DNA²

DNA² (Japanese: D・N・A² ～何処かで失くしたあいつのアイツ～, Hepburn: Dī En Ei Tsū: Dokoka de Nakushita Aitsu no Aitsu) is a science fiction manga series written and illustrated by Masakazu Katsura. It was serialized across Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine between August 23, 1993 and July 4, 1994, spanning 42 chapters collected in a total of five tankōbon volumes.

DNA²
Cover of the first volume
D・N・A² ～何処かで失くしたあいつのアイツ～
(Dī En Ei Tsū: Dokoka de Nakushita Aitsu no Aitsu)
GenreRomantic comedy, science fiction[1]
Manga
Written byMasakazu Katsura
Published byShueisha
ImprintJump Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Jump
DemographicShōnen
Original runAugust 23, 1993 – July 4, 1994
Volumes5
Anime television series
Directed byJun'ichi Sakata
Written byTatsuhiko Urahata
Music byFujio Takano
Studio
Licensed by
Original networkNippon TV
English networkAnimax Asia
Original run October 7, 1994 – December 23, 1994
Episodes12
Original video animation
Directed byJun'ichi Sakata
Written byTatsuhiko Urahata
Music byFujio Takano
Studio
  • Madhouse
  • Studio Deen
Licensed by
Discotek Media
Released February 21, 1995 – June 25, 1995
Runtime30 minutes per episode
Episodes3

DNA² was adapted into a 12-episode anime television series which ran on Nippon Television from October 7, 1994 to December 23, 1994. This was followed by a three-episode anime original video animation (OVA) in 1995. Produced by Madhouse and Studio Deen, the anime series was directed by Jun'ichi Sakata, whereas the character designer and animation director for the series was Kumiko Takahashi. DNA² has been broadcast in Japan by Animax, which has also aired the series across its respective networks worldwide, including its English-language networks in Southeast Asia and South Asia. All 15 episodes were licensed in North America by Central Park Media until their closing in 2009. The five volumes and box set are out-of-print. Discotek Media has since re-licensed the series for a DVD release in 2014.[2]

Plot

Junta Momonari is a high school student with an unusual problem. Whenever he becomes sexually aroused by a woman, his "female allergy" kicks in, causing the poor boy to throw up. Needless to say, he is a complete failure with women, with no hope in sight. Then, one fateful day, Junta is confronted by an attractive girl in strange clothing who claims to be from the future.

The girl gives Junta her name as Karin Aoi, and tells him about how the world has become terribly overpopulated in her time, to the point where having more than one child is a crime punishable by death. At the root of the problem is a family of "Mega-Playboys": people with sexual charisma and impulses that lead each of them to have 100 children that carry the Mega-Playboy DNA, causing them and all their descendants to each have 100 children as well. All this started with a single Mega-Playboy, whom Karin has travelled back into the past to deal with.

Karin reveals to Junta that she is a "DNA Operator". Her job is to make alterations in people's DNA that will change their nature for the greater good of society. She intends to shoot the original Mega-Playboy with a DCM ("DNA Control Medicine") bullet that will alter his DNA in order to relieve him of his mega-playboy qualities, thus preventing the overpopulation problem from ever happening. She can then return to the future to receive the reward that will allow her to finally get the "nice husband, cute pet, and sweet, sweet home" she yearns for. She confirms Junta's identity, then, to his shock, promptly shoots him.

It seems that Junta, the boy who couldn't look at a naked woman without throwing up, was destined to become the original Mega-Playboy later in his life. Escaping back to her time machine, Karin arrives to a message from her boss in the future. Her hopes for a commendation on a job well done are dashed when her rather upset employer points out that the DCM bullet she was supposed to use on the Mega-Playboy was left behind in the future. By shooting Junta with the wrong DCM bullet—one which Karin planned on using to create an ideal husband—rather than eliminating the Mega-Playboy, Karin actually created him!

