āThe Moon has kissed you.ā: An analysis into the relationship of Renamon and Impmon from Digimon Tamers, why it possibly has sound basis in the canon, and why they could possibly be one the most layered relationships in all of the Digimon franchise. [PART 1]
PART 2 HERE
PART 3 HERE
Well, this project sounds ambitious, but Iām ready for it!
Iāve been a fan of Digimon for years, since I was small, if Iām allowed to speak with honesty, Iāve done it all. Seen the fandom, seen the ships, all good and well. However one couple has always intrigued me, and yet Iāve felt the fandom has either not appreciated them well enough or mischaracterized them. Iāve always been intrigued about their relationship, and I feel they have a little more in common than what sees the eye at first. I saw there wasnāt much written about them out there in the internet, but Iāve been part of the fandom, noticed our passion, and thought āwhy not? This pairing is ripe for a good analysisā.
So thatās the project: An essay series about the characters of Renamon and Impmon from Digimon Tamers, their relationship, and why I think they have the potential to possibly be one of the most iconic couples in the series. (Yes those are some big bold statements right there, and Iāve got the receipts for them)
Before we start, a disclaimer to make my points get across and for you all have more context where Iām coming from with this analysis: Iām only familiar with Digimon till Frontier, I havenāt watched later seasons (besides Tri and Kizuna, but again, that wonāt add to my analysis), but Iām only taking the Tamers season canon into account, since the writing staff and production can vary so much from season to season (and it can even vary with movies; see the Taiora mixup between Hosoda and Kakudou from Our War Game). I know about the popular couples (Taiora, Takari) in the fandom and so, but I wonāt comment on them save for a small preface as to how I see that romance is portrayed in the Digimon franchise. I wonāt compare RenaImp to other couples in the series; but I will compare them to common imagery for couples in other media, since their relationship is quite unique in the world of the Digimon franchise. Iām basing my analysis and interpretation off the original Japanese dub, since the form of dialogue can also add a lot to characterization that can get lost in translation. Iām not Japanese, tho, and watched the series with subtitles so forgive me if some points of information or analysis Iāve got are incorrect. While Iām taking into consideration Konakaās online notes and some trivia Iāve read of the series, Iāll mostly add to my analysis what is presented in the finished product, because production and initial thoughts can vary a lot when creating a piece of media. Lastly, Iām only taken for hints in the original series, since hints in further media might discourage or contradict what is played out in the original series, since outside influences or new writing teams might sway the writing into another direction. Also, when I mention the main characters / mons, Iāll mainly speak of the main 3, their Mons, Culumon, and Impmon; since they have the most parallels and character development in common for the analysis to work. And while Iāll mention some bits of analysis about some other characters here and there (Ruki, Juri, Guilmon, Ai and Makoto etc), since their storylines are so interconnected, Iāll mainly focus on Renamon and Impmon, or how the other characters parallel them, cause otherwise Iāll write a whole bible I feel.
Also, Iāll be using their Japanese terms/names, to further avoid confusion.
Also, my favorite seasons are Adventure / Tamers (like most basics lol), and my favorite characters are Renamon, Impmon (naturally), Jyou, Koushiro, Ken, Daisuke, Sora, Takato, Jen, Gomamon, Guilmon, Terriermon and Tailmon. While I find some other ships cute, RenaImp is the one Iām fully and totally dedicated to.
With all that said, on with the show!
Ā· Ā Ā Ā Basic ideas about the two of them / Introduction
So if youāre reading about this meta I assume youāre familiar with Digimon Tamers (and if notā¦then darling this meta aināt for you hehe), the third season of the Digimon franchise thatās beloved by the community at large for taking bold chances by experimenting with the writing. Characters dying, an introspection into trauma and family issues, the conception of the Digimon, can artificiality grow a human conscience, yes yes. We all know the show, we all praised the show, weāve all done metas about the show. On with our main players, whom I feel have a lot of untapped potential to write meta about.
Renamon and Impmon are Digital Monsters that are part of the main cast of Digimon Tamers. They are distinguished from the rest by being the two Digimon that go through character development the most this season, something unusual by the standards of the franchise, where the character development is usually reserved for the human characters. While all the main Digimon are given a personality, only Renamon and Impmon are given arcs; so to say, to give them conflict and showcase them to display a complex world and a complex viewpoint of their relationships and of the world.
