Futari wa Pretty Cure
Volume 1 DVD cover, with Cure Black/Nagisa (left) and Cure White/Honoka (right)
ふたりはプリキュア
(Futari wa Purikyua)
Created byIzumi Todo
Anime television series
Directed byDaisuke Nishio
Produced byMoegi Nishizawa
Rika Tsuruzaki
Shigehaki Dohi
Takashi Washio
Tomoko Takahashi
Music byNaoki Satō
StudioToei Animation
Licensed by
Original networkANN
English network
Original run February 1, 2004 – January 30, 2005
Episodes49
Manga
Written byIzumi Todo
Illustrated byFutago Kamikita
Published byKodansha
MagazineNakayoshi
DemographicShōjo
Original runMarch 2004 – March 2005
Volumes4
Anime television series
Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart
Directed byDaisuke Nishio
Produced byShigehaki Dohi
Takashi Washio
Tomoko Takahashi
Music byNaoki Sato
StudioToei Animation
Original networkANN
English network
Original run February 6, 2005 – January 29, 2006
Episodes47
Manga
Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart
Written byIzumi Todo
Illustrated byFutago Kamikita
Published byKodansha
MagazineNakayoshi
DemographicShōjo
Original runMarch 2005 – March 2006
Video games
  • Futari wa Pretty Cure: Arienai! Yume no Sono wa Daimeikyu (2004)
  • Futari wa Pretty Cure: Max Heart - Maji? Maji!? Fight de IN Janai (2005)
  • Futari wa PreCure Max Heart – Danzen! DS de PreCure - Chikara wo Awasete Dai Battle (2005)
Anime films

Futari wa Pretty Cure (ふたりはプリキュア, Futari wa Purikyua, "We Are Pretty Cure"), known as simply Pretty Cure outside Japan, is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation and aired on ANN for 96 episodes across two seasons. It is the first installment in the Pretty Cure metaseries created by Izumi Todo.

The story centers around a duo of middle school students who gain the power to transform into the titular “protectors of light” known as Pretty Cure. The first season, directed by Daisuke Nishio, aired between February 1, 2004 and January 30, 2005, in the same timeslot as Izumi Todo's previous work Ashita no Nadja. It received an English-dubbed version, which aired in Canada between March 2009 and July 2010. In the season, the Cures are tasked with collecting the legendary Prism Stones to restore the Garden of Light while fighting against the forces of the Dark Zone that caused its destruction. A second season, Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart (ふたりはプリキュア Max Heart, Futari wa Purikyua Makkusu Hāto), or simply Pretty Cure Max Heart, aired in Japan between February 6, 2005, and January 29, 2006. It introduces another member of the group, Shiny Luminous, and follows the Cures’ efforts in collecting the twelve Heartiels to revive the Queen, who currently takes the form of Hikari Kujo/Shiny Luminous. It was succeeded by Futari wa Pretty Cure Splash Star in its timeslot. Two Max Heart movies were released on April 16, 2005, and December 10, 2005, respectively. The series' main motif is yin and yang.

Plot

Futari wa Pretty Cure revolves around two girls, Nagisa Misumi and Honoka Yukishiro, who encounter Mipple and Mepple of the Garden of Light. They give them the power to transform into the emissaries of light; Cure Black and Cure White, to fight against the forces of the Dark Zone: a dimension of evil that has encroached on the Garden of Light and plans to invade the Garden of Rainbows, Earth. The Cures search for the Prism Stones to restore the Garden of Light, placing them in a heart-shaped device known as the Prism Hopish protected by the Guardian, Wisdom. Upon recovering all the Prism Stones, its power takes them to the Garden of Light and repairs most of the damage done by the Dark Zone. Later in the series, Pollun, the Prince of the Garden of Light, grants them the power of the Rainbow Bracelets to defeat the Dark King.

In Max Heart, Nagisa and Honoka meet the mysterious Hikari Kujou, who is soon revealed to be the "Life" of the Queen. Following her battle with the Dark King, the Queen was separated into three parts: the twelve Heartiels, which represent her will, the Queen Chairect, which represents her heart, and Kujou Hikari, who represents her life. Meanwhile, the remnants of the Dark Zone are protecting a mysterious boy, who is suspected to be the "Life" of the Dark King. Joined by Hikari, who gains the power to become Shiny Luminous, the Pretty Cures once again fight against the Dark Zone in order to retrieve the Heartiels and restore the Queen.