Now unable to return to the future until she sets things right, Karin decides to improvise by making Junta get together with the only girl who does not give him an allergic reaction: his childhood friend Ami Kurimoto (despite him not feeling any romantic affection for her, since he sees her more as a sister).

Characters
Junta Momonari (桃生 純太, Momonari Junta)
Voiced by: Keiichi Nanba (Japanese); Liam O'Brien (English)
A high school boy with a peculiar allergy to girls: he vomits when sexually aroused. He gains the ability to transform into the Mega-Playboy, practically at will, after being shot by Karin's first DCM bullet. However, each time he transforms, his Mega-Playboy DNA stabilizes more and more. O'Brien's portrayal of Junta and in other shows received a nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy at the American Anime Awards.[3]
Karin Aoi (葵 かりん, Aoi Karin)
Voiced by: Miina Tominaga (Japanese); Jessica Calvello (English)
A sixteen-year-old DNA Operator from the overcrowded future, sent back in time in order to prevent the advent of the Mega-Playboy using DCM, however she brings back the wrong bullet from the future which accelerates Junta in becoming the Mega-Playboy. All she wants out of life is a nice husband, a cute pet, and a sweet home, but when she met Junta she falls in love with him–at first because of his Mega-Playboy powers, and finally because of him as a person.
Ami Kurimoto (栗本 亜美, Kurimoto Ami)
Voiced by: Hiroko Kasahara (Japanese); Rachael Lillis (English)
Junta's childhood friend and schoolmate, and, except for two instances, the only girl who doesn't bring about an allergic reaction in him. She is also the only girl immune to the Mega-Playboy's ability to seduce women, something Karin considers a key part in the plan to stop the Mega-Playboy. If Junta and Ami stay together, she can nullify the Mega-Playboy's charms and the future won't be overcrowded.
Tomoko Saeki (佐伯 倫子, Saeki Tomoko)
Voiced by: Megumi Hayashibara (Japanese); Veronica Lake (English)
One of the most popular and beautiful girls in Junta's school, and the ex-girlfriend of Ryuji. She falls in love with Junta because of his Mega-Playboy powers. Apart from this, she's a quite lonely girl; her mother died and her father works abroad.
Ryuji Sugashita (菅下 竜二, Sugashita Ryūji)
Voiced by: Takehito Koyasu (Japanese); Dan Green (English)
Tomoko's wealthy and possessive ex-boyfriend. Swears vengeance against Junta. Later gains powers that rival those of the Mega-Playboy after being accidentally shot by a second DCM bullet.
Kotomi Takanashi (高梨 ことみ, Takanashi Kotomi)
Voiced by: Hekiru Shiina (Japanese); Lotus (English)
A friend and classmate of Ami's who has an embarrassing problem similar to Junta's allergy: she farts whenever she gets nervous. Kotomi develops a crush on Junta due to his Mega-Playboy DNA. She and Junta spend some time together trying to help cure each other of their problems. She's very talented in gymnastics.
Yokomori (横森)
Voiced by: Ryūsuke Ōbayashi (Japanese); Tristan Goddard (English)
Karin's boss from the future.
Oharu (おはる)
Voiced by: Eiko Yamada (Japanese); Barry Banner (English)
The AI of Karin's time traveling ship.
Lulara Kawasaki (川崎 るらら, Kawasaki Rurara)
Voiced by: Sakiko Tamagawa (Japanese); Rebecca Miriam (English)
The Mega-Playboy's youngest daughter and Junta's 101st child (counting 純). In the anime, she is Junta's great-granddaughter.
Mori (森)
Voiced by: Jun Hazumi (Japanese); David Brimmer (English)
A government official from the future who wishes to use the Mega-Playboy and his descendants for his own purposes.
Kakimaro Someya (染屋 垣麿, Someya Kakimaro)
Voiced by: Mitsuo Iwata (Japanese); Tom Wayland (English)
A friend of Junta who often pokes fun at Junta's bad luck with girls.
Ichigo Ichikawa (市川 一期, Ichikawa Ichigo)
Voiced by: Hidehiro Kikuchi (Japanese); Jake Eisbart (English)
Another one of Junta's friends.
Chiyo Momonari (桃生 チヨ, Momonari Chiyo)
Voiced by: Hiroko Maruyama (Japanese); Lynna Dunham (English)
Junta's mother, she has raised him alone after being widowed. A kind woman, if somewhat of a meddler and tattletale sometimes.
Mako Iwasaki (岩崎 魔子, Iwasaki Mako)

