Digimon Data Squad

Digimon Data Squad, known in Japan as Digimon Savers (デジモンセイバーズ) is a Japanese anime television series, and the fifth series produced as part of the Digimon franchise. It was produced by Toei Animation, and aired every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. on the Fuji TV network. In addition, a tie-in movie called ''Ultimate Power! Burst Mode Invoke!'' was released on December 9, 2006. Savers is the first Digimon program to be produced in three years, following 2002's Digimon Frontier.

Unlike previous Digimon series, which were broadcasted in English in Autumn of the same year as their Japanese release, there were a full eighteen months between the Japanese and English broadcasts, leading at first to some doubt as to whether the series would be dubbed at all. Not long after the discovery of an entry for the show on Toei's website, which featured anglicized names for some of the characters and the show's new English title, on April 25, 2007, Disney's ABC Network announced that it had signed an agreement with Toei Animation to license the show. On May 4, director of previous Digimon series Jeff Nimoy confirmed that he had returned to direct the series, confirmed its English title, and revealed the majority of voice actors for the main cast of the series. Data Squad premiered on Jetix on October 1st, 2007 at 8:30 PM.

The Digivice used in this series is the "Digivice iC", and its upgraded version, the "Digivice Burst". This series is the first to feature the lead character not sporting a pair of goggles and have all main characters' Digimon evolve to the same level. This series is also the second one where the last battle is fought in the Real World against a non-Digimon entity, the other one being Digimon Tamers. Unlike the previous seasons, Digimon Data Squad took on more radical changes for the character designs ditching the style animation always used previously in favor of more traditional bishōnen/bishōjo animation similar to Gash Bell, YuYu Hakusho or Naruto. Also, according to this series' composer, Ryota Yamaguchi, this series was to take in a wider age group, and was aimed to also appeal to late teens, however, without ending it as a hobby anime. This is why the characters are much older (ranging from early teen to adult) and the story is much darker than in previous series. Also, as requested by Digimon's sponsor, Bandai, in order to grab the older Digimon fans, Bandai wanted the reappearance of a Digimon from the old series, which was chosen to be Agumon. 

Plot summary
A 14-year-old boy, Marcus Damon, an undefeated street fighter, meets Agumon, who has escaped from DATS, a secret government organization set up to defend the human world from invading wild Digimon. After fighting each other, the two quickly become friends, and through a series of events, are inducted into DATS, where they hope to grow in strength.

Marcus's team-mates include 14-year-old Thomas H. Norstein, a young prodigy, with his partner Gaomon, and 18-year-old Yoshino "Yoshi" Fujieda who has Lalamon for her partner. As the series progresses, Thomas discovers that Digimon respond to the "darkness" in humans, putting them at odds with monsters who seek to use humanity's own vices to bolster their own power.

The plot thickens with the introduction of Merukimon, one of the rulers of the Digital World, and the human boy Keenan Crier, who serves him along his partner Falcomon. The DATS team tries to unfold the reason for their hatred of humankind, until is revealed that the real enemy was Akihiro Kurata, a scientist who led an attack on the Digital World years before that resulted in the death of many Digimon, including Keenan's adoptive mother, Frigimon.

Kurata counted with the support of the Japanese government and important businessmen like Thomas' father on his plan to destroy all Digimon in the Digital World, claiming they were a threat to mankind. But this was only a facade to occult his main objective. He harnesses the energy of the Digimon he destroyed to power-up Belphemon, one of the Seven Deadly Digimon, and uses it in his attempt to rule the Human World, but his ambitions were shattered by the efforts of Marcus and his allies.

Kurata's last act was triggering a bomb which collapsed the frontier between the Human and Digital Worlds, putting both en route of collision, which can lead to the destruction of both realms. The collision was halted by the desperate efforts of BanchoLeomon who ordered Marcus to search for King Drasil, the ruler (god in the Japanese version) of the Digital World. When the DATS team finally met King Drasil, they discovered that his decision to deal the crisis unfolded was to protect the Digital World by destroying the Human World, as the two worlds could not coexist in the same dimension. To perform this task, he assembled his elite guard, the Royal Knights (Craniamon, Gallantmon, Magnamon, Dynasmon, LoadKnightmon, UlforceVeedramon, Leopardmon and Omnimon).

Marcus was confused at first because King Drasil somehow had the appearance of his father, Dr. Spencer Damon, who disappeared in the Digital World years before. But it was revealed that King Drasil took his father's body, and his soul was somehow preserved by BanchoLeomon, who was revealed to be Spencer's partner Digimon. After defeating some of the Royal Knights, The DATS team decided to confront King Drasil himself, who after being expelled from Spencer's body, transformed himself into an all-powerful robotic form determined to destroy the Human World by itself.

However, even when the Royal Knights rebel against King Drasil, it won't give up its goal, attempting to destroy both worlds and create a new world. Using their emotions, Marcus and Agumon finally destroy King Drasil, and the two worlds cease their collision course. Before disappearing, King Drasil brings Spencer back to life and he returns to his family, but the Digimon decide to return to the Digital World to help restore it, and in the end Marcus decides to not part with Agumon and goes with them.

5 years later, Keenan and Kristy, Marcus' sister, go to the same school together. Thomas finally managed to find a cure for his sister's illness and became the youngest scientist to win the Nobel Prize at age 19. Yoshi has joined the police with the remaining DATS members, and Marcus and Agumon have become peacekeepers in the Digital World, breaking up fighting between rival Digimon factions as seen when stopping an argument between a group of Goblimon and Shamanmon.

