Summary
Digimon: Digital Monstersis a seminal piece of anime with a timeless theme of embracing one’s individuality to fulfill their potential and be their best self. The heroes are young, affable children trying to figure out who they are and how their talents can make a difference in the worlds they inhabit. These themes, the surprisingly-metasetting, and the relatable cast of whimsical characters, make it easy to understand howDigimonhelped usher in the ubiquity and popularity of anime in the West, and why it remains popular today.
Digimon Adventure, licensed in 1999 by Saban Entertainment in North America under the nameDigimon: Digital Monsters, follows a group of elementary school kids who are transported to the Digital World and must partner with creatures known as Digimon to save the fantastical land from evil. As thefirst seasonplays out,each child and their Digimon forge bonds through partnership and trust that allow the Digimon to temporarily evolve into a more powerful form.
Known as “the DigiDestined”, the kids face increasingly dangerous enemies, in both the Digital World and their home world, and must further evolve their partners to avert crises and fulfill their shared destiny.
10 Best Digimon Designs of All Time
Digimon introduces monsters whose evolution designs always push the limits of visual creativity and raw appeal to its fans.
10"Enter the Dark Masters"
Season 1, Episode 40
The heroes return safely to the Digital World riding high on the recent defeat of VenomMyotismon, only to discover thatthe Digimon’s home world has been conquered by four evil Digimon known as the Dark Masters. The partner Digimon are no match for their new antagonists, and are quickly defeated. The leader of the villainous team, Piedmon, proves to be themost powerful enemy Digimon yet, and the children barely escape thanks to Chumon and Piximon sacrificing their lives to save them.
This episode marks the heroes' return to the Digital World after being home for a while, and they are shocked to find the realm thrown into darkness and chaos, the landscape literally twisted by the Dark Masters' rule. Thejester-themed Piedmon is a worthy addition toDigimon’s flamboyantly-sadistic enemies, one that is constantly one step ahead of the protagonists, and wields unpredictable abilities. Sadly, Chumon and Piximon are two of many Digimon in the first season to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the Digital World.
9Home Away from Home
Season 1, Episode 21
After defeating Dark Etemon at the end of the previous episode, Tai and Koromon (his partner Digimon’s lowest form) are transported through a portal to the real world. Tai meets up with his younger sister, Kari, who mysteriously knows of the existence ofDigimon. Thesiblings' reunion is cut short when multiple evil Digimon cross over to the real world and rampagethrough the city, culminating in a destructive showdown between Agumon and Ogremon.
“Home Away from Home” marksTai’s realization that the real world is in as much peril as the Digital World. While he’s at first relieved to be back, Tai eventually concludes his work in the other dimension is not done and sacrifices his safety at home to return to his friends. The introduction of Kari is also significant, as she becomes a major character and integral to the plot during the latter half of the season.
8"The Earthquake of MetalGreymon"
Season 1, Episode 20
Datamon kidnaps Sora and attempts to clone her and Biyomon as part of a revenge plot against their shared enemy, the evil Etemon. Tai and Izzy infiltrate the pyramid where Sora and her partner are being held, while the otherDigiDestined face off against Etemonoutside. The monkey Digimon proves too strong for the heroes after absorbing the power of the Dark Network, but Tai manages to defeat Etemon bydigivolvingGreymon to MetalGreymon.
The story ofDigimongrows darker and more complex with “The Earthquake of Metal Greymon.” The kids face challenges on multiple fronts, including kidnapping, infighting among their enemies, and figuring out how to use their newly-found crests, physical manifestations of the heroic qualities each DigiDestined embodies. Using his Crest of Courage,Tai overcomes his fear of Agumon digivolving into SkullGreymon(an evil version of Greymon solely focused on fighting and destruction) and becomes the first of the group to evolve his partner to its Ultimate form, MetalGreymon.
7"Prophecy"
Season 1, Episode 38
Digimonis at its best when the characters have a quiet moment to get emotional, key lore is revealed, or there are exciting new digivolutions, and this episode has all three. After Joe and Izzy have touching moments with their respective families, Gennai shares anancient prophecysaid to be the key to truly defeating VenomMyotismon, and it all culminates withthe introduction of Ultimate-level Digimon, WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon.It is an impressive feat to balance all of these elements without shortchanging one, but “Prophecy” does just that.
The highlight of this episode is the beautiful scene between Izzy and his parents, where they come to terms with the truth about Izzy’s adoption and his inability to cope with that information. Both sides of this conversation admit fault and reaffirm their bond as a family unit despite Izzy’s true parentage, as a tearful Tentomon eavesdrops. This intimate moment, in the middle of the larger Digimon chaos surrounding them, issurprisingly deep for an anime adapted specifically for English-speaking children.
