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Steel Angel KurumiSteel Angel Kurumi (鋼鉄天使くるみ; Kôtetsu Tenshi Kurumi) is a manga and anime series following the adventures of its titular character. Directed by Naohito Takahashi, developed by O.L.M., and released by Pony Canyon, it has been translated and released in the U.S. by ADV. The Kurumi series as a whole consists of the first show Steel Angel Kurumi, four OVA episodes entitled Steel Angel Kurumi Encore, and a second show by the name of Steel Angel Kurumi 2. The anime is a blend of action and romantic comedy, however the show is often classified as ecchi due to the focus on fanservice and panty shots. The animation style features quick shifts between typical anime, dramatic still shots, and chibi anime. Each episode begins with an admonishment, unique from those of other episodes, from a character or characters advising viewers not to sit too close to the television and to watch in a well-lit room. The anime is set in an alternative history version of Japan during the 1920s prior to World War II. Steel Angel Kurumi The story follows a young boy (around 14-15) named Nakahito Kagura. He is pushed by a group of classmates to go into a house rumored to belong to a mad scientist, inside he sees what seems to be a life-like doll. At the same time the Japanese Army carries out an attack on the house. During the attack the "doll" falls over and Nakahito accidently kisses it, causing it to awaken. The doll turns out to be the Steel Angel Kurumi, who is being hunted by the military for mysterious reasons. The show is comprised of twenty six 15-minute episodes. While somewhat of an oddity for their length, the show ran the normal season of anime with 26 episodes. The project enjoyed a normal budget that allowed (at the time) normal production values, noticeable in the numerous shot changes during action sequences, frequent use of computer graphic-assisted effects, and elaborate backgrounds. Characters - Nakahito Kagura: The main male lead for the show, Nakahito unwittingly becomes the master of Steel Angel Kurumi when he accidentally awakens her with a kiss. Hesitant and unsure of himself, he teaches Kurumi as much as he can while slowly falling in love with the hyperactive girl. A mystic of the Onmyou tradition (see terminology note, below), he has no observable powers. Much to his chagrin, his older brother Kamihito boasts of the spiritual abilities. Although he has latent potential as evidenced by his awakening of Kurumi (see Mark II Heart, below), his numerous attempts at honing his direct abilities end in failure. Clearly caught between manhood and boyhood, Nakahito seems unsure of how to handle the relentless attention of Kurumi and his other numerous one-sided love interests. Towards the end of the series he devotes himself to his more-than-willing servant and attempts to rescue her, proving his love.
- Kurumi: A Steel Angel built by Dr. Ayanokoji and equipped with a Mark II Heart, she is awakened by Nakahito's kiss in the first episode and immediately becomes possessive of him while simultaneously pledging her love and service to him. The main female lead and an incredibly wild individual, she is overwhelmingly manic when it comes to Nakahito (whom she calls "Master"). While she loves to fight, a single order from her master restrains her zealous nature. Very protective of her master and her sisters, she will stop at nothing to ensure their safety. She is impossibly strong and rather handily defeats all of her opponents due to her Mark II Heart. Although she does her best to follow orders and help out the Kagura brothers, her clumsy and ditzy nature prove to be significant stumbling blocks. She is the oldest of the "Angel sisters" and assumes a fairly typical "older sister" attitude when speaking with them. Kurumi has pink hair and wears a blue maid's outfit with red trim. She sleeps in a loose yukata and generally works her way over to Nakahito's neighboring futon during the night. If he is not present, she makes due with a body pillow. She loves bathing, and generally does so with Saki since Nakahito usually declines.
- Saki: Another Steel Angel built by Dr. Ayanokouji, Saki was activated by Dr. Amagi with Dr. Brandow's help with the orders to destroy Kurumi and seize her Mark II Heart. Amagi and the General decide to use the largest of the seized Angel Hearts to give Saki as much power as possible. Saki and Kurumi fight, with the latter being defeated easily due to Nakahito's still-standing order to not fight. The victory is short-lived however, as Saki's improper activation causes her to collapse. Kurumi kisses Saki, and her Mark II Heart reenergizes Saki's Angel Heart. The action permanently activates Saki, and the master-servant relationship is reinstated, with Saki pledging her loyalty and love to Kurumi. Kurumi largely ingores this vow but the two mutually call each other "sister" from then on. Saki is very quiet, the antithesis of Kurumi, and is quite lady-like in comparison. She entertains wild fantasies about herself and Kurumi but never speaks about them or properly expresses her love. Saki wears a white maid's outfit with black trim, and sleeps in a yukata similar to Kurumi's. She enjoys taking baths, though mainly because it allows her to be naked with Kurumi. She likes Nakahito only because Kurumi does, and is largely indifferent to the rest of the cast.
- Karinka: the third Steel Angel built on the design by Dr Ayanakouji, she was activated by the Academy to destroy Kurumi. She later joins Nakahito and the group orignally to figure out Kurumis power but she eventually develops a crush on Nakahito.
- Kamihito, Nakahito's older brother, a well trained mystic, he runs the shrine that Nakahito lives in and was originally sought to be the mystic to awaken Kurumi.
- Dr. Ayanakouji: Is the scientist that has built the three Steel Angels. He came to the area where Nakahito lives to find a mystic to turn on Kurumi. He has connections with the mysterious Academy.
- Dr. Amagi: She is a scientist in her twenties who works with Doctor Ayanakouji in a military development project. She is first a protagonist of Nakahito and Kurumi but quickly joins their side. She is in love with Dr Ayanakouji.
- The General: The head of the Japanese Army. He is in charge of the research projects for military and he has a crush on Karinka.
- Dr. Walksi: The head of the Academy, the scientist who activates Karinka and rival to Dr. Ayanakouji
- Dr. Brandow: Walksi's aide who also does field work for the Academy.
- Koganei and Kichijoji the two Army spies sent by The General to watch over and covertly aid the Steel Angels. Koganei has a crush on Nakahito and Kichijoji has a crush on Dr. Amagi
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