Episodes
Digimon Savers aired 48 episodes on Fuji TV in Japan from April 2, 2006 to March 25, 2007. In Germany the series first aired on RTL 2 from November 30, 2007 to February 14, 2008.

DATS

 * Commander-General Homer Yushima (Hiroshi Yushima): Homer Yushima is the chief officer of DATS, but for a time, he appeared simply as a street-wandering old man that appeared to aid Marcus and give him critical advice. His Digimon partner is Kamemon.


 * Commander Richard Sampson (Captain Rentarou Satsuma) : Sampson is Marcus and the others' commander, who oversees most of the activities of the Japanese branch of DATS. His Digimon partner is Kudamon, who is revealed to be one of the Royal Knights, Kentaurosmon (Sleipmon).


 * Miki Kurosaki and Megumi Shirakawa: The two DATS computer operators. They are partners with the two PawnChessmon, and primarily aid the team from the control room.

Allies (Humans)

 * Doctor Spencer Damon (Suguru Daimon): Marcus and Kristy's father, who disappeared on the expedition to the Digital World 10 years before the start of the series. It was later revealed that Spencer had a Digimon partner in BanchoLeomon (BantyoLiomon), who would later be revealed to be holding the soul of Dr. Spencer Damon. He had to bring forth all of his power to stop the boundaries between the Real World and the Digital World from collapsing on themselves. Soon after much events passed. During Marcus’ encounter with King Drasil who was suppose to be his father, BanchoLeomon comes in play again with Craniamon replacing him in holding both worlds apart.


 * Director Hashima (Chief Hashiba): Hashiba is a representative from the Japanese Confindentiality Ministry, who acts as supervisor to DATS's activities.


 * Sarah Damon (Sayuri Daimon): Sarah is Marcus and Kristy's mother, as well as Spencer's wife. A kind and caring woman, she often does whatever she can to support her children.


 * Kristy Damon (Chika Daimon): Kristy is Marcus' 10-year-old sister. Though she at first is only a spectator to many of the events involving Digimon, she becomes personally involved after becoming friends with a Digimon named Biyomon. By the end of the series, she has become partners with Biyomon, evolving him twice with her DNA (although without the use of a Digivice).


 * Franz Norstein: Thomas' father.


 * Mrs. Norstein: Thomas' deceased Japanese mother.


 * Relena Norstein (Ririna Norstein): Thomas' half-sister. She is handicapped due to an illness.


 * Grandma Norstein: Franz's mother, and both Thomas and Relena's grandmother. The current head of the Norstein family.


 * Professor Kevin Crier (Kenji Noguchi): Ikuto's birth father.


 * Michelle Crier (Misuzu Noguchi): Ikuto's birth mother.


 * Yuka Crier (Yuka Noguchi): Ikuto's baby sister.

Allies (Digimon)

 * PawnChessmon: Miki and Megumi's partners. In episode 21, the two PawnChessmon digivolved to KnightChessmon, and then in episode 36, they digivolved to RookChessmon and BishopChessmon to battle Belphemon Sleep Mode/Rage Mode. They put up a good fight against Belphemon Rage Mode, but were defeated by Belphemon Rage Mode's chains, reverting them back to the two PawnChessmon.


 * Puwamon (12): A Fresh Digimon that hatched from a Digi-Egg. He Digivolved to Biyomon to protect Kristy from Falcomon's attack.


 * Merukimon (Mercurimon) (12-25): A powerful Digimon in the Digital World, who comes into conflict with humanity and DATS. He plays an important role in Keenan's history as well as most of the events in the series. Killed by Gizumon AT/XT.


 * Gotsumon (12-23, 40-48): Servant of Merukimon, rode on Yanmamon. Hated humans more than Merukimon, and tried to get rid of Keenan on several occasions. Secretly made an alliance with SaberLeomon. Killed by RizeGreymon as Meteormon (Insekimon). He does return later on when the team needs to go the King Drasil, and because he has no memory of Marcus and the others, Gotsumon volunteers to help out.


 * Frigimon (Yukidarumon) (16, 20, 24, 39 (flashbacks)): The adopted Digimon mother of Keenan. Killed by Gizumon.


 * Cherrymon (Jureimon) (14, 28): A neutral Digimon, Cherrymon is the protector of the forest. He helped Marcus and his friends by showing where Merukimon's lair is. Marcus and the others, on their second trip to the Digital World, helped in protecting Cherrymon and the refugee Digimon that escaped Kurata's attacks from the Bio-Hybrids.


 * BanchoLeomon (28, 29, 34, 35, 38, 39, 45, 46) A legendary Digimon who taught Marcus the history of his father, Spencer Daimon. He used his digital energy to save both worlds, trapping him inside. Later, he returned to help Marcus Daimon and Agumon fight King Drasil. He sacrificed himself to help ShineGreymon take down King Drasil.


 * Baromon (30-33): The mayor of the Holy Capital. He defeated a Gizumon AT. When Eldradimon arrived in the Real World, he was killed by a Gizumon XT.


 * ElDradimon (ElDoradimon) (30-33): Known as in the English dub. Holds the Sacred City (Holy Capital in the English dub) on its back. Baromon was the mayor of the Sacred City on ElDradimon. Among the other inhabitants of the Sacred City with Piximon, Pumpkinmon, Sepikmon, Cerberusmon, Goblimon, Mushroomon, Pandamon, Ninjamon, Gizamon, Chuumon, Kotemon, Deputymon, Starmon, Tylomon, Tankmon, Centarumon, Tanemon, and Yasyamon. The majority of all the inhabitants, including ElDradimon, were killed by the Gizumon Javelin.


