is a series of
manga
Manga ( Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is ...
and five-minute
anime
is Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japane ...
episodes. The anime is produced by
Madhouse Production and originally conceptualized by
Clamp, who also designed the characters.
The series features three girls, Kanoko, Kate, and Pop, who live in the city of Asialand. Asialand looks like a normal city, but it is always under attack from evil monsters.
The girls are on their way to take the test to get their
moped
A moped ( ) is a type of small motorcycle, generally having a less stringent licensing requirement than full motorcycles or automobiles. The term used to mean a similar vehicle except with both bicycle pedals and a motorcycle engine. Mopeds ty ...
licenses, but accidentally catch the attention of the living enigma, Ear Hermit. Instead of receiving moped licenses, they acquire a "Valerian License" which, to their shock and horror, transforms them into bunny-like creatures, the Relaxation Combat Team Valerian. In these forms, they are known as
Serotonin
Serotonin () or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Its biological function is complex and multifaceted, modulating mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and va ...
,
Dopamine
Dopamine (DA, a contraction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is a neuromodulatory molecule that plays several important roles in cells. It is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. Dopamine constitutes about 80% o ...
, and
Valerian. The heroines are aided by a unique panda-esque companion, Panda-bu and nifty card-swiping/magic-transformation gadgets. Together as Sweet Valerian, they defend justice when the evil Stress Team takes advantage of people's stress and turns them into monsters. The series is targeted at a very young audience.
Characters
;
:
: Kanoko's father used to be the manager of the large company, but now works as an inventor. She herself is poor and is all time taking on a new job, because she gets fired for having to leave and fight monsters all the time. She transforms into the white bunny Valerian by using the "bracelet of the flower" which is attached to her left arm. She is the blond character, and is the leader of the team. She tries to get the monsters to talk instead of fight, but then she ends up attacking first anyway. Powdered
Valerian root is often used as a mellowing sleep aid.
;
:
: The Chief Executive Officer of a
video game
Video games, also known as computer games, are electronic games that involves interaction with a user interface or input device such as a joystick, controller, keyboard, or motion sensing device to generate visual feedback. This feedba ...
company called "Leek Cartridge", Pop transforms into the grey bunny Dopamine using the "digital clock wind" wristband. When she transforms, she says "Appear, Dopamine!" and can call wild birds with a whistle. She is the dark-skinned girl who always wears hats. She is usually the one who comes up with the plan to defeat the monsters.
Dopamine
Dopamine (DA, a contraction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is a neuromodulatory molecule that plays several important roles in cells. It is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. Dopamine constitutes about 80% o ...
is a chemical in the brain which affects adrenalin and the functions of memory, attention, and problem-solving.
;
:
: A model and up-and-coming movie star, she transforms into the yellow bunny Seratonin using an earring and a compact. She is often "busy" with other jobs and tends to speak in a monotonous tone. When she transforms, she says "Come out, Seratonin!". A black-haired girl with a strange character, Kate also happens to be into the occult. She owns a crystal ball and makes tea using a chemistry set.
Seratonin
Serotonin () or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Its biological function is complex and multifaceted, modulating mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and va ...
is the chemical in the brain which causes happiness.
;
:
: Informs the heroines when a stress monster is attacking the city. He has three children and says "bu" at the end of each sentence. Panda-bu also serves as the narrator of the series.
;
:
: A group of evildoers who turn people's stress into monsters. The monsters can take on any form, from ramen to frogs.
External links
*
Official websiteat
Aniplex
is a Japanese anime, music production and anime licensee company owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Established in September 1995, Aniplex has been involved in the production and distribution of several anime series, such as both '' Fullm ...
*
Introductionat
Madhouse
*
{{Madhouse
2004 anime television series debuts
2005 manga
Action anime and manga
Kodansha manga
Madhouse (company)
Magical girl anime and manga
Shōjo manga
Works by Clamp (manga artists)