Zatch Bell!

Mamodo{{efn|{{Nihongo||魔物|Mamono|{{lit.}} "demon"}}; this is expressed as both singular and plural. The English adaptations pluralize the name "Mamodo" as "Mamodos".}} are a species of mystical creatures with supernatural powers inhabiting the fantastical Mamodo world{{efn|{{Nihongo|Demon World|魔界|Makai|lit. "Demon Realm"}}}} that exists in a parallel domain and is ruled by a king. Every 1,000 years, one hundred young Mamodo are selected to succeed the monarchy by engaging in an elimination tournament in which the winner would be eligible for the throne.{{gnr|ch|8}} These tournaments are held on Earth; the manga series chronicles the interim during the early 2000s.{{efn-ua|A concert ticket that Kiyo holds in the anime is dated 2003.{{Ref|Episode|ep. 14}}}} Although the competition is free-for-all, the Mamodo may collaborate with other combatants.{{gnr|ch|68}} As the Mamodo descend to Earth, they are each given a spellbook{{efn|{{Nihongo|Spellbook|魔本|Mahon|lit. "magic book"}}}} that has sealed away their powers and requires a human companion to read the words aloud in order to cast them in the form of spells.{{efn|{{Nihongo||術|Jutsu}} translates to "art", "technique", or "skill". Synonymous with {{Nihongo|Incantation|呪文|Jumon|"Spell"}}.}} To participate in the action, the Mamodo does not simply choose a human to help cast their spells.{{gnr|ch|93, 94}} Rather, they must first search for the matching human who can read from the book,{{gnr|ch|7}} whereupon he or she is that Mamodo's bookowner and partner.{{Ref|Episode|ep. 95}}{{cite web|last=Beckford|first=Brandon|url=https://www.cbr.com/anime-arsenal-zatch-bells-mamodo-spell-books-explained/|title=Anime Arsenal: Zatch Bell's Mamodo Spell Books, Explained|website=Comic Book Resources|date=June 28, 2020|access-date=June 6, 2024}}{{efn-ua|This is one of three scenarios described in the franchise. The second is the Mamodo world in which the Mamodo are free to cast spells as they desire. The anime introduces a third scenario called the {{Nihongo|"In-Between-World"|異世界|Yisekai|{{lit.}} "different world"}}, where spells can be cast independently but only in the presence of a spell book.{{Ref|Episodes|eps. 96–98}}}}

The Mamodo tournament involves eliminating opponents by burning their spellbook. This is achieved by striking the book with a spell or subjecting it to open flame, as when Kanchomé torches several spellbooks with a matchstick.{{gnr|ch|115}} Once the spellbook ignites, it cannot be extinguished,{{gnr|ch|51}} and when it has fully incinerated, the Mamodo that possessed it loses all claim to the position as king and immediately returns to the Mamodo world. The sole Mamodo to survive without their book destroyed becomes the new Mamodo king,{{gnr|ch|8}} and all collateral damages are remedied.{{gnr|ch|322}}

Spells given off by the Mamodo produce a variety of effects. These range from direct attacks to defenses, but other spells trigger a Mamodo's special ability that can temporarily enhance their finesse; as with Zatch's Rauzaruk;{{gnr|ch|96}}{{efn|{{Nihongo||ラウザルク|Rauzaruku}} in the Japanese release.}} or impair enemies; such as the paralyzing efficacy of Purio's Poreido;{{gnr|ch|68}}{{efn|{{Nihongo||ポレイド|Poreido}}.}} among other effects. Spells in each book are typically different for each Mamodo, but there are others that produce identical spells—an example of this is Zatch and his brother Zeno Bell for their lightning-based powers. The human and their Mamodo usually start out with one spell, but may during the tournament unlock more spells as the emotional and relational bond between each other flourishes.{{gnr|ch|19}} The spellbook responds to the reader's Heart Power,{{efn|{{Nihongo||心の力|Kokoro no Chikara}}.}} a form of stamina attained from such bond. Because sending out a spell expends Heart Power, it must thus be replenished for spells to work properly.{{gnr|ch|17, 107}} Additionally, a spell may be generated with greater fervor, the magnitude of which is governed by Heart Energy.{{efn|{{Nihongo||心のエネルギー|Kokoro no Enerugī}}, or "strength from within" in the anime's English dub.}} A demonstration of this is when Zatch's strongest attack, Bao Zakeruga,{{efn|{{Nihongo||バオウ・ザケルガ|Baō Zakeruga|}}; Bao Zakerga in the English release.}} dwarfs Faudo.{{gnr|ch|275}}

{{See also|List of Zatch Bell! characters{{!}}List of Zatch Bell! characters}}

The Mamodo of focus is Zatch Bell, who was discovered unconscious at a forest in England by Professor Seitaro Takamine. Seitaro sends Zatch over to his son Kiyo Takamine, an intelligent 14-year-old living with his mother in the fictional city of Mochinoki, Japan,{{gnr|ch|2}} in hopes of uncovering Zatch's past that he has no memory of.{{gnr|ch|1}} Kiyo becomes Zatch's preordained partner for the tournament. Over time, Zatch and Kiyo come across other Mamodo, especially Brago and his partner Sherry Belmont, who explain the ongoing Mamodo tournament.{{gnr|ch|8}} Zatch and Kiyo also discover that some Mamodo do not wish to fight or do so for the wrong reasons; namely Kolulu, who was forced to fight due to the nature of her spells.{{gnr|ch|17}} Seeing this, Zatch pledges to become a "kind king" and stop the battle from ever happening again.{{gnr|ch|18}} Zatch and Kiyo also find friendlier Mamodo and build up alliances with them and their human partners. Chief among them are Kanchomé with Italian movie star Parco Folgore,{{gnr|ch|27}} Tia with pop idol Megumi Oumi,{{gnr|ch|38}} Ponygon with German engineer Kafk Sunbeam (although the two do not find each other until later in the series),{{gnr|ch|122}} and Wonrei with teen Hongkonger girl {{nowrap|Li-en}}.{{gnr|ch|71}}