Characters

Where appropriate, names on the left are from the original Japanese version, whilst names on the right without Japanese text are from both the Canadian and Singaporean English dubs. Character descriptions pertain to the Japanese version of the show.

Pretty Cures

Nagisa Misumi (美墨 なぎさ, Misumi Nagisa, Natalie Blackstone in the English version) / Cure Black (キュアブラック, Kyua Burakku)
Voiced by: Yōko Honna[1] (Japanese); Rocio Barahona (English)
One of the two main protagonists. She is a 14/15-year-old student in her second year (third year in Max Heart) of Private Verone Academy's Sakura Class. She is the ace of the school lacrosse team and is strong-hearted but lazy, barely ever doing her homework. She is also a food lover, her favorite dish being the takoyaki from Akane's stand. Although generally courageous, she frequently becomes quite flustered when near Shogo, on whom she has a crush. She is known for her catchphrase "Unbelievable!" (ありえな～い!, Ariena~i). As Cure Black, she specializes in physical combat. She introduces herself as "Emissary of light, Cure Black!" (光の使者、キュアブラック!, Hikari no shisha, Kyua Burakku!) Her theme color is black.[2]
Honoka Yukishiro (雪城 ほのか, Yukishiro Honoka, Hannah Whitehouse in the English version) / Cure White (キュアホワイト, Kyua Howaito)
Voiced by: Yukana[1] (Japanese); Michelle Molineux (English)[3]
One of the two main protagonists. A 14/15-year-old girl who is Nagisa's classmate in both her second and third year of middle school. She lives with her grandmother Sanae and her dog Chuutaro since her parents are working overseas. She is quite intelligent and knowledgeable, and is thus nicknamed 'The Queen of Knowledge'. As well, she is a member of the school's science club, where others look up to her. She is quiet and has few friends, but the few she has seem to be close to her, and she has come to appreciate Nagisa's friendship. She introduces herself as "Emissary of light, Cure White!" (光の使者、キュアホワイト！, Hikari no shisha, Kyua Howaito!) Her theme color is white.[2]

Additional members

Hikari Kujo (九条 ひかり, Kūjō Hikari) / Shiny Luminous (シャイニールミナス, Shainī Ruminasu)
Voiced by: Rie Tanaka[1]
A shy 13-year-old girl who appears in Max Heart. She is the "life" of the Queen in human form after the Queen was split apart following her last encounter with the Dark King. Going under the guise of Akane's cousin and working at her takoyaki stand, Hikari enrolls into Private Verone Academy as a freshman and becomes friends with Nagisa and Honoka. In the final episode of Max Heart, she is reborn as a regular human separate from the Queen. She gains power from Pollun to transform into Shiny Luminous, and later gains further power from Lulun. Although she does not have much strength or skill in fighting, her abilities can hamper opponents and enhance Black and White's attacks. She introduces herself as "Shining life, Shiny Luminous! The light's heart and the light's will, for the sake of uniting all as one!" (輝く生命、シャイニールミナス！光の心と光の意志、総てをひとつにするために！, Kagayaku inochi, Shainī Ruminasu! Hikari no kokoro to hikari no ishi, subete wo hitotsu ni suru tame ni!) Her theme color is yellow.[2]

