The Old Digimon Card Game was the constant heart of Digimon

Introduction

As I explained in my Carddass Archive originally, the first card game project for Digimon used the classic Bandai Carddass style of product in which a card focuses on the character and trivia, not being a playable card. Although this allowed the project to explore Digimon using much of the lore found in the encyclopedias, most of the time revealing details that weren’t even found there, it also couldn’t be something that could last a long time, and so that style was eventually used to promote the Digimon Adventure and 02 series. At the same time, a totally new “Digital Monster Card Game” ended up being developed, focusing more on it being a playable card game than a piece of character trivia in the form of a card.

This post is a look back not only at the unique content that was present inside Carddass material but also at the fun way that all of it was presented in the V-Jump, which really made me happy during all the months I worked on this.

Note: The V-Jump scans were sent to me by Ulforce_Soul, merchandise other than the cards are from photos of sales on online stores, while some of the high-quality cards were uploaded by ShikaSS in the Portuguese Digimon Wiki. All I did for the images was to edit them to properly portray only the related content.

Digimon Card Game Season 1

This new card game was first promoted in the V-Jump in the June 1996 Issue (The actual release date would be around April 1996) with the first Booster and Starter sets being released in June 1996. Named in the V-Jump “Digital Monster Card Game Adventure-1” and was stated to be “the first Carddass you can buy and play on the spot”.

Although the V-Jump promoted the game heavily, using anime characters to say, “You can recreate anime battles with the cards,” the game was 99% devoid of anime references or even art from the anime. When the first booster and starter packs were released, the content was just the Digimon from the released Virtual Pets using the Official Artwork for each Digimon. There were also the Option Cards which featured Digimon’s equipment, chips, and art included in the encyclopedias depicting Digimon attacking and interacting.

The reason why there were no such references to the anime was because all of the content was being developed much before it was decided to produce tie-ins with the anime. Originally Volcano Ota, and other people who worked on the V-pets, didn’t want to create products promoting the anime, and so all the material was being made to promote the V-pets instead. Only later they were forced to start making things more targeted at the anime, but much of the products being sold alongside the anime were in fact the backlog made from before they were forced to create material for the anime.

While the current card game is well known for its big art pieces full of references and things happening, the artworks for the first cards here were all just reused art from before, and even in the later releases, the standard never changed, being mostly newer depictions of the Digimon on their own with very few exceptions, mostly for Option Cards depicting some unique elements or locations. So while the modern card game can use the art to create a lore of its own, that isn’t the case for this one. So what does it have? Just a small line of flavor text that was used mostly in Digimon art.

I would say there are mostly three types of flavor text in the cards. The first and most common is the very short description that you can get about Digimon just by looking at it or reading the most common profiles, such as Agumon or Greymon’s cards. Then there are the cards that have material from existing profiles, but more uncommon ones that were only available in books, such as Piccolomon’s card that mentions its transforming abilities that were only mentioned in the physical encyclopedias. Lastly, there’s the brand new content—ones that didn’t exist before the card game in profile form but could be a reference to something else. Tentomon’s being called a “professor of the Digital World” while his original profile mentions nothing about it being any especially intelligent Digimon, so it may be a reference to the anime and his conversations with Koushiro trying to explain something about the Digital World. There’s also something we just can’t be sure if it’s a reference or not. Dagomon’s card stating it sends opponents to hell could either be something new, just an exaggeration, or a reference to the profile text stating Dagomon’s true form would erase from the world anyone who sees it.

So, although new content could still be found in the cards, the majority of the time it was basically just what we already knew, which is expected since the focus is on making a playable card game, but it does feel nice when a card introduces something brand new about a Digimon.

With the second Booster, anime items were finally added to the card game with the Digivice, Tag, and Crests, and with the third booster, there was an interesting tie-in with the new “Digimon World Digital Card Battle” in which Babamon and Jijimon’s card came with a special code that could be used with the game. Guidebooks for the card game also existed, but so far none of them have been scanned by fans (Although Kyamos the Stubborn is getting the books, so one day I might update this post with the material from the books since I know they have unique profiles and description for some Digimon).

With “Starter Ver.3” and “Booster 5” the Digital Monster Card Game starts its Season II alongside the release of Digimon Adventure 02, so the focus here is on the Digimon featured in the season alongside the new “Armor Digimon”, but before we start to focus in the latest generation, Carddass was also attempting different forms of using the Digimon brand.

Sealdass: Digimon Evolution Theory

The “Carddass” branch of Bandia has various sub-branches that deal with other types of cards, including stickers. One such branch is “Sealdass”. From what I could find, they have 4 pages and are divided with the front having the main artwork, the back having some collection of general information, and the inside having various artworks and profiles for characters. Of course, there are stickers there as well.

Initially “Digital Monster ~Digimon Evolution Research Report” (デジモン進化研究報告, Dejimon shinka kenkyū hōkoku) was announced in the August 2000 V-Jump alongside Booster 6 with a planned release for Jully, but there’s no evidence that such a product was releaed. From the only image we have about it, it seemed to be a series focusing on Digimon from the Pendulum generation, not just a few Digimon would have profiles, but a general explanation for a group of them and also what seems to be a list of Digimon that use Chrome Digizoid.

Although “Evolution Research Report” was likely never released, the September V-Jump issue announced another “Jumbo Sealdass”, “Digimon Evolution Theory” (デジモン進化論, Dejimon Shinka-ron). Now instead of something focused on Digimon Pendulum, this is based on the D-3, and so it focuses on the Armor Digimon, having stickers of various of them and also profiles for the V-Mon evolutionary line. Considering the original announcement of “Evolution Research Report” had V-mon, XV-mon, and Fladramon, I think it’s possible that they were already planning to cover these Digimon in future releases and just decided to start with those to tie directly with the anime.

This would be one of two Digimon Sealdass that were being made at that time; the other one was the “Digimon Biology” series that started with Digimon Pendulum. The 1st and 2nd books focused on the original V-Pets and the Pendulum, while the 3rd focused on the D-3. Since they had profiles for every single Digimon (a lot of them with unique information), I’ll make a blog post all about those ones later on.

The front of “File.1” depicts Fladramon and Lighdramon, also it’s interesting to note that the product also gets the English name “The Theory of Digivolve”. This first material focuses on the V-mon line and the armor evolution, this is a basic material that is well-known from the profiles.

Armor Evolution
Super Ancient Heritage
■Chicomon■ and ■Chibimon■
Chicomon and Chibimon are newly discovered Baby Stage Digimon. They are from an extremely valuable species that has the potential to evolve into all types of Dragon-species Digimon.
■V-mon■
V-mon is said to be a survivor of an ancient species. Digimon that have reached the Child level and have adapted to the Digimental will be able to Armor-evolve.
■Digimental of Courage■
The Digimental of Courage has the attribute of “Fire”. Strong fighting abilities are created when someone fuses with this item and evolves into the Armor level.
■Digimental of Friendship■
Those who fuse with the Digimental of Friendship, which has the attribute of “Thunder”, excel at quick movements. Also, the fusion with Digimental is especially called “Digimental Up”.

More interesting is the back of the material, as it’s, in fact, a summary of the Digimon lore from the Digimon first two eras of the series. Considering the V-pet guidebooks from this time weren’t including them anymore, it’s interesting that the information still existed, but now as part of the “Jumbo Sealdass” Digimon series. Interestingly enough, it also updates the material taking into account the additions from this era, such as the introduction of another Attribute outside of Virus, Vaccine, and Data.

Digimon Research Report FILE.1
■ The formation and development of the digital world ■
What is the Digital World?
The Digital World in which Digimon (Digital Monsters) live began as a virtual space found on the computer network. It is also said that Digimon evolved from the programs that came and went on the net. Today, Digimon’s habitat and world are expanding, and new species are being discovered one after another. As research into the Digital World continues, the full extent of Digimon will gradually be revealed.
About Digimon Generation and Ability
The areas where Digimon are generated and their abilities are closely related to the computer nets we use. For example, nets in areas of rich natural beauty will produce large insectoid Digimon, while firewalls (a program to protect against Internet crime) will produce fire-related species. The study of Digimon’s abilities and appearance can provide clues as to where they come from.
Digimon Attributes
Digimon are classified into three attributes: vaccine, data, and virus, based on the nature of the program from which they are derived. These attributes create an affinity for each other in terms of their strengths and weaknesses in battle. Usually, Digimon that are at the Growth Stage or higher have one of these three attributes, but recently a new type has been discovered that is not affected by these attributes, and it is attracting attention.

“File.2” has Magnamon, Terriermon, and Lopmon in the front. The Digimon profiles introduce once again V-mon, but now it also has its armor evolution into Magnamon and its standard evolution into XV-mon. Alongside him are the two evolutions of Terriermon, Galgomon, and Rapidmon (Armor). The Digimentals of Miracles and Destiny are also here, but the general information is the same as what we know from the standard profiles.

Newly Discovered Digimental of Miracles
The new Digimental of Miracles has been discovered among the Digimentals that promote the evolution of Digimon. This item is said to have mystical powers.
■V-mon■
V-mon was able to obtain the possibility of further evolution. Here, the Armor Evolution of Miracles is introduced.
■Digimental of Miracles■
The Digimental of Miracles has the attribute of “metal” which bestows great defensive power on Digimon. It also seems to have even more unknown power hidden.
■Magnamon■
The armor worn by Magnamon is made of Chrome Digizoid alloy. Its attack ability is the same as or even greater than Ultimates.
■XV-mon■
XV-mon, which evolved from V-mon into the Adult Stage, is said to be the original species of the previously discovered V-dramon. Their main weapons are their strong arms, legs, and the X-laser.
■Digimental of Destiny■
A new Digimental whose existence was confirmed alongside Gummymon and the others. It’s said to be a mysterious item that holds power beyond understanding.
■Rapidmon■
This is Terriermon’s Armor Evolved form. It is a Holy Knight-type Digimon that has increased its attack power with heavy equipment such as missile pods.
■Galgomon■
The state in which Gumimon has evolved to its Adult stage. With the wild power unique to the Beastman-type they can easily wield a huge gun.

The back contains the lore regarding the Ancient Digital World and the Ancient species, part of it was also being used in the encyclopedias made for the D-3 toy mostly what was being used during that time in the D-3 encyclopedias.

Digimon Research Report FILE.2
■ Heritage of the Ancient Digital World ■
Newly Discovered Ancient Species
The newly discovered Armor Digimon and Digimental. The Digimental is a legacy of the Ancient Digital World, in which Digimon can evolve into the Armor-level through the power of elements such as fire and water. With more serious research on them, more about the beginnings of the Digital World might be found.
Free Attribute and Armor Evolution
Recently, it has been confirmed that Digimon that have adapted to armor evolution have a free attribute. The cause of Free Attribute is thought to be due to several factors other than Digimental, and there are still many unclear points. It is currently being investigated as not belonging to neither Vaccine, Data, or Virus.
Sealed Item
It is said that Digimental was once used to supplement the evolution of Ancient Digimon. However, due to the danger of producing explosive power, it seems that it has been sealed for fear of its misuse. Therefore, there are many mysteries left behind, such as the true ability of Digimental and why it suddenly revived in the present age.

“File.3” brings War Greymon and Aero V-Dramon to the front while having profiles of the Agumon evolutionary line, it works more as a general introduction to how Digimon evolve and the different possibilities of evolution.

Digimon Super Evolution Lineage
Digimon can evolve into a generation with higher abilities when certain conditions are met. This is an example of evolution from Agumon, which is said to be the representative species of the Dragon-type.
■Botamon■ and ■Koromon■
These Digimon are species that were discovered quite early. They are characterized by their high vitality and the potential to evolve into various Digimon.
■Agumon■
Agumon is a rare Child stage. It is a Digimon with a brave personality. Around this period, the variations leading to the next evolution steadily expand.
■Greymon■
Now, at the Adult Stage, it has evolved into a body for fights. The head has been covered with hard skin. It spits Mega Flame from its mouth; everything has powered up.
■Skull Greymon■
Depending on the conditions, Digimon can evolve into a completely different species. The one introduced here is also reported as an evolution from Agumon and Greymon.
■War Greymon■
Evolved into the Ultimate level and took the form of a Dragon Man-type, upgrading its fighting ability. The power of its special move has also increased significantly, reaching a state where it is almost invincible.

The back features the different forms in which Digimon evolves, it’s one of the first materials to actually mention Jogress Evolution and try to explain its lore, in the Pendulum it was used only as a gameplay element with nothing deeper about it. It also has a brief mention of the Chrome Digizoid Metal, something that was first shown to be a part of “Evolution Research Report”,

Digimon Research Report FILE.3
■ About the Evolution and Lineage of Digimon ■
Possibility of further evolution
Various forms of Digimon evolution have been discovered, but recently a form called Jogress Evolution has been attracting attention. This refers to the fusion of two Digimon as they evolve into a more powerful form of Digimon. This discovery proves that Digimon still have great potential for evolution.
Evolutionary Process and Attributes
Digimon usually evolve into a certain lineage, such as Dragon-, Beast-, or Insect-types. However, depending on the conditions, they may evolve into a completely different lineage. In some cases, their attributes may change from Vaccine to Virus. This is one of the greatest mysteries in Digimon ecology.
Metalization and Chrome Digizoid Metal
Digimon may become mechanized or metalized in the process of evolution. Its constituents are super-metal Chromedigizoid with hardness and flexibility. WarGreymon’s Dramon Killer and Metal Etemon’s body are especially famous. It is attracting attention as a valuable alloy that strengthens Digimon.

