K.O. Beast

In search of Gaia . . .

K.O. Beast is an anime series created by Satoru Akahori, creator of Saber Marionette J, with character designs by Takehito Ito, of Outlaw Star fame

The series started as a three episode Original Video Animation, which was followed by a four episode sequel.

Thousands of years in the future, the earth is split in two. While the southern hemisphere, ruled by Czar Master, is in another dimension, the northern hemisphere is populated by tribes of humanoids who can morph into anthropomorphized beasts.

Escaping from their human captors, Wan Derbard of the Tiger tribe, Bud Mint of the Bird tribe and Mei Mer of the Mermaid tribe, along with Tuttle Millen from Mei Mer's tribe and a little girl named Yuuni Password, whose scientist grandfather wanted her safely away, seek a mysterious treasure called Gaia. Our companions have with them the Jinns, three statues-cum-machines that combine to form a Humongous Mecha.

Hot on their heels are Czar Master's servants V-Darn and V-Sion as well as V-Darn's imp like companion Akumako.

The English version is something of a Gag Dub: the voice cast added some Pokémon references. The series was released in America by The Right Stuf International.

---

Tropes used in K.O. Beast include:

• Big Bad: Czar Master.
• Big Eater: Wan is often hungry. You gotta feel sorry for Bud.
• Butt Monkey: V-Darn.
• Casanova Wannabe: Bud.
• Cat Boy: Wan can change into a tiger whenever he sneezes.
• Crowning Music of Awesome: KO Beast II's OP, "Yatsu wa BOMBER"
• Dub Name Change: Wan Dabadadatta (Wan Derbard), Mei Mah (Mei Mer), Mekka Mannen (Tuttle Millen).
• Five-Man Band (of sorts):
  • The Hero: Wan
  • The Lancer: Bud
  • The Big Guy: Tuttle
  • Tagalong Kid: Yuuni
  • The Chick: Mei Mer
• Gag Dub: The voice cast also worked on Pokémon and introduced some cross-work references.
• Harem Seeker: Bud.
• Hey, It's That Voice!: Dub!Wan is Yajiro Kojima!
• Hot-Blooded: Wan.
• Hot Mom: Mei Mer's mother, the queen of the Merpeople. She can also wield a Paper Fan of Doom.
• Little Bit Beastly: Wan, Bud, Mei Mer, Tuttle and the whole population of the Northern Hemisphere. It's only when they transform that they become Petting Zoo People.
• Only Sane Man: Tuttle.
• Our Mermaids Are Different: Not only can Mei Mer change whenever she cries or when wet, but her tears can become pearls.
• Spell My Name with an "S": Is it Yuuni, Yuni or Uni?
• Tagalong Kid: Yuuni.
• Terrible Trio: V-Darn, V-Sion and Akumako.
• Three Amigos: Wan, Bud and Mei Mer.