Renamon is the partner Digimon to Ruki, the only girl of the main cast (Juriās importance comes along much later). Reading behind the scenes, the writers were asked by the producers to design a different type of female character, since sales pointed out that the āgirlierā previous female leads of Digimon didnāt sell so well (I know, itās not good, but thatās how it went, and I cannot ignore history), so the writers attempted to change the model in a way that would seem more appealing to āstereotypicalā boys watching the series. Ruki was based on Trinity from the Matrix, and given a more assertive and cold personality as well, to contrast against the motherly Sora or the perky Mimi of Adventure fame. Similarly, Renamon is also contrasted greatly against the other female-coded Digimon. Whereas most female Digimon beforehand were written to be very affectionate and feminine-coded, Renamon is much more aloof andā¦agender, so to say (Konaka wrote that idea in his character notes, and she notes it in dialogue as well in the series- Still, the characters use she/her pronouns in the show to refer to her, so Iāll do that here to make the writing easier). At first glance you wouldnāt tell her gender, unlike the previous Digimon, who were written with certain characteristics that would make it easier for audiences to know/assume their intended gender: the very pink Piyomon or Palmon, who carries a flower in her head (flowers often associated with femininity).
Renamon at first is presented as this great warrior, cold and intimidating, utterly devoted to fighting and nothing else. Follows Rukiās commands without hesitation, even despite the fact that initially, both of them form their comradery based on purely selfish interests. Add to the fact that she barely talks, and sheās rather bizarre when compared to almost all other main partner Digimon weāre used to; who are much chipper, friendlier and cuter. For first-time audiences, she seems rather scary.
However she is not just a destructive killer machine; sheās shown she cares, even before developing into a softer figure. In the third episode, before attacking Guilmon, she hesitates once Takato gets near the newborn creature. If she was just wild and bloodthirsty she wouldnāt hesitate about collateral victims. Just at the end of the episode, she does the same once Terriermon interrupts the fight with Guilmon, urging for him to get out of the way.
While cold and stoic; itās shown even at the beginning that Renamon has a soft, empathetic side, even if it doesnāt show at first. For one, sheās fiercely devoted to Ruki from the start, even when their relationship is far from ideal. Once Ruki accepts to see her as an equal, she starts blooming into more of the ābig sisterā role in the group: the cool, mature one to Terriermonās jokester and Guilmonās newborn. Even so, she still manages to often be by herself most of the time, not fully ever integrating herself properly into the group. When you finish watching the show, you get the sense that Renamon, aside from fighting, is rather an introverted figure, to the point that even making friendships seems a little hard for her. The narrative implies sheās programmed to have a āservantā-like role originally with Ruki, and even though they mended their bond, there are still parts where it feels like she doesnāt feel an equal to her partner- see in the final episodes, how she eats by herself while Guilmon and Terriermon happily bond over food with the Tamersā parents.
Incidentally, a lot of her more empathetic moments are displayed when she shows concerns over Impmonās wellbeing, and manages to listen to his advice, more often than not. Aside from Ruki, heās the one character she shows the most concern over the course of the series. She gets along fine with Guilmon and Terriermon, eventually, but there isnāt this level of awkward intrigue and fascination like the script implies with Impmon.
Amidst the formidable warrior lies a caring soul, hence why she evolves into Sakuyamon, a Digimon that focuses more on Defense than Attack. Some people think itās a character regression for Ruki; but seeing how Renamon was also developed in this arc, I think her evolution further showcases her character as well. The elegance and grace and caring nature she always withheld has finally evolved into a comfortable goddess role, where she can defeat the monsters and defend her beloveds as much as her heart desires. Itās a very nice contrast, when she initially started the show in a āsubservientā role, to end up basically embodying a Queen/Goddess (Perhaps a subtle nod that her Tamer is the āDigimon Queenāā¦Heh). Hard and soft power in the same hand; for a queen must know when to fight, and when to care for her people. She cares, she always cared, even if she might struggle to show it at first. That does not mean she must lose her agency, or anything of the like. She still participates in the many battles and defeats the villains alongside her friends.
Now, on to Impmon.
Impmon, Impmon, Impmon. The rogue Digimon. The wild card. The prankster turned hero turned reborn hero. Definitely the break-out star of the series, and the riskiest character as well in my opinion. A Digimon without a tamer, with his own character development? A Digimon that turns basically into one of the main villains at one point in the series? A lot of the seriesā success depended on if Impmon ended up being an engaging character for audiences, because otherwise I feel he wouldāve come off as too bratty or monstrous for us to root for. Remember, he has his own arc, he doesnāt depend on Ai and Makoto for his character to work. Heās not an āaccessoryā Digimon, so to say. Audiences wouldnāt have cared too much for him if there wasnāt a human partner for him to bounce off from. For the writing to depend entirely on his shoulders, without relying too much on his partners (they appear pretty much only 3-4 times in the whole series), the writers had to be confident in the character they were writing, knew he had to be engaging on his own. And it worked! How?
