“Digimon” New Series “DIGIMON BEATBREAK”: Is it Okay Even if You Don’t Know Digimon History!? Geckomon is Too Cute! Drawn into the Dark Worldview ♪

The new anime in the *Digimon* series, `DIGIMON BEATBREAK`, is interesting precisely because it’s different from previous series! In fact, the story is easy for even those who have never encountered the series before to get into.

This autumn, a brand new TV anime in the *Digimon* series, `DIGIMON BEATBREAK`, made its debut, marking the first new installment in approximately two years since the previous series, `Digimon Ghost Game`. The story is set in a world where “e-pulse,” generated from human thoughts and emotions, is utilized as an energy source for AI support devices called “Sapotama.” While this technology has led to remarkable advancements, it also gives rise to terrifying monsters known as “Digimon,” which consume e-pulse and evolve into dangerous forms.

The *Digimon* series originated from `Digital Monster`, a portable LCD-based monster-raising game released in 1997. Despite being a handheld game, it gained immense popularity among children for its innovative elements, allowing players not only to raise monsters but also to enjoy battles with their friends’ monsters.

Based on this game, the anime franchise began with `Digimon Adventure` in 1999, leading to a total of nine TV series and thirteen films, garnering support from a wide range of generations.

With such a long history, some people might hesitate to dive into the latest installment, thinking, “I haven’t seen it,” or “I only know the early works.” This writer was one of them, having only watched `Digimon Adventure` through `Digimon Frontier` during their youth. As an adult, I did watch the theatrical films that connected to the aforementioned stories, but the latest work unfolds in a completely original world. I thought, “Perhaps the time has come for me to move on from *Digimon*,” but…

Watching `DIGIMON BEATBREAK` in actuality, I found it fascinating precisely *because* it’s different from previous series! In fact, it’s structured in a way that makes it easy for even newcomers to the series to get into.

A Dark and Serious Worldview That Sets It Apart from Previous *Digimon*?

As explained at the beginning, this work features a futuristic setting where human thoughts and emotions are utilized as energy called “e-pulse.” This energy powers AI support devices known as “Sapotama,” but the appearance of “Digimon” who absorb this e-pulse and run wild poses a grave threat.

Our protagonist, Tenma Tomorou, encounters Geckomon, born from a Sapotama. This meeting propels him to confront the Digimon menace alongside the bounty hunter team “Glowing Dawn.”

『DIGIMON BEATBREAK』Main PV cut

While previous series also featured futuristic settings, often unfolding in the “Digital World,” a virtual realm existing on computer networks, this new work feels like it adds a greater sense of gravity (or perhaps a dystopian feel?) to that premise.

For instance, the story depicts how AI is integrated with individuals’ health and mental states through e-pulse, leading to an increasing disparity in society.

Such a dark and serious *Digimon* theme might be unprecedented. At the very least, it certainly challenged this writer’s long-held impressions of the *Digimon* franchise.

The Protagonist’s Partner Digimon is Too Cute!

The character designs are also brimming with originality. Key among them are, of course, the protagonist Tenma Tomorou and his partner, Geckomon.

From the very first episode, Geckomon treats Tomorou as food, establishing a “predator” and “prey” relationship that is entirely new to the series. It makes one truly wonder what kind of bond these two will forge going forward.

While the Digimon in this world are generally portrayed as objects of terror, Geckomon is incredibly cute! With its big, round eyes and expressive face, its energetic movements are utterly endearing and will make your heart flutter.

Episode 1 “Emotions’ Beat” scene cut

Furthermore, the members of the “Glowing Dawn” team, the Digimon-related bounty hunters whom Tomorou becomes involved with, are all richly unique characters. Notably, the leader, Sawashiro Kyou, exudes a gentle aura, yet possesses a strength so formidable that most criminals would cower and flee just by hearing his name. His partner Digimon, Murasamemon, also boasts overwhelming power, making their combat scenes particularly worth watching.

Up to this point, I’ve highlighted the unique charms of this new series, but of course, it also includes common elements that scream “This is *Digimon*!” And that, of course, is the “evolution scene”! The evolution sequences are still cool and thrilling to watch. Even without prior knowledge of the series, these scenes are a must-see for the pure excitement they generate.

With elements sure to delight long-time fans as well as those new to the *Digimon* universe, `DIGIMON BEATBREAK` is packed with enjoyment. Why not give it a watch?

<Work Details>

TV Anime『DIGIMON BEATBREAK』

Broadcast Information

Airing Sundays at 9:00 AM on Fuji TV and other networks.
*Broadcast times and days may vary by region.

Streaming Information

Catch-up streaming begins immediately after terrestrial broadcast, every Sunday at 9:30 AM.

• TVer/FOD

Sequentially available for unlimited viewing every Wednesday from 0:00 AM.

• Unlimited Streaming: FOD Premium/Prime Video/U-NEXT/d-anime/Hulu/DMM TV/ABEMA/TELASA/Toei Animation Channel, etc.
• Rental Streaming: Bandai Channel/Lemino/HAPPY! Douga/VIDEX/Prime Video, etc.

*Streaming start dates are subject to change without notice. Please check the information on each streaming service for details.

STAFF

CAST

(C) Hongo Akiyo shi • Fuji TV • Toei Animation

Kaori Yoneda