Competitor with Kotomi in gymnastics, tried to remove her competition with the help of her brother, a psychic interested in Junta's psychic soldier abilities. She appears only in the manga.

Media

Manga

The DNA² manga was published in Japanese magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump 1993 No. 36 (August 23, 1993) through 1994 No. 29 (July 4, 1994) and consists of 42 chapters collected in 5 tankōbon volumes:

Volume list
No. Japan release date Japan ISBN
1 December 2, 1993[4]4-08-871756-2
Karin Aoi is tasked to travel to the past in order to solve the world's overpopulation problem. The origin of the problem is Junta Momonari whose genes makes him an extreme womanizer dubbed as Mega Playboy (メガプレイボーイ, Mega Pureibōi); his genes are passed down to his a hundred descendants which causes a chain reaction. Karin shoots Junta with a DNA modifier which causes the Mega Playboy genes to awaken. Out of DNA modifiers, Karin decides to set Junta up with Ami Kurimoto, his childhood friend who is resistant to the Mega Playboy genes, in order to promote monogamy and destroy the Mega Playboy persona. Junta's Mega Playboy garners the love of Tomoko Saeki; in Envy, Ryuji Sugashita hires people to attack Junta. After his friends are hurt, Junta's Mega Playboy persona takes over and dispatches his attackers with psychic attacks.
2 April 4, 1994[5]4-08-871757-0
Karin receives a new DNA modifier and attempts to shoot Junta, only to miss and hit Ryuji who discovers he has gained the ability to absorb other people's DNA into himself. Using his powers, he morphs into Junta and ruins his reputation with Ami and Tomoko. Afterwards, Ryuji absorbs Junta's powers and defeats him. Ami suggests Junta to learn how to use the Mega Playboy's powers while in his regular mindset in order to defeat Ryuji.
3 July 4, 1994[6]4-08-871758-9
Ryuji gather's the school's females in order to publicly humiliate Junta in battle to win Tomoko's affection. Junta gains an early advantage, until Ryuji awakens his psychic abilities. Overwhelmed, Junta's Mega Playboy persona takes over and achieves victory. Ryuji gains a change of heart and expresses regret in his actions before being taken to the hospital.
4 October 4, 1994[7]4-08-871759-7
Karin explains the Mega Playboy persona to Ami in order to convince her to her plan. Ami's friend, Kotomi Takanashi, wants to ask Junta on a date but whenever she is nervous, she farts. Junta, with the Mega Playboy's influence, decides to help her overcome her problem. Junta's actions garner the attention of a psychic user who wants to compare his abilities to Junta's.
5 February 3, 1995[8]4-08-871760-0
The psychic user sabotages Kotomi's performance to antagonist Junta; He is easily defeated by Junta. Later Mori, a corrupt government employee from an alternate future, travels to the present. He has taken control of Junta's one-hundred descendants except for the 101st child; the 101st child is Junta and Karin's child, is the strongest among his siblings, and the only good child who actively opposes Mori's reign. Mori forces Junta's Mega Playboy personality to become dominant; the personality is later overcome by Junta. As a result, Mori's plan falls apart and he commits suicide. Karin decides to go on a date with Junta. She asks him who he likes, he replies her and Ami. In response, Karin shoots Junta with a DNA modifier, erases his memories about her, and returns to the future.