Well Impmon goes through an archetypical redemption arc, where heās conscious of the decisions he makes and tries to make amends for it. But heās not cruel, or viscous; unlike a lot of typical villains. The best way to explain Impmonās character arc is seeing it through the eyes of a child learning what true power and responsibility is like, and turning into a man due to it. Heās more selfish and irresponsible than a true villain, which is what makes him stand out against another villain in a similar situation to him. Itās interesting to point out in Tamers that outside of the D-Reaper, none of the villains are evil for evilās sake; theyāre acting for their own preservation and self-benefit. Selfish, yes, but itās understandable, and the Tamers get to understand Yamakiās and the Devaās position once they start openly talking with them.
In episode 8, we have a microcosm of one of Impmonās main flaw: he can bite more than he can chew. He doesnāt understand that power needs responsibility to work well; otherwise itās a hose without control. Heās proud and doesnāt admit neither his flaws, nor his true strengths. He picks and teases Devidramon until the Digimon is freed upon the city and unleashes chaos. Itās like a micro of what his actions as Beelzebumon basically amount to in episode 34 onwards. Same thing in episode 19, as well, where not wanting to accept an unfavorable aspect of himself (his weakness) almost has him die by Indiramonās hand. Only that when he teased Devidramon he ran away, and Indiramon as well. Part of his development is well, accepting his strengths and limits, and working from that point on. Instead of running away or hiding behind pride, he finally accepts how things are, how he is, and works from the ground up. Thatās part of his development, accepting what true power is, like an adult would, and using it responsibly.
Of course, tho, one thing to note is that he envies power, he craves power, he admires power. That was his goal at the start, his initial āwantsā. Hence why he awed at Devidramon plummeting Guilmon in episode 8, and initially why he was drawn to Renamon first, I believe - she was at the start of the show the most powerful of the main Digimon; no wonder he felt an initial admiration towards her. But itās a very shallow reading of power- the way a child would admire power, basically. Less about using it to help others and more for the self-benefit. Part of his arc is trying to understand what the true power is and where it lies on (he shares this arc with Renamon, basically; whereas she amended her relationship with Ruki, he got worse to the point that he almost lost himself to the Devil-figure of the show).
So, we know get a good idea of our two characters. Letās see what their hidden meaning is.
Ā· Ā Ā Ā Preface: Love in the Digimon franchise
This entry will be short, but Iāll try to explain about how love and romance are often portrayed in the Digimon franchise for us to get a better understanding of how the possible development between Renamon and Impmon could work. I know in the Disclaimer I said I wouldnāt touch upon this, but itās important to keep in mind to understand the analysis.
(Iām also basing this on the amazing Sorato analysis @jippy-kandiā does. Seriously, go check them out, their stuff is great)
Usually, in childrenās anime, unless the genre is a romance or the show is explicit in its context, the couples usually portrayed in it will have hints, symbolism and elements of foreshadowing, rather than the typical Westernized form of āopen interactions and developmentā. Of course, some anime couples do, as well, but often times, if the romance isnāt a strong focus of the series, itāll just have little hints and that would be enough to leave viewers pondering.
Case in point? The āmainā Digimon couples, in Adventure and 02, follow this structure. Sure, we have many scenes of the couples interacting, but most of their development comes from imagery, hints, symbolism, pictures where theyāre standing, etc.
Look at Yamato and Sora, for example. True, they do not share many scenes together, but you look at imagery surrounding them, and you see a connected pattern. Takeru considers Sora āfamilyā; after Jyou, theyāre the most caring towards the group, taking on a parental role towards the others; both tend to care for the others to the extent that they end up ignoring their personal needs; and in real life, often the feelings of Love and Friendship are interconnected.
Then, thereās Takeru and Hikari, who are not canon but they are hotly debated about to this day, and even if so, I do find their parallels noteworthy. They are connected not only due to shared interactions, but because of the imagery that surrounds them; their Digimon are the only Holy Beasts of the groups, Hope and Light are often associated in religious texts, Pegasus and Sphinxes are mythological creatures that originated from the same culture (Greek; though Sphinxes also have Egyptian roots), In their 02 outfits they both share yellow in their designsā¦
We see this as well with Takato and Juri, who are explicitly stated to have a crush on one another. Juri is the first of Takatoās friends who accepts Guilmon as he is and adores him (ea, accepting Takatoās true self), they share a Psychic Link, a Mental Connection, which in the Tamers universe, itās only seen to exist between a Digimon and their Tamers (and later on, with another example); and later on as the story develops Takato plays the role of Gallant Knight to Juriās Princess in the Tower-inspired arc.
