Rave Master [Manga] – Info, Plot, Main Characters
Japanese Title: レイヴ (Reivu); lit. “Rave”, also known as “Groove Adventure Rave“
Year of Release: 1999 – 2005 (35 volumes)
Writer: Hiro Mashima
Original Publisher: Kodansha (Eng.: Kodansha USA)
TV: Rave Master Anime Series 2001 – 2002 (51 episodes)
Anime Movies: –
Video Games: Rave Master: Special Attack Force! (2002), Groove Adventure Rave: Fighting Live (2002)
*There are a few different video games related to Rave Master franchise. The above ones are most notable.
Facts: By 2020, the manga had reached over 23 million sales, highlighting its significant popularity and strong fanbase.
Setting
Rave Master unfolds in a fictional world profoundly shaped by the existence of two powerful, opposing forces: the benevolent Rave stones and their malevolent counterparts, the Dark Brings. The Rave stones are legendary artifacts imbued with the power to bring peace and balance to the land, while the Dark Brings are corrupting stones that grant immense, destructive capabilities to those who wield them. The universe is a battleground, with the Symphonia and Raregroove kingdoms often clashing, their conflicts fueled by the very essence of these magical stones.
Plot
The narrative centers on Haru Glory, a spirited and determined teenager who unexpectedly inherits the mantle of the second Rave Master. His profound mission is to traverse the vast world, seeking out and collecting the five scattered Rave stones. These sacred artifacts are the key to defeating the insidious organization known as Demon Card, a group that thrives on the chaos and destruction wrought by the Dark Brings. The origin of this widespread corruption can be traced back to Shiba Roses, the original Rave Master, who, in a pivotal moment, inadvertently shattered the Mother Dark Bring, Sinclaire, into five volatile pieces. This cataclysmic event unleashed the Dark Brings upon the world, plunging it into an era of peril. Now, Haru embarks on his epic quest, accompanied by a steadfast group of friends, to gather the Rave stones, restore the shattered harmony of the world, and combat the ever-present threats posed by Demon Card and its malevolent machinations.
Main Characters
The journey of the Rave Master is undertaken by a core group of courageous individuals:
- Haru Glory: The valiant protagonist and the second Rave Master. Burdened with the monumental task of collecting the Rave stones, Haru’s unwavering determination to protect his friends and defeat the forces of evil defines his heroic path.
- Elie: A mysterious girl who joins Haru on his quest. Suffering from amnesia, Elie wields powerful tonfa-blasters and seeks to recover her lost memories. Her enigmatic past and growing connection with Haru become integral to the unfolding story.
- Plue: A charming, dog-like creature with a distinctive, bell-shaped nose. Plue serves as Haru’s loyal companion and a source of both assistance and occasional comic relief, remaining a constant, endearing presence throughout their arduous journey.
- Shiba Roses: The original Rave Master. Shiba entrusts Haru with the Rave and his legendary sword, the Ten Commandments, bestowing upon him the responsibility of continuing the fight against darkness. His wisdom and past experiences guide Haru’s actions.
Haru, Elie, and Plue forge an unbreakable bond as they face myriad challenges and confront formidable adversaries. Their quest to gather the Rave stones is not merely a physical journey but a profound exploration of courage, friendship, and the enduring fight against the darkness that seeks to consume their world.