 * Ninjamon (30-33): The friends of Baromon. they first appeared with Keenan and Falcomon to help take down a Gizumon XT. A couple of them are killed by some Gizumon. Some survived during the attack of the Gizumon. It is unknown what happened to the other Ninjamon after ElDradimon was destroyed, presumly dead or alive.


 * Rhythm (movie): A digimon in human form, she is saved by Agumon, Gaomon and Lalamon when she was being attacked by a bunch of Goblimon and an Ogremon, and tells them of Argomon and his plans. During ShineGreymon's battle against Argomon, she helps Marcus to bring his partner to Burst Mode and defeat the enemy.

Villains

 * SaberLeomon (Sāberureomon) (14, 19 (flashbacks), 20-22, 24 (flashbacks)): Attacked Sampson and Spencer's group ten years ago. Attacked the real world with an army of Pteramon and Boarmon. Killed by RizeGreymon, with some unwanted help from Gizumon AT.


 * Belphemon Rage Mode (36-38): One of the Seven Deadly Digimon. Kurata fused with Belphemon so he could change from his Sleep into his Rage Mode. Killed by the combined efforts of Marcus and ShineGreymon Burst Mode.
 * Belphemon Sleep Mode (25-36): Kurata found Belphemon's Digiegg and planned to revive him with the data of deleted Digimon.


 * Professor Akihiro Kurata (Kurata Akihiro-Hasake) (21-38) 46 (flashbacks)): Arguably the main villain of the series, even though he is not the final antagonist, Kurata is a human who participated in the expedition to the Digital World and developed a hatred of Digimon. His motives now seem to involve their extermination. When Belphemon was revived, Kurata turned himself into D.N.A. in order to make Belphemon change from Sleep Mode to Rage Mode. Kurata is separated from Belphemon before he is deleted, and his whereabouts are currently unknown.


 * Bio-Hybrids (27-33): Three humans under the command of Kurata, with the ability to transform themselves into Digimon. If a human who becomes the Bio Digimon is defeated, he or she do not die, but instead reverts back to both the human that they were and the Digi-Egg of the digimon that they transformed.
 * Nanami / BioQuetzalmon (BioCoatlmon) / BioRotosmon (BioLotusmon) (27-31): Only female of the group, and a genius strategist like Thomas. Defeated by MirageGaogamon.
 * Ivan / BioStegomon / BioSupinomon (BioSpinomon) (27-32): Strongman of the group from Russia. Works with Kurata just to earn money for his family. Defeated by Rosemon.
 * Kouki / BioThunderbirdmon / BioDarkdramon (27-33): The extremely vicious leader of the group, is easily provoked like Marcus, and his greatest desire is to defeat him. Defeated by ShineGreymon using the GeoGrey Sword.
 * Gizumon (Gizmon) (22-35): Kurata's own creation. It has the ability to delete Digimon, destroying them forever. Gizumon can pseudo-evolve into Gizumon AT (Gizmon AT) and into Gizumon XT (Gizmon XT). After the sacrifice of Merukimon, Falcomon Digivolved to Crowmon to destroy the prototype Gizumon XT. The Gizumon XT are later on charged with the duty of sucking the energy of the Digimon they delete in order to revive Belphemon. A whole lot of Gizumon XT can merge with a missile which Kurata dubbed the Gizumon Javelin (Gizmon Javelin), which was used on Eldradimon. Then ShineGreymon Ruin Mode destroyed the last of the Gizumon XTs, never to be seen again.


 * King Drasil (Yggdrasil) (39-48): The supposed "ruler" of the Digital World. When the barrier between the both worlds collapsed, it concluded that to preserve the Digital World existence, the Human World must be destroyed. It is revealed later that King Drasil took over Spencer's soulless body. And eventually even changes into the robotic King Drasil 7_D6 (Yggdrasil 7_D6) to destroy the Human World. After the Royal Knights defect to the humans side, King Drasil than reveals that it is King Drasil 2-9000WZ (Yggdrasil WIZ9000), the computer which was designed to control all lifeforms in the Digital World at its will. King Drasil is ultimately defeated by Marcus and Agumon with supported help from every human and Digimon. Recongnizing his defeat and the real power of the combined efferts of humans and Digimon, King Drasil's last act was to bring Spencer Damon back to life before entering a state of hibernation saying he "would like to see how things turned out".
 * The Royal Knights Brigade (Royal Knights) (39-48): King Drasil's loyal devotee's, who are ordered to destroy the Human World and anyone who gets in their way. Through most part of the series they are foe to the DATS team, but after forethought consideration, turn their alliance to support the DATS in helping save both worlds. It should be noted that after episode 46, the Royal Knights changed from Villains to Allies and that Alphamon and Examon are the only Royal Knights not to be included in the series.
 * Craniamon (Craniummon) (39-48): King Drasil first speaks to Craniamon. He encounters Marcus and company twice in the digital world. After the last battle, he admits defeat when Marcus breaks his strongest shield claim to have granted absolute defense given by King Drasil. Soon after, he goes to the human world to replace BanchoLeomon who was preserving the existence of both human and Digital World by keeping them apart.
 * Gallantmon (Dukemon) (40-48): First of the Knights to attack the human world, but is halted by Kentaurosmon's desperate efforts. Later helps in the saving of both worlds.
 * Magnamon (40-48): Minor cameo appearances through out the series. Later helps in the saving of both worlds.
 * Dynasmon (40-48): Known as the "Passionate Warrior", said to be the strongest of the Royal Knights in terms of physical strength. Minor cameo appearances through out the series. Later helps in the saving of both worlds.
 * LoadKnightmon (RhodoKnightmon) (40-42, 46) (flashbacks)): Known as the "Indifferent Warrior". Met his destruction at the hands of Thomas and MirageGaogamon Burst Mode.
 * UlforceVeedramon (AlforceV-dramon) (40-48): Said to be the fastest of the Royal Knights. Minor cameo appearances through out the series. Later helps in the saving of both worlds.
 * Leopardmon (Duftmon) (43): He is the leading strategist among the Royal Knights. Defeated by the combined efforts of both Rosemon Burst Mode and Ravemon Burst Mode.
 * Omnimon (Omegamon) (40-48): Leader of the Royal Knights. Later helps in the saving of both worlds.