The Garden of Light

Mepple (メップル, Meppuru)
Voiced by: Tomokazu Seki[1] (Japanese); Roger Rhodes (English)
The chosen protector of Mipple, the Princess of Hope, who allows Nagisa to transform into Cure Black and resides with her. He is noticeably selfish, as he is somewhat possessive of Mipple and becomes jealous when Pollun does not pay attention to him. He frequently gets into fights with her, begs her to feed him, and pokes fun at her. He ends his sentences with "mepo". Mepple can only stay in his true form for a short time before growing tired, so he generally takes on an energy-saving form resembling a cellphone.
Mipple (ミップル, Mippuru)
Voiced by: Akiko Yajima[1] (Japanese); Angie Beers (English)
The Princess of Hope from the Garden of Light, who allows Honoka to transform into Cure White and resides predominantly with her. She, like Honoka, is generally more reserved than her male counterpart. She ends her sentences with "mipo". Although it is hinted that Mepple has feelings for her, Mipple sticking up for Pollun causes problems between her and Mepple. Like Mepple, Mipple usually stays in a cell phone-like form to conserve energy.
Pollun (ポルン, Porun)
Voiced by: Haruna Ikezawa (Japanese); Onalea Gilbertson (English)
The Prince of the Garden of Light, who is sent to Earth once the Cures have retrieved all the Prism Stones, with the Queen giving a cryptic statement about his powers aiding the Pretty Cure. Later, when Wisdom is in trouble, Wisdom places the power of the Rainbow Stones into Pollun, giving him the power to remain in his regular form while in the Garden of Rainbows. He also gains the ability to communicate with the Garden of Light through a form called the Pretty Commune, which resembles a gaming console. He also grants the Pretty Cure the power of light and the Rainbow Bracelets. He is energetic and tends to be selfish and childish. He enjoys getting between Mipple and Mepple, and is bothered whenever his younger sister Lulun wants to play with him. He lives predominantly with Nagisa in Futari wa and with Hikari in Max Heart.
Lulun (ルルン, Rurun)
Voiced by: Asuka Tanii[1]
She appears in Max Heart, and is known as the Princess of Light who can connect the future. She thinks of Pollun as her older brother and often annoys him. She can give the power of the Heartiel Brooch to Luminous.
Queen (クイーン, Kuīn)
Voiced by: Kaya Matsutani[1] (Japanese); Elizabeth Ludwig (English)
The ruler of the Garden of Light (光の園, Hikari no Sono), a realm protected by the power of the Prism Stones. She is a woman sitting on a throne who is around the same height as the Dark King, and always has her eyes closed. She has stated that she is impressed with the courage of Pretty Cure and aids them when she can. During Max Heart, the Queen is split into Hikari, the twelve Heartiels, and the Queen Chairect. Like the Dark King, she is animated using CGI.
Wisdom (ウィズダム, Wizudamu)
Voiced by: Taiki Matsuno (Japanese); Glenn Howard (English)
The keeper of the Prism Stones, who is often referred to as simply The Guardian (番人, Bannin) and often resides atop the Prism Hopish.
Elder (長老, Chōrō)
Voiced by: Hiroshi Naka[1] (Japanese); Johnathan Love (English)
A wise sage who resides in the Garden of Light. Despite his wisdom, he often forgets Nagisa and Honoka's names and refers to them as the Pretty Cura.
Heartiels (ハーティエル, Hātieru)
Twelve fairies who are the embodiments of the Queen's Will. The Pretty Cure gather the Heartiels and places them in the Queen Chairect, an item representing the Queen's heart, to make the Queen whole again. When the Pretty Cure want one of the Heartiels to help them, Seekun turns the knob around to let one of them out of the Chairect.
Seekun (シークン, Shīkun, Seek) Voiced by: Ai Nagano
The first of the Heartiels to be discovered, who represents the Queen's sense of adventure and discovery. She asks many questions and seems relatively naive about the world. When the girls need the help of another Heartiel, it is Seekun's job to call the Heartiel out of the Queen Chairect. She is the last Heartiel to enter the Chairect, with her symbol in the Chairect being a telescope. She seems to prefer Nagisa, as she enjoys spending time with her more than Honoka.
Passion (パション, Pashon, Passion) Voiced by: Kokoro Kikuchi
He is accompanied by a white dove, which often lands on Nagisa's head. His symbol in the Chairect is a torch.
Harmonin (ハーモニン, Hāmonin, Harmony) Voiced by: Eri Sendai
She first appears in episode 9, but meets the Pretty Cure in episode 10. She is often seen with a treasure box, which is also her symbol in the Chairect.
Pyuran (ピュアン, Pyuan, Purity) Voiced by: Rika Komatsu
Her symbol in the Chairect is the snowflake.
Inteligen (インテリジェン, Interijen, Intelligence) Voiced by: Mayuko Kobayashi
A Heartiel entrusted with the Book of Wisdom. In episode 22, she uses the Book to help the Pretty Cure find a solution to oppose Baldez's power. At first, she did not like Nagisa, but comes to like her after seeing her pure heart. Her symbol in the Chairect is a book.
Wishun (ウィシュン, Wishun, Wish) Voiced by: Yukiko Hanioka
Her symbol in the Chairect is the mirror.
Hopun (ホープン, Hōpun, Hope) Voiced by: Yusuke Numata
Braven (ブレイブン, Bureibun, Bravery) Voiced by: Mari Adachi
First seen at the end of episode 31.
Prosen (プロスン, Purosun, Prosperity) Voiced by: Masato Amada
Happinen (ハピネン, Hapinen, Happiness) Voiced by: Sawa Ishige
Her symbol in the Chairect is the bell.
Lovelun (ラブラン, Raburan, Love) Voiced by: Oma Ichimura
Eternalun (エターナルン, Etānarun, Eternal) Voiced by: Fumie Mizusawa
His symbol in the Chairect is the pocket watch.