Following up on the previous explanation about the Jogress, “File.4” brings Paildramon and Silphymon to the front page and profiles for both Paildramon and Omegamon.

Jogress Evolution
Jogress Evolution is a form of evolution in which two Digimon fuse. It is characterized by being able to create a Perfect level or Ultimate level with higher abilities.
■XV-mon■ and ■Stingmon■
Digimon become able to Jogress when they evolve into the Adult stage using their original power. They will inherit the power of both and bring out even greater abilities.
■Paildramon■
A Perfect level created by the Jogress Evolution of two Digimon. It is also said that if certain conditions are met, it will evolve to a higher level.
■Omegamon■
Omegamon is a powerful Digimon that combines the strengths of both the Dragon-type and the Cyborg-type. This is a rare example of Jogress between two Ultimate levels.

To finish this, the back shows the Digimoji list and explains a bit about it and how the letters appear in various places, such as the Holy Rings used by many Holy Digimon. Back then, the Holy Rings were often mentioned as having some kind of mystery, something deeper about them, but no such thing was developed afterwards, and they’re just used as a holy object with holy power that is used by holy Digimon.

Digimon Research Report FILE.4
■ About Digimon and Digimoji
Digimoji and Holy Attributes
As a result of our research to date, we have learned that the Digital World uses a unique language called Digimoji (Digimon Letters). Digimoji are often found on the bodies of Angels and other Holy Digimon. Future research on Digimoji will be key to solving the mysteries of Digimon.

The second of the series was called “Ultimate Evolution Emergency Report” (究極進化緊急報告書, kyūkyoku shinka kinkyū hōkokusho). It was announced in the November 2000 V-Jump and another advertisement for it exists as confirmed by Ulforce Soul. From all we know, there’s no evidence that the second series was released. However, it seems to continue from where the previous one ended, as it focuses on Jogress, but now Paildramon’s profile has expanded. Silphymon has a profile alongside Hawkmon and Tyrannomon.

Digital Monster Card Game Season 2

While development until now was just trying to cover all the already existing Digimon and a few new ones for the V-pets and anime, with Season II Digimon was now having forward planning, so the sets were starting to get focus characters and concepts, such as the unique Jogress Digimon like Omegamon and Paildramon and the Armor Digimon like Magnamon.

But the biggest change is the coverage of the card game starting in the October 2000 V-Jump. So far the Card Game was just one of the various merchandise that was promoted in the magazine on a single page alongside many others, but now the Digital Monster Card game has its own specific section in the magazine called the “Digimon Card Game Dojo” (デジモンカードゲーム道場). This allowed for a better breakdown of the cards that are used to explain strategies and create hype for the cards

October 2000 V-Jump – Digimon Card Game Dojo

The first of them featured Magnamon and Gold Rapidmon. The usual for these articles is to have the Digimon cards with a short hype text about it, here both Magnamon and Rapidmon have them, “The Power of Miracles call the strongest knight!!” (奇跡の力が最強の騎士を呼ぶ!!) and “The Light of Destiny that judges evil!!” (運命の光が悪を裁く!!). But this was still just the beginning of the changes.

The November 2000 V-Jump came with the “Digital Monster Card Game Holo Card All Types Large Gathering Poster!” (デジタルモンスターカードゲームホロカード全種類大集合ポスター, Dejitarumonsutā kādogēmu horokādo zen shurui dai shūgō posutā) featuring a timeline of the releases of the series (Starting with Starter-1 up to Booster-7) alongside the holo cards that were featured in all of them, starting with Herakle Kabuterimon and finishing with Imperialdramon (Virus-type).

The biggest news came with the “special edition” of the Card Game Dojo articles to commemorate the start of the new Digimon Card series. This will be the standard for how the cards will be featured from now on with two Digimon Navigators: Tailmon Betsu and Tanukikoji Kaneki. The story between the two will be developed in the following issues, but here they are given their first profiles.

This month, we’re bringing you a special edition with new characters.
A Digimon was sent to the dojo by V-Jump to create the strongest tamer!
Tailmon Betsu: A cat Digimon raised by V-Jump. Aim to be the strongest tamer!!
“I wonder if you can keep up with my ability! Nya Nya”
Tanukikoji Kaneki: A mysterious swordsman who commands the Colosseum. Not on good terms with Tailmon Bestu.
“Looking forward to your participation!”

*This emperor of the dragons couldn’t control his immense power and turned into a god of destruction!*

Starting with Booster 7 the Card Game will now give names to most of the products, with this one being called “Terror of the Dragon Emperor” and featuring Imperialdramon (Virus). Tanukikoji Kaneki introduced combos with the Digimon as part of his special course”. About the navigators as characters, most of the time something new is added to know more about them. This time the profiles are:

Tailmon Betsu: Amateur tamer! Likes Angewomon ♥
“Amazing Nya!”
Tanukikoji Kaneki: A lonely wandering swordsman (Tamer)! Is on bad terms with Tailmon Betsu?
“uh-huh”

Like Volcano Ota with Digimonkey, the two also started a special series of short stories with each issue, it’s called “Digimon Card Game Theater” (デジモンカードゲーム劇場).

Digimon Card Game Theater Episode 1 “Crossing a world full of monkeys!”
After the two who endured the stormy training this month…
Tanukikoji Kaneki: I think I should quit being a Tamer and become a singer…
Tailmon Betsu: In that case, I’ll introduce you to a good instructor…
After that…
Etemon: My singing is the best~♥
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Gyah! Noisy!! Tailmon Betsu you bastard! I’ll never forget!!
In the next issue, these two will once again face a threatening ordeal…

The ultimate ancient dragon awakens with the power of justice!
A warrior form (Fighter Mode) that transcends the strongest!

The following month in the V-Jump, the focus is on “Booster 8” ~Awakening of the Ultimate Dragon Warrior~ featuring IMperialdramon Fighter Mode. This is where we can notice the most common trend with the CardGgame: hyping the newer Digimon. It’s very common for series like Digimon to eventually just promote the newer Digimon as the “strongest of all”, but other than the Digivices, that is something that is actually not very common in either the anime or V-Pets directly, but with the Card Game, it’s the most common thing to do, especially regarding the attack levels of Digimon to figure out who was the “strongest”.

This already happened before, but with Fighter Mode, this is more evident because it’s actually something mentioned in the card profile. “A Fighter Mode that transcends the strongest” is explained in the Tanukikoji Kaneki article as a reference to Omegamon, whose attack power of 700 was equal to Imperialdramon Fighter Mode, but representing special abilities, Fighter Mode could surpass Omegamon (in fact, Imperialdramon Virus already had a similar line of text).

The highly acclaimed Ultimate Digimon, Imperialdramon! We’ll unveil its hidden alternate form! When you acquire the true power of the Dragon of Destruction, the path to becoming the strongest Tamer will be opened for you!
Imperialdramon already boasts immense power! What if certain special conditions are met? The strongest Digimon that even surpasses Omegamon appears!!
Infinite Power 1
Special abilities that transcend dimensions!
●Nullify your opponent’s “No Special Abilities” effect!
Since it does not receive the effect of “Nullifies the opponent’s special ability”, its special ability will not be lost forever! Of course, the opponent’s abilities are completely nullified!! So engage in battles with strategies that take special abilities into consideration!
●If you discard one “Omegamon” card from your hand, its attack power will triple!
This 3x increase is completely different from the 2x increase given to Digimon previously! “The Time Shock!!”, which makes doubling attack power into halving it, won’t work on this guy!!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Even I, as expected, don’t possess such special abilities!
Infinite Power 2
Its attack power is truly that of a god of destruction!
If you activate its special ability, its maximum attack power will be a whopping 2100! Furthermore, its A’s attack power will not be reduced to 0, so there’s no use trying to win with “Defense Plug-in C”!!
Tailmon Betsu: Even my beloved Angewomon might lose to this Digimon…

As an added bonus, this issue, alongside a few others, also features early flavor text to the Digimon that differs from the one used in the actual cards. Imperialdramon Dragon Mode’s text says “An awe-inspiring symbol that flies through the skies of the world faster than the speed of sound!” while Imperialdramon Fighter Mode’s text says “Containing the opposing forces of light and darkness in one body this form transcends the strongest.”

For the usual Tanukikoji Kaneki and Tialmon Bestu profiles, this time they are:

Tailmon Betsu: A cat Digimon who has recently finally learned the rules. Will evolution come with strength!?
“Amazing!”
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Tailmon Betsu’s eternal rival. Often seen in Hokkaido.
“Exciting!”

Digimon Card Game Theater Episode 2 “A Revolution in the World of Commercials!”
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Seriously!? Is it true you appeared in a commercial?
Tailmon Betsu: Humhum Yeah… In this scene Nya!
*Let’s all watch the Digimon Card commercial in frame-by-frame mode!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Wel… I lost.
Tailmon Betsu: You wouldn’t be in a commercial even in 100 years!
Next, let’s rush into the Digimon Department Store!

The February V-Jump didn’t have anything special about new debuts and the Dojo article focused on a 3×3 battle between Tailmon Betsu and Tanukikoji Kaneki, the March V-Jump was similar and as such I won’t feature here. That, of course, was a promotion to the pre-made set that would start to be sold, the first “Ultimate Battle Deck” called “Neo Virus Busters Set/Neo Dark Masters Set”.

The ultimate deck set of Digimon New Century is now available!!
Technique of Darkness!! Two decks of Last Boss Enemy-class Digimon!
Technique type – Neo Dark Masters set (Apocalymon Deck & True Vandemon Deck)
The Power of Justice! Team-up decks of Leader-class Digimon!
Power type – Neo Virus Busters set (Omegamon Deck & Imperialdramon Deck)

A mysterious awakening! Its holy sword, the Omega Blade shines!

With the April 2000 V-Jump, we reach the end of the “Digital Monster Card Game Season II” with Booster 9 “The Glittering Beam of the White Holy Sword” featuring “Imperialdramon Paladin Mode”.

The intriguing method to make it appear is… The strongest Dragon Emperor and… The invincible Holy Knight!? → Fusion → Appear!Paladin Mode!! Bringer of the end to all battles!

Regarding the feature of Season II in the V-Jump, what we had here was more of a test to what we will see more of in Season III. The few elements I mentioned here will become much more common in the next season, and it is mostly when the Card Game really starts to deal more with covering the stories of not only the anime but also its own.

But before finishing, here are the Tanukikoji Kaneki and Tailmon Betsu profiles of the issues I skipped (There were no new “Digimon Card Game Theaters”, but unique content might have appeared in the V-Jump Book “Digimon Complete Guide”, sadly I don’t have it).

February 2001 V-Jump
Tailmon Betsu: Training hard day and night for the Jump Festa’s Card Tournament!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Like Tail, he is scheduled to appear in JF. He is in charge of hosting!!
March 2001 V-Jump
Tailmon Betsu: Spent all New Year’s money on Digimon cards!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Apparently he gained weight because he ate too much rice cake on New Year’s Day!?
April 2001 V-Jump:
Tailmon Betsu: Very popular with children! The Digimon she hates is Volcamon!!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Recently, the country swordsman (Tamer) became more and more attractive, which made him explode with female fans!

Digital Monster Card Game Season 3

Starter Ver. 5

“Starter Ver.5” was the first article for Season 3, focusing on the Perfect Levels of the new Digimon, Rapidmon, Taomon, and Megalo Growmon. As usual, they were hyped as the new strongest Perfect Levels, in special Megalo Growmon is given a backstory that it’s a killer of Data-species that has won thousands of battles and has a power that is equal, or even higher, than Digimon in the Ultiamte-level. Like the Card Game did before with Imperialdramon (Virus) they also feature an Imperialdramon (Data) whose profile states it’s a rare species, the magazine also implies the Data-killer Megalo Growmon can evolve into that Data-type Imperialdramon due to a mysterious power.

Strongest Perfect-level Course 1
Megalo Growmon
An invincible battle beast that has won thousands of battles appears!! A Data-species-killer comparable to Ultimate Levels!
Megalo Growmon is a demon dragon with destructive power that rivals, or even surpasses the Ultimate level! It has +200 attack power against Data-species, and has the mystical power to evolve into an Imperialdramon!
Strongest Perfect-level Course 2
Taomon
A clownish fox with enchanting eyes descends!
Taomon shows a threatening destruction gauge against Vaccine Species! It is characterized by low lost points! Beware of the “Berserk Sword” shown below!
Strongest Perfect-level Course 3
Rapidmon
Birth of a battle turret of destruction shining in green!
A, B, and C, the three types of attack power are most balanced in this versatile warrior! The 200 increase in attack power against viruses, which is called the strongest of the three attributes, is a tremendous ability!