Throughout the course of the tournament, Zatch, Kiyo, and their allies band together to combat several potent Mamodo with hostile intent. The first major adversary they face is Zofis, who commands a cadre of reanimated Mamodo that were sealed in stone tablets during the previous tournament one thousand years ago. Zofis has also bent the will of his own partner, Sherry's childhood friend Koko, into committing heinous acts such as burning down her own village.{{gnr|ch|55}} Another enemy to emerge is Rioh, who wields a Mamodo warfare titan named Faudo{{gnr|ch|189}} that imperils the globe.{{gnr|ch|209}} Kiyo is nearly killed in a harrowing mission to thwart Rioh and avert Faudo.{{gnr|ch|215}} However, Rioh is then overpowered by Zeno Bell, Zatch's twin brother.{{gnr|ch|259}} Zeno is deeply envious of his sibling for procuring the sacred power of Bao from their father King Dauwan Bell,{{gnr|ch|272}} and had removed Zatch's memories out of spite,{{gnr|ch|48}} but he soon comes around and apologizes upon seeing the error of his own ways.{{gnr|ch|275}} The last and perhaps most powerful Mamodo encountered is Clear Note, who intends to commit omnicide against the Mamodo race.{{gnr|ch|289}}{{Cite web|last=Thompson|first=Jason|date=August 14, 2014|title=House of 1000 Manga - Zatch Bell|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2014-08-14/zatch-bell/.77624|access-date=October 4, 2022|website=Anime News Network|language=|archive-date=October 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004103549/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2014-08-14/zatch-bell/.77624|url-status=live}} Zatch and Kiyo call upon the spells of all the Mamodo they previously met to quash Clear Note and return him to the Mamodo world.{{gnr|ch|319}}

In the aftermath, Zatch manages to pull through the tournament unscathed even though all of his allies fall and are brought back to the Mamodo world, leaving himself and Brago as the only remaining candidates on Earth. After Kiyo's graduation, the two ilk engage in a final showdown.{{gnr|ch|320}} Zatch ultimately prevails over Brago, thereby ending the tournament as the victor.{{gnr|ch|321}} As Zatch departs for the Mamodo world, Kiyo is rewarded a wish in exchange for all his painful memories of everything that had transpired and then given any fortune he desires, but he rejects the gift not wanting to forget Zatch.{{gnr|ch|322}} Three weeks after the tournament, the Mamodo send a letter to their human counterparts, with Zatch's letter stating that all is well in the Mamodo world.{{gnr|ch|323}}

The anime adaptation of Zatch Bell! is spread over three seasons, referred to as "levels", with distinct arcs. The first season takes place in the early stage of the Mamodo tournament and centers primarily on Zatch and Kiyo's character development. The second season follows Zatch and his allies battling Zofis and emphasizes Sherry's quest to rescue Koko from Zofis' throes. The third and final season revolves around Faudo which leads Zatch up to a climatic open conflict with Zeno. The anime observes changes from much of the manga. These include additional subplots and characters not featured in the original story.{{efn-ua|They appear in a colored montage at the end of the manga series.{{gnr|vol|33}}}} Certain scenes and key events are also altered or chronologically rearranged. For instance, Zatch and Kiyo first learn about Zeno from another Mamodo they encounter{{Ref|episode|ep. 16}} rather than directly from Tia as in the manga,{{gnr|ch|39}} although she and Megumi corroborate the sighting later on.{{Ref|Episode|ep. 21}} Ponygon also appears earlier in the anime's timeline{{Ref|Episode|ep. 7}} than in the manga's.{{gnr|ch|56}} Discrepancies in the plot are more pronounced during the third season. In particular, Kiyo's death does not occur, and Zeno never repents even when he returns to the Mamodo world.{{Ref|Episode|ep. 150}} Because of the changes, some Mamodo who lose out in the manga survive up to this point. The anime skips the events involving Clear Note and leaves the demise of Zatch's main allies and any remaining Mamodo unresolved. Instead, the series closes with an epilogue showing Zatch and Brago preparing to battle each other as the last two Mamodo on Earth, with the winner not revealed.{{cite web|last=Lobato|first=Daniel|url=https://www.cbr.com/anime-cancelled-before-concluding-properly/|title=12 Anime That Were Cancelled Before Their Stories Could Conclude Properly|website=Comic Book Resources|date=January 21, 2023|access-date=June 23, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Davis|first=Angela|url=https://screenrant.com/anime-need-new-season-continue-their-story/|title=10 Anime that Absolutely NEED New Seasons to Continue Their Story|website=Screen Rant|date=May 26, 2024|access-date=June 29, 2024}}

Following the ending of his previous series in Shogakukan's Shōnen Sunday Super magazine, Raiku revisited old drafts he created for new ideas for his next series.{{Cite book|last=Raiku|first=Makoto|script-title=ja:金色のガッシュ!!|volume=1|date=May 18, 2001|publisher=Shogakukan|isbn=978-4-09-126231-8|language=ja}} One of his first ideas was a mercenary who uses a giant sword to defeat enemies. He played with this idea for three months before deciding to abandon it and go for another idea. His next idea involved a middle school student who finds an old toy and, with the help of a noble knight, combats evil. While pitching this idea with his agent,{{vague|title=Which agent does this refer to?|date=February 2022}} he was advised to use a cuter character as a fighter, and so the titular character Zatch was created. After Raiku worked on the idea for a few months, it was published. Raiku said that he intended to create a "passionate story about a heartwarming friendship," and that he used the concept as a central theme while adding the Mamodo, book, and spell concepts. He cited a western magical story he read as a source of inspiration for creating Zatch's red spell book. Zatch's lightning spells allude to the fact that Raiku's name means "lightning" in Japanese. He also mentioned that he created Folgore with the words "Invincible Italian Man" as a base.{{Cite web|title=Origins, Creator Q & A|url=http://www.zatch-bell.com/index3_skip.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129035235/http://www.zatch-bell.com/index3_skip.html|archive-date=January 29, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2009|publisher=Viz Media|df=mdy-all}} Raiku went on a research trip in England while writing volumes five and six, which both take place in said country.{{Cite book|last=Raiku|first=Makoto|date=July 18, 2002|publisher=Shogakukan|isbn=978-4-09-126236-3|series=金色のガッシュ!!|volume=6|language=ja|script-title=ja:金色のガッシュ!!}}

