, Comic Gum rarely contains posters or pin-up pictures. However, a special gift is given away together with each issue, which is releated to one of the series featured in the magazine...
. The first tankōbon
Tankobon
, with a literal meaning close to "independently appearing book", is the Japanese term for a book that is complete in itself and is not part of a series , though the manga industry uses it for volumes which may be in a series...
was published by Wani Books
Wani Books
is a Japanese publishing company focused on manga-related publication, including magazines and books. The company was established in November 1979. It publishes one manga magazine Comic Gum.- Wink Up : is an idol magazine published since July 1988....
on October 2000, with a total of 18 tankōbon available as of March 25, 2011. The manga was licensed in North America and the United Kingdom by Tokyopop
Tokyopop
Tokyopop, styled TOKYOPOP, and formerly known as Mixx, is a distributor, licensor, and publisher of anime, manga, manhwa, and Western manga-style works. The existing German publishing division produces German translations of licensed Japanese properties and original English-language manga, as well...
under the title of Battle Vixens, and sold fifteen volumes between April 6, 2004 and April 27, 2010. The manga is also licensed in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment
Madman Entertainment
Madman Entertainment is an Australian company that distributes international films as well as Japanese anime and manga in Australia and New Zealand. The company is owned by Funtastic Limited and is one of the major entertainment companies in Australia. It employs 130 people and has an annual...
, in France by Panini Comics
Panini Comics
Panini Comics is an Italian comic book publisher. A division of Panini Group, best known for their collectible stickers, it is headquartered in Modena, Italy...
, in Argentina by Editorial Ivrea
Editorial Ivrea
Editorial Ivrea is an Argentine manga and comics publisher that publishes in Argentina, Spain and Finland. They also published Lazer, a magazine which was specialized in anime, comics, manga, series and other media. The magazine has an acid humor and has also organized parties in Argentina...
, in Germany by Carlsen Comics (under the tile of "Dragon Girls"), and in Taiwan by Sharp Point Press
Sharp Point Press
Sharp Point Press is a Taiwanese publisher of manga and music. It was founded in June 1982.-History:*1982 - Company established. Mainly publishes military and models related books.*1985 - Started publishing annual Zodiac fortune telling handbook....
.
Anime
A 13-episode anime adaptation of Ikki Tousen produced by J.C. Staff and directed by Takashi WatanabeTakashi Watanabe
is a Japanese director. He is best known for directing the anime seies Boogiepop Phantom and Ichiban Ushiro no Dai Maō.-Director:*Boogiepop Phantom*Ichiban Ushiro no Dai Maō*Ikki Tousen*Kino's Journey Life Goes On...
aired on AT-X
AT-X (company)
is a Japanese anime television network owned by . AT-X, Inc. was founded on June 26, 2000 as a subsidiary of TV Tokyo Medianet, which, in turn, is a subsidiary of TV Tokyo. Its headquarters are in Minato, Tokyo. AT-X network broadcasts anime via satellite and cable since December 24, 1997.AT-X is...
between July 30 and October 22, 2003, with subsequent runs on TVK, Mie TV, Chiba TV
Chiba TV
, doing business as , is a Japanese commercial terrestrial television broadcasting company headquartered at 11-25 Miyako-chō 1-chōme, Chūō-ku, Chiba serving Chiba Prefecture but spill-over is received in the neibouring prefectures. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Independent...
, TV Saitama, and Sun Television. Seven DVD volumes were released by Media Factory
Media Factory
is a Japanese publisher. It was founded on December 1, 1986, and its headquarters are situated in Shibuya, Tokyo. It is a subsidiary of Recruit Co., Ltd...
between November 22, 2003 and May 25, 2004. A DVD box set was later released on January 25, 2008, and a Blu-ray
Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc is an optical disc storage medium designed to supersede the DVD format. The plastic disc is 120 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm thick, the same size as DVDs and CDs. Blu-ray Discs contain 25 GB per layer, with dual layer discs being the norm for feature-length video discs...
box set was later released on April 27, 2011. The series was licensed in North America by Geneon Entertainment, who released the series on four DVD volumes between August 10, 2004 and March 1, 2005. A box set was later released on July 19, 2005 by Geneon. The series is now licensed by Funimation Entertainment
Funimation Entertainment
Funimation is an American entertainment company. Originally founded in 1994 by Gen Fukunaga, the company became a subsidiary of Navarre Corporation on May 11, 2005...
after Geneon closed its doors to the North American market, and released a box set of the series on May 26, 2009. The series is also licensed in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment
Madman Entertainment
Madman Entertainment is an Australian company that distributes international films as well as Japanese anime and manga in Australia and New Zealand. The company is owned by Funtastic Limited and is one of the major entertainment companies in Australia. It employs 130 people and has an annual...
