Futari wa Pretty Cure: A review looking back at the origins of the Pretty Cure series

"Futari wa Precure": The origins and appeal of the Precure series

"Futari wa Pretty Cure" is a TV anime series produced by Toei Animation that aired on TV Asahi from February 1, 2004 to January 30, 2005. This work is the first in the Pretty Cure series and is known to have had a major influence on subsequent series. Here, we will take a closer look at the appeal and characteristics of "Futari wa Pretty Cure" and its influence on subsequent series.

Story and Characters

The story of "Futari wa Pretty Cure" is about two junior high school students with different personalities and hobbies: Misumi Nagisa, an all-around athlete with a strong sense of justice, and Yukishiro Honoka, an excellent student with a natural airhead. They meet two mysterious creatures called Mepple and Mipple who come from the Garden of Light in another dimension, and transform into Pretty Cure to fight to protect the Earth from the evil Dotsuku Zone.

Misumi Nagisa (Cure Black) is a boyish girl who is a member of the girls' lacrosse club at Bellone Academy Junior High School. Although she is not good at studying, she has a strong sense of justice and is reckless. On the other hand, Yukishiro Honoka (Cure White) is a member of the science club and has excellent grades and appears to be a reliable person, but she also has an airheaded side. Their friendship and growth are at the heart of the story, which will move viewers.

Maple and Mipple are the hero and princess of the Garden of Light, and fight alongside Nagisa and Honoka as their partners. Their presence is an essential element in PreCure's transformations and battles. In addition, supporting characters such as the Stone Guardian, Akane Fujita, Rina Takashimizu, and Shiho Kubota also enrich the story and support PreCure's efforts.

Production staff and background

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "Futari wa Pretty Cure." Series composition was handled by Kawasaki Ryo, who has worked on many TV shows, and Nishio Daisuke, who directed the dynamic battles, served as series director. Character design was handled by Inagami Akira, whose designs bring out the charm of Pretty Cure.

Toei Animation, working with these spirited staff, aimed to create the ultimate entertainment and produced "Futari wa Pretty Cure." As the origin of the Pretty Cure series, this work had a major influence on subsequent series. In particular, the concept of two girls fighting together has been carried over to subsequent series.

Broadcast information and episodes

"Futari wa Pretty Cure" aired on TV Asahi every Sunday from 8:30 to 9:00 from February 1, 2004 to January 30, 2005. The 49-episode series provided viewers with plenty of excitement and laughter.

Each episode depicts not only the Pretty Cure's battles, but also Nagisa and Honoka's daily life, friendship, and growth. For example, episode 1, "We transform?! That's impossible!", depicts the scene where Nagisa and Honoka transform into Pretty Cure for the first time, and episode 24, "Battle! Pretty Cure vs. Ilkubo", depicts the Pretty Cure's fierce battle with Ilkubo. Also, episode 49, "Believe in the future! Believe in tomorrow! I won't let you say goodbye!!", depicts the Pretty Cure's final battle and their hope for the future afterwards, which moved viewers.

Music and theme song

The music for "Futari wa Pretty Cure" was written by Naoki Sato, and many of the theme songs and insert songs were also produced. The opening theme "DANZEN! Futari wa Pretty Cure" was sung by Mayumi Gojo and became popular as a song that symbolized the courage and friendship of Pretty Cure. The ending theme "Getchu! Love Love?!" was also sung by Mayumi Gojo and was loved by viewers.

There were many insert songs, such as "Heart to Heart" and "☆SHINING STAR☆," which depict the emotional growth and friendship of Nagisa and Honoka, and "Getchu! Love Love?! ~VERONE Chorus Version~." These songs captured the hearts of viewers by expressing the development of the story and the emotions of the characters.

Related works and subsequent developments

"Futari wa Pretty Cure" had a huge impact on the subsequent Pretty Cure series. A sequel, "Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart", was produced, and many movies were also produced. Movies depicting the exploits of Pretty Cure, such as "Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart" and "Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart 2 Yukizora no Tomodachi", were released and captivated many fans.

In addition, the PreCure All Stars series brought together all the Pretty Cures from the past and told various stories. Works depicting the friendship and bonds of the Pretty Cures, such as "PreCure All Stars GoGo Dream Live: A Super Short Story" and "PreCure All Stars DX: Everyone's Friends☆A Miracle Assembly of All!", were produced, enhancing the appeal of the entire series.

Evaluation and impact

"Futari wa Pretty Cure" is highly regarded as the origin of the Pretty Cure series and has had a major influence on subsequent series. In particular, the concept of two girls fighting together has been carried over to subsequent series and has become a symbol of Pretty Cure. In addition, the storyline depicting the growth of the characters and friendship has touched viewers and created many fans.

This work was loved by both children and adults alike, and established the popularity of the Pretty Cure series. Furthermore, many movies and related works depicting the exploits of Pretty Cure were produced, enhancing the appeal of the entire series. As the origin of the Pretty Cure series, "Futari wa Pretty Cure" is a work that has had a major influence on subsequent series, and its appeal will continue to be passed down for generations to come.

Recommendations and how to watch

"Futari wa Pretty Cure" is the origin of the Pretty Cure series and has had a major influence on subsequent series. In particular, the concept of two girls fighting together and the story depicting the growth and friendship of the characters move viewers. This work was loved by both children and adults alike, and established the popularity of the Pretty Cure series.

You can watch it on DVD or Blu-ray, or on a video streaming service. I especially recommend "Futari wa Precure" to fans of the Precure series and those watching Precure for the first time. I hope that through this work, you will be able to feel the charm of Precure and its influence on subsequent series.

Conclusion

"Futari wa Pretty Cure" is the origin of the Pretty Cure series and has had a major influence on subsequent series. The concept of two girls joining forces to fight, and the story depicting the growth of the characters and their friendship, moved viewers and created many fans. This work is loved by adults as well as children, and established the popularity of the Pretty Cure series. Please watch "Futari wa Pretty Cure" and experience its charm and influence.