Episode list
No. Title Original release
1"The girl from the future -Karin"
Transcription: "Mirai kara kita shōjo Karin" (Japanese: 未来からの少女 かりん)		October 7, 1994 (1994-10-07)

Junta sits in the living room of his schoolmate, a girl named Tomoko. When she comes on to him strongly his allergy flares up and he pukes, causing him to be kicked out. The day after Junta meets a blue haired girl named Karin. While they are sitting in a restaurant she explains that she comes from the future, is a DNA Operator, and has arrived to prevent him becoming the 'Mega-Playboy'. Karin then shoots him with the DCM bullet.

When Karin goes back to her time machine, she learns she used the wrong bullet and actually caused Junta to become the Mega-Playboy in the first place.
2"Mega-playboy is born! -Junta"
Transcription: "Megapure tanjō! Junta" (Japanese: メガプレ誕生! 純太)		October 14, 1994 (1994-10-14)

Junta is delighted that he can now talk to a girl normally and has already charmed Tomoko with his Mega-playboy power. A girl named Kotomi tells her friend Ami, Junta's childhood friend, that Junta is being friendly with another girl.

Meanwhile Ryūji, Tomoko's former boyfriend, gets a bunch of thugs to attack her and Junta.
3"On the night of the festival -Ami"
Transcription: "Matsuri no yoru ni Ami" (Japanese: 祭りの夜に 亜美)		October 21, 1994 (1994-10-21)
Karin realizes there is a bond between Junta and Ami and decides that if she could hook them together it would be helpful for her mission. However for some reason Junta's Mega-playboy persona doesn't work on Ami.
4"Who gets the necklace? -Tomoko"
Transcription: "Nekkuresu wa dare ni? Tomoko" (Japanese: ネックレスは誰に? 倫子)		October 28, 1994 (1994-10-28)
When Junta asks Ami about what type of present he should get a girl he likes, she tells him to get a necklace, When he's at the mall buying the necklace he runs into Tomoko.
5"Don't tell a soul! -Kotomi"
Transcription: "Dare ni mo ienai! Kotomi" (Japanese: 誰にも言えない! ことみ)		November 4, 1994 (1994-11-04)
Kotomi tells her friend Ami that she's lovesick. Ami asks what class the boy is in, and Kotomi says that he's sitting in a particular seat in Class C. Ami realizes that this is Junta's class and feels concerned. Later, while in a restaurant, Kotomi embarrasses herself in front of Junta and Ami and runs out crying.
6"What did Junta do to Kotomi?"
Transcription: "Junta wa Kotomi ni nani wo shita?" (Japanese: 純太はことみに何をした?)		November 11, 1994 (1994-11-11)
Ami runs after Kotomi and is tracked by Junta and Karin. Later Ami explains Kotomi's problem, she farts when she gets excited or nervous. When Junta finds Kotomi, they stroll about the hotel district, and Junta then tells Kotomi that he'll help cure her. Meanwhile Karin looks frantically for them in the local love-hotels.
7"I want to give you all that I have!"
Transcription: "Watashi no subete wo agetai no!" (Japanese: 私のすべてを あげたいの!)		November 18, 1994 (1994-11-18)
Kotomi is still interested in Junta, Ami tells Karin that Junta has to date Kotomi now that she's told him her feelings. Junta and Kotomi spend time together at the gym trying to cure each other of their problems. Kotomi tries to seduce Junta which causes the Mega-playboy persona to reappear.
8"You've always been at my side"
Transcription: "Zutto anata ga soba ni ita" (Japanese: ずっとあなたがそばにいた)		November 25, 1994 (1994-11-25)
Mega-Playboy Junta tells Kotomi that she doesn't have to change and that she's fine just the way she is. Kotomi realizes that Junta was never serious about going out with her. She tells Ami that she has broken up with Junta and that Ami shouldn't hold back for her sake. Meanwhile Karin has received the correct DCM bullet from the future.
9"The shot to Ryuuji's heart..."
Transcription: "Sono dangan wa Ryūji no mune ni.." (Japanese: その弾丸は 竜二の胸に…)		December 2, 1994 (1994-12-02)