, and in the United Kingdom by MVM Films
MVM Films
MVM Films is a British distributor of Japanese animation. The company sublicenses anime titles from US Anime companies such as Media Blasters, Geneon, Nozomi Entertainment, Urban Vision, AnimEigo, and US Manga Corps, which do not have a UK presence, and releases them on Region 2 DVD...
.
A second season, called , produced by ARMS and directed by Koichi Ohata, aired 12 episodes on AT-X between February 26 and May 14, 2007, with subsequent broadcasts on Chiba TV
Chiba TV
, doing business as , is a Japanese commercial terrestrial television broadcasting company headquartered at 11-25 Miyako-chō 1-chōme, Chūō-ku, Chiba serving Chiba Prefecture but spill-over is received in the neibouring prefectures. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Independent...
, KBS Kyoto
Kyoto Broadcasting System
is a commercial broadcasting station headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. It is doing business in Kyoto Prefecture as and in Shiga Prefecture as Its radio station serves Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures and is a member of National Radio Network . Its television station serves Kyoto Prefecture and is a...
, TV Kanagawa, Tokyo MX, Sun Television, TV Aichi, and TV Saitama. Six DVD volumes were released by Media Factory
Media Factory
is a Japanese publisher. It was founded on December 1, 1986, and its headquarters are situated in Shibuya, Tokyo. It is a subsidiary of Recruit Co., Ltd...
between July 25 and November 22, 2007, each volume containing an original video animation
Original video animation
, abbreviated as media , are animated films and series made specially for release in home-video formats. The term originated in relation to Japanese animation...
called , featuring the female cast in a hot spring
Onsen
An is a term for hot springs in the Japanese language, though the term is often used to describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of onsen scattered along its length and breadth...
setting. A DVD boxset was later released on December 22, 2009. The anime is licensed in North America by Media Blasters
Media Blasters
Media Blasters is an entertainment corporation founded by John Sirabella and Sam Liebowitz, based in New York City. They are in the business of licensing, translating, and releasing to the North American market manga compilations and anime and live-action movies and television series to home-video...
, who released the series on three DVD volumes between November 24, 2009 and April 20, 2010. A box set was later released on August 31, 2010. The anime is also licensed in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment, as with the first season.
A third season, , produced by ARMS and directed by Koichi Ohata, aired 12 episodes on AT-X between June 11 and August 27, 2008, with subsequent broadcasts on Chiba TV
Chiba TV
, doing business as , is a Japanese commercial terrestrial television broadcasting company headquartered at 11-25 Miyako-chō 1-chōme, Chūō-ku, Chiba serving Chiba Prefecture but spill-over is received in the neibouring prefectures. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Independent...
, TV Saitama, TV Aichi, TV Kanagawa, Sun Television, and Tokyo MX. The series features an all-new storyline featuring Chokyo, Hakufu's younger sister and the Japanese counterpart of Xiao Qiao, introducing another Genpou Saji as an antagonist, and the return of a character who previously died in the first series. Six DVD compilation volumes were released by Media Factory between September 25, 2008 and February 25, 2009, each volume containing an original video animation
Original video animation
, abbreviated as media , are animated films and series made specially for release in home-video formats. The term originated in relation to Japanese animation...
called . A DVD box set was released on March 25, 2010. The series is also licensed by Media Blasters
Media Blasters
Media Blasters is an entertainment corporation founded by John Sirabella and Sam Liebowitz, based in New York City. They are in the business of licensing, translating, and releasing to the North American market manga compilations and anime and live-action movies and television series to home-video...
, as with the second season, and will be released in a complete box set on March 31, 2012. The series was originally planned to be released in two half-series sets on August 30, 2011 and October 25, 2011, respectively, prior to its rescheduled date.