Zatch Bell! would be Raiku's last manga project published by Shogakukan. Once the series finished in December 2007, the company gave back his original artwork,"[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-06/zatch-bell/gash-manga-creator-raiku-sues-shogakukan News: Gash/Zatch Bell Manga Creator Raiku Sues Shogakukan (Updated)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110215082204/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-06/zatch-bell/gash-manga-creator-raiku-sues-shogakukan|date=February 15, 2011 }}." Anime News Network. June 6, 2008. Retrieved April 17, 2011. a common practice for Japanese publishing companies. Of all the documents Raiku received, at least five drawings failed to turn up.{{Cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|date=November 11, 2008|title=Gash/Zatch Bell's Raiku Wins 2.55M Yen over Lost Art (Update)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-11/gash/zatch-bell-raiku-wins-2.55m-yen-over-lost-art|access-date=March 13, 2022|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=March 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313144015/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-11/gash/zatch-bell-raiku-wins-2.55m-yen-over-lost-art|url-status=live}} Raiku accused Shogakukan of mishandling his artwork and, in 2007, filed a lawsuit seeking damages over the missing documents. He reached a settlement for {{FXConvert|JPN|2.55|m|cursign=¥|year=2008|to=USD|showdate=no}} later that year.

The house in which Raiku authored the series was unique in that it doubled as a makeshift studio. Inside was a large collection of autographs from various manga artists displayed at the foyer, which was the first thing one would see upon entering the building. His studio also featured a high ceiling to prevent him from becoming claustrophobic, and he would spend an entire day there to meet a deadline. Raiku's collection of figurines would be displayed on the wall whenever he was present in the house. Raiku admitted that most of his work actually took place at a nearby restaurant where he also did most of his storyboarding. He added that there was less distraction, since he was just surrounded by people rather than games or even the Internet. Storyboarding for a regular chapter of Zatch Bell! took about two days for Raiku to make. When the editor approved the storyboard, Raiku summoned four assistants to the house for his project, and a fifth whenever necessary.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「金色のガッシュ!!」の作者である漫画家、雷句誠さんにいろいろとインタビューしてきました|url=https://gigazine.net/news/20080620_raiku/|website=Gigazine|access-date=December 5, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231025021610/https://gigazine.net/news/20080620_raiku/|archive-date=October 25, 2023|language=ja|date=June 20, 2008|url-status=live}} Raiku sold the property in 2016.{{Cite web|last=Sherman|first=Jennifer|date=October 26, 2016|title=House of Gash/Zatch Bell's Makoto Raiku Posted for Sale Online|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-10-26/house-of-gash-zatch-bell-makoto-raiku-posted-for-sale-online/.108132|access-date=October 21, 2021|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021050726/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-10-26/house-of-gash-zatch-bell-makoto-raiku-posted-for-sale-online/.108132|url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of Zatch Bell! chapters{{!}}List of Zatch Bell! chapters}}

Written and illustrated by Makoto Raiku, Zatch Bell! was serialized in Shogakukan's Shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Sunday magazine from January 10, 2001,{{Cite web|last=Raiku|first=Makoto|date=January 17, 2011|script-title=ja:雷句誠の今日このごろ。 : 感想コーナー４、そして・・・|url=http://raikumakoto.com/archives/5649440.html|access-date=February 22, 2019|website=Makoto Raiku's official blog|language=ja|quote={{lang|ja|あれからもう１０年もの年月が流れたのですね・・・。１０年前の２００１年１月１０日。今でも初めて本作を手にとって眼にした時のことは鮮明に思い出されます。第一話のガッシュの真っ直ぐな言葉に受けた衝撃。それは今でも決して忘れません。そして、ラストの爆発頭の清麿達のことも（笑）。}}|archive-date=February 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222095234/http://raikumakoto.com/archives/5649440.html|url-status=live}} to December 26, 2007.{{Cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|date=December 28, 2007|title=Zatch Bell Manga Ends After 7 Years, 323 Installments|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-12-28/zatch-bell-manga-ends-after-7-years-323-installments|access-date=August 19, 2009|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=September 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928114055/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-12-28/zatch-bell-manga-ends-after-7-years-323-installments|url-status=live}} The manga ran for a total of 323 chapters, collected in thirty-three {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes, between May 18, 2001,{{Cite web|script-title=ja:小学館: コミック 「金色のガッシュ!! 1」|trans-title=Zatch Bell! Vol. 1|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=4091262317|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130112013012/http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=4091262317|archive-date=January 12, 2013|access-date=June 28, 2009|publisher=Shogakukan|language=ja}} and June 18, 2008.{{Cite web|script-title=ja:小学館: コミック 「金色のガッシュ!! 33」|trans-title=Zatch Bell! Vol. 33|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=9784091213990|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111192909/http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=9784091213990|archive-date=January 11, 2013|access-date=June 28, 2009|publisher=Shogakukan|language=ja}}

The series was licensed for the English-language release by Viz Media, which also provided the alternate title. The first two volumes of the series were released on August 2, 2005.{{Cite web|title=Zatch Bell! Vol. 1|url=http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=2372|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230142244/http://viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=2372|archive-date=December 30, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2009|publisher=Viz Media}}{{Cite web|title=Zatch Bell! Vol. 2|url=http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=2370|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230142645/http://viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=2370|archive-date=December 30, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2009|publisher=Viz Media}} Viz Media discontinued the series after twenty-five volumes, with the last released on June 9, 2009.{{Cite web|title=Zatch Bell! Vol. 25|url=http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=7592|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230143442/http://viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=7592|archive-date=December 30, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2009|publisher=Viz Media}} The manga was also published in English by Chuang Yi in Singapore.{{Cite web|title=Zatch Bell|url=http://www.chuangyi.com.sg/english/sud_pages/zatchBell/zatchBell_index.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707072315/http://www.chuangyi.com.sg/english/sud_pages/zatchBell/zatchBell_index.htm|archive-date=July 7, 2009|access-date=March 13, 2022|publisher=Chuang Yi}}