About Tailmon Betsu and Tanukikoji Kaneki, this time Tailmon Betsu has two profiles because the character also started to be featured in the general Digimon Goods article alongside Volcano Ota.

Digimon Card Game Dojo
Tailmon Betsu: Going to appear in the goods and postcard articles! Definitely gonna read it Nya!!
“That’s a crime…”
Tanukikoji Kaneki: The 1000 presents are thanks to him! Everyone, praise him!!
“I brought one thousand directly from the warehouse!”
Digimon Gallery
The Cat Emperor of the Digimon Card World
Tailmon Betsu: An important Digimon that calls Volcano Ota “Vol-chan♡”!

Booster 10: The Lancing of the Crimson Knight

Booster 10 has the Booster Card number 500, and the Bo.500 is the featured Digimon Dukemon. As this is the character who first introduced the setting of the Royal Knights, they were quick to announce its attack power was in the same class as Omegamon, and with its strong special abilities, Dukemon was the strongest of the Royal Knights (Of course, the goods section instead says Omegamon was the strongest one).

Guilmon’s Ultimate Level, that is Dukemon! We’ll conduct a thorough search for the unknown power hidden within that card!!
Tanukikoji Check: Threatening special ability!!
Its defensive ability prevents its A Attack from being reduced to 0, and when a Digimon belonging to “VB” is discarded from your hand, its attack power triples!! I wonder if I can stand against this guy’s maximum attack power of 2160…
Tail Check: The speed of evolution! Strength on par with Omegamon!!
Even though it seems the usual Ultimate-level, its attack power is a threat due to its quick evolution!! Its destructive power up to 720 is truly Omegamon-class.
Tailmon Betsu: The birth of the strongest Royal Knight!

However, it was also a big change because the Digimon Card Dojo was giving farewell to Tanukikoji Kaneki due to the events of the new “Digimon Card Game Theater”. The story is that Tanukikoji’s father was killed by a Revolmon, so he was going on a journey to become strong like Volcano Ota. As with the previous issue, Tailmon Betsu was also featured in the Goods article.

Digimon Card Game Dojo
It’s sudden news, but Tanukikoji will be leaving the dojo this month
For more details, read “The Drama of Digimon Card Game Theater”!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: This month we say goodbye to the beauty tamer. Farewell Tanukikoji!
“I wasn’t listening~”
Tailmon Bestu: The only remaining enemies are the Monkey and the Giant (Volcano)! The ambition is to conquer the Digimon world!!
“This serves right at me”
Digimon Gallery
Morning Catgirl
Tailmon Betsu: Really busy with moving from my house. Any good properties around here, Nya~?
“What’s all this tension!?”

Digimon Card Game Theater of Love (The Return)
Episode 3: “Goodbye with a Smile”
On that day… I couldn’t protect my father from Revolmon…
Father: Wow
Tanukikoji: Father!
~bang~
Tanukikoji: That’s why I’m going on a journey… to become stronger… (Like this guy ⇒ Volcano Ota) Goodbye, everyone! Until we meet again!

Expansion Board

Digimon has already been a more interconnected franchise since Digimon Adventure 02, so the cards were already focusing on featuring Digimon that appeared in the anime and there was no need to create different merchandise to feature them, however, Bandai decided to also make “Jumbo Carddass Expansion Boards” focusing on the events of the anime, more than the cards, they also came with tutorial boards teaching how to play the game that also came with a box called “Digital Monster On TV Animation” which explored the story of the anime.

The 1st series of boards contained story summaries of Digimon Tamers episodes and short general profiles for important Digimon of the series. From the V-Jump magazine, the early design seems to have been different, but the general content is still the same.

DIGITAL MONSTER CARD GAME BOOSTER BOARD 1
Episode 8: Guilmon Evolves! The Great Decisive Battle in West Shinjuku
Story
Due to Impmon’s actions, Takato misunderstands Guilmon. The trust between the two was on the verge of crumbling.
Devidramon attacked a depressed Guilmon. Devidramon’s onslaught continued in Shinjuku at night. However, Takato’s misunderstanding is resolved, and Guilmon, who has regained his trust, evolves into Growmon. It evaded Devidramon’s claws and repeled it with the deadly Exhaust Flame!
DIGITAL MONSTER CARD GAME BOOSTER BOARD 2
Episode 10: Renamon is my Friend! Ruki’s Perplexity
Story
Due to not being able to evolve, Ruki treats Renamon coldly. Just as their hearts were about to drift apart, Ice Devimon approached Ruki to make her his tamer. Ruki refuses, but Ice Devimon defeats Renamon and aims to become her partner. When Ruki’s heart feels friendship for Renamon, who is hurt, Renamon evolves into Kyuubimon with Culumon’s reaction! She counterattacks!!!
DIGITAL MONSTER CARD GAME BOOSTER BOARD 3
Episode 1: Guilmon is Born! The Digimon that I Created
Story
Inside the Digital Field, Takato witnesses a battle between Renamon and Lynxmon. Ruki’s Card Slash gave Renamon a High-Speed Plug-in, and she then made a fierce dash.
She easily dodges Lynxmon’s flame attack and flies into the sky to perform her special attack. Before the perfect combination of Ruki and Renamon, Lynxmon scatters!
DIGITAL MONSTER CARD GAME BOOSTER BOARD 4
Episode 6: The Meaning of Partner Renamon Evolves!
Story
Ruki and Renamon continue to fight to evolve. Although she defeats Allomon, Renamon is unable to evolve and Ruki feels impatient and frustrated. However, during the battle with Dokugumon, Renamon protects Ruki and repeatedly attacks desperately. In front of Renamon who gets hurt to protect her, Ruki’s heart cries and responds to the D-Arc. Renamon finally evolved into Kyubimon and defeated Dokugumon with her lone flame power.
DIGITAL MONSTER CARD GAME BOOSTER BOARD 5
Episode 11: Shinjuku Ō-Guard The 1½ min. Showdown!
Story
Musyamon who hates humans appears in Shinjuku Ō-Guard!
Lee had doubts about the fight, but in front of the threatened girl, he evolved Terriermon, dodged Musyamon’s special move, and made it explode with Galgomon’s Dum Dum Upper!
Lee is determined to do what only he can do, he is determined to protect people in battle.
DIGITAL MONSTER CARD GAME BOOSTER BOARD 6
Episode 4: A Tamer’s Task! Defeat Gorimon!
Story
Gorimon fights Lee and the others inside a building under construction. This is the opponent that Terriermon fought in a game.
However, Lee, who witnessed Terriermon’s rampage after he evolved in a previous battle, refuses to fight. Gorimon attacks mercilessly.
Lee has no choice but to bring Terriermon into battle. With his quick wits and teamwork with Terriermon, they successfully defeated Gorimon!

Since Tanukikoji Kaneki is on his journey, only Tailmon Betsu has a profile, this time mentioning a new character who appears in the postcard article. Who this character is will be revealed later.

Digimon Card Game Dojo
Tailmon Bestu: The policewoman that appears on the postcard page, does they have an intimate relationship!?
“Are you serious?”

Finally, there’s also a new Digimon Card Game Theater once again talking about Tailmon Betsu appearing in a commercial for the Digimon Card Game.

Digimon Card Game Theater of Love
Episode 4: “Surpass Nanako Matsushima!”
Shakkoumon: Tail-san! Is it true that you’re going to appear in a commercial again?
Tailmon Betsu: That’s right, Shakkoumon-san!
↑Best Friends!!↑
Tailmon Betsu: This time this is where I’m Nya!
Shakkoumon: That’s amazing!
New CM Queen? You could try checking out her performance Nya!

Booster 11 ~The Space-time Crossing Adventurer~ (Digital Mystery Tour) and Ultimate Battle Set: Digital Hazard Set

The August 2001 V-Jump starts a double feature, mainly focusing on Booster 11, but it also includes a new Ultimate Battle Set. In Booster 11 the focus is on the debut of Sakuyamon and Saint Galgomon making a trio with Dukemon, as following the name of the set, Space-time Crossing Adventurer, they are all stated as having the power to cross dimensions at high speed, faster than those who are at the Digimon Card Game Dojo.

Great Invasion of New Ultimate Level Digimon
Digimon Card Game Dojo
The special feature just before “Booster 11” is released is finally here!
The 3 Ultimate-level Digimon who are also active in the anime are revealed all at once!!
The Ultimate levels of Guilmon, Renamon, and Terriermon are going to be revealed!
Following Guilmon, now Renamon and Terriermon are also Ultimate evolving!
Following Dukemon included in “Booster 10”, Sakuyamon and Saint Galgomon are finally making their first appearance in the Digimon Card Game! Check out their abilities that transcend dimensions faster than anywhere else at the dojo, and get ready to incorporate them into your deck!
Tailmon Betsu: I want to marry Dukemon♥
Guilmon’s Ultimate Level
Dukemon
The Crimson Knight has become even more powerful!
Dukemon, also known as the Crimson Knight, has increased destructive power and evolved to be more aggressive than the previous version! Show”Mugen Mountain” in battle and strengthen his special abilities!!
Renamon’s Ultimate Level
Sakuyamon
“The Ultimate Connection!!” is her greatest weapon!
Sakuyamon is a Data-type, so she can use “Ultimate Connection!!”! Combine it with high attack power and defeat your rivals!
Terriermon’s Ultimate Level
Saint Galgomon
Has an attractive stable attack power!
It has a special ability that doubles its attack power! What’s more, its special ability cannot be nullified!!

Instead of “Card Game Teather”, this time we have “Diary of Tail’s Memories and Tanukikoji’s Memories” and here Tailmon Betsu writes about something she did and also a comment about Tanukikoji Kaneki’s cameo in Digimon Tamers, playing with the idea that he was now dead, but somehow appeared in the anime.

Diary of Tail’s Memories and Tanukikoji’s Memories
“That is not me Nya!”
May 3, 2001
Events at the “D-Slinger” tournament…
At the event I participated in for the sake of earning money, I reunited with that girl who appeared in the April V-Jump issue ♥ In my hands was a box of cookies she gave me! However, the scene was photographed without permission, and I got fired from my job…
A sensational snapshot of Tail’s date scene!

During that time, the missing Tanuki-Kojiro was…
May 6, 2001
Events from Episode 6 of “Digimon Tamers”…
That Tanukikoji, who met a tragic death, tried to hit on Ruki in the anime but was spectacularly rejected Nya. By the way, is he still alive?
A dream collaboration with Ruki in the anime!!

Tanukikoji Kaneki also appears as “someone from the past” while Tailmon Betsu is trying to explain a new mechanic from the new Ultimate Battle Set. Finally, in the Goods Article, Volcano Ota uses Kaneki as an example for the Hybrid Evolution toys and shows a photo of him without the costume.

Volcano Check
What is Hybrid Super Evolution?
This is an evolution that adds metal parts to conventional plastic parts, increasing the sense of solidity! See the example for details.
Human example (I’m Kaneki) → Evolution > I’m Tanukikoji Kaneki

Tailmon Betsu’s profile for this magazine teases that she will travel overseas, she also comments she would like to evolve to the Ultimate-level.

Digimon Card Game Dojo
Tailmon Betsu
⇒Finally, the long-awaited overseas expansion! Details will be revealed in the next issue!
Tailmon Betsu: I also want to reach the Ultimate-level!

The September 2001 V-Jump issue once again featured Booster 11 and the 2nd Ultimate Battle Deck, but since Tailmon Betsu went to the overseas project, Tanukikoji Kaneki returned, but now with an evolved form now that he’s back from his training.

Tanuki… Remember him?
Digimon Card Game Dojo!
The special feature just before “Booster 11” is released is finally here! 2
The beast swordfighter who transcends the gods is finally back! And his name is… G (Great) Tanukikoji Kaneki
Profile
The form of Kaneki that gained power in exchange for love! His favorite celebrity is Dump Matsumoto.
Tanuki Eye
The eyes of a devilish nature that seduce a woman whom they have found to the point of bone-dragging! Her eyesight is 0.04, a record number!
Tanuki Hair
The 50-50 hair ratio is still there. The moment this turns into a seventy-three hair, the world moves to ruin …
Tanuki Armor
Ultimate armor that repels the simultaneous fire of an entire Russian fleet! Made of Chromedigizoid alloy!
Tailmon Betsu ← If you want to see her in action, go to page 110.
“I won’t be here this month”

Since this continues from “Space-time Crossing Adventurer” the new Digimon featured is Omegamon. While so far Omegamon has been used as a measurement to show how strong the new Digimon are, this updated Omegamon, who is summoned with “Dimension Crossing Hero,” is depicted as the strongest Digimon in history, the Omegamon who transcends everything.

Attack Power 990! Omegamon that transcends everything!!!!
Hiding unparalleled extreme power
The Ultimate Digimon
Omegamon shows off its overwhelming power with a maximum attack power of 990! It is truly the most powerful Digimon in history! Use this card and stand out from your rivals!
Of course, it overwhelms all Omegamon from abilities to summoning conditions!
↑The new Omegamon has an easier summoning condition and surpasses the old version in all abilities. That power is now in the realm of God!!
This card holds all the keys to victory!