Thereās even a lot of suggestive imagery with other couples who are not as canon. Take Koushiro and Mimi, for instance. Before Digimon Adventure Tri, not many thought to link them together (yet they were very popular in Japanese fanzones), but the imagery of bugs and flowers is strong with them. Even Tailmon, who had little time with Wizarmon, manages to have a symbolic image associated with him; as she mourns the anniversary of his death, in 02, we see her carrying a bouquet of red roses while sheās tearfully remembering him. Red roses are often associated with love, so add to that plus her grieving = she mourns the loss of her best friend / possible first love. (This is rather incidental, but the imagery is quite strong. Plus the association Tailmon and Wizarmon have with wizards and their cat familiars was certainly done on purpose, I thinkā¦)
And well, then we see little things like characters holding on to each other and posters and the like. Itās small, but it says a lot.
So, how does this work with Renamon and Impmon? Easy. If the other characters had limited scenes but a lot of imagery, symbolism and foreshadowing, and that eventually lead to them turning into a couple/having romantic imagery, it could be easily applied to Renamon and Impmonās relationship as well, since they also carry a lot of interactions with a lot of imagery on the side.
Ā· Ā Ā Ā Interactions
Here is where we point out both the scenes they share together and what they could mean on a larger scale.
I think itās fascinating to point out that early on, the Renamon focused episodes also tended to feature Impmon prominently as well. Itās something thatās more prominent in the first twelve episodes, but itās still noticeable that in each Renamon-focused episode of the first arc, Impmon also had a prominent scene in it. Of course, he did appear in other episodes with the other Digimon, but it is interesting how he serves as a sort of āguideā for Renamon early on, where sheās doubting of her strength and her relationship with Ruki.
Their first scene where they meet is in Impmonās introductory episode, episode 6, which is also the first Renamon-focused episode. What is interesting to note is that while Impmon appears early on in the episode, to the first Digimon he introduces himself to properly is to Renamon, precisely. And instead of being teasing or cruel towards her, like heād be with Terriermon or Guilmon; at first he seems to try to attempt to start a conversation with her. Itās almost unlike himā¦At first. But you start to see what heās trying to do here- heās attempting to make her understand his world-view; the narrative later on suggests that just recently he ran away from Ai and Makoto, so heās probably experiencing first time relief in a long while, and he doesnāt want to get rid of this sensation. So he sees her, doubting, and would try to reason with her about why he made the best choice. In a way, itās misguided compassion, but itās not outright malice at first. He sees her in in similar doubts and pain, and was probably counseling based on what he thought was the best choice.
At the end of the episode itās also implied he was witness to her evolution into Kyuubimon, which, while he sees with initial sneer, it can be read as disappointment that she followed Ruki instead of his advice. Maybe also a little hidden envy, since she achieved evolution before he did? Who knows.
Next time, in episode 10, they meet in a Shinto temple (foreshadowing to Sakuyamon, I might add), and he seems excited to meet her at first. But then it turns into nothing once Impmon starts urging Renamon to fight with Terriermon. It leads to nothing, of course, except for Impmon to think to get a reaction out of Terriermon, but it does suggest that he looks forward to seeing her again.
Again, their next scene together is in a Renamon focus episode, ep. 12, again; where weāre also subject to Impmonās past for the first time. Sheās absolutely curious about his point of view regarding evolution and strength, since, again, sheās at odds with Ruki. And while weāre witness to his past, she isnāt, since itās shown in a flashback, but I think sheās perceptive enough to have linked his shuddering with the crying children in the window below. Still, she follows him, not to judge or criticize, but to further gets answers; Impmon seems the most knowledgeable about the subject matter, so maybe he can give her answers.
A subtle one occurs in the episode where the Snake deva attacks in the subway (ep. 15). Beforehand, Renamon finds Impmon staring with jealousy at Guilmon playing with the kids in the park, and although he shows disdain, Renamon carefully points out that he seems too āheavily involvedā to just despise them. He got mad, of course, but thatās typical of him, he tries too hard to deny and his true feelings, of how jealous and envious he is of the other Digimon just getting along with the kids so wellā¦But at this moment heās too proud to ever admit he probably committed a mistake by running, or even admit help from the other Digimon.