In March 2011, Raiku released a one-shot chapter of Zatch Bell! to promote the repackaging of the manga in a new {{Transliteration|ja|bunkoban}} format under Kodansha.{{Cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Gash/Zatch Bell Gets New 1-Shot Manga in March|website=Anime News Network|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-02-10/gash/zatch-bell-gets-new-1-shot-manga-in-march|access-date=May 29, 2011|archive-date=March 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317000354/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-02-10/gash/zatch-bell-gets-new-1-shot-manga-in-march|date=February 10, 2011|url-status=live}} Sixteen volumes were published between March 8, 2011, and June 7, 2012.{{Cite web|script-title=ja:金色のガッシュ！！（１）|url=http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000012756|access-date=February 20, 2019|publisher=Kodansha|language=ja|archive-date=February 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221130508/http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000012756|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|script-title=ja:金色のガッシュ！！（１６）|url=http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000012771|access-date=February 20, 2019|publisher=Kodansha|language=ja|archive-date=February 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221112057/http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000012771|url-status=live}} In July 2018, a digital sixteen-volume {{Transliteration|ja|kanzenban}} edition of Zatch Bell! was released through Birgdin Board Corp., Raiku's own publishing company. The re-releases feature newly drawn cover art, color pages from the original Weekly Shōnen Sunday serialization, and a special bonus chapter in each volume called Zatch Café,{{efn|Known in Japan as Gash Café (ガッシュカフェ, Gasshu Kafe)}} which stars characters from that volume's cover.{{Cite web|last=Raiku|first=Makoto|date=2018-06-23|script-title=ja:「金色のガッシュ！！完全版」が、電子書籍で販売されます！！|url=http://raikumakoto.com/archives/2018-06.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223214541/http://raikumakoto.com/archives/2018-06.html|archive-date=February 23, 2020|access-date=2020-02-23|website=Makoto Raiku's official blog|language=ja }} After successful sales and demand from fans, the {{Transliteration|ja|kanzenban}} edition was released in physical format in 2019.{{Cite web|last=Raiku|first=Makoto|date=2019-04-19|script-title=ja:「金色のガッシュ！！完全版」が紙の書籍で出ます！|url=http://raikumakoto.com/archives/2019-04.html|access-date=2020-02-23|website=Makoto Raiku's official blog|language=ja|archive-date=February 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223214541/http://raikumakoto.com/archives/2019-04.html|url-status=live}}

In February 2022, Raiku announced a sequel to the manga, titled {{nihongo|Konjiki no Gash!! 2|金色のガッシュ!! 2|Konjiki no Gasshu!! 2}}, which began its digital publication on various digital book services on March 14 of the same year.{{Cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|date=February 26, 2022|title=Konjiki no Gash/Zatch Bell! Manga Gets New Series in Mid-March|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-02-26/konjiki-no-gash-zatch-bell-manga-gets-new-series-in-mid-march/.183029|access-date=2022-02-26|website=Anime News Network|language=en|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226142817/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-02-26/konjiki-no-gash-zatch-bell-manga-gets-new-series-in-mid-march/.183029|url-status=live}}{{Cite tweet|number=1500792850644041728|user=raikumakoto|language=ja|script-title=ja:「金色のガッシュ！！２」第1話
３月１４日、各電子書店にて配信開始です。
今回のCM動画もクリックすると、カッコイイ曲がついてきます。😊}} The first volume was released on September 16, 2022.{{cite web|script-title=ja:雷句誠「金色のガッシュ!! 2」1巻発売、清麿とガッシュの新たなバトルを描く|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/493970|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=April 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029014407/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/493970|archive-date=October 29, 2022|language=ja|date=September 16, 2022|url-status=live}} As of August 23, 2024, four volumes have been released.{{cite web|script-title=ja:金色のガッシュ!! 2 (4)|url=https://ddnavi.com/book/4910019200|website=Da Vinci Web|publisher=Kadokawa Corporation|access-date=October 22, 2024|language=ja}}

{{See also|List of Zatch Bell! episodes{{!}}List of Zatch Bell! episodes}}

A 150-episode anime television adaptation, titled in Japan as {{nihongo|Konjiki no Gash Bell!!|金色のガッシュベル!!|Konjiki no Gasshu Beru!!|"Golden Gash Bell!!"}}, was produced by Toei Animation, and directed by Tetsuharu Nakamura and Yukio Kaizawa, with Akatsuki Yamatoya and Hiroshi Hashimoto as the lead scriptwriters.{{Cite web|title=Konjiki no Gash Bell!! staff list|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/GB/staff.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130024313/http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/GB/staff.html|archive-date=January 30, 2009|access-date=July 14, 2009|publisher=Toei Animation}} It began airing on Fuji Television on April 6, 2003, and ran for 50 episodes per season, concluding after three seasons on March 26, 2006.{{Cite web|title=Konjiki no Gash Bell!! episode list|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/GB/episode/list/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130032407/http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/GB/episode/list/|archive-date=January 30, 2009|access-date=July 14, 2009|publisher=Toei Animation}} The episodes were collected and distributed by Pony Canyon into three DVD series, labeled as "levels", consisting of seventeen DVDs each, totaling fifty-one sets: the first level was released from November 19, 2003,{{Cite web|script-title=ja:金色のガッシュベル！！（1）|url=http://member.toei-anim.co.jp/esp/cgi-bin/item.cgi?item_id=PCBE50660&ctg_id=DVD&page=16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050323015341/http://member.toei-anim.co.jp/esp/cgi-bin/item.cgi?item_id=PCBE50660&ctg_id=DVD&page=16|archive-date=March 23, 2005|access-date=March 13, 2022|publisher=Toei Animation|language=ja}} to April 20, 2005;{{Cite web|script-title=ja:金色のガッシュベル！！（17）|url=http://member.toei-anim.co.jp/esp/cgi-bin/item.cgi?item_id=PCBE50676&ctg_id=DVD&page=17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050323032248/http://member.toei-anim.co.jp/esp/cgi-bin/item.cgi?item_id=PCBE50676&ctg_id=DVD&page=17|archive-date=March 23, 2005|access-date=March 13, 2022|publisher=Toei Animation|language=ja}} the second level was released from May 18, 2005,{{Cite web|title=Konjiki no Gash (Zach Bell)!! Level-2 Vol.1|url=https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/PCBE-51460|access-date=March 13, 2022|website=CDJapan|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829230141/https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/PCBE-51460|url-status=live}} to June 21, 2006;{{Cite web|title=Konjiki no Gash (Zach Bell)!! Level-2 Vol.17|url=https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/PCBE-51476|access-date=March 13, 2022|website=CDJapan|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829230132/https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/PCBE-51476|url-status=live}} the third level was released from July 5, 2006,{{Cite web|script-title=ja:金色のガッシュベル！！Level ３(1)|url=http://member.toei-anim.co.jp/esp/cgi-bin/item.cgi?item_id=PCBE52148&ctg_id=dgash03&page=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309074005/http://member.toei-anim.co.jp/esp/cgi-bin/item.cgi?item_id=PCBE52148&ctg_id=dgash03&page=1|archive-date=March 9, 2007|access-date=March 13, 2022|publisher=Toei Animation|language=ja}} to March 7, 2007.{{Cite web|script-title=ja:金色のガッシュベル！！Level ３(17)|url=http://member.toei-anim.co.jp/esp/cgi-bin/item.cgi?item_id=PCBE52164&ctg_id=dgash03&page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070326112831/http://member.toei-anim.co.jp/esp/cgi-bin/item.cgi?item_id=PCBE52164&ctg_id=dgash03&page=2|archive-date=March 26, 2007|access-date=March 13, 2022|publisher=Toei Animation|language=ja}}