Dark Zone

The villains of the first series come from the Dark Zone (ドツクゾーン, Dotsukuzōn), a realm of darkness ruled by the Dark King.

Dark King (ジャアクキング, Jāku Kingu)
Voiced by: Kenichi Ono[1] (Japanese); Tom Edwards (English)
The imprisoned ruler of the Dark Zone, who is humanoid in form and appears to emerge from the ground. He is tall and muscular and has red eyes, and seemingly does not wear clothing. He wants to acquire the Prism Stones to gain immortality and prevent the "power to consume all things" from eventually destroying his body—he believes that it is the fate of all things to be consumed by darkness. Like the Queen, he is animated using CGI.
Zakenna (ザケンナー, Zakennā)
Voiced by: Hitoshi Bifu (ep 1-22), Satoshi Taki (ep 15, ep 28 onwards)[1] (Japanese); Tom Edwards (English)
Monsters summoned by the servants of the Dark Zone, who combine them with objects or living things. Upon being defeated by a purifying move, they burst into numerous small star-shaped monsters called Gomennah (ゴメンナー, Gomennā, derived from the word for 'sorry'), who scurry off apologizing.

Dark Five

The Dark King's first wave of servants.

Pisard (ピーサード, Pīsādo, Pijard in the English version)
Voiced by: Hiroki Takahashi (Japanese); David Belke (English)
The weakest of the Dark Five. He is often thought to resemble a member of KISS, but his look is closer to that of a male Kabuki actor in "keshō" ("make up"), as he has long hair and a painted face.
Gekidrago (ゲキドラーゴ, Gekidorāgo)
Voiced by: Kouji Ishii (Japanese); Kevin Gilese (English)
The strongman of the Dark Five, who is large and muscular and has a moai-shaped head. He relies on brawn rather than brain and has the highest fortitude of the group, as he is able to withstand being hit by the Marble Screw (Twister in the English dub). He often ends his sentences with "-Muka".
Poisony (ポイズニー, Poizunī, Pandora in the English version)
Voiced by: Sakiko Uran (Japanese); Onalea Gilbertson (English)
The only female of the Dark Five. Unlike Pisard and Gekidorago, who summon Zakenna in a dramatic manner, she is more discreet about it. She often takes on a human appearance to gain the girls' trust before attacking. In her true form, she resembles a vampire, as she has pale skin and fangs. In this form, she dresses in black and red and has dark-rimmed yellow and red eyes and long red hair.
Kiriya (キリヤ, Kiriya, Kirea in the English version)
Voiced by: Reiko Kiuchi (Japanese); Scott Roberts (English)
The youngest of the Dark Five and Poisony's younger brother. He comes to the Garden of Rainbows (Earth) to spy on Nagisa and Honoka, infiltrating their school under the guise of a freshman named Kiriya Irisawa (入澤 キリヤ, Irisawa Kiriya). He ends up befriending them, developing a fondness and love for Honoka after she shows kindness to him. Later on, his feelings for Honoka and trying to understand human emotions cause him to be unable to fight the Pretty Cure duo. This act causes him to be sent back to the Dark Zone, but not before willingly giving up his Prism Stone to the Pretty Cure duo. After the Dark King is destroyed, he returns as a normal human.
Ilkubo (イルクーボ, Irukūbo)
Voiced by: Issei Futamata (Japanese); Jonathan Love (English)
The leader of the Five and their most powerful member, as well as the Dark King's right-hand man. He is a bald man with pale skin, pointed ears, and dark-rimmed eyes, who wears a white robe and carries a purple sphere. He is able to block the Marble Screw (or Twister in the English Dub) and other attacks, but his fortitude is not as high as Gekidrago. He later appears on Earth, but does not start fighting the Cures until after Kiriya is sent back to the Dark Zone. He is defeated in episode 24 but returns in episode 25, taking on a more monstrous and powerful form to fight the Pretty Cure in the Dark Zone.

Three Seeds of Darkness

A villainous trio who appears after the Dark Five are defeated and are accompanied by a macaw, who is their pet bird, and the Butler Zakenna (執事ザケンナー, Shitsuji Zaken'nā). The butlers serve as comic relief, as they are unintelligent and often fight and bicker. Unlike other Zakenna, they speak human language, but still use "-zakenna" to end their sentences. The taller Zakenna is laid back and clumsy, while the shorter Zakenna is quick to anger.