And of course, I must remember that this episode, a hint was shown coming from him (often itās Renamon who displays a lot of their most affectionate actions); when Kyuubimon and Galgomon are beaten hard by the Deva in the subway, Impmon notices and immediately goes to alert Takato and Guilmon, who were completely unaware by having fun in the park. He might try to act like he doesnāt care or is too cool, but again, if he was truly wicked or cruel he wouldnāt have gone out of his way to alert the others to come save the day, I think. Actions speak louder than words.
Of course a big source of their interactions comes in ep. 19, where itās the first time Impmon gets a fully character-focused episode. In it we see him endangering himself in front of Indramon and later on with the police, and itās up to Renamon to save him (this is a recurring pattern; sheās always saving him when he does something reckless or stupid); in it Renamon gets the closest of all the characters to understand his psyche properly, to get thereās more to him than just the pathetic Imp harassing the playground. That yes, all the prankster bully persona is an act, and heās very vulnerable and pitiful without a partner and without the means to evolve. Yet even as she knows itās desperate to fight Indramon, he pleads her to let him fight; without any scorn or mockery in his voice. Renamon, unused to that side, respected his wishes that time, even if she knew it was suicidal. Yet it still that at this episode, Renamon has gotten to understand Impmonās character much much more than the rest of the cast, and like I stated before; sheās an observant person; I reckon she probably already how initially she felt hunting for data with Ruki and can see parallels with Impmon- heās obsessed with power but due to his circumstances heās pathetically weak. I think she sees a side of herself in him, hence why she wants to help him so much.
Later on, in episode 20, amidst the chaos of the Deva, the kids also try to look around for Impmon. Even Renamon searches for him on her own in the abandoned place she took him in ep. 19; itās a small scene but it says leagues about them, that she can find him and connect with him without getting the rest of the kids into their dilemma. Shows sheās mature enough to understand he would prefer having his own space, too.
After their incursion in the Digital World they donāt have many prominent scenes together for a long whileā¦Until they meet again in ep. 30. This is important, since while they do not interact for a while, their characters follow similar scenes and patterns later on (and Iāll discuss this later on).
And I do love how in ep. 30, their scenes are followed by one another. Just after a Renamon scene ends, Beelzebumonās first true scene is immediately showcased. And fascinatingly, in the same episode where itās established Cyberdramon has need for fighting and gaining power to control, itās also the episode where we have a first display of Beelzebumonās power, completely unleashed and unrestrained. Yes, heās happier than heās ever been, but we know that power comes with red strings.
Aaand and andā¦KyuubimonĀ is the one that recognizes Beelzebumon, not the others. She doesnāt even need to be lead on by a witty remark, she senses his presence enough (either that, or the bandana was a clue), but again, this is recalled later on, where two times later, she can hear him or notice him when nobody else can.
Later on, here comes the big one; ep. 34. Impmon has absolutely fully engulfed himself into his power and completely believed the Devasā crap about killing the children, so he goes as planned. Itās fascinating because heās not even acting out like how when he previously killed other Digimon, in a careless manner, again, similar to a child playing with a dangerous objetc. Heās clearly seething and throwing his bile at the Tamers here, all the hurt, all the resentment, the feeling of ābetrayalā since he never properly bonded with them (they tried to be friendly but heeeā¦uuhā¦heās also not good at making friends) and how he felt humiliated after Indramon beat him (but again, he forgets that the others were ready to save him, too). And of course, itās interesting to point out how heās insisting on killing Kyuubimon first, once the whole gang is reunited. He beats the crap out of Rapidmon and Growlmon when they jump at him, but he even points out heāll āguard them for laterā. No, itās KyuubimonĀ whom heās interested in killing first, even though sheās injured and unwilling at the moment to fight back. And frankly, even Kyuubimon is willing to talk first, even when Rapidmon and Growlmon have already given up. She pleads for him, in all dubs, to open his eyes, even while sheās bleeding on the floor. Why is this? Maybe he felt if he killed her first itād be easier, since he would never kill her if she was kept for last, or maybe just his conscience just asking him to retain a little bit- remember, heās at his Ultimate/Mega level, and a very powerful form at that; and he could easily kill all of them without pause. However, the fact that Growlmon and Kyuubimon keep him at bay a little while makes me think that heās still subconsciously holding back (babe, no, youāve started caring, no, babe, leave your friends alone, hahahahā¦)