 * Argomon (Algomon) (Movie): Villain of the new Digimon movie. Met his end at the hands of ShineGreymon Burst Mode.
 * Ogremon: Leader of Argomon's Goblimon's army.
 * Goblimon: Ogremon's soldiers.
 * Pipismon: Argomon's air force.

Minor Villains
Here are the bad guys that the Digimon Data Squad fought.


 * Kokatorimon (1) The first enemy Marcus and Agumon encountered. Killed by GeoGreymon.


 * Kunemon / Flymon (2) Sunflowmon put up a good fight to Kunemon, but soon digivolved to Flymon knocked out Sunflowmon with his sleeping powder. Killed by GeoGreymon.


 * DemiMeramon / Meramon (3) Killed by Gaogamon. The last three DemiMeramon morphed into a huge Meramon, and was killed by GeoGreymon.


 * Drimogemon / Digmon (4, 5) Appeared in the real world and befriended two robbers who want to steal and collect money. He was easliy tracked down by Marcus, Thomas, Gaogamon, and GeoGreymon, but escaped to the Digital World. He was tracked down again, then Marcus, Agumon, Thomas and Gaomon rode on his back to lead him to a colloseum where Drimogemon can't escape, but just as they were ready to attack Drimogemon, he Digivolved to Digmon to fight Gaogamon and GeoGreymon, but was finally destroyed by the combined power, Flaming Tornado, by Gaogamon and GeoGreymon.


 * Tortomon (6) A Digimon that easily wiped out Agumon, but digivolved to GeoGreymon to kill Tortomon with his Mega Burst.


 * Elecmon / Garurumon (6) A mischevious Digimon who caused the electricity to go haywire. After he was tracked down, he Digivolved to Garurumon to defeat Sunflowmon and Gaogamon, but Marcus rode on him till they found a spot to battle. Killed by GeoGreymon.


 * Citramon (7) A Digimon who appeared in the amusement park to flood it. He was stopped and destroyed by Gaogamon, being blown up by his own fruit bombs. His last words were, "I'll be back and even juicer than before!" (Note: In the Japanese version, he was named BomberNanimon.)


 * Keramon / Kurisarimon (8) A Digimon who stole the power for music by a greedy singer named Neon. He Digivolved to Kurisarimon to fight and easily wiped out Gaogamon until he was destroyed by GeoGreymon.


 * Togemon (9) He fought with Gaomon, until he punched Togemon clean out of the ring. Togemon then grew large, but Gaogamon defeated him till the bitter end.


 * Soulmon (10) Played pranks on Marcus while he was invisible. Thomas told Marcus and Agumon that Soulmon is hijacking a ship. Marcus and Agumon identified him with visible dust and was revealed. Suddenly, he grew bigger and fought GeoGreymon, and was destroyed by the Mega Burst.


 * DemiDevimon (11) Vilemon's henchmen. Killed by GeoGreymon.


 * Vilemon (11) The leader of the DemiDevimon, who possesed Conner's father for greed to help him gamble money for his bakery and family. Killed by GeoGreymon, and Conner and his father became peaceful once again.


 * Biyomon / Aquilamon / Garudamon (12, 13) Was once a good friend to Kristy, until Marcus thinks he's an enemy. He sacrificed himself to protect Kristy, and was killed by Merukimon. Then Merukimon brought Biyomon back to life, this time to digivolve to Aquilamon to go to the real world to destroy it. After GeoGreymon hit him with his Mega Burst attack, he Digivolved to Garudamon and defeated GeoGreymon. Then Marcus gave GeoGreymon the power to Digivolve to RizeGreymon to destroy Garudamon. Later, he returned as the Biyomon that Kristy was friends with to be on the good side.


 * Yanmamon (14, 17, 18, 21, 23) The sidekick of Gotsumon. He carried Gotsumon to the Real World to find Keenan, but the DATS stopped him in time to rescue him. Suddenly, Yanmamon and Gotsumon were sucked away into the Digital Gate, along with the Boarmon and Pteramon. He made a final appearence in episode 23, never to be seen again, presumely destroyed.


 * MetalPhantomon (15) A grim reaper-like Digimon that put the Digidestined to sleep in eternal nightmares, until Thomas and Gaomon broke free and became MachGaogamon and freed the others to fight back. Killed by MachGaogamon.


 * Dokugumon (15) MetalPhantomon's henchmen. Destroyed by GeoGreymon and Sunflowmon.


 * Blossomon (16) A Digimon sent by Gotsumon to attack Marcus and co., trying to steal a vaccine from them, but was defeated by RizeGreymon.


 * Mammothmon (17) Another Digimon sent by Gotsumon to cause an avalanche that sent Gaomon, Lalamon, Yoshino, and Thomas into the abyss below. He then attacked Lalamon and Gaomon. He was killed by Lilamon.