ShoPro Entertainment (then VIZ LLC's sister company, later merged to form Viz Media){{Cite web|date=January 25, 2005|title=Japanese Entertainment Giants to Form Global Enterprise Specializing in Animation and Manga|url=http://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/2005/01_merger.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050828072435/http://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/2005/01_merger.php|archive-date=August 28, 2005|access-date=March 13, 2022|publisher=Viz Media}} acquired the license to the anime series, under the title Zatch Bell! in 2004,{{Cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|date=June 12, 2004|title=New ShoPro Acquisitions|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-06-12/new-shopro-acquisitions|access-date=March 13, 2022|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=March 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313125515/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-06-12/new-shopro-acquisitions|url-status=live}} and announced its home video release in August 2005.{{Cite web|date=August 4, 2005|title=Viz Media to Release Manga & Anime Series for Zatch Bell!|url=http://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/2005/08_zatchbell.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051107073723/http://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/2005/08_zatchbell.php|archive-date=November 7, 2005|access-date=March 13, 2022|publisher=Viz Media}} The English dubbed of the series (produced at Studiopolis){{Cite web|last=Nimoy, Jeff|author-link=Jeff Nimoy|date=January 15, 2021|title=The First Days of Naruto|url=https://thestoop.tv/2021/01/15/the-first-days-of-naruto/|access-date=March 13, 2022|website=The Stoop|archive-date=May 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519184529/https://thestoop.tv/2021/01/15/the-first-days-of-naruto/|url-status=live}} premiered in the United States on Cartoon Network's Saturday night programming block Toonami on March 5, 2005.{{Cite web|date=February 16, 2005|title='Naruto' Heads to Toonami|url=https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/6452/naruto-heads-toonami|access-date=March 13, 2022|website=ICv2|archive-date=March 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313125515/https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/6452/naruto-heads-toonami|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|last1=Brooks|first1=Tim|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w8KztFy6QYwC&pg=PT1564|title=The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946–Present|last2=Marsh|first2=Earle|date=2015|publisher=Ballantine Books|isbn=978-0-345-49773-4|edition=9th|page=1564|author-link=Tim Brooks (historian)|access-date=March 13, 2022|archive-date=March 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321182221/https://books.google.com/books?id=w8KztFy6QYwC&pg=PT1564|url-status=live}} The series was also broadcast on the network's daily programming block Miguzi starting on April 3, 2006.{{Cite web|date=March 20, 2006|title='Zatch Bell' on the Daily Miguzi Block|url=https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/8394/zatch-bell-daily-miguzi-block|access-date=March 13, 2022|website=ICv2|archive-date=March 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313125515/https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/8394/zatch-bell-daily-miguzi-block|url-status=live}} Seventy-seven episodes were broadcast on Cartoon Network until January 20, 2007.{{Cite web|last=Hanson|first=Brian|date=January 20, 2007|title=The Click: January 20th - January 26th|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-click/01-20-07|access-date=March 13, 2022|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=March 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313125518/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-click/01-20-07|url-status=live}} The series also premiered on YTV's programming block Bionix in Canada on September 9, 2005,{{Cite web|date=August 22, 2005|title=Viz Media's Breakthrough Hit, Zatch Bell! To Wow Kids in Canada on YTV|url=http://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/2005/08_zatch_ytv.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051028045118/http://www.viz.com/news/newsroom/2005/08_zatch_ytv.php|archive-date=October 28, 2005|access-date=March 13, 2022|publisher=Viz Media}} and finished with the 104th and last English-dubbed episode on December 6, 2008. Thirteen DVDs, collecting the first fifty-two episodes, were released by Viz Media between November 8, 2005,{{Cite web|title=Zatch Bell!, Vol. 1 (DVD)|url=http://viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=5416|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217051100/http://viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=5416|archive-date=February 17, 2009|access-date=July 16, 2021|publisher=Viz Media}} and December 4, 2007.{{Cite web|last=Jones|first=Davey C.|date=December 31, 2007|title=Zatch Bell vol. 13: The Sixth Spell|url=http://activeanime.com/html/2007/12/31/zatch-bell-vol-13-the-sixth-spell/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110034054/http://activeanime.com/html/2007/12/31/zatch-bell-vol-13-the-sixth-spell/|archive-date=January 10, 2012|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=Active Anime}} New Video Group released a DVD box set, Zatch Bell!: The Complete Seasons 1 & 2, on December 3, 2013, which included the first hundred episodes of the English dub.{{Cite web|title=Zatch Bell! Complete Seasons 1 & 2|url=http://www.newvideo.com/flatiron-film-company/zatch-bell-complete-seasons-1-2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225204318/http://www.newvideo.com/flatiron-film-company/zatch-bell-complete-seasons-1-2/|archive-date=December 25, 2013|access-date=July 16, 2021|publisher=New Video}} All 104 episodes of the English dub began streaming on Crunchyroll in 2015.{{Cite web|last=Hamilton|first=Tiara|date=January 16, 2015|title=Crunchyroll Offers Manga with Premium Membership, Adds GTO & Zatch Bell Anime, TomoToons|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2015-01-16/crunchyroll-offers-manga-with-premium-membership-adds-gto-and-zatch-bell-anime-tomotoons/.83357|access-date=March 13, 2022|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=March 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313125725/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2015-01-16/crunchyroll-offers-manga-with-premium-membership-adds-gto-and-zatch-bell-anime-tomotoons/.83357|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Luster|first=Joseph|date=February 16, 2016|title=Crunchyroll Adds More Dubbed "Zatch Bell!" and "Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL"|work=Crunchyroll|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/02/16/crunchyroll-adds-more-dubbed-zatch-bell-and-yu-gi-oh-zexal|access-date=February 23, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224053542/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/02/16/crunchyroll-adds-more-dubbed-zatch-bell-and-yu-gi-oh-zexal|url-status=live}} In June 2017, Starz announced that it would be offering episodes of the series for its video on demand service starting on July 1, 2017.{{Cite web|date=June 22, 2017|title=Starz app July 2017 Movies and TV Titles Announced|url=http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/861323-starz-app-july-2017-movies-and-tv-titles-announced|access-date=September 13, 2018|publisher=ComingSoon.net|archive-date=September 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914022552/http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/861323-starz-app-july-2017-movies-and-tv-titles-announced|url-status=live}}

