“Digimon”: A Digital Monster Retrospective!

Digimon was a staple of childhood in the late 90s and early 2000s. An early crossover from Japan, action-packed, and full of lovable characters, it’s still winning over new fans today. But does it hold up with today’s audiences? What are our thoughts on the original show?

Join us on this special Digimon anime retrospective! Warning: A spoiler alert is in effect. Also, if a character was renamed for the English dub, we’ll include both the original and new names!

What are Digimon?

Digimon (or “Digital Monsters”) started as a virtual toy franchise created by WiZ and Bandai in 1997, directly competing with Tamagotchi. Similar to Pokémon, players trained their pets to fight with other players. It took off inside and outside Japan, selling 14 million units in the first five years alone. The original cute designs were later switched to tougher styles inspired by American comics.

Hatching from a Digitama/Digi-Egg, Digimon start at Baby I/Fresh and Baby II/In-Training, Evolve/Digivolve to Child/Rookie and Adult/Champion, and usually end at Perfect/Ultimate. However, some go up to Mega/Ultimate and higher. Wikimon lists over 1500 Species, 300 Types, and five main Attributes. Some have an unidentifiable Attribute or none at all. And that’s before we get to fusions and modes!

A Quick Look at the Digimon Anime Franchise!

Digimon Adventure’s (1999-2000) first episode aired the day after a short film of the same name appeared in theaters. Despite initial comparisons to Pokémon, it became popular in Japan and crossed over to North America in 1999, where it was dubbed and renamed Digimon: Digital Monsters. Eight shows followed, with a ninth one, Beatbreak, set for release in October 2025. There have also been two OVAs and 20 films, including the six-part Adventure tri.

Like other contemporary anime, Digital Monsters made several changes for localization purposes. New music was recorded, including the iconic “Digimon Theme” by Paul Gordon. Names were either shortened (Yamato to Matt, Hikari to Kari) or completely changed (Vamdemon to Myotismon, Laylamon to Lilithmon).

Finally, references to intense and suggestive content were removed. That’s why BomberNanimon appears as Citramon, Mervamon’s design is more modest, and instead of Apocalymon’s terrifying speech, you get a cheesy monologue involving pizza! 

What did I think of Digimon?

I watched Digimon Adventure (subbed) when I was older than most viewers. Initially skeptical, I ended up enjoying the anime. While I won’t return to it now, I think it would have been one of my favorite shows if I’d watched it as a kid. Here are my overall thoughts.

Not exactly a rip-off

While Digimon and Pokémon sound the same and some designs look similar (Agumon vaguely resembles Charmander), there are many differences. Digimon has more interesting and convoluted lines, with some Digivolutions making little to no sense. Also, several Adult and Perfect forms reminded me of Cardcaptor Sakura’s Clow Cards.

Not as formulaic

While some storylines in Adventure’s first half resolve in the same episode, there are more cliffhangers and plot twists within the second. And because we spend time with each Chosen Child/DigiDestined, scenes where they’re in danger or distress provoked a stronger reaction. (Yes, I sobbed during the finale.)

More well-rounded characters

Unlike Ash and his companions, Digimon’s heroes mature throughout the season. As an older sibling, I connected with Matt, Takeru/T.K.’s older brother, and Sora, the group’s mom. Plus, we get complex creatures like Tailmon/Gatomon and Beelzemon, who give up their villainous ways to become the heroes’ closest allies.

Surprisingly dark 

Despite the censorship, Adventure gets pretty grim. Its first villain is Darkmon/Devimon, after all. And of the second half’s many deaths, Pumpmon/Pumpkinmon and Gottsumon/Gotsumon’s deletions are still the most shocking. They paved the way for Jeri’s nightmares in Tamers and the Digimon massacre in Savers/Data Squad.

What were my favorite Digimon moments?

To close this blog, I want to share my favorite Adventure moments. Spoilers ahead. 

Defeating Bakemon 

As someone who likes horror, I found this face-off between Bakemon and Jyou/Joe, Sora, Gomamon, and Piyomon/Biyomon hilarious and a bit creepy. It’s one of the earliest memorable fights, with Joe taking charge and Sora reusing his plan when Bakemon appears in Odaiba. (Oh, and the subbed version is much funnier.)

Telling the parents 

When Myotismon enters the real world and targets the DigiDestined’s families, the seven have some serious explaining to do. These conversations lead to hilarious encounters, races against time, and emotional reunions. Plus, we can’t forget the epic fights between Bakemon, Mimi’s dad, and Sora’s mom!

Unlocking Angewomon 

While almost as cool as Angemon’s first appearance, Gatomon’s Digivolution into Angewomon is more emotional due to her close friend Wizarmon/Wizardmon’s devastating sacrifice. Seeing Angewomon fire her Holy/Celestial Arrow at Myotismon is so satisfying, even if he doesn’t stay dead for long.

T.K. grows up 

When this DigiDestined gets kidnapped by Pinocchimon/Puppetmon, everyone is worried, especially Matt. At first, T.K. runs and hides, but then he realizes the best way to escape is by not showing his fear. While proving how much T.K. has matured, this moment escalates Matt’s inner turmoil and temporary separation from the other DigiDestined.

Would you watch Digimon again?

Digimon remains a beloved franchise over 25 years after its debut. The creative designs, insane action, multi-dimensional cast, and darker themes set it apart from kids’ anime then and now. And while I wouldn’t rewatch this show, I’d recommend it to anime buffs of all ages. Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the series, there’s something for everyone to love. Did you watch Digimon growing up? Share your favorite moments in the comments.