The Tailmon Betsu article continues the Memory Diary that started last issue, it’s a large edition that shows Tailmon Betsu in Korea. Instead of using the full costume, the person doing it is using a mask and paws, the profile states Tailmon Betsu does this because she is targeted in different countries.

Tail’s Memories Diary Large Version
in Korea
Korea Report 1
Tailmon Betsu’s Overseas Adventure
I’m targeted in different countries, so I’m wearing a mask to hide my true identity Nya. Isn’t this sad?

Starter Ver. 6: Advent of the Three Archangels (Holy Kingdom)

The first time they attempted to depict a proper group introduction with lore, was in the October 2001 issue of the V-Jump. Here all Three Great Archangels are introduced, this includes not only showing the characters but also giving their individual lore and function in the Digital World.

The veil of mystery is finally lifted, The Three Archangel Digimon!!
What are the Three Archangel Digimon!?
They are Digimon who control Angel-types such as Angemon from the top. In the Digital World, they are revered as beings close to God!!
Virus Busters (VB) Digimon of the most advanced army
There are many VB Digimon with high abilities in “Starter 6”. Among them, let’s get close to the “3 Archangel Digimon” with powerful abilities!!
Seraphimon
The Seraph Digimon that controls the army
The highest-ranked male Digimon. It has an equilibrated attack power that can respond to any situation!
Cherubimon
The Cherubim Digimon that controls knowledge
The highest-ranked Digimon of the Holy Beast group. Since its special abilities can’t be nullified, make full use of those abilities!
Ofanimon
The Ophan Digimon that rules over love
The highest-ranked Digimon of the female angel group. She boasts the highest attack power among the three! Be careful not to reduce her A attack to 0 as you fight!!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: They all have powers comparable to me!!

Then, in the following month’s issue, we got this complete backstory to explain the lore behind the group touching elements such as the nature of light and darkness in the Digital World, God, and much more, to establish the concept of God’s Army.

Starter Set Ver.6: Advent of the Three Archangels (Holy Kingdom)
God’s Army, descends.
BACK STORY
When the confrontation between “good” and “evil” was born, “God,” the being that governs the Digital World, shared its own aspects with three apostles so they could lead the “God’s Army” in preparation for the battle against the approaching Fallen Angel-type Digimon. Its absolute justice and guardship over order were given to the Seraph-type Seraphimon, the pinnacle of male angel Digimon. Its huge amount of data is given to the Cherubimon of the Cherub-type, which is the pinnacle of the Holy Beast Digimon. Its Deep compassion was given to Ophan-type Ophanimon, the symbol of the female angel Digimon. It is the birth of the Three Archangel Digimon. The ranks of the gods, consisting of Archangel/Angel-type Digimon and Holy Beast-type Digimon, are present in the network along with the “Royal Knights” as Digimon belonging to the Virus Busters.

This wasn’t an isolated thing, as the Digimon Card Game website was also given this backstory, with some added content discussing the concept of God.

Card Game Starter Ver6 ～Advent of the Three Archangels～
A virtual world created by Network Researchers, the “Digital World”. Pseudo-lifeforms called “Digimon” live there. They evolved on their own, creating their own ecosystem, and culture, and they also came to have their own “God”.
The “God” of the Digimon World
It’s the “good” of the Digital World. Often interpreted as synonymous with the “Four Holy Beasts,” who govern the stability of the Digital World, yet also testified to be “an existence that surpasses the Four Holy Beasts.” In addition, there are sometimes research reports that the God of Digimon is the “System” itself and has a completely different origin from Digimon. It seems there is still much time needed for this to be understood.
God’s Army
When the conflicting structures of “Good” and “Evil” emerged in the Digimon World, preparing for the approaching battle against Fallen Angel Digimon, God divided three aspects of itself into three apostles and gave them command over “God’s Army.”
Seraph-type Seraphimon, the guardian of God’s absolute justice and order, and the pinnacle of Male Angel Digimon. Also, Cherubimon, a Cherub-type that is the pinnacle of Holy Beast Digimon, is a Databank that holds God’s vast knowledge. Ofanimon of the Ophan-type embodies God’s deep compassion and is the symbol of the Female Angel Digimon.
In other words, this was the birth of the “Three Archangel Digimon”. These three Ultimate-level Digimon all have 10 wings and reign at the top of the Angel-type and Holy-type Digimon.
This formation of gods is organized as such that Archangel-type Digimon have 8 wings, Angel-type Digimon have 6 wings, and Holy Beast Digimon wear “Holy Rings”, and is aligned with the Royal Knights existing on the network as Virus Buster Digimon with special abilities.
However, why did the conflicting structure of “good” and “evil” arise in the Digimon world?
It seems that the only way to get an answer to that is to wait for the story of the “Heaven-sent child” born from the “God of Digimon” ~ The supreme angel born with 12 wings ~.

This is by far the most impressive attempt the Card Game had with its attempt to depict unique Digimon lore. By this time Digimon had stopped developing unique settings in books and the anime was the baseline for worldbuilding, so using the card game to explore this lore before the anime had the chance to do this is a bit surprising.

Returning to the main feature of October, there was quite a bit of Tailmon Betsu and Great Tanukikoji Kaneki content. Starting with the profiles.

Great Tanukikoji Kaneki: Summer is tanuki ramen! We’re still working on the product, but…
“Tanuki soba is delicious!!”
Tailmon Betsu: Watermelon-flavored ice cream is so delicious in the summer Nya!!
“…”

Then Tailmon Betsu started an article trying to reveal the origin of Tanukikoji Kaneki’s name, finding banners that use the name”Tanukikoji” in the same city Kaneki is from. But the actual answer will only be given in the next part.

Emergency Special Feature
Unraveling the Origin of Tanukikoji’s Name!!
It’s been a year since Tanukikoji appeared in V-Jum. During this time, a certain question has emerged. It’s something everyone wanted to ask but was too scared to utter… Yes! What on earth is “Tanuki-Kojiro”!!! To answer such a call, Tail stepped forward!
Tailmon Betsu: Detective Tail bringing this to you Nya!!
The stage is set in Sapporo City, Hokkaido! The clues to unraveling the mystery were found here!!
As a result of my investigation, the key to solving the mystery was found in Sapporo City, Hokkaido! And we’ve obtained shocking footage Nya!!
When going out to eat ramen, there’s a banner with the name “Tanukikoji”!? Could it be that Kaneki stole the name from here?
Found it again. If it is plagiarism, he could be arrested on suspicion of name theft… Tension runs high at V-Jump. What is the truth? To be continued next time.
This city is also Kaneki’s hometown!

For “Tail’s Memories Diary” Tailmon Betsu tells the time when Tanukikoji Kaneki, AiM, and she went to a TV program to do interviews, she then shared a few things that happened while the show aired.

Tail’s Memories Diary
July
An event at a certain TV recording studio…
The Super Beautiful Combination that won’t lose to London Boots Ichi-gō Ni-gō, myself Tail, and Tanukikoji Nya! This is all thanks to the power of V-Jump ♥ However, while I was feeling excited, Tanukikoji went wild!! He pulled off a series of surprising actions, like proposing to the host AiM-chan while we were on air. Oh my, I’m exhausted~
Tanuki Kojiro gets scolded by the director!
↑ Tanuki Kojiro gets scolded by the program director after answering that his favorite game is an H (Ecchi) game. Even though he’s already 30 years old this year…
A dream conversation with AIM ♡
←Now I’m on good terms with AiM-chan, next time I want to become a close friend to Koji Wada-san!
Tailmon Betsu: Unfortunately, the program I appeared in has already been aired… But, there might be another appearance, so don’t forget to check the CS (Cable Satellite) broadcast “Anime Anything Ranking” without fail!!

Expansion Board 2

The November 2001 issue covered both Expansion Board 2 and Booster 12, since Expansion Board 2 has more content and was released first, I’ll leave Booster 12 and the exclusive issue content to the next topic.

While the first Expansion Board had very small profiles and most of the texts were summaries of a few of Tamers’ early episodes, the 2nd is divided into 2 groups. The first three are the evolutionary lines of the three main Digimon from Digimon Tamers, with profiles for each. The last three are, once again, story summaries, but now they are focused on explaining the story of a particular Digimon and also include Mephismon from the Summer 2001 movie.

Genealogy of Dukemon’s Evolution
Guilmon has excellent fighting ability and alongside his Tamer Takato, his strength and weapons improve as he evolves into Growmon and Megalo Growmon. Finally, he achieved his ultimate evolution into Dukemon, which possesses invincible armor and evil-destroying powers!!
Genealogy of Sakuyamon’s Evolution
Renamon, who evolves with her partner Ruki, specializes in the dark arts in battle. She acquires more advanced techniques as Kyubimon and Taomon, and Ultimate Evolves into Sakuyamon which has the form of a Miko, making full use of powerful Onmyōdō techniques!!
Genealogy of Saint Galgomon’s Evolution
Together with his tamer Jen, Terriermon evolves into Galgomon, which boasts continuous shooting ability, and Rapidmon, which combines that with speed. They finally evolve into Saint Gargomon, which has tremendous destructive power!!
Juri’s beloved Leomon-sama!
Leomon appeared in front of Juri, who was being attacked by a Deva and was frightened. Juri fell completely in love with Leomon, who fought off the Deva. Leomon looks annoyed at Juri, who loves him. However, Leomon’s heart moves when he sees Juri’s desperate tears as she tries to become a partner. Leomon has decided to fight against Deva with Juri as his tamer!
Challenging the Strong, “Digimon of Justice” Guardromon!
Andromon challenged the powerful enemy Orochimon for the sake of justice. However, Andromon ran out of energy in the fierce battle and degenerated into Guardromon. Hirokazu felt sympathy for Guardromon, who sacrificed himself to fight. When trust was established with Guardromon, a Digivice appeared in Hirokazu’s hand! Hirokazu became Guardromon’s tamer!!
Summer 2001 Toei Anime Fair
Digimon Tamers ~The Adventurers’ Battle~
Takato went on a trip to Okinawa and met a young girl who was being attacked by Mephismon, Minami. Mephismon planned to destroy the world’s data through a popular pet software, and because Minami had the key to the data destruction, she was targeted. A mysterious Digimon appeared to protect Minami, Siesamon. And then, Takato, Lee, Ruki, and the others, gathered together. To challenge Mephismon!

Booster 12 ~Assault of the Deva (DEVA STRIKES)~

Booster 12 was featured in the November 2001 V-Jump and the December 2001 V-Jump but with two different focuses. Starting with the November issue is a celebratory issue since it has been 1 year since Tailmon Betsu and Tanukikoji Kaneki debuted in the magazine, so there’s a special article with Tanukikoji Kaneki taking up a new form (It’s in fact, one already seen before).

Tailmon Betsu’s article is an introduction to her favored cards from Booster 12 and her profile mentions her birthday as September 21st.

Tail celebrates her 1st V-Jump Anniversary!! Tanukikoji also celebrates the 1st anniversary of his V-Jump appearances!
Tailmon Betsu: Her birthday is September 21st. If you’re a fan, keep this in mind.
“Booster 12” was finally released! A thorough guide to new cards!!
This series includes a lot of Perfect Levels and Ultimate Levels that have more power than ever before! If you aim to become the strongest tamer, definitely get them!!
Tail’s highly recommended card! “Chaos Dukemon”
The Ultimate Dukemon Killer that holds the alias of “Dark Knight”! If Dukemon is the opponent, all attack power will increase by 5 times!!
Powerful special abilities!
Pandamon: Although it is a Perfect Level, it has the ability to recover points. At the same time, it can also reduce the opponent’s points!
Griffomon: Can triple its attack power against a Digimon that can nullify special abilities!
The Dojo-recommended combo!
Berserk!!: An Ultimate Level that has the ability to recover points, even if it loses, will have its attack power tripled and can return to the battle.
Omegamon: By combining this Omegamon with the card above card, you can complete the strongest combo. You’ll never lose!
Attack type option essential for battle!
The Bone That Calls Death: Can destroy Ultimate Levels from the Nature Spirits with an Attack A of 600 or more! This is amazing!!
The Battle I Staked My Pride On!: An Option that was included in “Starter Ver.1” has been renewed. The effect is also more powerful!
Tailmon Betsu: All of them are amazingly powerful!

The article in which Tanukikoji Kaneki is featured is “Tamers Chatroom,” which usually features Kenji Watanabe commenting on fan art, sometimes with special themes. This time it’s a Card Game battle between Kenji and Kaneki. The battle ended with Kenji winning, and he applied a Punishment Game to Kaneki, card-slashing his butt and turning him into a policewoman.