Belzei Gertrude (ベルゼイ・ガートルード, Beruzei Gātorūdo, Beruzei in the English version)
Voiced by: Tomomichi Nishimura (Japanese); Paul Hudson (English)
The de facto leader of the trio, whose human alias is Genbu Yuuki (Dr. Encastle in the English version). He is a plotter and a sadist who is able to blend in by impersonating others. Due to his own ego, it is always someone in a high position, such as a head doctor or principal.[4]
Regine (レギーネ, Regīne, Regina in the English version)
Voiced by: Rika Fukami (Japanese); Carol-Anne Day (English)
The only female of the trio, whose human alias is Shoko Koyama (Sheila in the English version). Her human form has red hair. and when she transforms it extends into six curls. When in human form, she has a tendency to mumble things twice, then suddenly scream. She is more confident in her dark form than her human form.[4]
Juna (ジュナ, Jūna)
Voiced by: Yasunori Matsumoto (Japanese); Brendan Hunter (English)
The stoic muscle of the trio. His human alias is Ryuichiro Kakuzawa (Edgedale in the English version), who is depicted as his original form in the English version.[4]
Zakenna Butlers (執事ザケンナー, Shitsuji Zakennā)
Voiced by: Rika Komatsu and Satoshi Taki[1] (Japanese); Jonathan Love and Dean Galloway (English)
Zakenna who are capable of human speech and look after the mansion that the Three Seeds and the Four Guardians reside in.

Four Guardians

What remains of the Dark Zone, serving as the protectors of the "Life" of the Evil King as they seek to revive him.

Baldez (バルデス, Barudesu)
Voiced by: Kenichi Ono[1]
The strongest member of the Four Guardians and their leader. He can repel the Marble Screw, Luminous Heartiel Action and Extreme Luminario attacks. Moreover, his true form is the spirit of the Dark King.
Circulas (サーキュラス, Sākyurasu)
Voiced by: Hitoshi Bifu[1]
The apparent second-in-command, who often assumes the role of the group's "leader" when Baldez isn't around. He often bickers with Uraganos.
Uraganos (ウラガノス, Uraganosu)
Voiced by: Wataru Takagi[1]
A large, dim-witted, and clumsy man, who tends to accidentally destroy things due to his size and strength. He seemingly doesn't hear people finish their sentences, especially Circulas.
Viblis (ビブリス, Biburisu)
Voiced by: Ai Kobayashi[1]
The only female of the group, who is more serious and intimidating than the others. She often scolds Uraganos and Circulas when they argue, and is also the type to never apologize, even when she is wrong.
The boy in the mansion (館の少年, Yakata no Shōnen)
Voiced by: Haruhi Nanao
A mysterious boy who is actually the 'Life' of the Dark King. He often plays games with the Butler Zakenna, but seeks life outside of the mansion. He is seemingly linked to Hikari, as various incidents occur when the two meet. At the end of the series, he is reborn as Hikari's younger brother, Hikaru Kujo (九条 ひかる, Kūjō Hikaru).

Cures' families

Takashi Misumi / Terry Blackstone (美墨 岳, Misumi Takashi)
Voiced by: Takehito Koyasu (Japanese); Johnathan Love, Rodger Rhodes (Episode 34) (English)
Nagisa and Ryouta's father and Rie's husband.
Rie Misumi / Glenda Blackstone (美墨 理恵, Misumi Rie)
Voiced by: Mayumi Sho (Japanese); Onalea Gilbertson (English)
Takashi's wife and Nagisa and Ryouta's mother. Although her and Nagisa's relationship tends to be estranged at times, she deeply cares about Nagisa and her family. She is also seemingly the only one who can break up Nagisa and Ryouta's constant arguments.
Ryouta Misumi / Ryan Blackstone (美墨 亮太, Misumi Ryota)
Voiced by: Naozumi Takahashi[1] (Japanese); Leah Dubbin-Steckel (English)
Nagisa's younger brother, whom he often bickers with and pulls pranks on. A running gag has Nagisa putting him in a headlock to shut him up. Much like Mepple, he and Nagisa often bicker but still care for each other. As the season progresses, their relationship starts to improve.
Sanae Yukishiro / Susan Whitehouse (雪城 さなえ, Yukishiro Sanae)
Voiced by: Masako Nozawa,[1] Yuki Matsuoka (young) (Japanese); Michelle Armeneau, Onalea Gilbertson (young) (English)
Honoka's grandmother, who takes care of her whilst her parents work overseas. She seemingly knows a lot about the Pretty Cure, as she found Mipple at a young age, though she keeps this a secret from Honoka and Nagisa.
Taro Yukishiro / Ken Whitehouse (雪城 太郎, Yukishiro Taro)
Voiced by: Takeru Miyashita (Japanese); Jonathan Love (English)
Honoka's father and Aya's husband.
Aya Yukishiro / Luca Whitehouse (雪城 文, Yukishiro Aya)
Voiced by: Miki Ito (Japanese); April McGregor (English)
Honoka's mother and Taro's wife.
Chuutaro (忠太郎, Chūtarō)
Voiced by: Ryōtarō Okiayu (Japanese); Roger Rhodes (English)
Honoka's dog.

