MapleStory (anime)

This article is about the anime. For the original game, see MapleStory.

MapleStory
Logo from the opening theme
メイプルストーリー (Meipuru Sutōrī)
Genre	Adventure, Fantasy, Action
TV anime
Directed by	Takaaki Ishiyama
Studio	Madhouse Studios
Network	BS Japan, TV Aichi, TV Hokkaido, TV Osaka, TV Setouchi, TV Tokyo, TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting Co., Ltd
Original run	October 7, 2007 – March 30, 2008
Episodes	25
Anime and Manga Portal

MapleStory (メイプルストーリー, Meipuru Sutōrī^?) is a Japanese anime based on the popular South Korean online game MapleStory. It began airing on October 7, 2007.

Synopsis

Ten years ago, the World Tree that protected peace and order of the world was being targeted by an evil organization called the Zakums. The Human race led four other races: the powerful warriors, the intelligent magicians, the agile archers and sly thieves in a fight against the Zakums. In the end, the World Tree activated self-destruction to protect itself. However, the other races thought it was the Human race that destroyed the World Tree. When the World Tree was destroyed most of the races had nothing left, so a number of them went to Maple Island thinking the ones who stayed would die. They escaped Victoria and lived on Maple Island where living is getting harder and harder. Since then, a never-ending war between the different races began.

Ten years later, the main protagonist, Al, is determined to revive the World Tree. Al and his companions begin their journey to seek the seeds of the World Tree. At the same time, the Zakums reappear...

Characters

Al Voiced by: Hōko Kuwashima

The main protagonist of the anime. He's the son of the warrior Grande. He dresses up like a monster because humans are considered enemies to other races, but his true identity was finally revealed to everyone at the end of Episode 4. He likes doing random training and is mainly seen carrying a heavy stone behind him. He is known for his never give-up spirit and always-trying attitude and is quite stubborn at times. He is very determined and will do what's best for his family and friends, even going soforth to help his enemies. Nina and Anji consider Al "gullible", as both of them lied and/or tricked him with ease. His main weapon of choice seems to be the wooden sword that he carries on his back, but later arms himself with Grande's Hero's Gladius, a blade that holds a hidden power of light and purification that only Grande and Al can channel. Occasionally, he will try to ask either Barrow or Gallus to accept him as a student, but is unable to defeat their disciple, or at least the master himself. Nonetheless, both Barrow and Gallus see Al as an "interesting" character. On October 31st, until November 28th (GMT+9), he is portrayed as an NPC located in Henesys in the Japan version of MapleStory for a limited time quest to save the World Tree. He can also be found, seemingly permanently, in the Henesys of the Korean version.

Kino Voiced by: Yuko Minaguchi

Based on the in-game monster Orange Mushroom and has a fondness for Al. He loves to collect shiny stones, but the stones were once mistaken for a World Tree Seed and was thus chased by the Warriors of Seron Perion and the Archers of Seron Henesys. He collects those stones to make a present for his mother. He has a cousin, Kiki, a Blue Mushroom who lives on Victoria Island. In-game, there is also a Orange Mushroom Pet named Kino.

Barrow Voiced by: Hidenobu Kiuchi

He is the leader of Seron Henesys (Archers) on Maple Island. He fought alongside Al's father, Grande. His character slightly resembles the in-game monsters Meerkat and Lycanthrope. Barrow is equipped with a Maple Soul Searcher. His students mainly include Drumming Bunnies, Fairies, and Turkies.

Gallus Voiced by: Taiten Kusunoki

The leader of the Seron Perion (Warriors) on Maple Island. His character is based on by the in-game monster Muscle Stone. Gallus is equipped with a Maple Dragon Axe, but often prefers to fight with his fists. His students mainly include Yellow King Goblins, Wooden Masks, and Rocky Masks.

Nina Voiced by: Aya Endō

The strongest magician in the magician village Seron Ellinia. Also the village chief, but somewhat conceited. In Episode 3, she becomes the second monster to discover Al's identity as a human (the first being Puudou, her Ribbon Pig pet). Nina seems to be reluctant when she meets him but grows to accept him as a friend and to enjoy his company. In the fifth episode, when Anji ran back into Seron Kerning after lying and tricking Al, she stopped him and said that she is the only one who could pull pranks on Al. Also then, Puudou said that a female's jealousy is strong. At the end of the episode she was behind a rock and Puudou said that she should just admit that she can't stand to have her only friend (Al) taken away from someone else and she kicked him saying that he is not her friend. Her weapon of choice seems to be a maple wand. On October 31st, until November 28th (GMT+9), she is portrayed as an NPC located in Sleepywood in the Japan version of MapleStory for a limited time quest to save the World Tree.

Puudou Voiced by: Rica Matsumoto

Nina's pet based on the in-game monster Ribbon Pig. Often bumps into Al while trying to run away from Nina. Puudou was able to sniffle out Al's true identity as a human, therefore making him the first monster to know Al's secret.

Anji Voiced by: Takeshi Kusao

The leader of the Seron Kerning (Thieves) on Maple Island based on the in-game monster Wild Kargo. He somehow has a connection with Al's father, Grande, as he brought back his Hero's Gladius to Al's mother during the ten years. Anji is considered sly and cunning.

Ariba Voiced by: Daisuke Namikawa

One of the first antagonists that is shown in the anime. He is a member of the Zakums and works for Krone. His character is based on the in-game monster Samiho. Ariba is persistent, constantly chasing Al and his friends assuming they have a World Tree Seed, or at least causing them trouble for the sake of the Zakums.