Tamers Chatroom Chapter 10: This time… Tamers Must See! Card Deck Championship
Digimon lovers! Gather on this page!
These two will choose a deck and have a battle.
The two people below will perform the ultimate battle using card decks collected from readers!
Kenji Watanabe-sensei: Sensei’s Chosen Deck is a Black Digimon Deck. A line-up of Demon Digimon and items. The power of the cards is powerful and it’s possible to perform instant kill plays!!
Great Tanukikoji Kaneki: Tanukikoji’s Chosen Deck is Patamon Hattatta. “Holy Tag”, which can only be used by holy Digimon, is the deciding factor of the deck. Can it deal with Evil Tanukikoji?
Let’s Battle
Point Card “Belial Vamdemon”
Kenji-sensei was the first to evolve to the Ultimate Level. Under a fierce attack, Tanukikoji is suddenly in a pinch!
Demon Lord of Horror
→A terrifying demon lord who further reduces the opponent’s points by 20 points!
1st and 2nd Turns
Point
Sensei – 100 vs Tanukikoji – 30
Tanukikoji: This is not over yet!
Kenji: Such a small fish!
Point Card “Holy Tag”
Tanukikoji activates the “Holy Tag”. Will Kenji-sensei be defeated by the appearance of the strongest trump card?
Tanukikoji Kaneki’s counterattack
←Tags and Crests have an outstanding attack power increase effect.
3rd Turn
Point
Sensei – 50 vs Tanukikoji – 30
Point Card “Slot Blast”
Tanukikoji made his final attack with “Cracker!!”! However, Sensei countered it…
Sensei’s Trump Card
4th Turn
Point
Sensei – 40 vs Tanukikoji – 0
Tanukikoji: Ugh!
Kenji: Burning Inner Strength~!
Result
Sensei Won
Tanukikoji Lost
…And so there was a terrifying punishment game in Tanukikoji!
Tanukikoji:…
Kenji: I won ❤︎
All you good kids, don’t get caught by this cop!

Tailmon Betsu also appears in the Digimon Goods article, this is her profile

Tailmon Betsu: I’m V-Jump’s Demon Lord!
The V-Jump version of Demon Kogure
Tailmon Betsu
Could it be that Demon Kogure’s white makeup is actually copied from her!?

Solve the mystery of the Twelve Generals (Deva)!!

The December 2001 issue introduced the 12 Deva and was the focus of Booster 12 called “Assault of the Deva”. While it didn’t have a large explanation about the backstory of the Deva, it did explain in general terms what the Deva are and how the cards were made to represent their lore.

This specifies the relationship between the Four Holy Beasts and the Deva with the term “主従関係” (Shujū kankei) which means “Master-Slave Relationship”. It’s interesting in the context of computers that it’s a term that is used to describe a model of asymmetric communication or control where one device or process (the master) controls one or more other devices or processes (the slaves) and serves as their communication hub.

2nd “Booster 12” Special Feature
“Full sets given to 1000 people by lottery!!” & “The Twelve Divine Generals (Deva) fully revealed”
The power of the Twelve Divine Generals (Deva) has arrived in the world!
The biggest attraction for “Booster 12” is the gathering of all the Twelve Divine Generals (Deva). By utilizing them effectively, one can obtain power surpassing that of the Ultimate level!!
The combat abilities of the Twelve Divine Generals (Deva)
Possessing high power in the A, B, and C categories, their attack power is immense! Furthermore, through combining special abilities with the Four Holy Beasts, considerable enhancement can be achieved!!
Relationship with the Four Holy Beasts
The Twelve Divine Generals (Deva) are set as apostles serving the Four Holy Beasts. This setting is also used on the cards making the combined special abilities!
Four Holy Beasts
↕ (Master/Slave Relationship)
Twelve Divine Generals (Deva)
Twelve Divine Generals (Deva) Exclusive Option Cards
The two cards below are exclusive Options for the Twelve Divine Generals (Deva), bringing about tremendous effects! When assembling a deck with the Twelve Divine Generals (Deva), be sure to include them!
“The Pledge Between Master and Servant”
“Pyramid City”
The apostles of the God Beasts who rule over Time, Directions, months, and years… Their name is the Twelve Divine Generals (Deva)!!
Tailmon Betsu: Presents to 1000 people is amazing!

Tanukikoji Kaneki isn’t featured in this issue, instead, an Omake is explaining what happened to him as a joke connecting to the 1000 sets of Booster 12 that are going to be given away to readers.

Omake
In order to see everyone’s happy faces, Tanukikoji stole 1000 sets of “Booster 12” from Bandai’s warehouse and was arrested. Therefore, he couldn’t come to the dojo this month. Please understand. (laughs)
Great Tanukikoji Kaneki
Take care

Tailmon Betsu’s profile in the Digimon Goods article was:

The Platinum Knight who rules over V-Jump
Tailmon Betsu
Even though she received a cake at the event, it was stolen by Tanukikoji.
Tailmon Betsu: Come at me, your villain!

Booster 13 ~The Sky-Conquering Armored Lancer~

The January 2001 V-Jump is a double feature, with Booster 13 “The Sky-Conquering Armored Lancer” and the Jump Festa edition. Both feature Dukemon and Beelzebumon as the main Digimon.

The red sunset looks like hell these days… By Tail
Digimon Card Game Dojo
Digital Monster Card Game Booster 13 ~The Sky-Conquering Armored Lancer~
A complete guide to the 13th “Booster”. The holy spear and the demonic bullets clash!!
The Terrifying Crimson Knight Clashes with The Evil Overlord of the Underworld (Ebony Beelzebub)
Finally making an appearance, Demon Lord Beelzebumon!
Beelzebumon finally makes his full-fledged debut! Utilizing him effectively is the key point of this series!!
Endless Rampage
“Beelzebumon” + “Behemoth”
An Ultimate Level that can suddenly evolve from Impmon! The “+300 attack power” against Virus-species is extraordinary. He demonstrates his abilities by teaming up with “Behemoth”!!
Spear Shot From Heaven
“Dukemon” + “Grani”
A new form of Dukemon that evolved further from Dukemon. Its attack power is established as higher. Teaming up with “Grani” will increase the attack power by 400!!
Can you control the power of a king!?!
“King Device”
If certain conditions are met, the attack power will increase by 800! Furthermore, by linking with the yet-to-be-released “Queen Device”, its true power can be unleashed!!
In addition, there will be a special Blue Card to commemorate a total of over 1500 types of cards!
“Booster 13” has a special Blue Card commemorating a total of 1500 cards! It’s linked with the latest D-Ark!!
Lots of super powerful Digimon
→Cyberdramon’s Ultimate-level!
←A Level 3 with a maximum attack power of 520. Its destructive power is unique!!

The super rare cards from the special sale at the Jump Festa are finally revealed
Superpowerful warriors with amazing destructive power and special abilities!
All the cards are powerful and are essential for strengthening your deck! You can also use them in official tournaments, so make full use of them!!
Demonstrate its ability against Beelzebumon!
“Dukemon“
Dukemon has many evolution routes! Its attack power increases by 4 times against Beelzebumon!! Take advantage of Virus Buster’s support and join the battle!
“Double Impact” burns down his rivals!
“Beelzebumon”
Against Dukemon the attack power increases by 4 times! Throws the opponent into hell with its special move “Double Impact”!!
“War Greymon”
Omegamon fused from this card become stronger!
“Cyberdramon”
Has an amazing attack power number of over 600 while being a Perfect-level!
“Aero V-Dramon”
Has a deadly combination technique with “Gabumon” and “Igamon”!
“Imperialdramon Fighter Mode”
Showcasing a special evolution from Dinobeemon!
An attack power of 0 is no joke!
“Culumon”
Although it has 0 attack power, this Digimon shows its ability by providing support! It is useful as an assist for evolution!!!
The transcendental effects of the holy sword!
“Omega Blade”
It is a holy sword that has tremendous power, such as giving a +1000 of attack power and making the opponent lose +30 points!

This time Tail’s Memory Diary introduces the D-Spirits event and the performance of Aim and Koji Wada.

Tail’s Memory Diary
Aim-san
Koji Wada-san
September 23rd “D-SPRITS” event…
Tanukikoji was forced to perform at the event, and I met Koji Wada & AiM there! I was so moved by the live performance that I went to meet Wada-san ♥
Tail-version
Wada-san and I reunited after a long time ♥
Tailmon Betsu: Koji, long time no see!
However, Wada-san seems to be extremely angry with me. Angry, angry, angry, angry!!
Koji Wada: You look whiter than ever!
Tanukikoji-version
Proposal during the event ♥
Tanukikoji: Please marry me!
Meanwhile, Tanukikoji was in the middle of picking up a young girl! He was caught in the act and arrested!!

Tanukikoji is back at the V-Jump, Tailmon Betsu gets two profiles, one for the Dojo and one for the Digimon Goods section. Also, she is the focus of the Tamers Chatroom article.

Digimon Goods
She saw a UFO!
Tailmon Betsu
Aliens invaded her bedroom. Then they fought in a hand-to-hand battle!!
Tailmon Betsu: I even saw an alien!
Digimon Card Game Dojo
Tailmon Betsu
Has been feeling exhausted from all the events lately. But she’ll do her best for the Jump Festa!
Tanukikoji Kaneki
The secret behind his hair!? Go to the postcard page!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: I will also be attending the event!!

This time Tamers Chatroom showcases various ideas for Tailmon Betsu’s evolutions, Tailmon Betsu chose which of them she enjoyed the most, and using that as the basis, she would evolve. The winner was Taomon Betsu, and with that, a new costume was made to represent the Perfect-level Taomon Betsu. She also shared two fan arts of possible evolutions for Digimonkey, but he couldn’t appear and evolve because he had broken his bones.

Tamers Chatroom
Announcing the evolution of Tailmon Betsu!
1st Tail (And Digimonkey to…) Encouragement Recruitment
Digimon Auditions!!
If there is a Digimon that Tail likes, she will evolve accordingly. What will be her fate?
The degree of interest determines everything!
No matter how skilled you are at drawing, it’s all decided by her whims! This time, she’s being serious!!
Entry No.1
Tailmon Betsu evolves!
Perm Tailmon
Demon Best-type Virus-species
Special Move: Afro Bomber
Tail’s interest level: 4
Why did you give it a permanent? The characters overlap with Papaya Suzuki!!
Entry No.2
Jogress Evolution!
Tailmonmon
Tail’s Interest Level -5
Jogress with Digimonkey !? No way, merging with such a monkey. It’s creepy, it’s disgusting…
Entry No.3
Taomon Betsu
Tail’s Interest Level Max
This is good!
What is this? Wow, that is such a nice style! This has to be what I’ll evolve into ♥
Entry No.4
Tail’s Interest Level 1
This one doesn’t even have legs. How am I supposed to evolve into that? You should try putting yourself in the shoes of those who make costumes! Don’t you feel sad for that?
Matrix Evolution!
Perfect Level Evolution!
Taomon Betsu
Who is Taomon Betsu…
Possessing reason and intelligence this is Tailmon Betsu’s Perfect Level. She gives fear to her opponent with her yellow face!
P.N (Pen Name) Ken’nomai-chan, thank you!
Digimonkey-edition
→That looks just like him Nya! There’s a yakuza-like side to him…
→This also looks like a yakuza. Is that Digimonkey’s image?
Uki… Digimonkey was unable to evolve because he had a broken bone. Sorry.

The following issue already changed the focus to a different material, but it also presented a backstory to Booster 13. While the Expansion Board was bringing summaries for Digimon Tamers, this was a more direct explanation of the lore itself and the events from an outside perspective and did not really address the anime elements directly, focusing on the actual settings. Here it introduces the lore behind the ZERO Arms with Grani and its connection with Dukemon, teasing a further development.

Booster 13 ~The Sky-Conquering Armored Lancer~ BACK STORY
By mimicking the ecology and evolution of Digimon, Digimon researchers developed the artificial digital life forms known as “ARMS (ARtificial MonsterS).” Development of the ARMS—which, although they lack consciousness, harbor formidable power just like Digimon—as humanity’s first “digital living weapons” is underway. Amidst all of this, people see a certain “miracle” occur before their very eyes. ZERO-ARMS—the first of the living weapons, created by a Holy Knight Digimon responsible for protecting the Net, and a human—has begun to react. Guided by virtuous intent, these two digital lifeforms blaze through the sky like a prideful knight spurring his neighing steed forth, boldly confronting the hollow evil that casts a pall over the peace. And the power of the Tamer will guide them toward an unexpected evolution.

The website also shared a backstory for the event. Still, just like with the explanation before, it also added more information placing it alongside much of the early lore of Digimon from before and after the anime, giving its own explanation for terms like Digimon World, Ancient Digital World, Digital World, and so on.