Itās only in the next episode, ep. 35, after heās killed Leomon that Kyuubimon accepts, resigned, admitting that heās turned into a demon. It kinda really shows that she still held back, still believed in his inherent, internal goodness and potential (and as I mentioned in ep. 15, he had it there), but after how brutal he murdered Leomon and beat the others, she has come to accept that her odd friend has basically turned into the monster they must defeat. (The show LOOOVes the whole āgive in to the monsterā narrative so Iāll talk about it later)
And episode 40! Once again, itās Renamon who notes Beelzebumonās in distress, she hears his cry from afar, and sheās the one willing to give him a chance once again, even after all the horrible things heās done, when the rest of the gang has given up on him. And theyāre running out of time, they know it, if they miss the Arc they canāt go back home, and anyone less forgiving would be in favor of leaving him behind (Hirokazu even points out to Ruki how itās crazy to bring him āafter all theĀ evil heās doneā)ā¦But she canāt. Again, her gentle nature resurfaces. And considering this is the episode after Renamon evolved into Sakuyamon, I think the Mega is starting to influence her. (āA good Queen puts her people firstā).Ā
Alsoā¦Ruki and Renamon find Impmon, abandoned and worn in the desertā¦itās the first time he calls her by her name instead of a demeaning nickname or āyouāā¦And this is IN ALL THE DUBS. Japanese, German, Engl, Both Spanish, etc etc etc. And Renamon always always always, no matter the dub, sounds very concerned when she reaches for him and asks him if he can stand. Thereās only 3 times she ever sounds super worried throughout the whole series, and two times concerned Impmon/Beelzebumonās being. She was worried, yāall.
I just noticed how the pattern kinda breaks mid show but then forms a new pattern; while in the first Renamon focused episodes impmon played a prominent part, once we get to Taomonās and Sakuyamonās evolutions he doesnāt feature in at allā¦YEEEET the episodes afterwards do feature him prominently, and Renamon worried for his well-being. Probably just a coincidence, but again, to me it shows how the two of them really are interconnected and really, their influence has rubbed on each other.
Ep. 41, nothing really big happens, but Renamon carries him in the Ark on the way back home while heās sleeping. Again, nothing really big, but itās a cute moment (even Jen smiles at it ;)) -Itās even stated by dialogue (from Jen, no less) that it was Renamonās wish through and through to see him safe, while the other kids are going on about Rukiās crazy fantasies instead- Jen was always the ābig brotherā of the group, and he has bonded with Rena earlier, so I like to imagine he can sorta infer thereās something bigger there, without having Rena or Ruki openly telling him it. Ā And uff, sheās the one that sees him vanish amidst the crowd once they return to the real worldā¦! Ruki manages to raise her eyes to see him but Renamon, Renamon never left her sight from Impmonā¦!
Ep. 43 is a big one for Impmon, for he reconciles with his Tamers and starts aiding the older Kids with defeating the D-Reaper. Note how initially, the only one who doesnāt reject him is Taomon; sheās surprised at his sight, while Rapidmon and Wargrowlmon are just skeptical. And once his attacks makes an effect on the Reaper, SHE is the one who supports his attack, making the others follow suit. (Incidentally, itās also the episode where he admits he feels Blast Mode is his true form after allā¦JP language only, but it seems to suggest that really, being Beelze feels more true to Impmon than being stuck in his Child form).
In ep. 48, itās Renamon who recognizes his figure, tied inside the Reaper. Itās also interesting cause itās the climax of Impmonās whole character development, where he has accepted the crimes he has committed, and instead of asking forgiveness, he will just right the wrongs, even if it costs him his life.
And episode 49! Goodness it has so many moments. After Beelzemon falls, Sakuyamon is the first to rush to his rescue (see? Sheās alwaysĀ saving him); and gosh darn she sounds desperate, this is nuts to hear because Renamon/her evos, no matter the dub, always keeps her cool, so to again; hear her voice just scream and tremble urging him to fly and get up⦠And then once Grani saves Impmon, he lends Impmon for Sakuyamon to carry. Rather itās the most practical choice, since sheās the only one who can carry him, since SaintGalgomon is too big and Dukemon is kept busy with his shield and lance, but stillā¦She sounds so relieved when she urges to rest in her arms, as they keep battling the Reaperā¦
And of course, like almost every other plot point, their relationship is also resolved in ep. 51. When the whole team is relaxing at the park, relieved after they defeated the D-Reaper, Impmon appears, and once again, who notices him first? Thatās right, our favorite fox. And again, her usual monotone breaks just to show relief to see him safe and sound. Even he, before he addresses Juri, seems to reassure her over the rest. I like how itās a little moment, but I love that in the last episode, the writers managed to give a wink to their little relationship that carried on throughout the whole show. The writers knew they had to tell their story (his story), and they knew how important it was to see it to a satisfying conclusion.