A fourth season, called , was announced. Produced by TNK and directed Koichi Ohata, the series aired twelve episodes on AT-X
AT-X (company)
is a Japanese anime television network owned by . AT-X, Inc. was founded on June 26, 2000 as a subsidiary of TV Tokyo Medianet, which, in turn, is a subsidiary of TV Tokyo. Its headquarters are in Minato, Tokyo. AT-X network broadcasts anime via satellite and cable since December 24, 1997.AT-X is...
between March 26 and June 11, 2010, with subsequent broadcasts on Chiba TV
Chiba TV
, doing business as , is a Japanese commercial terrestrial television broadcasting company headquartered at 11-25 Miyako-chō 1-chōme, Chūō-ku, Chiba serving Chiba Prefecture but spill-over is received in the neibouring prefectures. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Independent...
, TVK, TV Saitama, Tokyo MX, TV Aichi, and Sun Television. The series introduces two new schools, Nanban High School and Ryoshu Academy, and introduces Kentei, the Japanese counterpart of Emperor Xian
Emperor Xian of Han
Emperor Xian of Han , personal name Liu Xie, style name Bohe, was the last emperor of the Han Dynasty period of Chinese history...
, as an antagonist. Six DVD and Blu-ray volumes were released by Media Factory
Media Factory
is a Japanese publisher. It was founded on December 1, 1986, and its headquarters are situated in Shibuya, Tokyo. It is a subsidiary of Recruit Co., Ltd...
between June 25 and November 25, 2010. The DVD/BDs contains an original video animation
Original video animation
, abbreviated as media , are animated films and series made specially for release in home-video formats. The term originated in relation to Japanese animation...
called .
A fifth season OVA
Original video animation
, abbreviated as media , are animated films and series made specially for release in home-video formats. The term originated in relation to Japanese animation...
series called was announced by Media Factory, and a promotional video was posted on their YouTube channel. The OVA will be released in Japanese theaters on November 12, 2011.
The opening theme for the first season is "Drivin' Through The Night" by M.o.v.e, while the ending theme is "Let me be with you" by Shela. The opening theme for Dragon Destiny is "HEART&SOUL" by Mai Kariyuki while the ending theme is by IORI. The opening theme for Great Guardians is "No x limit" by Ami, while the ending theme is by Rio Asaba. The opening theme for Xtreme Xecutor is "Stargazer" by Yuka Masuda while the ending theme is by Masumi Asano
Masumi Asano
is a Japanese voice actress from Noshiro, Akita who works for Aoni Production. She is also known by her nickname, Masumin.- Notable voice roles :Anime* Saga in A Little Snow Fairy Sugar...
and Aya Endo
Aya Endo
is a Japanese voice actress from Yamagata, Japan.- Voice acting roles :-Video games:*Agarest Senki 2 *Ar tonelico III *Chaotic *Koumajou Densetsu: Stranger's Requiem *Rune Factory 3...
, the voices of Hakufu Sonsaku and Bacho Mouki, respectively.
Internet radio show
An internet radioInternet radio
Internet radio is an audio service transmitted via the Internet...
show promoting the Dragon Destiny anime called was produced by Media Factory
Media Factory
is a Japanese publisher. It was founded on December 1, 1986, and its headquarters are situated in Shibuya, Tokyo. It is a subsidiary of Recruit Co., Ltd...
and aired on MediaFac Radio between November 25, 2006 and aired 31 episodes. The show was hosted by Masumi Asano
Masumi Asano
is a Japanese voice actress from Noshiro, Akita who works for Aoni Production. She is also known by her nickname, Masumin.- Notable voice roles :Anime* Saga in A Little Snow Fairy Sugar...
and Hitomi Nabatame
Hitomi Nabatame
is a Japanese voice actress. She is affiliated with Ken Production. When voicing adult games, she is known as , , , or . She also sings opening themes for Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu under the name Miran Himemiya and Chocolate Rockers.-Anime:...
, the voices of Hakufu and Kanu, respectively. A CD of the radio show was released by Media Factory on June 27, 2007.
Another radio show promoting Great Guardians called , also produced by Media Factory, aired on MediaFac Radio between March 26, 2008 and March 2009, spanning 23 episodes. Masumi Asano and Hitomi Nabatame reprise their host roles as Hakufu and Kanu. A CD of the show was released by Media Factory on March 25, 2009.