“The Sky-Conquering Armored Lancer” BACK STORY
A digital life form that supernaturally appeared on the computer network, “Digital Monster”. In the early stages of the birth of Digimon, researchers maintained their world, observing various islands and continents floating in the “Net Ocean”. In what would later be called the Digital World, Digimon preyed on each other, experienced various evolutions, and even formed gods of Digimon, and thus their own history was created.
Before long, a major change came to the world of Digimon. Digimon who could evolve themselves by interacting with humans appeared. And so ended the era of the Ancient Digimon World, and a new era of Digimon, the “Digimon Tamer age”, arrived.
In this era, yet another big event will occur. Humans who research Digimon—who are researching Digimon—imitated the evolution process of Digimon and completed a “Digital Biological Weapon”, which is an existence different from the Digimon. People called that artificial lifeform, which did not hold a will but instead hidden strong powers, “ARMS (ARtificial MonsterS)” and praised its practicality. However, people were also afraid of danger.
But in the middle of a new crisis regarding the military use of Digimon, people witnessed a “miracle”.
A powerful Digimon with the role of protecting the Net and “ZERO-ARMS”, the first biological weapon created by humans, started to react. The two digital lifeforms are guided by a righteous will; it was like a proud knight riding a spirited horse that gallops in the sky, boldly standing against the forces of evil that threaten peace.
And then, the mediator’s power, a human known as a Tamer, would lead them to an unexpected evolution.

Ultimate Battle Set – Legend of Dramon Set & Neo Metal Empire Set

The third Ultimate Battle Set is an interesting product, as it’s very unique when compared to the previous two and also everything else being released at the time, it’s not an adaptation of previous stories or current stories from other media. This set introduced the lore of the Four Great Dragons and developed that of the Metal Empire as it evolved in the new era as the “Neo Metal Empire”. It’s also a story that isn’t disconnected from the other ones, as it connects with that of Dukemon of the Royal Knights, who was being developed at the same time.

An Ultimate Battle bigger than the New Year’s Eve’s Red and White Song Battle!
Digimon Card Game Dojo!
Extreme Battle!!
The Legendary Four Superior Dragons vs Saviors of Metal (Cybernetics Men)
Finally here! Ultimate Battle Reborn!!
A new series of Ultimate Battle where you can enjoy 3v3 battles is now on sale! Powerful Digimon such as the new entrants Megidramon and Volcamonare all here!!
Relationship between the Four Great Dragons and the Metal Empire
It all started with the contact between the Dragons and the Metal Empire!!
Contact with the dragon tribe triggers a technological revolution in mechanical civilization. With power in its hands, the metal Empire becomes a threat.
Four Great Dragons
Four dragons that boast power equal to a God. Megidramon with an evil heart is dangerous!
“Megidramon” <Same Digimon?> ” Dukemon”
Royal Knights
A knight-type Digimon army that serves as the highest level of network protection.
Royal Knights oversee the Four Great Dragons/Metal Empire
Metal Empire
Machine Digimon with great power. They achieve a life-threatening reconstruction through contact with the dragons!
Metal Empire > Contact > Four Great Dragons
New Warriors appear one after the other! Unraveling the Ultimate Battle!!
Legend of Dragon Set
A deck set of dragon Digimon centered on the Four Great Dragons! There are many combos with the Holy-types, Fire-types, and Option Cards from “Starter 6”!!
Holy Dragon
“Holydramon”
⇐A holy dragon with an attractive stable attack power! When you use “Holy Orb” as a special ability effect, the attack power increases by 4 times!!
Gold Dragon
“Goddramon”
⇒The Golden Dragon boasts the strongest magical power among the Four Great Dragons! Its many evolution routes are advantageous in the game!!
Four Holy Beasts
“Qinglongmon”
⇐It’s both one of the Four Great Dragons and one of the Four Holy Beasts. It’s possible to obtain even more power with combined techniques with the others of the Four Holy Beasts.
Purgatory Dragon
“Megidramon”
⇑When this card comes into play, both you and your opponent will be unable to use certain option cards. Awakening of the Demonic Dragon! Evolution⇒
Holy Dragon Knight
“Dukemon”
⇑A Dragon Knight awakened from Megidramon. Power it up by holding the Shield of exclusive use “Aegis”!
Neo Metal Empire Set
An empire of machines made up of Cyborg-type Digimon! In addition to Digimon, there are many heavy machine weapon Options such as “Positron Laser” and “Gatling Arm”!!
The sad Mechanical Man (Cyborg)
“Boltmon”
Regardless of the opponent’s battle type, you can change your attack to C. The illustration was drawn by Volcano Ota!
Black Mobile Fortress
“Black Saint Gaolgomon”
An Assault-Landing type Saint Galgomon that spews black smoke! Its high attack power will keep any attack at bay!

The general idea of this contact and war between the two is represented by the sets, representing the Digimon that were part of the two armies. Something interesting to notice is that Imperialdramon (Virus) is once again introduced as something in the card game related to some background lore; this time his presence in the “Metal Empire” field and it being a Digimon that was revived implies that through contact with the Dragon tribe, the Metal Empire was able to revive Imperialdramon (Virus), who then evolved to its Fighter Mode.

*It’s the legendary reincarnation! This ancient imperial dragon controlled the world with its terrifying power!!*

The Card Game Dojo brings nothing new about Tanukikoji Kaneki or Tailmon Betsu, but Digimon Goods and Tamer Chatroom once again feature Tailmon Betsu, she was with staff from Bandai Candy to turn real a recipe shared by a fan, real Motimon candy.

Digimon Goods
“Happy New Year!! (It’s still too early…)
A girl who puts chocolate in Ozōni
Tailmon Betsu
I received live photos of Maki Goto and Nozomi Tsuji as a Christmas present from Volcano Ota nya ♥
Tamer Chatroom
Kenji-sensei’s top student
Tailmon Betsu
She is Sensei’s lover, and she cooks every night! That yellow face is proof of perversion!!

Expansion Board 3

Expansion Board 3 got once again a proper article featuring it. The focus is the changing from Megidramon, one of the Four Great Dragons, into Dukemon of the Royal Knights, it also features various characters and concepts that were being used in Digimon Tamers at the time.

Year 2002. The dancing and music party that marks the end of Tail…
Digimon Card Game Dojo!
The latest version of “Expansion Board” is about to be released!! Now the true evolution is shown
Theory of Evolution of Light and Darkness
This series is filled with the most powerful Digimon ever. The points used by Megidramon and Dukemon hold the key to victory or defeat!!
The Waltz of Destruction and Rebirth—Awakening (Regenerating) from the Illusory Demon Dragon Lord (Cursed Diabolo) to the Holy Dragon Knight (Royal Knight) of the future!
Destruction
Transcendent Purgatory Dragon
Megidramon
A Demon Dragon Lord of darkness that howls with hatred. Can unconditionally erase Ultimate-levels with attack A of 600 or more!
Rebirth
Crimson Knight of Radiant Light
Dukemon
A Shining Knight (Crimson Knight) of Light awakened from Megidramon. It exhibits its abilities against Virus-species Digimon!
Recommended for tactics
Increases Option Slot by one
Digignome
The number of slots can be increased by one. This effect allows you to use 4 options in battle, allowing you to create advanced tactics!
Recommended for defense
Destruction to you…
Pillar of Light
Destroy all cards on your opponent’s field and support box. Use it as a defensive key.
Recommended for attack
Rampaging Mad Land Lord
Behemoth
Can change the attack to 900. It’s also appealing because it can be placed in the support box, not just the slot!
Recommended Ultimate Level
The Rebellious Rider Lord
Beelzebumon
The God of Destruction who rules over Chaos. In combination with “Behemoth”, the value of attack B increases!
The Omnipotent and Omniscient God of Lies
Diablomon
A demon who brings destruction. Its combo with Armagemon is a threat!

The Tanukikoji Kaneki and Tailmon Betsu profiles for the March 2002 V-Jump issue were:

Digimon Card Game Dojo
Tailmon Betsu
On Valentine’s Day, give this girl some chocolate and she’ll be satisfied.
“Give me chocolate~!”
Great Tanukikoji Kaneki
A single 30-year-old man in full bloom! Looking for a wife more than chocolate!!

Once again Expansion Board includes “Digital Monster on TV Animation” and features the end of the Four Holy Beasts arc and the end of the D-Reaper arc, showing the events in which most of the main characters were getting their Ultimate levels.

Guilmon! Real! True Ultimate Evolution!
Takato’s intense anger towards Beelzebumon caused Guilmon to Dark Evolve into Megidramon! The ferocious Megidramon, who pursued only combat power, posed a threat to the real world as well. However, Takato’s heart, which calmed his own hatred, became one with Guilmon, and Megidramon vanished. Guilmon then achieved its true ultimate evolution into Dukemon!
A protective heart creates Ultimate Evolution!
The depths of the Digital World. Everything was about to be dissolved by the infiltration of evil bubbles. Ruki and Renamon went into the darkness to save Culumon who was trapped in the depths of darkness. Although they successfully rescued it, they were unable to stop the bubble invasion. So Ruki and Renamon jumped into the bubble of death to protect their friends. When the two were prepared to die, they were enveloped by a single light, and evolved into the Ultimate Level Sakuyamon!
Shiuchon’s guardian, the Partner is a Deva?
Searching for Jenrya and Terriermon, Shiuchon wanders into the Digital World. Makuramon approaches Shiuchon intending to offer her as a tribute to the Four Holy Beasts. However, Antylamon, who feels a bond with Shiuchon, drives Makuramon away. For saving a human, Antylamon is relieved of his duty as the Guardian of the Southern Gate and degenerates into Lopmon. He then becomes Shiuchon’s partner!
A refreshing helper joins the war Shinjuku!
The D-Reaper’s invasion of Tokyo has begun! Before the D-Reapers’ overwhelming attacks, Ruki and the others struggle greatly. However, Ryo rushes to their aid in their time of crisis. His partner, Cyberdramon, also evolves into the Ultimate level, Justimon. With a red scarf fluttering, he saves Ruki and the others with his kick of Justice!
Kenta’s partner is a small Ultimate-level!
In the unprecedented crisis of the appearance of the true enemy, the D-Reaper, the Four Holy Beasts released Culumon’s light. Culumon’s light spread throughout the entire Digital World, leading countless Digimon to their Ultimate level. Hirokazu, Kenta, and the others watch with hope as the Ultimate level Digimon joins the battle. Amidst this, the Ultimate-level MarineAngemon presents Kenta with a D-Ark, the proof of their partnership!
Ultimate Evolution Moumantai!
Jenrya and the others arrive at the realm of the Four Holy Beasts protected by Zhuqiaomon to rescue Culumon. However, Zhuqiaomon boasts overwhelming strength, and Terriermon is soon covered in injuries. However, Jenrya and Terriermon are united in their desire to protect Shiuchon and save Culumon. The two evolved into the Ultimate-level, SaintGalgomon, and challenged Zhuqiaomon with heavy weaponry and skilled techniques!

Booster 14 ~The Radiant Crimson Knight of Heavenly Wings (CRIMSON HYLANDER)~

Here there are two main focuses, the first is the newest form of Dukemon, the Crimson Mode, which was introduced full of hype as the “Omnipotent and Omniscient”. This makes up all of the first page.

Digimon card game 2002 begins in earnest!
Digimon Card Game Dojo!
The Birth of the Final Ultimate Crimson Knight
Dukemon’s final form is finally here!!
Finally, Dukemon Crimson Mode, which holds the title of Final Crimson Knight, appears for the first time on a Digimon card! Let’s take a closer look at its amazing fighting ability that goes beyond the common sense of the Ultimate level!
Evolutions Conditions: Using Dukemon if the opponent is Ultimate level, you can discard “Grani” from your hand during the battle – Ultimate evolution
A fiery spirit knight that transcends everything! His name is Dukemon Crimson Mode
Dukemon has further evolved into the strongest class of the Ultimate level! In addition to its high attack power, if you use the Virus-species, Virus Buster, and Metal Empire fields, you can become invincible!!!
I am the Omniscient and Omnipotent Ultimate Lifeform (Gold Experiment)
Dukemon Crimson Mode
A fusion between the Digital Living Weapon ZERO-ARMS “Grani” created by humans and Dukemon. His abilities are among the top among the group of Net’s guardians “Royal Knights”!
Zero Unit
A further power-up with exclusive option cards!!
A card that assists the evolution of Digimon with the word “Crimson” in their name. A great substitute for “Grani”!
Great Tanukikoji Kaneki: This is a recommended combo!
A special ability worthy of the “Strongest”
Whenever the opponent powers up with a “+” or “x” effect, the same attack power boost is applied to itself. Even hard opponents are brought down by this!
Imperialdramon Fighter Mode (Virus): Knock Out!
Tailmon Betsu: Never give up!

The second-page shares space with some more featured Digimon, Beelzebumon Blast Mode, and Imperialdramon Paladin Mode, but the main focus is the new evolution system, “Spirit Evolution”. In this issue, various new elements are introduced, which will be explained in the next issue.