Ā· Ā Ā Ā Similarities / opposites
Ok, so weāve gone over why their scenes together matter. Big deal, what else is there?
Well, itās not only the fact that they share many scenes together, is the fact that their characters are written to be eerily similar in many aspects.
They both initially look up to power, believe in the ideal that Digimon are only made for fighting. Later on we discover that is pretty much the law in the Digital World, but for us, the audience, theyāre the two that bring up this idea the most when we first start seeing properly the series.
Sheās stated at first to be the strongest Digimon in the main cast, while heās the weakest. Thatās a parallel, keep that up in mind.
Theyāre also the two Digimon to have a proper arc and character development, something that the others really donāt. And incidentally, they carry a similar arc- both initially are mistreated by their Tamers which makes their relationship and views of humanspoor; but while Renamon manages to get better with Ruki, and therefore stronger; Impmon just denies himself and goes on a self-destructive path.
Also, his proper introduction in the series is in the same first episode where Renamon gets focus. I know I said it before, but it bears repeating. And he presents himself to her first of the whole group! Itās also implied he witnessed the whole battle and Renamonās first evolution into Kyuubimon, too⦠I tell you, itās there. These stories arenāt written by bots, itās a bunch of people that decide what element is added here and there to make certain things work.
When the series called Impmon a childā¦They were not far-off, for, as I wrote before, heās written to act similar to a teenage kid- bratty, irresponsible, selfishā¦But not cruel, not truly, just undisciplined. Funny enough, it contrasts nicely with Renamon, for as āmatureā as she seems, she lacks a lot of knowledge in things, but due to her nature, sheās not to go around asking as much. (See, in comparison, Guilmon and Terriermon, who are much more confident in their placement in the world and their relationship with their Tamers; and Guilmon is written to be seen as a baby /little dog for most of the series). If she was as āgrown-upā as we imagined, she wouldnāt have initial hang-ups and doubts about her placement as Rukiās partner.
The episode with Vajramon is also fascinating to consider because, much Like Impmon, he first appears to Renamon with a similar vocabulary: to abandon the humans to create their own destiny. Vajramonās crush on Renamon is much more openly displayed, and yet he seems to try to impress her with the same talking points as Impmon did earlier. Remember that Impmon only tried to suggest Renamon to join his side, yet with Terriermon and Guilmon he was just tricky and antagonistic. Also remember the Devas at this point are just cruel and menacing to the Digimon, but Vajramonā¦Well, he takes a liking to Renamon, and itās pretty obvious (calling her ābeautifulā many times and such).- Weāll get to Vajramonās crush later, but I wanna pinpoint this as a parallel to Impmonās development with Rena.
Vajramon: We werenāt meant to serve humans. Come with us, to serve our god, and youāll discover your true purpose! (paraphrasing but thatās what his dialogue basically amounts to)
So, if the villain who openly crushes on Renamon has the same talking points as Impmon, then...
Similarly, episode 24 is the one where both allude to their deaths. Itās the episode where the children decide to go to the Digital World to find Culumon, and each of them prepare in their own way to say their goodbyes. Ruki is about to tell her grandmother as she discovers It by her own by finding Renamon, and isnāt surprised at all at the giant furry fox. She even confides in Ruki that she thought Renamon was a spirit sent to protect her granddaughter.
(Sidenote, but that makes Renamonās design make so much sense, since I have this theory that each Digimon/their evo were chosen to reflect the development of their Trainer; hear me out. Takato was originally written to be a self-insert for kids in the audience, so he gets the Digimon that evolves into stereotypically things that little boys like: dinosaurs, robots and superheroic figures (Dukemon has a red cape probably as an allusion to Superman). Jen is the most tech-savy of the three and his father aided in the creation of the Digimon in this verse, so it makes sense for Terriermon to mechanize more and more with each evolution. Finally, Ruki is Japanese ethnically, of course, yet her behavior and style of dress seems moreā¦uhm, Western, so to say; until you see what type of house she lives ā a fancy old Japanese style mansion; in comparison to Takato and Jen who live in humbler flats. Considering that Rukiās arc was meant to discourage her loneliness and bring her closer to friends and family, it makes sense that Renamon -her humanity, her heart, her character development- is the Digimon with most Japanese callbacks in her design: sheās linking Ruki back to her family. Ā Something similar happens in Adventure; Piyomon is pink to call back to Soraās love, motherly nature, and connection to her mother).
