| Zatch Bell | |
 | |
| Author | Makoto Iwata (under the alias, Makoto Raiku) |
| Illustrator | Makoto Iwata (under the alias, Makoto Raiku) |
| Publication date | January 10th, 1988 (Neo-Japan) |
| Published by | Ro-Shogakukan (Neo-Japan)
Ro-Viz Media (Robloxia) |
| Publication Order | |
| Preceded by Boku no Gash Bell (prototype) |
Followed by Zatch Bell!! (Volume 2) |
Zatch Bell, also known in Neo-Japan as Konjiki no Gash!! is a children's picture book series illustrated and written by Makoto Raiku (the pen name of Makoto Iwata), The first book in the series was originally published in Neo-Japan on January 10th, 1988 by Ro-Shogakukan and would be released in Robloxia by Ro-Viz Media on August 22nd, 1991.
The novel was adapted into an manga and anime series in 1992 and 1994, it is considered to be a pioneer in the "Mon" genre despite being more like a slice-of-life series.
History
This was the last work written by Makoto Raiku for Ro-Shogakukan, Raiku originally came up with the premise of the series after looking at a series of drafts that he had written throughout 1978 until 1985, when the novel's first draft was created in 1986, the author originally wanted the novel to be for an older audience, however he then realized that the premise was more suitable for children due to it's family friendly character designs.
In 1993, the author left Ro-Shogakukan and sued them for losing artwork related to the series, in which he won and kept the copyrights of the series until March 8th, 2004, where he sold the property to Neo-Kyoto Animation, the current animation company for the anime.
In 2011, it was announced that the series would get a movie adaptation by the Neo-Japanese company, Roho. this movie would later come out on May 8th, 2013.
In 2019, the anime went on a 3-year hiatus due to Neo-Kyoto Animation’s financial problems, however the series would come back in 2022.
Premise
It is about the everyday lives of Kiyo Takamine, a 14-year-old high school student who was originally anti-social, the titular Zatch Bell, a Mamodo who became Kiyo's best friend after being summoned from a "Demon book" and their friends (Megumi, Tia (who is also a Mamodo), Suzy (known in Neo-Japanese as Suzume) as they live their everyday lives while going to school and other ordinary experiences.
Adaptations
The books has received various adaptations, two of the most notable adaptations of the novel is the anime that originally started in 1990 (1993 in Robloxia) and ended in 1994 (1995 in Robloxia) by Neo-Kyoto Animation (credited as Studio Neo-Kyoto in the series' credits) and Roei Animation.
Trivia
- The anime series is considered to be family friendly by many Robloxian parent-focused groups. (and it is rated 8+ by an Robloxian website dedicated to TV shows and movies).
- In the Danish Republic, the series is licensed by the toy company and publishing group, The Roblox Group.
- In 2011, a 20th year anniversary edition of the first book was released in Robloxia by Ro-Viz Media.
- The reason why most Robloxians consider it to be a pioneer in the "Mon" genre is because while it is a slice-of-life anime, it also has some tropes associated with the "Mon" genre (such as summoning things).