“Booster 14“ Super Secret Project
New Evolution System “Spirit Evolution” is now available!!
A revolution will occur in Digimon with “Booster 14”!!!
Furthermore, Digimon with unprecedented evolution levels and attributes have entered “Booster 14”! What exactly are their mysterious abilities?
Hybrid Body – Agnimon
A new Digimon whose attack power is determined by the type of card it draws from the Net Ocean. Is it a god or a demon!?
Hybrid Body (Evolution level)
A new evolutionary level that is neither Perfect-level nor Ultimate-level. This will be an important key to the future.
Variable-species (Attribute)
New attributes following the Vaccine, Data, and Virus species. It also affects the opponent.
Mysterious Barcode
This code interacts with a new handheld toy. Details will be revealed in the next issue!
Spirit Evolution
A new evolution triggered by the fusion of a Perfect-level Digimon and a Spirit Option Card. This evolution holds even more mysteries!
Evolution (Appearance) Conditions
① Your Digimon is at the Perfect Level
② “Spirit” is activated during the Evolution Phase
③ Evolution into a Hybrid-body
Demon God, awaken
Beelzebmon Blast Mode included in “Booster 14“
The supplementary card for the December 2001 issue of V-Jump is finally on sale to the general public. Its attack power is super high!
The Strongest Dragon Emperor (Imperialdramon)
Imperialdramon Paladin Mode included in “Booster 14”
It has a power comparable to Crimson Mode. Evolve with “Dimension Crossing Hero!!”!!

This issue had both G Tanukikoji Kaneki and Tailmon Betsu profiles along with a new diary entry.

Digimon Card Game Dojo
Tanukikoji Kaneki: This year, a Japan-Korea card battle is being planned!!
“Oops, I wet myself…”
Tailmon Betsu: Tail will become anime!? Details in the next issue!
“Crimson is amazing nya”
Tail’s Memory Diary
Events at Jump Festa 2002
Wada-san and AiM-san’s live performances were held at Jump Festa. There, the two performed their songs!!
→She sang the Digimon song that was featured in the November issue of V-Jump 2001! So impressive!!
…That’s why we will continue to make Digimon fun in 2002!!

In the May 2002 issue, we got both the beginning of Season IV and the end of Season III, with the advertisement above being the last material for Season III, touching on the backstory of how Dukemon Crimson Mode was created while also connecting it with Spirit Evolution, the focus of next season. It’s unknown if there was an expanded website version of this backstory like there was with the last two (for context, the Booster 13 expanded backstory was removed at some point when the Booster 15 storyline was released, so it’s possible Booster 14 also had a backstory but got removed at some point; we don’t have an archived version of the webpage with Booster 14 as the last update).

Booster 14 ~The Radiant Crimson Knight of Heavenly Wings (CRIMSON HYLANDER)~
BACK STORY
There was a miracle caused by humans and the Digimon life forms. The Holy Knight-type Digimon (Dukemon) and ZERO-ARMS (Grani) resonated. Undoubtedly the spiritual power (Spirit) of the human, a Digimon Tamer, was the mediator. The body of Grani, the sky-conquering swift steed, was converted into crimson armor, and the data structure of Dukemon integrated Grani. That was the birth of Dukemon Crimson Mode, the Final Ultimate Crimson Knight, with shining heavenly wings. Holding in both hands the Divine Spear of Light (Gungunir) and Divine Sword of Light (Blutgang) the world was once again saved from the danger of collapse. And the curtain was raised on the era of Super Fusions (Hybrids), in which Digimon are guided to a new evolution by humans and their Spiritual Power (Spirit)…

Digital Monster Card Game Season 4

Starter Ver. 7: Super Fusion Warriors ~(HYBRID WARRIORS)~

New Warriors Appear, Spirit Evolution!

May 2002 V-Jump issue, the beginning of Season IV, and the explanation of Hybrid Digimon. Now it’ll be common for pages to have a limited color scheme. The focus of this article is introducing Hybrid Digimon and the method of Spirit Evolution. The first page is an introduction to what Hybrid Digimon are, a follow-up from a concept introduced in the previous booster, “Booster 14”.

Start of the 4th Season!! Assault!! Hybrid Body
The mysterious life form ・ Hybrid Body appeared for the first time on “Booster 14”. Their full story is finally revealed.
“Spirit” finally appears!
The “Spirit” is the core of the Hybrid body and appears in “Starter 7”. This allows an unknown evolution to be experienced.
Supreme beings who inherited the Ancient Spirit
What is the Hybrid body?
They are new Digimon born from the fusion of the spirits of humans and Ancient Digimon. In the cards, they evolve from fusing Perfect levels and Spirits!

The second page brings out the first detailed explanation about Spirits, their general usage of the card game, and what can be expected about them, such as the existence of a second type of Spirit and that something new can be created by fusing both types.

1st Special Feature
Unraveling the mystery of Spirit Evolution!!
The effects of Spirit have infinite possibilities!
Spirit evolution has better abilities and potential than the Armor evolution from the Digimentals! Let’s thoroughly dissect the unknown power generated by Spirit!!
Spirit evolution diagram
Spirits were separated from the Ancients, and there are two types: Human and Beast. And by combining these two…!?
Ancient Digimon ・Spirit Human-type・Spirit Beast-type (?)・And!?
Spirit Human-type
“Spirit H/Human” is an evolutionary item that creates a Human-type Spirit body that has well-balanced abilities. Depending on the category the effects will differ!!
Cutting Through the Mystery 1
They have the ability to Armor-evolve
The Spirits can also be used in place of Digimentals. Evolving into Fladramon is possible!!
Cutting Through the Mystery 2
They can show Support abilities depending on the category
After evolution the Spirit is not sent to the Dark Area, they show their power in the Support box. They have outstanding power!
Cutting Through the Mystery 3
Spirit Beast-type also exists
“Spirit B/Beast” definitely exists. Digimon who evolve from it has strong offensive abilities, but it seems to be difficult to control their abilities.
By synchronizing a Perfect Level and a Spirit… A flash of light that can change history appears!!
Hybrid body appears
As a result, Agnimon and Wolfmon who couldn’t be evolved into while in “Booster 14” can now be used! Will you be able to use them!?
Point Check
Variable-species
Their attribute can be the same type as the opponent’s attribute!! This makes combos that deal damage to attributes useful!

The third page introduces more of the hybrids that were going to be; however, none of these cards were actually released. When Starter Ver.7 was released, the standard Bandai artwork was used with completely different flavor text and abilities. The artwork would be used in a future Expansion Board, but the flavor text and effects were also different from the ones featured here.

The souls of the Ten Warriors!
2nd Special Feature
Get the top-secret cards under development! Hybrid body strategy!!
Tailmon Betsu: Tail secretly obtained them!
The strategy point is “Net Ocean”!
The “Net Ocean” is essential for determining Hybrid-body tactics. Their abilities are determined by the type of cards they draw from the Net Ocean!
Super Warrior of Flames Agnimon
it can destroy all cards in your opponent’s support box. While there are few ways to prevent support abilities, this ability is extremely valuable. If you master it, you’ll be invincible!
Seeking the magnificent blazing fire is the immense destructive power
Chackmon
Can change the evolution level of yourself or your opponent to level III. A way to block Options that have level restrictions!
Blitzmon
Can destroy all the cards in your opponent’s slots! Great effect against opponents who value Options!!!
The Wicked Swordsman of Darkness Duskmon
Can send 10 cards from the opponent’s Net Ocean to the Dark Area. By sending a lot of cards into the darkness, your opponent will quickly reach the end of their lifespan!
The solitary darkness seeks the guidepost of the darkness

Although there was no version of the storyline featured in the V-jump, a text about the backstory was featured on the Digimon Channel Card Game website,

Starter Ver. 7: Super Fusion Warriors ~(HYBRID WARRIORS)~
The ancient Digital World was governed peacefully by a near-godlike entity. However, stability invites sloth, so before long a threat struck the world. The godlike entity totally changed into a powerful evil who brought the world to ruin.
At this time, ten Digimon took a stand. These heroic Ultimates, each bearing the powers of fire, water, earth, wind, wood, thunder, ice, steel, light and darkness, managed to seal the “Godly Enemy,” who boasted the greatest strength, in the deepest depths of the Digital World, but they all lost their lives in the furious battle.
Thereafter, even in death, these miraculous warriors—who had been dubbed the Legendary Warrior Ten—left behind in various places around the world their respective souls as the “Spirits,” items which have been called miraculous, in case some future menace would loom over the Digital World. And now, humans from the Real World have been summoned together to the Digital World to be the inheritors of the Warrior Ten’s spirits, so that they may face the crisis posed by the appearance of a new evil.
Now, the era of humans and Spirits fusing together to fight begins…

That month there was a coverage of Tailmon Betsu going to Studio TAVAC to interview Hiromi Seki, the interview was featured in Tamers Chatroom and was translated by Kazari. At the end of the article, there’s the announcement that Tailmon Betsu and Tanukikoji Kaneki would debut in the voice acting role in Frontier’s first episode, but more details will be revealed next month.

Digimon Card Game Dojo
“This month Digimon has more pages”
Tailmon Betsu
Voice actor debut. Information on the postcard page!
“I am also full of determination”
Tanukikoji Kaneki
A Digimon Card Game Hong Kong Tournament is being planned. Moumantai?
Tail’s Memory Diary
February 6, Studio TAVAC event
When I went to TAVAC to interview the producer, Hiromi Seki, I encountered Tomoko Kaneda, who voices Culumon! I slipped away from work and proposed to her!! The result is… a se-cre-t♥”
Tamers’ Chatroom
Breaking News
Tail & Tanukikoji Make Their Voice Acting Debut in “Frontier”!
The popular comedy duo Tail and Tanukikoji make their voice-acting debut in the historic first episode of “Frontier”! What roles they’ll play will be a surprise when you watch the broadcast!! We’ll bring you the details in next month’s issue!”

Expansion Board 4

Dukemon Crimson Mode and D-Reaper clash!! Final Battle Resources!!

This is a special Expansion Board as it includes both the ending of Digimon Tamers, the movie Runaway Locomon and the start of Digimon Frontier. The June 2002 V-Jump is a double feature and includes both Expansion Board 4 and Booster 15, I’ll once again divide these two, so here I’ll include only Expansion Board 4 content.

This month we Zoom-in to Saipan!!
Digimon Card Game Dojo!
D-Reaper Dead End Program, Activate
D-Reaper, the God of Destruction of the Void, appears for the first time as a Digimon card. The terrifying power of all 10 of them is completely revealed!!
Series Compilation “Expansion Board 4”
The 4th edition of Jumbo Carddas, where you can enjoy anime information, is now on sale! The main character this time is the Shinigami, D-Reaper!! Unleash its power with your hands!
“D-Reaper Zone” (Evolution) – Some D-Reapers will evolve with this card.
“Reaper Program” (Reinforcement) – Can destroy both Level IVs and D-Reapers from your opponent.
A Requiem of Nothingness and Sadness played by the Shinigami
D-Reaper
All 10 Shinigami can appear from special evolved forms of D-Reaper and are extremely easy to use! As they evolve, their attack power becomes overwhelmingly higher!!
D-Reaper ADR – 02 Searcher: You can have 6 copies of this card in your deck. It works with ADR-07.
D-Reaper ADR – 03 Pendulum Feet: Has an increase in attack power by 500 against your opponent’s Level III, IV, and Perfect.
D-Reaper ADR – 04 Bubbles: Up to 4 of them can be used in the deck. Can combo with ADR-08.
D-Reaper ADR-05 Creep Hands: Can destroy the opponent’s level IVs. Has a great effect on Magnamon and similar.
D-Reaper ADR-06 Horn Striker: When there are increases in the opponent’s attack power, the same modification is added to it.
D-Reaper ADR-07 Palates Head: Can combo with ADR-02 and allow you to check the opponent’s hands as many times as you want.
D-Reaper ADR-08 Optimizer: Increases Attack Power by 200 by placing ADR-04 in the Support Box.
D-Reaper ADR-09 Gatekeeper: Can destroy your opponent’s Digimon that appeared due to “Appearance Requirements” without any conditions.
Reaper
Can send Digimon to the Dark Area except for Hybrid-bodies, the strongest of the Gods of Death!!
I’ll overcome it! The Sanctuary of the Shinigami (D-Reaper)!!
“Dukemon Crimson Mode”
The Final Crimson Knight that surpasses Dukemon! With a combo with Chaos Dukemon, it has the power to counter even the D-Reaper!!
“Beelzebumon Blast Mode”
The ultimate demon lord who amplifies his destructive power with the support of Megidramon! With combos like the one with “Behemoth”, it can destroy your opponent!!

The official website of the card game also had a backstory explaining what the D-Reaper is. Most of the content is either from the anime or the development notes made by Konaka.

The Threat of the D-Reaper
The D-Reaper was originally a primitive program created before the era when Digimon was created. Its function was simple “When the number of active entities in the ‘world’ increases beyond its capacity, it erases that ‘world’ returning it to ‘nothingness'”, however with the development of network society and the rise of Digimon, it’s thought that the D-Reaper has also evolved abnormally in response to such a dramatic evolution.
After absorbing a huge amount of information, the D-Reaper began an invasion to annihilate not only the Digital World but also the real world. By learning from Digimon and human information, it has created various forms of activity called “ADR,” and copying Digimon’s techniques and fighting also became possible. Could it be that the deep levels of the net that gave birth to the “D-Reaper” be connected to another world where a literal “God of Death” could exist?