 * Tsumemon (18) Fought the Digidestined Digimon, only to be destroyed easliy by them.


 * Okuwamon (19) Gotsumon's army to attack the group. One was killed by Lilamon. and the other one was killed by RizeGreymon.


 * Hagurumon (20) Appeared from the Digital World, and transformed himself into a giant robot. He can attack by morphing his arm into a drill to attack. Killed by RizeGreymon.


 * Boarmon (21) SaberLeomon's army lead by Gotsumon. Was sucked into the Digital Gate in the sky, never to be seen again.


 * Pteramon (21) Another of SaberLeomon's army lead by Gotsumon. Sucked into the Digital Gate in the sky, never to be seen again.


 * Zudomon (23) A Digimon summoned by Gotsumon to attack the group. He easliy wiped out Marcus and Agumon, but was destroyed by Lilamon and MachGaogamon.


 * ShineGreymon Ruin Mode (34, 35) When Marcus unleashed his anger on Thomas's betrayal, ShineGreymon digivolved into his Ruin Mode form, who went on a rampage until he was stopped by Marcus's Digivice, who self-destructed himself and reverted back into a Digi-Egg.

Movie: Ultimate Power! Activate Burst Mode
The movie is in fact a 22 minute story without any continuity to the series. Its plot revolves around Agumon, Gaomon and Lalamon, whose partners are put into an eternal sleep, along with the rest of the humans, because of a mysterious thorn that spread throughout the city. After saving Rhythm, a Digimon in the form of a little girl, they hear from her that the thorns are the work of a Perfect/Ultimate Digimon, named Argomon, and the four set out for the villain's castle to confront him.

Video Games
As it is part of a resurgence of the Digimon franchise, Digimon Data Squad has a number of related video games associated with it.


 * Digimon World DS: A game featuring several Digimon Savers characters, but does not focus on them. It can arguably be seen as a side-story to Digimon Savers. The game, released in America before the concept of Data Squad, uses the original Japanese names of the DATS team, who appear in certain quests.
 * Digimon World Data Squad: A game focusing on the primary characters of the series, and which presents an original story that apparently runs parallel to the anime. It involves the members of DATS coming into conflict with the Seven Great Demon Lords.
 * Digimon World: Dawn and Dusk: Sequel to Digimon World DS, a set of two games with slightly different stories. At the end of the game, the four main characters from Data Squad appear to battle the main character.

D.N.A.
An important concept in the series is the D.N.A. (which stands for Digimon Natural Ability; it is called Digi-Soul in the Japanese version), the main medium by which the humans in the series evolve their Digimon. Essentially, it is some kind of energy aura that allows a Digimon to grow stronger, and is tied into a human's emotions.

The D.N.A. usually manifests as a glowing aura around the user's hand, which is then channeled through the Digivice with the command of "D.N.A. Charge".

A stronger version is the so-called Full Charge, which erupts around the entire body. Overdrive is the term used to allows the Digimon to evolve into their Mega (Ultimate) form. When activating Burst Mode, the person will shout the command "Charge! Digi-Soul Burst!". In the US translation, however, the command is "Charge! D.N.A. Burst Mode!".

Digivice
The digivice is the primary tool used by any human with a Digimon partner. The primary Digivice used by the characters in the series is the Digivice iC. It is used for multiple purposes, the most important of which is the channeling of the human's D.N.A., which allows for the Digimon to digivolve (evolve). It can also "store" a partner inside of it, and released back in the world with the command of "realize." Different digivices are also used by the series' villains. Later on, the Digivice is upgraded into the Digivice Burst, which can channel the full power of the D.N.A. and activate Mega (Ultimate) digivolution. It also reportedly has another ability called the Air Signal, which can be used to activate Burst Mode or (this only involves Marcus) can be used to summon the GeoGreySword for ShineGreymon.

DATS (Digimon Data Squad/Digital Accident Tactics Squad)
DATS is an organization dedicated to keeping the peace between the human and Digital Worlds, by stopping any Digimon that appears in the real world, and returning it to the Digital World in the form of a Digi-Egg (digitama). DATS is apparently a worldwide organization, as Thomas was known to visit the European branch prior to episode three. It is unknown if there is an American branch, or one elsewhere, but the majority of Digimon activity occurs in Japan. The Japanese branch, at least, falls under the direct jurisdiction of Japan's Confidentiality Ministry.

Due to the manipulation of Akihiro Kurata, the core team of DATS operatives in Japan was dissolved, and the building that housed DATS was annihilated. In later episodes they operate secretly from underground after the core team of DATS come back together, though not officially. After the Partner Digimon (including Biyomon), Gotsumon and Marcus Damon returned to the Digital World, DATS is permanently dissolved. Five years later most of the members of DATS has moved on and have jobs at the local police station, while Tohma cures his sister's illness and wins a Nobel Peace Prize.

Digital World
The Digital World is the otherworldly realm, which as it is in other series, formed due to the growing worldwide digital network. Though we have only seen a part of it in the series, locations include a forest ruled over by Cherrymon, and the Infinity Ice Ridge, the ruling place of Merukimon. The Digital World is connected to the real world by way of Digital Gates, most of which open incidentally. For some reason, the barrier between both worlds is breaking down. Finally, as stated by Merukimon, an omnipresent god of the Digital World exists, known as Yggdrasil.

Changes and edits in the English dub

 * Most Japanese names are changed into more 'Western' styled names
 * "Digi-Soul Charge!" has been changed to "D.N.A. Charge!" (D.N.A. stands for Digimon Natural Ability)
 * Gaomon saying "Yes Master" has been changed to "Sir, yes sir!".
 * In episode 1, the scene where Agumon kicks Marcus at the groin was replaced with a comedic effect.
 * The dubbed version uses an "ultimate fighter" storyline to cover up the fact that Masaru was a street fighter. In the dub, Marcus just wants to be a fighting champion.
 * BomberNanimon was edited into "Citramon" which made him a giant orange-like Digimon that threw exploding fruit.
 * In "The Digi-Egg That Fell To Earth", there were two scenes where Falcomon throws his Ninja Blade attack at Marcus were cut out. And when Biyomon punched Marcus in the face, the blood from his nose was airbrushed out.
 * In some episodes, there were some punches that were hidden with a slash-impact comedic effect.
 * In some episodes, RizeGreymon's revolver aiming at the screen (as if he might shoot the audience) were cut out.
 * In episode 19, RizeGreymon pointing his revolver at Okuwamon as the scene zooms out was cut out.
 * In episode 24, various gun scenes were cut out, and Gizumon's lazer beam impaling Frigimon just left a black mark on her chest in the English dub.
 * In episode 25, Gizumon XT's beam impaling Merukimon were shorter, rather than coming out of the back of his body in the English dub.
 * In episode 34, four scenes are cut out:
 * Thomas punching Marcus in the face in slow motion.
 * Marcus's injured face.
 * Thomas punching Marcus in the stomach.
 * Marcus punching Thomas back in the face harder.
 * In episode 35, one scene was cut out:
 * ShineGreymon Ruin Mode swinging a kick at MirageGaogamon.
 * In "The Truth About BanchoLeomon", the previous scene where Frigimon died from episode 24 was cut out. That was because audiences already seen it two times already. And the black hole through Spencer Daimon's body BanchoLeomon punched was airbrushed out.
 * Various female character outfits were modified to avoid showing revealing outfits that would reference female cleavage including shortening Rosemon's evolution sequence to avoid referencing her breasts.

Cast (Japanese Version)

 * Taiten Kusunoki: Commander Rentarou Satsuma
 * Nanaho Katsuragi: Kudamon
 * Yukiko Hanioka: Officer Shirokawa
 * Ai Nagano: Officer Kurosaki
 * Mariko Kouda: Sayuri Daimon
 * Kokoro Kikuchi: Chika Daimon
 * Haruhi Terada: Piyomon
 * Yuuichi Nagashima: Hiroshi Yushima
 * Naozumi Takahashi: Kamemon
 * Hozumi Goda: Professor Suguru Daimon
 * Eiji Takemoto: BanchouLeomon
 * Kousei Hirota: Mercurimon
 * Ken Maeda: Gotsumon / Insekimon
 * Hitoshi Bifu: Saber Leomon
 * Masami Kikuchi: Akihiro Kurata / Belphemon Rage Mode
 * KENN: Kouki / BioThunderbirmon / BioDarkdramon
 * Ryoko Ono: Nanami / BioCoatlmon / BioLotusmon
 * Takanori Hoshino: Ivan / BioStegomon / BioSpinomon
 * Rica Fukami: Yggdrasil
 * Masako Nozawa: Dukemon
 * Hideyuki Tanaka: Omegamon
 * Hiroshi Kamiya: Craniummon
 * Kazunari Kojima: Dynasmon
 * Satoshi Tsuruoka: UlforceVeedramon, Chief Hashibana, Drimogemon (4-5). Mr. Hashiguchi (7)
 * Susumu Chiba: LoadKnightmon
 * Takehiro Murozono: Leopardmon
 * Tatsuhisa Suzuki: Magnamon
 * Rieko Yoshimoto: Takashi (2)
 * Akimasa Haraguchi: BomberNanimon (7)
 * Tomokazu Seki: Neon Hanamura (8)
 * Isshin Chiba: Hayase Tsubasa (9)
 * Masafumi Kimura: Jureimon (14)
 * Ken Yamaguchi: MetalPhantomon (15)
 * Gou Shinomiya: Dokugumon (15)
 * Tetsuharu Ohta: Blossomon (16)
 * Tomoko Ohtsuka: Yukidarumon (16)

Cast (English Version)