6"The Legend of the Digi-Destined"
Season 1, Episode 13
T.K. and Patamon, still separated from the rest of the DigiDestined, are attacked by Leomon and Ogremon. Tai, Matt, Izzy, and Mimi arrive with their Digimon partners and purge the Black Gears from Leomon. Their newly-freed ally then explains the legend of the DigiDestined, a group of children from another world destined to rid the Digital World of evil. The shadowy villain, Devimon, appears and handily defeats the heroes, untilPatamon finally digivolves into Angemon to save T.K.from danger and defeat their foe.
This episode is the culmination of many plot threads laid since the premiere:Patamon finally digivolvesafter being the only partner Digimon unable to do so, Leomon is freed, Devimon is defeated, and File Island is restored, bringing our heroes together after being split apart for a few episodes. Patamon’s evolution being forced by the necessity to protect T.K. isa powerful example of Digimon’s themes of partnership and sacrifice.
5"The Battle for Earth"
Season 1, Episode 39
The DigiDestined are out-powered by VenomMyotismon until their crests inexplicably begin to glow, emitting ribbons of light that immobilize him long enough for a final blow. The kids defeat their foe, but a new emergency presents itself immediately asthe real world and the Digital World begin to collide in the sky above. After tearful goodbyes between the protagonists and their parents, the DigiDestined and their partners return to the Digital World to face their next enemy.
“The Battle for Earth” allows the DigiDestined to show off their abilities in front of their parents, reassuring the adults that their children may be in danger, but they are the only ones capable of averting the end of both worlds. In turn,the defeat of VenomMyotismon reassures the kids that their parents will be safewhile they return to the Digital World and continue their work.Tai and the gang have been in the real worldfor a long stretch and the sudden return to the Digital World adds an element of uncertainty to the events ahead.
4"Now Apocalymon"
Season 1, Episode 53
Fresh off the defeat of Piedmon,the DigiDestined learn from Gennai about the evil force that created the Dark Masters and receive their final mission to defeat Apocalymon.This mutant Digimon has the ability to turn anything he touches into darkness, replicate every previous villain’s attack, and force the heroDigimonto revert to their lower form.
This episode is a great opportunity to reflect on the lessons of season one, as eachDigiDestined and their partner reminisce about the challenges they facedand how they overcame each one through the power of courage, friendship, and hope. And the kids, as well as their parents watching from the real world, realize that they have evolved emotionally, much like their Digimon partners digivolve physically.
3"Piedmon’s Last Jest"
Season 1, Episode 52
“Piedmon’s Last Jest” finds the DigiDestined heroes entering their final battle against Piedmon for the fate of the real and Digital worlds. The jester-themed Digimon transformsthe Digidestined and their partnersinto doll keychains, immobilizing them one-by-one.Angemon reaches his Ultimate form, MagnaAngemon, during the ensuing battle, and former foes from the entire first season arrive to aid the group in sealing away Piedmon.
The themes of sacrifice and bravery have never been more present and vital to the survival of the DigiDestined, as each hero allows themselves to be captured in order for the rest of the group to escape. Although they defeat the final member of the Dark Masters,a new enemy is revealed to be behind the scheme to conquer the Digital World, ending the fight on a cliffhanger that sets up the final battle in the final two episodes of the season.
2"The Fate of Two Worlds"
Season 1, Episode 54
The fate of the real world and Digital World rests upon the shoulders of the eight DigiDestined children and their Digimon partners inthe final battle with their ultimate Apocalymon.Of course, the heroes are triumphant and with the final boss defeated, the digital world begins to heal. The victorious glee is cut short when Gennai tells them their time in the Digital World is over and the children and their partners share their love and appreciation for one another before parting ways, seemingly for good.
The season one finale is a beautiful, emotional send-off that honors the journey the eight kids have gone on and how much they’ve grown as a result.It’sheartbreaking to watch each pair say goodbyenot knowing when they will see one another again.The episode is a bit slow and lacks the climactic battles the series is known for, but it never buckles under the emotional weight of the journey’s conclusion.
1"Wizardmon’s Gift"
Season 1, Episode 37
The DigiDestined are all back in the real world and searching for the mysterious eighth child, while the evil Digimon, Myotismon, has taken over Odaiba city and captured its inhabitants. Everyone convenes at the local TV station and a battle ensues with Myotismon taking the upper hand. However,Wizardmon sacrifices himself by taking a fatal blow meant for Gatomon, who is revealed to be the eighth DigiDestined partner to Tai’s little sister, Kari.
The payoff of revealing the eighth child’s identity, Gatomon’s shifting allegiance, and her digivolution into the iconic Angewomon is incredible. Gatomon had been a villain until this point, jaded by the absence of a human partner and manipulated by Myotismon, so her sudden flip makes for an exciting plot twist. The stakes keep increasing for the DigiDestined, andas each threat is eliminated, a stronger one rises in its place,so it is rewarding to see the kids succeed after being on the ropes for some time.
Digimon Adventure
Cast
Digimon Adventure (Digimon: Digital Monsters) follows seven children at summer camp who are transported to a digital world. There, they befriend creatures known as Digimon, who are destined to protect their world from various malevolent forces.