So, we were where Ruki is planning to say goodbye to her family, like the other kids, since theyāre determined to go to the Digital World to rescue Culumon. Grandma seems untroubled, and finds Renamon charming as well (even says sheās ābeautifulā); but just asks our foxy to protect her grandchild.
Renamon declares that sheāll protect Ruki no matter what, even if it comes to her death. Ruki is seen openly touched at hearing that.
Meanwhile, Impmon has pretty much given up at this point. Defeated and humiliated by Indramon, heās hidden in the sewers and expects nothing to come at this point. He feels hurt, betrayed, lost, without anyone at his side (but thatās mostly due to his actions; since he left his kids on his own accord, and the Tamers were ready to welcome him with open arms, as long as he behaved, yet he just didnāt know how to make a stable friendship with them) The Digital World calls to him, but he reacts less like an adventure, and more like a release. He sees no point in going forward, in going backā¦Heās given up on everything. And once Catsuramon calls to him, in the little portal to the Digital World, he goes there less because of adventure, and more because wellā¦What else is there?
So while the other Digimon look forward to the Digital World as an adventure, Renamon and Impmon are the only ones that allude to it in a deadly mannerā¦
And thereās also the matter of which when they both evolve to Megaā¦Which Iāll further address in other points in the meta, but Iāll comment that theyāre dark parallels / opposites between them. While he evolves to Mega for selfish gains, for purely his self-interests, even if means heāll have to kill innocent children for it; Renamon obtains her Mega after sacrificing herself to the D-Reaper, saving Culumon and giving time for the other kids to flee. Selfish desire vs selfless action. Itās at the apex of their character: his darkest hour vs her brightest time. While he goes to the point of no return, this is the climax of her character development.
The two of them tend to be loners by nature, and while they both do crave friends, theyāre kinda awkward about gaining friends. Impmon initially doesnāt know how to make friendships outside of pranking and teasing; and the last episodes, while the whole team is together, Renamon maintains her distance from the others more often than not. Even if sheās at her most compassionate self, she still feels a little off, never fully a part of them. No wonder they connected, tbh, if even at a subconscious level.
Before I forget, itās good I talk about the Psychic Link, because otherwise I wouldāve forgotten about it. In the Digimon canon, itās often established that Digimon have really strong bonds with their humans, so itās natural for them in a way to share their minds and thoughts together. Ruki and Renamon at times early on had psychic conversations together. So, nothing wrong with that, of course, makes sense for the canon of the series and strengthens the bond between human and tamer.
So, itās interesting to consider that Renamon and Impmon also have a slight connection; so to say. Renamon recognizes him before anyone else does, Renamon hears Beelzebumonās cries of despair from afar; and sheās always aware of wherever Ā he is or whether heās in trouble.
You could say itās a simple connection between the Digimon, since in Tamers itās established the Digimon can sense each other by instinct, since the Tamer Mons can notice whenever a rogue Digimon is nearby by scent or instinctā¦Yet neither Guilmon nor Terriermon show this attitude when it comes to Impmon.
And of course, note, nobody else in the series has this connection, aside from the tamers and their respective mons...It would be an anomaly, maybe just a Digimon thingā¦BUTā¦A couple also does:
Takato and Juri, who are the main ācoupleā in the series. From the first episodes itās stated Takato has a crush on Juri, which seems to be reciprocated from her side. And in the final episodes, as the whole team attempts to save Juri from the Reaperās center; Juri is able to hear Takatoās voice, even when the others technically couldnāt since heās fused into Dukemon (clarification for the Eng Dub only viewers: in the original JP and other dubs, the Mega Digimon have their own voices instead of the āTwo-voiceā thing the Eng. Dub attempted. So we hear Dukemon/Guilmon, SaintGalgomon/Terriermon, Renamon/Sakuyamon speaking when theyāre talking in public (ea their usual voices, except Dukemon who got a different voice actor, since Guilmonās childish voice wouldnāt fit the heroic knight character Dukemon represents). We only hear Takato, Jen and Ruki when weāre privy to their insides (inside the Digimonn basically)- so ea, Hirokazu or Kenta canāt hear Takato if theyāre talking to Dukemon directly.
Yet Juri can listen to him, even if the others canāt, even if theyāre far away. So, to reiterate- the humans and their Digimonsā bond is so strong that they can feel each otherās thoughts and pain. This is what allows them to fuse in the first place, and itās something special that no other characters have. Except for the main romantic couple of the series, Takato and Juriā¦And Renamon and Impmon, naturally. Which...Means a lot more than one thinks.
More on Part 2! Then stuff gets juicy...