Toei Animation produced two animated films based on the TV series, both which serve as spin-offs. The first film, Zatch Bell!: 101st Devil,{{efn|Known in Japan as {{Nihongo3|lit. "Movie Golden Gash Bell!! Unlisted demon #101"|劇場版 金色のガッシュベル！！ 「１０１番目の魔物」|"Gekijou Ban Konjiki no Gash Bell!! 101 Banme no Mamono"}}}} was released to Japanese theaters on August 7, 2004, and to DVD on December 15, 2004.{{Cite web|title=Trailers!|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-03-09/trailers|access-date=August 19, 2009|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=September 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907014905/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-03-09/trailers|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=劇場版「金色のガッシュベル!!101番目の魔物」 [DVD]|date=December 15, 2004 |url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0006A9J60/|access-date=August 19, 2009|publisher=Amazon.co.jp|language=ja|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829230118/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0006A9J60/|url-status=live}} Here, a vengeful Mamodo named Wiseman seeks to illicitly enter the tournament by stealing a coveted white spell book, then baiting Zatch into the Mamodo world as a means of displacing him from the battle for king. The film also explores Zatch's home world in finer detail and how a human partner is selected for each Mamodo, with Wiseman deemed incompatible for one. The second film, Zatch Bell! Movie 2: Attack of Mechavulcan,{{efn|Known in Japan as {{Nihongo3|lit. "Movie Golden Gash Bell!! Attack of the Mechavulcan"|劇場版 金色のガッシュベル！！ 「メカバルカンの来襲」|"Gekijou Ban Konjiki no Gash Bell!! Mecabarukan no raishuu"}}}} premiered in Japanese theaters on August 6, 2005, before coming out on DVD on January 2, 2006.{{Cite web|title=劇場版 金色のガッシュベル!! メカバルカンの来襲 [DVD]|date=January 2, 2006 |url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000BNFIEY/|access-date=August 19, 2009|publisher=Amazon.co.jp|language=ja|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829235144/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000BNFIEY/|url-status=live}} This movie tells of a conceited Mamodo scientist, Dr. M2, from the future who invades Earth with an army of oversized robots resembling a toy that Kiyo made for Zatch in the main series.

Discotek Media licensed both films for distribution in North America.{{Cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|date=January 14, 2018|title=Discotek Licenses Great Mazinger Anime, Toriko Film, 2 Zatch Bell Films|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-01-14/discotek-licenses-great-mazinger-anime-toriko-film-2-zatch-bell-films/.126408|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=July 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716114807/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-01-14/discotek-licenses-great-mazinger-anime-toriko-film-2-zatch-bell-films/.126408|url-status=live}} They were released on Blu-ray and DVD with the original Japanese audio and English subtitles on March 27 and May 21, 2018, respectively.{{Cite web|last=Ressler|first=Karen|date=March 27, 2018|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases, March 25–31|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-03-27/north-american-anime-manga-releases-march-25-31/.129610|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506205522/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-03-27/north-american-anime-manga-releases-march-25-31/.129610|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Ressler|first=Karen|date=May 1, 2018|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases, April 29-May 5|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-05-01/north-american-anime-manga-releases-april-29-may-5/.131070|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502054350/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-05-01/north-american-anime-manga-releases-april-29-may-5/.131070|url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of Zatch Bell! video games{{!}}List of Zatch Bell! video games}}

A number of video games have been created featuring characters of the Zatch Bell! series, with all but one being action or fighting games. Three games were imported and localized in North America. Zatch Bell! Electric Arena, initially released on December 12, 2003, for the Game Boy Advance, was the very first video game for the series. The second game titled Zatch Bell! Mamodo Battles, which debuted on March 25, 2004, for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube, became the first console game installment based on the series. Lastly, Zatch Bell! Mamodo Fury was released on December 2, 2004, for PlayStation 2 and is the only North American release for the GameCube. A video card game based on the series' CCG is the only installment not featuring in-combat form of gameplay. Eighting, Banpresto, and Bandai oversaw the development and publication of the Zatch Bell! games; since the merging of Bandai and Namco in 2004, GameCube versions are published under Namco Bandai Games.