Verone Academy

Yoshimi Takenouchi / Yvette Woodgrove (竹野内 よし美, Takenouchi Yoshimi)
Voiced by: Ai Nagano (Japanese); Cheryl McMaster (English)
The teacher of Verone Academy, who is romantic and quiet.
Principal (校長先生, Kōchō)
Voiced by: Kōzō Shioya (Japanese); Rodger Rhodes (English)
The principal of Verone Academy, who has a big-hearted personality and is somewhat clumsy.
Kometsuki / Mr. Weaver (米槻, Kometsuki)
Voiced by: Tomohiro Nishimura (Japanese); Steve Olson (English)
The vice-principal of Verone Academy.
Miyashita / Mr. McMasters (宮下先生, Miyashita-sensei)
Voiced by: Nobuaki Kanemitsu (Japanese); Glenn Howard (English)
The math teacher of Verone Academy.

Classmates

Shougo Fujimura / Shawn Ferguson (藤村 省吾, Fujimura Shōgo)
Voiced by: Daisuke Kishio (Japanese); Will Wood (English)
A childhood friend of Honoka. Nagisa has a crush on him, and he often finds comfort in her advice. He is nicknamed FujiP (or Fergie) by his friends, and is a hardworking player on his soccer team.
Rina Takashimizu (高清水 莉奈, Takashimizu Rina)
Voiced by: Yuka Tokumitsu (Japanese); Emily Bachynski (English)
One of Nagisa's best friends and a member of the lacrosse team. She is always seen with Shiho.
Shiho Kubota / Shawna Knowles (久保田 志穂, Kubota Shiho)
Voiced by: Eri Sendai (Japanese); Nikkita Bradette (English)
Nagisa's other best friend and a member of the lacrosse team. She is always seen with Rina.
Yuriko / Lilian (ユリコ, Yuriko)
Voiced by: Kozue Kamada (Japanese); Katie Rowan, Lori Bachynski (Episode 40) (English)
Honoka's friend and a member of the science club.
Mayu Kashiwada / Maya Kennedy (柏田 真由, Kashiwada Mayu)
Voiced by: Akeno Watanabe (Japanese); Megan Malone (English)
An artist inspired by Mario Piccasseci.
Yumiko Nakagawa / Nickie (中川 弓子, Nakagawa Yumiko)
Voiced by: Hitomi Nabatame (Japanese); Cheryl McMaster (English)
The captain of the lacrosse team.
Yuka Odajima / Emma (オダジマユカ, Odajima Yuka)
Voiced by: Mayumi Iizuka (Japanese); Laura Rushfeldt (English)
A member of the lacrosse team.
Natsuko Koshino / Summer (越野 夏子, Koshino Natsuko) and Kyoko Mori / Chrissy (森 京子, Mori Kyōko)
Voiced by: Ami Koshimizu (Natsuko) and Kaori Nazuka (Kyoko) (Japanese); Jasmin Dobranski (Summer) and Morgan Partridge (Chrissy) (English)
Friends who worship the Pretty Cure duo and cosplay as them.
Seiko Taniguchi / Sophie (谷口 聖子, Taniguchi Seiko)
Voiced by: Konami Yoshida (Japanese); Lori Bachynski (English)
A 13-year-old classmate who likes to play the piano.
Kimata / Kossner (木俣)
Voiced by: Satoshi Katogi (Japanese); Ian McMurray (English)
A member of the Verone Junior Boys' Institute's soccer team.
Yui Morioka / Julie Woodhill (森岡 唯, Morioka Yui)
Voiced by: Masako Jo (Japanese); Shannon Casorso (English)
FujiP's love.
Chiaki Yabe / Sienna (矢部 千秋, Yabe Chiaki)
Voiced by: Akiko Nakagawa (Japanese); Marcy Lannan (English)
A classmate who is part of the choir and directs and plays the piano.
Kazuki Hasekura / Hamilton (支倉一樹, Hasekura Kazuki)
Voiced by: Toshinobu Iida (Japanese); Joel Crichton (English)
A member of the Verone Junior Boys' Institute's soccer team.
Nao Tabata (多幡 奈緒, Tabata Nao) and Miu Kagayama (加賀山 美羽, Kagayama Miu)
Voiced by: Kokoro Kikuchi (Nao) and Fumie Mizusawa (Miu)[1]
Hikari's classmates.
Maki (マキ) and Megumi (メグミ)
Voiced by: Haruhi Nanao (Maki) and Yoko Nishino (Megumi)[1]
Members of the lacrosse team.