Karin's boss, Yokomori, warns her that they've run out of budget and this is the last bullet she'll get. Karin sends a note to Junta to meet her on the school roof, she intends to snipe him from an adjacent building. Tomoko and Ryūji are already on the roof arguing. When Junta appears the situation gets complicated and ends with Karin accidentally shooting Ryūji.
10"Dangerous Ryūji's Dangerous Power"
Transcription: "Abunai Ryūji no abunai nōryoku" (Japanese: アブナイ竜二の危ない能力)		December 9, 1994 (1994-12-09)
As a result of being shot with DCM bullet Ryūji has gained the power to absorb other people DNA and morph into them. He uses this to get revenge on Junta by ruining his reputation with Ami and Tomoko.
11"Don't turn into the Mega-playboy!"
Transcription: "Megapure ni naccha dame!!" (Japanese: メガプレになっちゃダメ!!)		December 16, 1994 (1994-12-16)
Junta believes the only way he can defeat Ryūji is by transforming into Mega-Playboy however Karin is opposed to it because the change might be permanent. Karin tries to fight Ryūji herself but when Junta and Ami arrive she's already been beaten.
12"Bye-bye Mega-playboy"
Transcription: "Baibai megapureibōi" (Japanese: バイバイメガプレイボーイ)		December 23, 1994 (1994-12-23)
After a tough fight Junta at last defeats Ryūji by transforming into Mega-Playboy. Karin believes that as long as Ami stays with Junta, he will never turn into the Mega-Playboy again. Karin flies off in her time ship only to return shortly afterwards saying her mission got extended.
13"Another time machine"
Transcription: "Mō hitotsu no taimumashin" (Japanese: もう一つのタイムマシン)		February 21, 1995 (1995-02-21)
At Junta's house, Karin sings karaoke and gets so drunk she needs to be carried back to her ship and put to bed. Another time ship appears, carrying a girl named Lulara Kawasaki and a man named Mori.
14"The thing forgotten a century from now"
Transcription: "Hyaku-nen go no wasuremono" (Japanese: 100年後の忘れもの)		April 25, 1995 (1995-04-25)
Lulara says that Junta is her ancestor and she has come there to finish the job that Karin couldn't. Mori tells Karin he doesn't want to eliminate the Mega-Playboy, and that he synthesized the DCM bullet she shot Ryūji with. Karin analyzes the bullet and finds out it would not only permanently lock Junta's DNA as the Mega-Playboy's, but would allow Junta and all of his descendants to be controlled by high-frequency gamma waves. Junta and Ami try to escape Lulara but she easily catches them and shoots Junta.
15"I'll never forget you"
Transcription: "Boku wa anata o wasurenai" (Japanese: ぼくはあなたを忘れない)		June 25, 1995 (1995-06-25)
Now controlled by Mori, Junta attacks Karin, however he's not under complete control and regains control of himself. Mori is taken in by the time police, Lulara and Ryūji are free of charges given that they weren't responsible for their actions. Karin shoots Junta with the correct DCM bullet and says the Mega-Playboy is now completely gone and that Junta will forget everything about Karin's visit. She then returns to the future.

References
  1. "DNA² DVD 1 - Review". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  2. "Discotek Adds DNA2, 1st Lupin III TV Special, Dragon Half OVA, Fatal Fury Specials". Anime News Network. Retrieved 10 November 2013.
  3. "Finalists for the American Anime Awards". ICv2. 2007-02-08. Retrieved 2013-08-25.
  4. "D・N・A² 1" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on September 28, 2004. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  5. "D・N・A² 2" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on September 28, 2004. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  6. "D・N・A² 3" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on September 28, 2004. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  7. "D・N・A² 4" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on September 28, 2004. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  8. "D・N・A² 5" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on September 28, 2004. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
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