A smartphone RPG game, titled {{Nihongo|Konjiki no Gash Bell!! Towa no Kizuna no Nakama-tachi|金色のガッシュベル!! 永遠の絆の仲間たち||"Zatch Bell! Friends are an Eternal Bond"}}, developed by Neowiz, is set to be released in 2023, with a closed beta test taking place in mid-September.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael|title=Konjiki no Gash/Zatch Bell! Manga Gets Smartphone RPG|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-08-24/konjiki-no-gash-zatch-bell-manga-gets-smartphone-rpg/.201573|website=Anime News Network|access-date=August 24, 2023|date=August 24, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825041154/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-08-24/konjiki-no-gash-zatch-bell-manga-gets-smartphone-rpg/.201573|url-status=live}} The game was released on January 17, 2024.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael|title=Konjiki no Gash/Zatch Bell! Smartphone Game Debuts on Wednesday|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-01-15/konjiki-no-gash-zatch-bell-smartphone-game-debuts-on-wednesday/.206474|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115110738/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-01-15/konjiki-no-gash-zatch-bell-smartphone-game-debuts-on-wednesday/.206474|archive-date=January 15, 2024|date=January 15, 2024|url-status=live}} It ended service on January 31, 2025.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「金色のガッシュベル！！ 永遠の絆の仲間たち」，2025年1月31日11：00をもってサービス終了|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/733/G073323/20241205016/|website=4gamer.net|access-date=May 17, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206025215/https://www.4gamer.net/games/733/G073323/20241205016/|archive-date=December 6, 2024|language=ja|date=December 5, 2024|url-status=live}}

A toy line made by Mattel and a collectible card game, titled Zatch Bell!: The Card Battle, were released by Bandai in the United States and Japan.{{Cite web|title=Bandai's 'Zatch Bell! TCG'|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/6458.html|access-date=August 19, 2009|publisher=icv2.com|archive-date=September 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907185736/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/6458.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Zatch Bell Apparel License Granted|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/7370.html|access-date=August 19, 2009|publisher=icv2.com|archive-date=September 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907185757/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/7370.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Mattel Plans Full Zatch Bell Line|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/7295.html|access-date=August 19, 2009|publisher=icv2.com|archive-date=September 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907185752/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/7295.html|url-status=live}}

Zatch Bell! won the Shogakukan Manga Award for best {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} title of the year in 2003.{{Cite web|script-title=ja:小学館漫画賞：歴代受賞者|url=http://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/mangasho/rist.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929094941/http://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/mangasho/rist.html|archive-date=September 29, 2007|access-date=August 19, 2009|publisher=Shogakukan|language=ja}} It ranked 33rd of the top 100 manga series on TV Asahi's Manga Sōsenkyo poll in 2021, in which 150,000 people responded.{{Cite web|date=January 3, 2021|script-title=ja:テレビ朝日『国民15万人がガチで投票!漫画総選挙』ランキング結果まとめ！ 栄えある1位に輝く漫画は!?|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1609599746&p=2|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210103111919/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1609599746&p=2|archive-date=January 3, 2021|access-date=January 3, 2021|website=animate Times|publisher=Animate|language=ja}}

By June 2008, the manga had over 22 million copies in circulation;{{Cite web|date=2008-06-20|script-title=ja:「金色のガッシュ!!」の作者である漫画家、雷句誠さんにいろいろとインタビューしてきました|url=http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/3692781/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222171523/http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/3692781/|archive-date=February 22, 2014|access-date=2013-11-29|website=Gigazine|via=Livedoor News|language=ja}} by March 2017, it had 23.8 million copies in circulation, including digital versions.{{Cite press release|date=March 15, 2017|script-title=ja:共闘対戦 爽快パズル消しゲー 『エレメンタルストーリー』、大人気漫画『金色のガッシュ!!』とのコラボがスタート|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000263.000006324.html|access-date=July 15, 2022|publisher=Crooz|via=PR Times|language=ja|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829230123/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000263.000006324.html|url-status=live}} By August 2024, the Konjiki no Gash!! 2 manga had over 900,000 copies in circulation.{{Cite tweet|number=1824355506821173348|author=Village Vanguard|user=vv__official|language=ja|script-title=ja:「金色のガッシュ!!」の待望の続編。 たちまち累計（紙書籍のみで）90万部突破‼⚡|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241024234709/https://x.com/vv__official/status/1824355506821173348|archive-date=October 24, 2024|url-status=live}}

Jason Thompson from Anime News Network describes the series as "Zatch Bell! was one of hundreds of manga competing to be Number Two in the newly established genre of "heroes who fight using cute-but-violent monster/animal/pet companions." But Zatch is an extreme case because it's SO cute and SO violent, both at the same time, mixing squash-and-stretch body distortions, heta-uma ugliness, smiling faces and gushing blood".{{Cite web|last=Thompson|first=Jason|date=August 14, 2014|title=House of 1000 Manga - Zatch Bell|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2014-08-14/zatch-bell/.77624|access-date=October 4, 2022|website=Anime News Network|language=|archive-date=October 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004103549/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2014-08-14/zatch-bell/.77624|url-status=live}} Mania.com's Jarred Pine's review of the first volume said that "The characters can look lopsided and out of proportions at times, with Kiyo experiencing Popeye arms on occasion. When the artwork gets more serious, it looks quite good, even though the added effect lines tend to make some panels feel a bit overdramatic, especially when Zatch is crying. The action work can feel quite explosive, with all the lightning bolts and flying icicles and all, which makes the Mamodo battle scenes a lot of fun. He added "The book really started off on the wrong foot with me with the introduction of Kiyo, one of the most irritating and arrogant lead characters in a {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga. His attitude is not a result of any sort of disposition or a hard life, he’s just a know-it-all that looks down on others. Luckily, Zatch’s quirky and upbeat personality helps balance the scales and quickly goes to work on fixing Kiyo’s bad attitude".{{Cite web|last=Pine|first=Jarred|date=August 11, 2005|title=Zatch Bell (aka: Konjiki no Gash!!) Vol. #01|url=http://www.mania.com/zatch-bell-aka-konjiki-gash-vol-01_article_82272.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901105726/http://www.mania.com/zatch-bell-aka-konjiki-gash-vol-01_article_82272.html|archive-date=September 1, 2009|access-date=July 21, 2009|publisher=Mania.com|df=mdy-all}}