Other characters

Akane Fujita / Alex (藤田 アカネ, Fujita Akane)
Voiced by: Mikako Fujita[1] (Japanese); Annika Odegard (English)
The previous captain of the school lacrosse team, who now runs her own takoyaki stand, which Nagisa frequently visits. In Max Heart, she serves as Hikari's guardian under the assumption she is her cousin.

Media

Anime

The original Futari wa Pretty Cure anime aired in Japan between February 1, 2004, and January 30, 2005. The opening theme is "Danzen! Futari wa Pretty Cure" (Danzen! ふたりはプリキュア, Danzen! Futari wa Purikyua, "Definitely! Together, We Are Pretty Cure") by Mayumi Gojo whilst the ending theme is "Get You! Love Love?!" (ゲッチュウ！らぶらぶぅ？！, Getchū! Rabu Rabu?!) also by Gojo. The follow-up series, Max Heart, aired in Japan between February 6, 2005, and January 29, 2006. The opening theme is "Danzen! Futari wa Pretty Cure (Max Heart ver.)" (DANZEN！ふたりはプリキュア（ver．MaxHeart）) by Mayumi Gojo. The first ending theme, used for episodes 1-36, is "Muri Muri!? Ari Ari!! In jaa Na~i?!" (ムリムリ！？ありあり！！INじゃあな～い？！, "No way!? Unbelievable!! Is that Okay?!") by Mayumi Gojo with Young Fresh, whilst the second ending theme, used for episodes 37-47 is "Wonder Winter Yatta" (ワンダーウィンターヤッタ, Wandā Wintā Yatta, "Wonder Winter Alright") by Gojo. The anime was later re-aired on TV Asahi's cable channel, TeleAsa Channel 1,[5] in March 2013.

Films

A Tokyu 9000 series train with an advertisement for Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart the Movie 2: Friends of the Snow-Laden Sky on Christmas Day 2005

Two animated films based on the Max Heart series were released. The first, Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart: The Movie (映画 ふたりはプリキュア ー マックスハート, Eiga Futari wa Purikyua Makkusu Haato), was released on April 16, 2005. The second movie, Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart 2: Friends of the Snow-Laden Sky (映画 ふたりはプリキュア ー マックスハート, Eiga Futari wa Purikyua Makkusu Haato 2: Yukizora no Tomodachi), was released December 10, 2005. The heroines also appear in all Pretty Cure All Stars movies, which ran between 2009 and 2016. Another crossover film, Hugtto! PreCure ♡ Futari wa Pretty Cure, was released on October 27, 2018, celebrating the franchise's 15th anniversary.[6]

Licensed Media and Dubs

On February 24, 2006, 4Kids Entertainment announced broadcasting and distribution rights for Pretty Cure in the United States,[7] though never produced an English version of it. In July 2008, Toei Animation began making episodes available through IGN's Direct2Drive service subtitled into English,[8] and have also started making those same episodes available for free internet streaming on Crunchyroll.[9] The subtitles were produced by "Nippon Golden Network", a Hawaii-based cable network that broadcasts Asian programming (mostly from Japan), and featured low-quality video and audio. In April 2009, Funimation used to license the English-subtitled version of the series for online distribution on the company's website.[10] This subtitled version was updated on Crunchyroll and VRV on March 25, 2021, with improved video and audio quality.

An English-dubbed version was produced by Toei and Ocean Productions using their Blue Water studio in Calgary, Alberta which aired on Canada's YTV channel from March 6, 2009, to July 31, 2010.[11][12] Although uncut in content, the English dub makes several changes to character names, cultural references and theme music, though mostly retains the original version's main soundtrack. This dub also aired in the United Kingdom on the Pop Girl digital channel from September 6, 2010.