A radio show promoting Xtreme Xecutor called aired on HiBiKi Radio Station between December 25, 2009 and December 3, 2010, spanning 41 episodes. Like the last two radio shows, the show was hosted by Masumi Asano and Hitomi Nabatame reprising their respective roles as Hakufu and Kanu.
Video games
A video game of the series, , was developed by Idea FactoryIdea Factory
is a Japanese video game developer and publisher founded on October 26, 1994 headed by company president Koichi Ota and vice president Shingo Kuwana.-Games published:-Games developed:-External links:* * * * from IGN* from GameSpot...
and released for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
in Japan on July 26, 2007 by Marvelous Entertainment. The game has an original storyline with Hakufu, Ryomou, and Kanu as the main playable characters. The game introduces a new character named Chousen, the Japanese counterpart of Diao Chan. Along with Hakufu, Ryomou, and Kanu, Gentoku Ryubi, Ukitsu, Ekitoku Chouhi, Shiryu Cho-n, Housen Ryofu, and Myosai Kakouen also appear as playable characters, with Koukin Shuyu appearing as an extra character in Hakufu and Ryomou's story arcs respectively.
A second video game, , was developed by Tamsoft
Tamsoft
is a Japanese video game developer, founded on 26 June 1992.Some of their most popular games were released for Sony's PlayStation console, including the Battle Arena Toshinden series, early Choro Q games and Guardian's Crusade...
for the PlayStation Portable
PlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
and released on October 2, 2008 by Marvelous Entertainment. The game is a hybrid between fighting and adventure, and it features 15 Ikki Tousen heroines and a new character named Kanpei, the Japanese counterpart of Guan Ping
Guan Ping
Guan Ping was the oldest son of the military general Guan Yu and older brother of Guan Xing. He served under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history...
and the protagonist of the game. New characters include Motoku Sousou (Dragon Potent Unlocked), Teni, Koumei Shokatsuryo, Gentoku Ryubi, Genpou Saji, and Shishi Ouin, along with EX-Hakufu (Dragon Potent Unlock) and EX-Ryubi (Shining Dragon). Eloquent Fist omits the presence of Ukitsu, and new finishing maneuvers and altered movesets have either been buffed, or have been nerfed.
A third installment based on the Xtreme Xecutor anime, called , was developed by Tamsoft
Tamsoft
is a Japanese video game developer, founded on 26 June 1992.Some of their most popular games were released for Sony's PlayStation console, including the Battle Arena Toshinden series, early Choro Q games and Guardian's Crusade...
for the PlayStation Portable and released on April 28, 2010 in Japan. It features a new character named Ato along with the return of Ukitsu as a playable character, and Koudai Chinkyu, Yojo Bashoku, Kyocho, and Chutatsu Shibai are added as playable characters. The game adds a "Super Arts" bar, tag-team battles and combos, and the addition of the alternate striker system. The gameplay was also revamped to include an aerial pursuit rave and a Finishing Screen.
External links
- Official anime website
- Ikki Tousen at Funimation EntertainmentFunimation EntertainmentFunimation is an American entertainment company. Originally founded in 1994 by Gen Fukunaga, the company became a subsidiary of Navarre Corporation on May 11, 2005...
- Ikki Tousen at MVM FilmsMVM FilmsMVM Films is a British distributor of Japanese animation. The company sublicenses anime titles from US Anime companies such as Media Blasters, Geneon, Nozomi Entertainment, Urban Vision, AnimEigo, and US Manga Corps, which do not have a UK presence, and releases them on Region 2 DVD...
- Ikki Tousen at Madman EntertainmentMadman EntertainmentMadman Entertainment is an Australian company that distributes international films as well as Japanese anime and manga in Australia and New Zealand. The company is owned by Funtastic Limited and is one of the major entertainment companies in Australia. It employs 130 people and has an annual...
- Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny at Media BlastersMedia BlastersMedia Blasters is an entertainment corporation founded by John Sirabella and Sam Liebowitz, based in New York City. They are in the business of licensing, translating, and releasing to the North American market manga compilations and anime and live-action movies and television series to home-video...
- Official Ikki Tousen: Shining Dragon website
- Official Ikki Tousen: Eloquent Fist website
- Official Ikki Tousen: Xross Impact website