In 2005, the series ranked 20th on Animage{{'}}s anime popularity poll,{{Cite web|date=June 2006|script-title=ja:トップ ＞ 第28回アニメグランプリ ［2006年6月号］（現在位置）|url=http://animage.jp/gp_new/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019171753/http://animage.jp/gp_new/index.html|archive-date=October 19, 2010|access-date=August 11, 2009|publisher=Animage|df=mdy-all}} and 64th in the top 100 anime shows in a web poll conducted by TV Asahi.{{Cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|date=September 23, 2005|title=TV Asahi Top 100 Anime|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-09-23/tv-asahi-top-100-anime-part-2|access-date=August 19, 2009|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=July 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730225630/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-09-23/tv-asahi-top-100-anime-part-2|url-status=live}} Although the show's English dub fared poorly in reviews, it became notable for its voiceover cast. Debi Derryberry, the voice for Zatch, was nominated twice for "Best Actress in a Comedy" at the American Anime Awards for her role as the titular character,{{Cite web|date=February 2, 2007|title=American Anime Awards Finalists Announced|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2007-02-07/american-anime-awards-finalists-announced|access-date=February 16, 2022|publisher=Anime News Network|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026182858/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2007-02-07/american-anime-awards-finalists-announced|url-status=live}} while Jason Spisak placed fifth in the category "best English voice actor" in the SPJA Industry Award for his role as Kiyo.{{Cite web|title=SPJA Industry Award Finalists At Tokyo International Anime Fair|url=http://www.comipress.com/press-release/2008/03/27/3442|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716191443/http://www.comipress.com/press-release/2008/03/27/3442|archive-date=July 16, 2009|access-date=July 23, 2009|publisher=Comipress.com}} Dave Wittenberg was also nominated "Best Male Actor in a Comedy" for his portrayal of Parco Folgore.{{Cite web|date=February 28, 2007|title=A Backstage Guide to the American Anime Awards|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2007-02-28|access-date=February 16, 2022|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=April 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404201930/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2007-02-28|url-status=live}} Philece Sampler was also accredited for her performance as the minor character Lori.{{Cite news|last=Ortiz|first=Juan|date=July 3, 2021|title=Digimon Voice Actor Philece Sampler Has Passed|work=The Nerd Stash|url=https://thenerdstash.com/digimon-voice-actor-philece-sampler-has-passed/|access-date=February 16, 2022|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214043829/https://thenerdstash.com/digimon-voice-actor-philece-sampler-has-passed/|url-status=live}}

Anime News Network{{'}}s Zac Bertschy review of the anime adaptation described it as "...mind-numbingly over-the-top, so enthusiastically bizarre, that it's difficult to not get sucked into its strange little world" but criticized how it was like a "battle your way to the top while learning important lessons about teamwork and courage" anime. He commented how the "sheer exuberance and energy" saves the show from being a bland anime and how it would be the perfect show for kids.{{Cite web|last=Bertschy|first=Zac|title=Zatch Bell – DVD 1 review|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/zatch-bell/dvd-1|access-date=July 21, 2009|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=May 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515133626/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/zatch-bell/dvd-1|url-status=live}} IGN's review of the series was mostly negative. IGN's Jason Van Horn criticized the animation, plot, and dubbed voice acting.{{Cite web|last=Horn|first=Jason Van|date=January 8, 2007|title=Anime Worth Your Time|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/753/753103p4.html|access-date=July 23, 2009|publisher=IGN|archive-date=January 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103232118/http://tv.ign.com/articles/753/753103p4.html|url-status=live}} IGN's JKB stated the books are more interesting than the animation.{{Cite web|date=September 8, 2005|title=Zatch Bell Vol. 1 & 2 Review|url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/649/649091p1.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928211317/http://tv.ign.com/articles/753/753103p4.html|archive-date=September 28, 2008|access-date=July 21, 2009|publisher=IGN}} Common Sense Media describes the story as "isn't just about violence". They also say that there are always challenges, adversities, and questions of identity that the characters face especially Zatch and Kiyo. They compliment how the characters often think aloud when talking about their painful experiences or flashbacks. They applaud on how each of the characters problems in the series are not far off on what kids deal with today. They criticized how the battles uses visuals, languages, sound effects, and dramatic effects that often get drawn out and sometimes become hard to watch. Overall, they said with the graphic violence and the internal struggles that the different characters face throughout the series some parents may not find Zatch Bell! appropriate for their children under ten years old.{{Cite web|title=Zatch Bell! TV Review|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/zatch-bell|access-date=November 8, 2015|website=Common Sense Media|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084753/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/zatch-bell|url-status=live}}

Bandai's The Card Battle game had sold over {{nowrap|300 million}} units by May 2004.{{Cite web|date=November 2004|title=Bandai's History|url=http://www.bandai.co.jp/e/company/history2000_00.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326012250/http://www.bandai.co.jp/e/company/history2000_00.html|archive-date=March 26, 2009|access-date=March 21, 2009|publisher=Bandai}}

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{{Wikiquote}}

{{Portal|Anime and manga|Comedy}}

• {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050227044721/http://www.websunday.net/gash/|date=February 27, 2005|title=Official manga website at Web Sunday}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{Official website|http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/GB/|Official anime website at Toei Animation}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{Official website|http://www.fujitv.co.jp/b_hp/gasshu/|Official anime website at Fuji TV}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060412004943/http://www.viz.com/properties/zatchbell/|date=April 12, 2006|title=Official website at Viz Media}}
• {{IMDb title|qid=Q120373460|id=tt0455295|title=Zatch Bell!}}
• {{Anime News Network|manga|4597}}

{{Zatch Bell!}}

{{Weekly Shōnen Sunday - 2000–2009}}

{{Shogakukan Manga Award - Shōnen}}

{{Toei Animation}}

{{Toei Animation films 2000s}}

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