This anime also aired, in Indonesian-dubbed version on RCTI, Indosiar (MAX Heart version) and Spacetoon Plus.

A Cantonese dub of the anime aired in TVB stations in Hong Kong, with the theme song sung by Cantonese band duo, Twins.

Manga

Both the television series and their movies received manga adaptation which were illustrated by Futago Kamikita in Kodansha's Nakayoshi magazine as they aired.

Video games

Four video games based on the two series have been released in Japan by Bandai. An educational video game was released for the Sega Pico in 2004. A puzzle platformer, Futari wa Pretty Cure: Arienai! Yume no Sono wa Daimeikyu (ふたりはプリキュア ありえな～い！夢の園は大迷宮, lit. We are Pretty Cure: Unbelievable! The Garden of Dreams is a Big Mystery), was released for Game Boy Advance in 2004. A platformer, Futari wa Pretty Cure: Max Heart - Maji? Maji!? Fight de IN Janai (ふたりはプリキュア マックスハート マジ？マジ？！ファイト de INじゃない, lit. We are Pretty Cure: Max Heart - Seriously? Seriously!? A Fight's Okay, Right?) was released for Game Boy Advance in 2005. A side-scrolling beat 'em up game, Futari wa Precure Max Heart – Danzen! DS de Precure - Chikara wo Awasete Dai Battle (ふたりはプリキュアMH　DANZEN！DSでプリキュア　力をあわせて大バトル！!, lit. We are Pretty Cure Max Heart - Danzen! Precure DS - The Big Battle for Power) was also released in 2005 for the Nintendo DS.[13] Nagisa, Honoka and Hikari have also appeared in other Nintendo DS games based on subsequent Pretty Cure series.

Reception

The series' popularity quickly spawned it into a full franchise with many different series. In a TV Asahi opinion poll, Pretty Cure appeared in the 45th position, above other series of the magical girl genre like Cutie Honey (technically not a "magical girl" series in the same sense; see article for details), Cardcaptor Sakura, and Magical Angel Creamy Mami.[14][15]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Profile Archived 2020-07-20 at the Wayback Machine at GamePlaza-Haruka-
  2. 1 2 3 プリキュア20周年キャラクターブック [PreCure 20th Anniversary Character Book] (in Japanese). Febri. 2023-10-20. ISBN 9784758018463.
  3. ↑ Press 2 Play (2013-05-21), Michelle Molineux, archived from the original on 2021-03-30, retrieved 2019-03-26{{citation}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. 1 2 3 Toei Animation (September 8, 2008). ふたりはプリキュア⑥プリキュア パワーアップ! (in Japanese). Shueisha. p. 18. ISBN 978-4-06-344321-9.
  5. ↑ "ch1 - ふたりはプリキュア". TeleAsa Channel 1. TV Asahi Corporation. Archived from the original on 2013-05-29.
  6. ↑ "Hugtto! Precure, Futari wa Precure Crossover Film Announced". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on 2018-03-17. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  7. ↑ "4Kids Licenses Pretty Cure". Anime News Network. 2006-02-24. Archived from the original on 2006-12-06. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  8. ↑ "Pretty Cure, Digimon 02 Added to Direct2Drive Downloads". Anime News Network. 2008-07-19. Archived from the original on 2008-07-30. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  9. ↑ "Toei Animation Adds Anime to Crunchyroll Website Today". Anime News Network. 2008-10-27. Archived from the original on 2009-01-22. Retrieved 2008-12-18.
  10. ↑ "Funimation Adds Toei's Air Master, Captain Harlock". Archived from the original on 2012-06-20. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
  11. ↑ "YTV's Official Pretty Cure Page". Archived from the original on 24 February 2009. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
  12. ↑ "Canada's YTV to Premiere Pretty Cure on March 6". Archived from the original on 2017-07-30. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
  13. ↑ "ふたりはプリキュアMH DANZEN！DSでプリキュア 力をあわせて大バトル！!". www.bandaigames.channel.or.jp. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
  14. ↑ "TV Asahi Top 100 Anime". Anime News Network. 2005-09-23. Archived from the original on 2014-06-21. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  15. ↑ "TV Asahi Top 100 Anime Part 2". Anime News Network. 2005-09-23. Archived from the original on 2014-07-30. Retrieved 2007-01-01.


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