 * Brian Beacock - Agumon/GeoGreymon/RizeGreymon/ShineGreymon, Champ (9), Male Nurse (12), Agent #1 (20-21), Soldier #3 (24), Pilot (39)
 * Beau Billingslea - Leopardmon (43)
 * Adam Bitterman - Franz Norstein
 * Steven Blum - Falcomon/Peckmon/Crowmon/Ravemon, Cameraman (13), Nyokimon (14, 28), Doctor #2 (19), Bicyclist (21), Trooper #2 (23), Motimon (24, 47), Pabumon (24), Sepikmon (31), Tankmon (31), Pumpkinmon #2 (33), Franz's Agent #2 (33), Chopper Pilot #3 (36), Male Nurse (36), Poromon (43)
 * Susan Boyajian - Piximon (30, 32-34), Ninjamon #2 (31), Tanemon (32)
 * Dave Bushnell - LoadKnightmon (42)
 * Jonathan David Cook - King Drasil/King Drasil 7_D6 (46-47)
 * Christopher Darga - Ivan/BioStegomon/BioSupinomon
 * Mari Devon - King Drasil's Female Voice (48)
 * Henry Dittman - Craniamon, Bukamon (43)
 * Chris Edgerly - Dynasmon, Doctor #2 (42), Pilot (42)
 * Dorothy Elias-Fahn - Lalamon/Sunflowmon/Lilamon/Rosemon, Pedestrain (8), Mrs. Harris (9), Female Reporter (33), Pink Shirt Girl (39)
 * Richard Epcar - Merukimon, Doctor #4 (19), Okuwamon #3 (19)
 * Jonathan Fahn - Connor (Shitori's son) (11), DemiDevimon #2 (11)
 * Melissa Fahn - Kristy Damon
 * Tom Fahn - Boxer Hayase Harris (9), DemiDevimon #3 (11), Thug (11), Professor (11)
 * Brain Fairlee - Magnamon
 * Quinton Flynn - Marcus Damon, Dean (23), Deputymon #2 (24)
 * Crispin Freeman - Thomas H. Norstein, Photographer (8), Boom Operator (13), Male Anchorman (13)
 * Michael P. Greco - Komiya (4)
 * Kyle Hebert - Belphemon, Chopper Pilot #1 (36)
 * Kate Higgins - Officer Miki Kurosaki, Minnie Harris (9)
 * Neil Kaplan - Pumpkinmon #1 (30-34), Ninjamon #3 (31), Piximon (32), Franz's Agent #1 (33), Desk Man #1 (33)
 * R. Martin Klein - Hagurumon (20), Zudomon (23), Trooper #1 (23), Gomamon/Ikkakumon (24)
 * Steve Kramer - Rocky (9), Vilemon (11)
 * Lex Lang - Drimogemon/Digmon (4-5)
 * Michael Lindsay - Gotsumon/Meteormon, Agent #3 (21), TV Announcer (48)
 * Yuri Lowenthal - Pop Star Neon Hanamura (8)
 * Dave Mallow - Elecmon (6), Togemon (9, 26), Ring Announcer (9), Gekomon (24), Numemon (24), Otamamon (24, 43, 45), Agent #1 (27), Tokomon (43)
 * Mona Marshall - Young Thomas (15, 42), Frigimon (16, 24), Kuramon (16-18), Nurse #1 (42), King Drasil 2-9000WZ (47-48)
 * Michael McConnohie - Cherrymon (14, 28)
 * Mary Elizabeth McGlynn - Sarah Damon
 * Jeff Nimoy - Kamemon/Gwappamon/Shawjamon, Dr. Spencer Damon, Policeman (1), Kokatorimon (1), Slacker #2 (3), Waiter (7), DemiDevimon #1 (11), Danny (11), Horse Race Announcer (11), Mammothmon (17), Boarmon (21), Pteramon (21),Agent #2 (21), Jerry (23), Deputymon #3 (24, 31), News Anchor (26), Scientist (26), Eldradimon (30-33), Ninjamon #1 (30-33), Cerberusmon (30), Crow (34), Chopper Pilot #2 (36), Punimon (43), Nyaromon (43)
 * Joe Ochman - Kevin Crier, Deputymon #1 (24), Soldier #2 (24), UlforceVeedramon (46)
 * Colleen O'Shaughnessey - Yoshino "Yoshi" Fujieda, Nurse #2 (42)
 * Brian Palermo - Akihiro Kurata, Yasyamon (32)
 * Paul St. Peter - Keramon/Kurisarimon (8), Editor in Chief (8), MetalPhantomon (15), SaberLeomon (20-22, 24), Lynxmon (24)
 * Jamieson Price - Commander Sampson, Kensington (9), Centarumon (31)
 * Sam Riegel - Kudamon/Leppamon/Chirinmon/Kentaurosmon, Ferris Wheel Operator (7), Policeman (7), Pedestrian (8), Security Guard (8), Crew Man (13), Okuwamon #2 (19)
 * Michelle Ruff - Michelle Crier
 * Philece Sampler - Thomas' Mother, Nanami/BioQuetzalmon/BioDarkdramon
 * Stephanie Sheh - Officer Megumi Shirokawa, Anchorwoman (8), Female Reporter (13), Weather Girl (13), Little Girl (21), Girlfriend #1 (26), Yokomon (43, 45), YukimiBotamon (43)
 * Brad Sherwood - Gallantmon
 * Brianne Siddall - Keenan Crier
 * Susan Silo - Grandma Norstein (42)
 * Michael Sorich - Baronmon (30-33)
 * Peter Spellos - Meramon (3), Slacker #1 (3), Omnimon (46-48), Shamanmon (48), Arcade Owner (48)
 * Melodee Spevack - Yoshino's Mother (14, 17), Blossomon (16)
 * Skip Stellrecht - Gaomon/Gaogamon/MachGaogamon/MirageGaogamon, Doctor #3 (19)
 * Doug Stone - Director Hashima
 * Terrence Stone - Puwamon/Biyomon/Aquilamon/Garudamon, Doctor (12)
 * Kirk Thornton - Commander-General Homer Yushima, Butler, Slacker #3 (3), Virus Garurumon (6), Citramon (7), Teacher (7, 26), Soulmon (10), Guy with Chopsticks (10), Shitori (11), Soldier #1 (24), Agent #2 (27), Soldier (31, 33), Desk Man #2 (33), Doctor #1 (42), Co-Pilot (42)
 * Kari Wahlgren - Relena Norstein
 * Debi Mae West - Young Marcus (40-41, 46)
 * Travis Willingham - Boomer (6), Tortomon (6)
 * Wally Wingert - BanchoLeomon, Kunemon/Flymon (2), Policeman (2), Doctor #1 (19), Okuwamon #1 (19), Radio DJ (19), Soldier (30), Male Reporter (34), Co-Pilot (39), Anchorman (40)
 * Dave Wittenberg - Kouki/BioThunderbirdmon/BioDarkdramon, Mushroomon (28)
 * Dan Woren - DemiMeramon (3), Numemon (4), Okawa (4)