Krone Voiced by: Nana Mizuki

The second antagonist introduced and the one that Ariba works for. Not much is known about her up to this point. Her character resembles the in game monster Lucida. She is constantly trying to find items, including snails, to keep her face soft and moist. She also becomes very angry when she learns that someone is on a date and she is not.

Zakteman Voiced by: Nachi Nozawa

Appears to be the main antagonist of the series. He is the leader of the Zakums. Both Ariba and Krone work for Zakteman. Ten years ago, Zakteman appeared on Victoria Island to steal the power of the World Tree for himself. His character resembles the in-game monster Ergoth.

Gill Voiced by: Romi Park

A human who roams in Victoria Island as a monster hunter. He is an extremely powerful swordsman, capable of outmatching both Gallus and Barrow. In actuality, Gill is a Dark Knight and utilizes the Beholder's powers, but uses a sword instead of the typical Spear or Pole Arm fit for such a class. As a monster hunter, he sees all monsters as his enemies and intends to slay them all so humanity can rise above them. Throughout the anime, Al asks that Gill joins him, but refuses, although Gill often shows up when a powerful monster appears and retreats when necessary.

Anime

Madhouse Studios made an adaptation of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game, MapleStory.^[1] The anime was broadcast on BS Japan, TV Aichi, TV Hokkaido, TV Osaka, TV Setouchi, TV Tokyo and TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting Co., Ltd between October 7, 2007 and March 30, 2008. The anime uses three pieces of theme music. "Scratch on the Heart" by Younha is the series' opening theme, while Kokoro no Kagayaki (心の輝き^?, lit. "Radiance of the Heart") by Fumiko Orikasa is the series' ending theme. The last episode had "Boku no Rhythm" by Fumiko Orikasa as the ending theme.

Episode listing

#	Title	Original air date
01	"Al and His Wonderful Companions" "Al To Suteki Na Nakamatachi!" (アルとすてきな仲間たち!)	October 7, 2007
02	"Al and Nina" "Aru to Niina" (アルとニーナ)	October 14, 2007
03	"Friendship is a Good Thing" "Tomodachitte Ī Mon Daze" (友達っていいもんだぜ)	October 21, 2007
04	"Al's True Colors!" "Aru no Shoutai!" (アルの正体!)	October 28, 2007
05	"We're All Friends!" "Minna Nakama Daze!" (みんな仲間だぜ!)	November 4, 2007
06	"Stolen Heart" "Musumareta Hāto" (盗まれたハート)	November 11, 2007
07	"Mom's a Big Thief" "Kaa-san wa oo dorobou" (母さんは大どろぼう)	November 18, 2007
08	"Clash! Gallus VS Barrow VS Super Al" "Gekitotsu! Garusu VS Baroo VS Choujin Aru" (激突!ガルスVSバローVS超人アル)	November 25, 2007
09	"Rain, Rain, Damp And Sticky Pandemonium" "Ame Ame Jime Jime Daikonran" (雨あめジメジメ大混乱)	December 2, 2007
10	"We're off!" "Tabidachi!" (旅立ち!)	December 9, 2007
11	"Gill appears!" "Giru arawaru!" (ギル現る!)	December 16, 2007
12	"Spluna and Alo-Alo" "Supiruna to Aroaro" (スピルナとアロアロ)	December 23, 2007
13	"Looking for Alo-Alo" "Aroaro wo Sagase" (アロアロを探せ)	January 6, 2008
14	"Light of the Sword Again!" "Hikari no seiken futatabi!" (光の聖剣再び!)	January 13, 2008
15	"Auction of the World Tree's seed!" "Seikai Kino Tane no Ōkushon" (世界樹の種のオークション)	January 20, 2008
16	"Nina's Homeland" "Niina no Furusato" (ニーナのふるさと)	January 27, 2008
17	"The Strongest Warrior (Part 1)" "Saikyou no senshi (zenhen)" (最強の戦士(前編))	February 3, 2008
18	"The Strongest Warrior (Part 2)" "Saikyou no senshi (kouhen)" (最強の戦士(後編))	February 10, 2008
19	"The Proud Thief, Anji!" "Hokori takaki houzoku Anji!" (誇り高き盗賊アンジ!)	February 17, 2008
20	"The Truth of Ten Years Ago" "Juunen Mae no Shinjitsu!" (10年前の真実!)	February 24, 2008
21	"Letter From My Father" "Tousan Karano Tegami" (父さんからの手紙)	March 2, 2008
22	"Al And Gill, An Exchange Of Swords" "Giru To Aru , Futarino Tsurugi" (ギルとアル、ふたりの剣)	March 9, 2008
23	"World Tree Seed" "Sekaiju No Tane" (世界樹の種)	March 16, 2008
24	"This is Real Strength!" "Hontō no Tsuyosa!" (本当の強さ!)	March 23, 2008
25	"Under The World Tree" "Sekaiju no Shita De" (世界樹の下で)	March 30, 2008

See also

• MapleStory

References

1. ^ "MapleStory Online RPG Inspires TV Anime in October". Anime News Network. 2007-08-15. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-08-15/maplestory-online-rpg-inspires-tv-anime-in-october. Retrieved 2009-05-25. 

External links

• MapleAnime.com A website about the Maplestory Anime.
• TV Tokyo Official Website (Japanese)
• MapleStory (anime) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia