So we're covering another batch of new V-pets, this time the Pendulum COLOR which mostly ties in classic Digimon and the Ghost Game cast... but also features a bunch of brand new evolutionary lines!
Many of these non-Ghost-Game ones made their debut in Digimon Seekers, a web-novel (that sadly only has a rather subpar auto-translate option to read in English) and it even has a live action trailer! It really is a bit of a shame that Seekers doesn't quite have a good English translation -- the whole novel is out to read on the Digimon website, but the English translation (as of the time of my writing this) uses an auto-translate feature that... isn't the best.
The Loogamon line that I use as the spotlight in this review is the star and primary partner in the novel, whose other main characters utilize a bunch of quasi-forgotten never-appearing-in-the-anime lines like Ryudamon, Pulsemon and Dorumon; with others like Commandramon making major appearances!
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Fusamon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Baby I
- Type: Slime
- Attribute: None
It's a baby puppy!!!!! Who's a good doggy who's a good doggy who's a good doggy??? Fuwamon sleeps all day but that's okay it's just part of puppies being puppies and it's a little puppy slime and who's a good doggy good dog good dog goodest!!!!
PUPPY/10_________________________________________________________
Bowmon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Baby II
- Type: Lesser
- Attribute: None
Oooo who's a good doggy yes you yes you yes you!!!! Who has grown legs and is a goober that tries to climb stairs but trips because the legs are teeny tiny who's a good dog good puppy good doggy yes you YES YOU CUTE GOOD DOGGY PUPPY FREND!!!
PUPPER/10_________________________________________________________
Loogamon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Child
- Type: Demon Beast
- Attribute: Virus
Ahem.
Anyway, we get another doggy/wolfy line, and for these "designed to be a mascot" Child-levels, Loogamon is a very pleasant looking little puppy wolf. While good old Gabumon was one of the two main Digimon from the first anime, the 'wolf partner' trope surprisingly hasn't cropped up quite as often as I thought -- with Gaomon and Wolfmon being the only real ones with major anime roles, and Wolfmon's technically just a dude. It really is just dragons and dinosaurs, huh? But sitting down to skim through the Child-level Digimon... Salamon, Gaomon and the more obscure Labramon are the only real dog/wolf Child-levels! Remember that Gabumon is a wolf cosplayer! Gaomon being bipedal and Salamon being a canine aberration in a line that's otherwise feline-themed, This surprisingly makes Loogamon as a quadrupedal doggy is a very refreshing new trope among the new Child-levels. I am just surprised!
Loogamon itself is just a rather basic dark blue anime wolf with those Digimon belts, and I kinda like its front paws looking more like gauntlets. There's nothing particularly special, but it does look pleasant and its future forms will build up on the claws. Loogamon has the same 'prototype' interface on its forehead that good old Dorumon has -- that's a little meta-subplot that has been mostly forgotten since 2004 or something. I haven't really gone througu much of Seekers, but a Loogamon and a Dorumon are part of the main cast so it does seem that the unique, prehistoric aspects of these prototype interfaces are a major part of it.
I actually like the lore, too, where Loogamon has data of mythological wargs. ('Warg' or vargr is a term that just meant wolf in ancient Norse before Tolkien popularized it, but shhh) Its personality is what you'd expect -- it's edgy and violent but ultra loyal to tamers that it respects. In isolation it's not the most exciting, but I am just stunned that this otherwise trope-y concept just hasn't been done in Digimon!
7/10. A good doggy. _________________________________________________________
Loogarmon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Adult
- Type: Demon Beast
- Attribute: Virus
That's more like it! The Adult level certainly looks impressive, and it is quite surprising that we don't just get a big sleek wolf! Which would be nice but boring since we already have Garurumon, Gaogamon, Sangloupmon, Fangmon and probably a couple of others that I'm forgetting. I really appreciate that this is a lupine, wolf-like Adult-level that isn't "just" a big cool wolf. And it builds with the lore that Loogarmon's body layout is monstrous, meant to be more "warg-like", whatever that means since mythological wargs are just werewolves and Tolkien's wargs are big wolves. Loogarmon's proportions actually reminds me of a fantasy wyvern, the ones that are modeled after how bats move on the ground. That is an unexpected direction to take a wolf monster! Loogarmon's front claws have turned into large pillar-like appendages that erupt into massive... feather-like bristles. Really, with the bristles on his head and tail, it really does give an almost bird-like vibe to him. That is really cool, going for a "wolf monster" vibe that still looks lupine while maintaining a distinct identity from Garurumon, Fangmon and Dobermon.
Loogarmon being very 'demon beast energy within' coded gives it some expected tropes, but again, they're done quite well. Loogarmon's excess demon beast energy causes it to constantly emit flames from its mouth, hence the muzzle. Which also looks cool and ties to the dog theme. Of course, these magic flames will actually burn for far longer than normal flames.
There is something to be said that the Loogamon line is admittedly checking off a lot of very common tropes in fantasy companions (some might even say it's 'OC material'), but I feel that they are done quite well and that Loogarmon is an excellent monster design.
8/10. _________________________________________________________
Helloogarmon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Perfect
- Type: Demon Beast
- Attribute: Virus
Of course all the mentions about Loogamon and Loogarmon having sealed demonic energy eventually goes out of control, leading to this really badass hellfire werewolf. It's the "SkullGreymon" or "Megidramon" of the line. While these evil evolutions have been annoying me a bit with how much they've been cropping up lately... they did a great job at building up to it in the bio of its prior stages. And it's not just the 'proper' evolution coloured black either -- Helloogamon is actually a completely different design! And you can't go wrong with taking a badass werewolf design like Loogarmon and setting it on fire, making a flame-wreathed spiky skeletal werewolf.
And I actually genuinely do find this hellhound pretty cool with its artwork, not just by virtue of being a werewolf on fire but also building on Loogarmon's front-heavy design. The 90's belts and the nicely detailed tail bones also add to it. It has been consumed by rage and instinct and is out of control... tropes we've seen before but not necessarily as a hellwolf! I really do appreciate the proportions here making the design feel unique -- just a wolf on hellfire would already be cool on its own merits, but giving him exaggerated proportions really makes him look like a real monster!
Again, the profile is what you expect out of a dark evolution. The rage is out of control, Helloogarmon's sense of self is gone, and it is just rampaging with unchecked destructive power.
8/10._________________________________________________________
SoLoogamon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Perfect
- Type: Demon Beast
- Attribute: Virus
So I'm not as impressed with this more 'robo wolfman' Perfect mode, which is Loogarmon's "good" evolution. I do think it reminds me a bit too much of MachGaogamon, particularly with the giant vehicle part attached to its back. It also has flame markings that remind me of the live-action Optimus Prime -- which makes it a bit hard to unsee. I do like the fact that its shoulders are now fire furnaces to control the warg hellfire, which is a nice bit of continuity with Helloogamon. A proper 'venting' of its excess fiery energy. Not sure what that random wrench-lightsaber is all about, but I actually like that it's goofier than the expected anime fire sword.
I just find that everything I found interesting about either Loogarmon and Helloogarmon is just kind of not here... which I suppose is the point of this Perfect-level being a contrast to Hellogarmon, but I just don't know. It could've had a more interesting proportions, something more bestial like WereGarurumon or even MachGaogamon. Neat accessories, but easily my least favourite part of Loogamon's evolution line.
3/10._________________________________________________________
FenriLoogamon
- Alternate Names: Fenriloogamon: Takemikazuchi
- Stage: Ultimate
- Type: Demon Beast
- Attribute: Virus
I still like Loogarmon much more than this, but I am happy that FenriLoogamon goes back on all fours. It essentially becomes the MetalGarurumon of the line, getting a bunch of exhaust vents around the armour around the lower half of its body. I think its body is meant to be made of blue fire, sort of like a 'controlled' version of Helloogarmon, but it's not the most obvious from these pieces of art.
I feel it is a bit too messy with both medieval-style armour plating, high-tech exhaust vents, a blue fire cape, and those random ropes. Yes, I get that those ropes are a reference to Gleipnir, the chains that bind mythological Fenris/Fenrir. Yes, there are a lot of terms from Nordic myths that the Loogamon line uses. No, being a referene doesn't make it automatically good -- I honestly wonder why chains or even the shimenawa-style ropes that its super mode below has weren't used; those would've aesthetically looked much cooler.
Its profile is also sadly not particularly interesting compared to its predecessors, mostly being a superpower list of how it can use its flames. There's also a super mode, Fenriloogamon: Takemikazuchi, where it breaks Gleipnir (the chains that normally bind mythological warg Fenrir in Norse mythology), gets energy from Kazuchimon (Pulsemon's Ultimate evolution) and transforms it into a lightning sword that it wields like Zacian from Pokemon.
I actually like the Loogamon line a fair bit among these "non-anime" but main-character-feeling lines, where each line feels both unique but interconnected... unlike something like Durandalmon or Vorvomon's line. I'm pleasantly happy with the Loogamon pack, all things considered!
6/10._________________________________________________________
Hi-Commandramon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Adult
- Type: Cyborg
- Attribute: Virus
Remember Commandramon? I like Commandramon, and found the so-called "D-Brigade" one of the coolest part of the Digimon Next manga. The idea of Agumon with guns and camo makeup is kinda goofy, but in a way that simply works when they are shown assembled in large groups. And they decided to give Commandramon an alternate set of Adult/Perfrct/Ultimate, which I suppose is appropriate considering different military branches!
Hi-Commandramon has a riot shield and one of those mafia grenade launchers, and wears a very chunky Greymon-esque red riot helmet. Just like its fellow Adult, Sealsdramon, the selection to become a Hi-Commandramon is 1 in 100 Commandramons. Hi-Commandramon is a nice alternate to Sealsdramon, being bulkier and preserving the original camo-pixel vibe of the original Commandramon. It's neat!
7/10._________________________________________________________
Cargodramon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Perfect
- Type: Machine
- Attribute: Virus
The show-stealer in the live action Seekers trailer to me is Cargodramon, who is based on those V22 Osprey dual-rotor troop transport helicopters. It would be easy just to slap a face on a vehicle and call it a day like Blimpmon or Locomon... but Cargodramon is actually quite cool! The monstrous Megadramon-esque metal head with flesh around the mouth and four eyes are already awesome without it being a nice nod to actual fighter jet decals.
But I also really like how the rotor blades can actually move and articulate like claws, and best of all the cargo hold is made up of a ribcage that flips open to unload Cargodramon's little armies of Commandramons! That's cool! The profile also notes that in addition to squadrons of Commandramons, Cargodramons can also airlift Tankdramons into battlefields! That's also cool! I've always like Tankdramon the most out of the original D-Brigade set, and I like this design a lot for actualy trying to make it feel like an actual monster.
Cargodramon being featured in Seekers' unexpexted official live action trailer made me actually like it and its D-Brigade boys a lot more!
7/10._________________________________________________________
Brigadramon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Ultimate
- Type: Cyborg
- Attribute: Virus
The original evolutionary line ended with Darkdramon, who was a dragon man action figure that drops most of the military motif of its pre evolutions. As the profile notes, after reflecting on the failure of Darkdramon (because he broke free, but I'm sure the lack of military regalia disappointed the D-Brigade as well) they sought out to create a brand new Ultimate for their robo-soldier units. That's a fun official profile, too, which reads like an advertisement for a military product. "three Brigadramon are currently in commission, and that number is expected to further increase in the future."
Thus was born Brigadramon, who acts as a proper military commander, flying around to survey battlefields and command the ground troops. Brigadramon's design is a lot nicer and less cluttered than many of these chunky robot dragonmen, and having the military theme does help to set it apart! The jet engine and a helicopter tail backpack looked silly with FenriLoogamon, but fits well with the almost fully robotic Brigadramon. I like the over-the-top gatling gun with an ammo ribbon, and even the WarGreymon-esque helmet at least looks different enough to feel a bit more unique.
A nice and unexpected set of evolutions for the soldiers!
7/10. I don't dislike ALL dragon robots!_________________________________________________________
Tlalocmon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Ultimate
- Type: Mineral
- Attribute: Data
Debuting in the 'Nature Spirits' Pendulum is Tlalocmon here, named after the Aztec god of the rain (thanks, Kamen Rider Amazons!). It sure is a blue-skinned 'godling' humanoid in Aztec outfits, with the main gimmick being that he's got a massive, elaborate headdress and a giant clump of leaves behind him, and the general silhouette evokes a giant mask with his humanoid body acting like the 'nose' and 'mouth'.
Tlalocmon's whole deal is similar to the mythology he's based on, being a god of weather and rain, bringing either the blessing of good crops or terrifying monsoons depending on the people he's interacting with. I tend to not care for these 'adapt a mythological god straight-up Digimon', and I still really don't, especially if there isn't an interesting enough twist. Skadimon (who we'll see in a bit) is a nice example of one of these things that I like. The only interesting aspect of Tlalocmon, for me, is the fact that it's actually classified as a mineral Digimon instead of a 'god man' or a plant-based one.
2/10._________________________________________________________
Cernumon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Ultimate
- Type: Holy Beast
- Attribute: Data
Another one that debuted in the Pendulums is Cernumon, based on the Celtic god Cernunnos. It's a pretty cool 'good deer' nature spirit, and I really like the themes we have here. The giant tail that's just a massive bush, the giant antlers made up of french-horns that are also sprouting extra branches, and to make the deer body not so boring, we've got some organ pipes jutting out of the sides.
Cernumon is a being of both natural protection and music, and often just spends its time hanging out in nature with its bird and nature plants. However, of course, it will severely punish those that try and cause harm to the forest. Its music can cause plants to grow, ward invaders off of its territory, and it also plays mourning music whenever a Digimon dies, awaiting their reincarnation.
It's a pretty neat and very pleasant looking giant plant creature! Someone in the Digimon design team must really like their plant monsters, since this is yet another high-level plant Digimon alongside Entmon, Hydramon, Blossomlordmon, OIeamon and a couple of others that have been introduced recently. I like that! I like that a lot.
7/10._________________________________________________________
ShinMonzaemon
- Alternate Names: N/A
- Stage: Ultimate
- Type: Puppet
- Attribute / Field: Vaccine
Huh, a dedicated Ultimate-level to Monzaemon (and WaruMonzaemon)? That's unexpected. And what an unexpected take as well! To recap to Digimon's most original iteration, if you raised your Agumon or Betamon poorly in the original Digital Monster Virtual Pet, you get a trash evolution as its adult form -- weak, slug-like Numemon who's weaker even compared to the Child-level Digimon and can only throw poop. You're punished as a tamer for not taking care of your virtual pet! This extends later on to other 'loser' Adult-levels like Sukamon, Raremon, Nanimon, Vegiemon and a couple of others.
But! But if you stuck around with your Numemon, and took absolute great care of it -- and it requires way more care than if you were taking care of the powerful Greymons and Seadramons and Tyrannomons -- Numemon will fight for you and evolve all the way to kind of a 'secret' Perfect-level, Monzaemon. The idea isn't highlighted anywhere in the anime incarnations and only alluded to in some older video games, but Numemon essentially manages to find a mascot suit (everyone likes mascot suits), pilots it and becomes super strong for you, the tamer that didn't give up on the poopoo slug. That's why Monzaemon (and other 'puppet' Perfects) shoot out hearts. This 'loser to power' story is very cool, and one that I'm surprised none of the anime seasons have really explored.
Anyway, Monzaemon's new Ultimate-level evolution... explodes. Only parts of its bear plush toy (which is now fuzzy brown like a teddy bear) remains, some of which are held together by stitches and zippers, while the main body of Monzaemon is made up of pulsing purple slime taking the form of a winged bear. Numemon isn't exactly a slime, but it's slimy enough and the evolution to Monzaemon and ShinMonzaemon might've probably warped the original Numemon form anyway. So I do like that thematic progression. I like the details here, too, with the WaruMonzaemon claw, one button eye, and the other eye being a glowing eyeball in the void that's emitting red flames.
ShinMonzaemon's lore, however, establishes that it has evolved due to absorbing analysis data of nightmares, resulting in its new slimy body. It's now gotten a bit of a 'corrupted childlike character' vibe to it, where it acts like a petulant child, hunting down simple and cute things like other Child-level Digimon... to feed on like an organism. The slimy pseudopods envelops these weaker Digimon and causes them to get knocked out as ShinMonzaemon presumably digests them. It also dislikes more mature Digimon, which it views as 'impure' and 'repulsive', which it also, presumably, feeds on but with more malice.
A bunch of things are going on with ShinMonzaemon, but I appreciate it.
7/10._________________________________________________________