Staff (Japanese Version)

 * Original Concept: Akiyoshi Hongo
 * Serialization: V. Jump (Shueisha)
 * Series Director: Naoyuki Itou
 * CG Director: Kouichi Noguchi
 * Chief Animation Director: Akihiro Asanuma
 * Animation Directors: Akihiro Asanuma, Yoshitaka Yajima, Toshio Deguchi, Satoko Itou, Ken Ueno, Shigetaka Kiyoyama, Setsuko Nobuzane, Kinhiro Takeda, Sayo Aoi, Kumi Nakajou
 * Art Directors: Yoshito Watanabe, Tetsuhiro Shimizu, Ken Tokushige, Shigekata Toku
 * Chief Art Director: Yoshito Watanabe
 * Art Advance: Ochimu Honma
 * Character Design: Sayo Aoi
 * Color Key: Yasue Itasaka
 * Music: Keiichi Oku
 * Scenario/Script/Screenplay: Ryouta Yamaguchi, Michiko Yokote, Meihiko Inari, Akatsuki Yamatoya, Kenichi Yamada
 * Editing: Kouichi Katagiri
 * Series Composition: Ryota Yamaguchi
 * Episode directors: Naoyuki Itou, Toshinori Fukazawa, Kenyo Sasaki, Tooru Yamada, Yutaka Tsuchita, Morinama Hatano, Sachihiko Nakao, Tetsuo Imazawa, Hidehiko Kadota, Makoto Sonoda
 * Production Manager: Shousuke Okada
 * CG Producer: Takeshi Himi
 * Producers: Koji Kaneda (Fuji TV), Atsuya Takase (Fuji TV), Shin'ichi Ikeda (Yomiko Advertising, Inc.), Atsutoshi Umezawa, Hiroaki Shibata
 * Digital coloring: TAP, M.S.J. Bushuku Notoge Sakusho, Kagura, Studio Okyattsu
 * Online editing: TOVIC
 * Recoring studio: Tavac
 * Design cooperation: VIZ
 * CG production cooperation: Office Purion
 * Music cooperation: Index Music, Fuji Pacific Music Publication, Toei Animation Music Publication
 * Production Cooperation: Toei
 * Production: Fuji TV, Yomiko Advertising, Inc., Toei Animation Co., Ltd.

Staff (Movie, Japanese Version)

 * Original Concept: Akiyoshi Hongo
 * Director: Tatsuya Nagamine
 * Screenplay: Ryouta Yamaguchi
 * Original Character Design: Sayo Aoi
 * Character Design and Animation Director: Tadayoshi Yamamuro
 * Art Director: Yoshito Watanabe
 * Art Advance: Ochimu Honma
 * Color Key: Kunio Tsujita
 * CG Director: Terushige Watanabe
 * CG Producer: Takeshi Himi
 * Digital Photography Director: Tomokazu Shiratori
 * Music: Keiichi Oku
 * Recording: Nobuteru Ikegami
 * Editing: Shin'ichi Fukumitsu
 * Planning: Atsutoshi Umezawa, Hiroaki Shibata
 * Production: Hiroshi Takahashi(Toei Animation), Kazuhiro Tanaka(Bandai)
 * Animation Production: Toei Animation
 * Production: DSTM Production Committee (Toei Animation, Bandai)

Staff (English Version)

 * Director - Jeff Nimoy
 * Executive Producer - Jamie Simone
 * Composer (Theme) - Thorsten Laewe
 * Composers (Orchestral Music Score) - Thorsten Laewe, Udi Harpaz, Amotz Plessner, Adam Berry, John Van Tongeren, Michael Tavera
 * Sound Supervisor - Melinda Rediger
 * Sound Design - Johnnie Valentino
 * Supervising Sound Editors - Otis Van Osten, Johnnie Valentino
 * Sound Effect Mixer - Jason Brennan
 * Sound Re-Recording Mixers - Gary Alexander, Jason Brennan, Mark Ettel, Stephen Fitzmaurice
 * Foley - Jody Thomas

Japanese
'''Opening Theme #1: Gou-ing! Going! My Soul!!'''

Artist: Dynamite SHU

Songwriter: Tooru Hiruma

Composer: POM

Arranger: Cher Watanabe
 * (eps. 1-29)

Opening Theme #2: Hirari

Artist/Songwriter: Kouji Wada

Composer: IKUO

Arranger: SPM@
 * (eps. 30-48)

Ending Theme #1: One Star

Artist: Yousuke Itou

Songwriter: Tomoko Sakakibara

Composer: POM

Arranger: Hiroaki Oono
 * (eps. 1-24)

Ending Theme #2: Ryuusei (FALLING STAR)

Artist: MiyuMiyu

Songwriter/Composer: yukiko

Arranger: Kazunori Miyake
 * (eps. 25-47)

'''Ending Theme #3: Gou-ing! Going! My Soul!!'''

Artist: Dynamite SHU

Songwriter: Tooru Hiruma

Composer: POM

Arranger: Cher Watanabe
 * (eps. 48)

Insert Song: Believer

Artist: IKUO

Songwriter: Hiroshi Yamada

Composer/Arranger: Michihiko Ohta

English
Opening Theme: Never Surrender

Artist: Jason Joseph

Songwriter/Producer/Arranger: Thorsten Laewe