Sadly, this is where I’ll have to stop covering every Digimon Jumbo Carddass story summary. All the V-Jump scans I used came from Ulforce Soul and were of great quality, but the actual products all came from photos of products being sold in online stores, so their quality fluctuates a lot. This means that for most of the future releases, I won’t be able to properly translate their content. If I find higher-quality versions of the images or if someone has them and wants to share them with me, I will update this with the content.

The first image describes the last episodes of Digimon Tamers, the evolution of Dukemon into Crimson Mode as a manifestation of Takato’s feelings for Juri. The second and third images are a general backstory to the Hybrid Digimon and the Digital World as depicted in Digimon Frontier. The fourth image (The only one transcribed below) is a summary of “Runaway Digimon Express”. The last two images are the same D-Reaper backstory that was used on the website, so I didn’t repeat it here.

Digimon Tamers ・ Climax
Digimon Frontier ・ What is the Hybrid Body?
Digimon Frontier ・ World Commentary
Digimon Tamers Runaway Digimon Express
A mysterious steam locomotive suddenly appeared on Tokyo’s Yamanote Line! Its true identity is Locomon, a Machine-type Digimon!! Locomon’s rampage created a Digital Zone in the city center!! Tokyo is thrown into a huge panic. Locomon was being controlled by Parasimon who was plotting to invade the Real World!! Takato and Guilmon evolved to the Ultimate level to defeat the despicable parasitic Digimon that was also attacking Ruki! The battle of the tamers begins now!!
What is the D-Reaper?①
What is the D-Reaper?②

Booster 15 ~The Super Beast Warrior of Bursting Flames (BURNING BEAST FIGHTER)~

This Booster announcement had the longest coverage in the V-Jump, starting in the June 2002 issue and lasting up to the August 2002 issue. So, I’ll be covering each issue sequentially here instead of showing all of them at the same time.

The Fighting Hearts of the Ten Warriors gather to create a new Hybrid-body being, they are called “Beasts”!!
Booster 15 ~The Super Beast Warrior of Bursting Flames (BURNING BEAST FIGHTER)~
The second form of the Hybrid body!
It has been revealed that the second form of the Hybrid body will be included in “Booster 15”! We will quickly deliver the charm that is a little different from the Human-type!
Tailmon Betsu: I’m in Beast (cat) form too!
The Fire God Descends
The Beast-type pursues power
Explosive Fire Dragon Vritramon
Agnimon’s beast form, it boasts attack power that surpasses that of the Ultimate-level! Will you be able to master this transcendental power that is on the verge of going out of control?
Point Check 1
Difficult to control Special Abilities
Attack power increases or decreases depending on the number of cards in your hand. If you lose control, you will also be harmed.
Point check 2
Evolves with “Spirit B”
Unlike the Human-type, it evolves with “Spirit B”. Does that Spirit also have special powers!?
Human-type with balanced abilities
Agnimon
Although it is less powerful than the Beast-type, its abilities are well-balanced and easy to use. Which form will you use, the Human or the Beast?

There were many updates on Taimon Betsu and Tanukikoji Kaneki this time. This is both because of their debuts as Voice Actors, but also the fact that Tailmon Betsu traveled to Saipan to promote Digimon.

Tanukikoji Kaneki: Tanuki doesn’t get along with Tail, so he wasn’t invited…
“I was left behind”
Tailmon Betsu: Went to Saipan to promote Digimon!

Tail’s Memory Diary
Part.1
On March 20th, I made my voice-acting debut!
In the first episode of “Frontier”, me and Tanuki took on the challenge of voice acting! It was difficult to express the lines, but it was a lot of fun!
We went to the studio!
Tail did O.K. on the first try!
“Easy win ♪”
Role of a Digimon
I was in charge of voicing a Poyomon. I was the one doing the old man’s voice (tears).
Tanukikoji repeatedly did NG (No Good)!!
Role of a passerby father
“Oh no…”
He played the role of a father playing soccer with his child. He got yelled at for repeating mistakes.
I promise to use the passion for creating works that I gained from voice acting to make ‘Frontier’ even more interesting.
Everyone, thank you for your work
We also went to the wrap-up party of “Tamers”!!

Tail’s Memory Diary
Part.2
I went to Saipan to spread Digimon to the world! It was tough there as I was attacked by dogs and got lost, but I managed to spread Digimon properly!!
The children of Saipan… are hooked!!
Tailmon Betsu: How are you?
Child: It’s wonderful!!
“Adventure” was being broadcast on Saipan, and the local children immediately became obsessed with Digimon cards.
I also hooked the children of Saipan to the Wonderswan!!
They also became really hooked on the “Digimon Card Game” that you can play in the Wonderswan Color!!

“Bye!”
So… This month’s report was from Saipan!

The July 2002 V-Jump introduces all 6 of the Beast-types from Booster 15, it also brings Lucemon into the situation teasing his return in the story.

Lucemon: Now, try to control the Demon Beasts (Hybrid Beasts)…
We’ll show you our wild side!!
Once again, the Rhythm of the Ten Warriors (Ancient Rhythm)
The Demon Beast Warriors descend! Following the Hybrid Bodies of the Human-type, the Beast-type has finally appeared!! Be amazed by their transcendental power, on the verge of going berserk!
Difficult to control!? Hybrid body・Beast
The Beast-types are Digimon with powerful special abilities! However, certain conditions are required to demonstrate their special abilities!! A thorough analysis of all 6 Demon Beasts!
Fire (Vritramon): A Blazing Fire Dragon whose attack power doubles or decreases depending on the number of cards in hand! Its power is of the strongest rank among the 6!!
Thunder (Bolgmon): A Beast-type with well-balanced attack power and ease of use. When there are 4 or fewer cards in the hand, specific options can be used.
Ice (Blizzarmon): It has the power to prevent the movement of the opponent’s Digimon box. Its ability is also determined by the number of cards in hand!
Darkness (Velgrmon): When the number of cards in your hand and your opponent’s hand are the same, you can destroy your opponent’s Digimon. Pay attention to your opponent’s movements when adjusting your hand.
Light (Garummon): The attack power doubles when you have 4 to 3 cards in hand. Make use of items like “Jumper ROM”.
Wind (Shutumon): Similar to Garummon, the crucial moment is when you have 4 to 3 cards in hand. You can halve the attack power of the opponent’s Digimon!

The new profile for Tailmon Betsu mentions that she appeared in a new commercial for the Digimon Card Game. Tailmon Betsu also appeared in the Tamers’ Chatroom article, she went to Bandai to see the results of Bandai staff making two games inspired by the ideas of fans that were asked previously during the October 2001 V-Jump.

Tailmon Betsu: Appears in the new Digimon Card commercial! Anyone who finds her will be thrilled!!
“Hello, I’m a cat girl ♥”
Tanukikoji Kaneki: It turns out he is Pile Volcano Ota’s lackey. His life reaching its lowest point at full speed!
“You beast… Come at me!

With this, we finish the articles with Booster 15 as the focus. The August 2002 V-Jump issue focuses on Zeed Millenniumon and a few strategies using the cards released so far.

The evolved form of the Evil God is more beautiful than anyone else… The Resurrected Evil God
Do you ask for despair?
The Ultimate Evil God descends! This month’s Digimon Card is about the villainous Digimon army raising a rebellion!!
In “Booster 15”, villains bring terror!!!
“Booster 15” features not only Hybrid-bodies but also the infamous Digimon! Let’s delve into the unique power of evil different from ordinary Digimon!!
Villain 1
The one beloved by darkness
“Zeed Millenniumon”
This is Millenniummon’s final form after becoming an Evil God. It has an attack power that boasts outstanding numbers, and a frighteningly powerful special ability! It has power worthy of the name of an Evil God!!!
Appearance Conditions
When your Millenniumon loses a battle and you send 10 “Net Ocean” cards, it can appear directly from your hand!
COMBO
Digi Seabass
Can fully restore the Net Ocean. This will return all the cards used in the appearance conditions to the Net Ocean, extending the lifespan!
Special Abilities
① Win with “Attack A”
Its attacks have high power, but it’s best to win with Attack A. This will allow you to activate a special ability. If your attack method doesn’t become A, you can use this Option (Offense Plug-In A) to support you!
② Seals opponent’s Point gauge
By winning with “Attack A”, you can stack the opponent’s Digimon card on the Point gauge.

Tailmon Betsu: Is addicted to the “Digimon Card Game” for Wonderswan.
“I’m dirty”
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Almost 31 years old. These days, being single feels lonely…
“I got so scared I wet myself~”

Finally, the Card Game website includes a direct storyline that continues the plotline that started with Starter Ver.7.

“The Explosive Super Beast Warrior” Backstory
Hybrids—born when Digimon, composed of digital data, are transformatively multiplied by the innate potential of analog humans—are a new species that possesses unknown power.
Those who have inherited the unparalleled power of the “Legendary Warrior Ten” who saved the world in the age of the Ancient Digital World fight by making the utmost use of the “Spirits,” so that they can supplement their respective long-since-lost abilities. Human Forms excel in agility and stability, but the human side’s strengths and weaknesses have a significant influence.
Beast Forms, which unleash their more animalistic nature, boast power that surpasses the Ultimate level, but they also struggle to control their savage impulses and are prone to running wild.
When the Human and Beast Forms are brought into harmony, the Hybrid is transformed into the strongest Form that fuses the human’s intellect with the Digimon’s vitality.
When that occurs, a new legend that transcends the ancient Warrior Ten begins…

Expansion Kit S Digimon Pack/Digimon Box

A brand new type of product was announced in the September 2002 V-Jump, the Expansion Kit S. The first page features power-up versions of the Hybrid Digimon, which are now considered to be equal to Ultimate Digimon even for Human-type Hybrids. The article also teases Booster 16 and that it’ll have a brand new type of Hybrid that transcends the boundaries between Human and Beast and becomes a Human-Beast.

Spirit Evolution with the “Expansion Kit! The Awakening of Dangerous Elements (Digital Hazard)!!
A big leap forward for Hybrid-body Digimon! The newly released “Expansion Kit” brings together a huge number of Hybrid-bodies boasting unparalleled powers! You won’t be able to take your eyes off them!
Super Fusion (Hybrid) Heart 1: Super powerful Hybrid-bodies join the battle!!
Enjoy the power of the Hybrid-body !!
In this series, further enhanced Hybrid-bodies are on standby. All of them are capable of surpassing the Ultimate level! Let’s manage all 10 types of spirits and explode the Hybrid-body!
Point Check
An even stronger Hybrid-body
In Booster 16, a warrior who transcends Human and Beast types and becomes a Human Beast appears! Details will be released in the next issue!!
Will all the warriors undergo a transformation with “Booster 16”?

The second page features two other added elements. First, it’s the powered-up Ancient Digimon, introducing 4 of the Warrior Ten (Ancient) who are the ancestors of the Hybrid Digimon. Second are the “Fused Special Moves” that can be used by Hybrid Digimon, this time the attacks are not only made into cards with unique artwork, but they even have flavor text explaining what is happening.

Super Fusion (Hybrid) Heart 2: The Ten Warriors (Ancient) have gained new powers
4 of the Ten Warriors (Ancient) will appear, they are the ancestors of the Hybrid-body. Achieve a combination of miracles with the Spirits!
Ancient Greymon: A Super Dragon Ten Warriors (Ancient) who overwhelms opponents with scorching flames! Can evolve from a Hybrid-body!!
Ancient Garurumon: A Silver Wolf that controls Absolute Zero! Has a super-powerful offensive power that ranks above the Ultimate-level, can crush any enemy!!
Ancient Beatmon: A newly introduced Insect-type of the Ten Warriors (Ancient). You can discard two cards from your hand and double its attack power!
Ancient Volcamon: A super explosive heavy warrior with explosive offensive power! The model was, of course, Pile Volcano Ota!!
Point Check
An Attack-up of “5 times”!?
If you discard a spirit from your hand, this time’s Ten Warriors (Ancient) will increase their attack power by 5 times.

Super Fusion (Hybrid) Heart 3: New category “Fused Special Moves”
Introducing a new attack method that two Hybrid-bodies can use simultaneously. All of them are powerful and must-see!
Wolfmon + Duskmon “Chaos Field”: Wolfmon + Duskmon’s Fused Technique. This will unconditionally send an opponent to the Point gauge!
Agnimon + Shutumon “Crossfire”: Agnimon’s attack power increases by an amazing 10 times with Shutumon’s support! This power is incredible!
The Dark-colored Super Fusion Warrior (Hybrid Fighter) will erode you…

*Agnimon charges into a tornado created by Shutumon, and unleashes its squalling fist of fire!*

Tailmon Betsu’s profile states that she’ll now travel to Brazil to spread the word about Digimon.

Tailmon Betsu: During the summer holidays, I will be traveling to Brazil to spread the word about Digimon.
“Amazing!”

Booster 16 ~The True Super-Fusion Warriors (THE MAJESTIC HYBRID WARRIOR)~

Hybrid-body Fused Form – Aldamon Appears!!

October 2002 V-Jump features mainly Booster 16, but also includes a few other products like a new Expansion Board. This issue introduces a new type of Hybrid Digimon, the Fused-types that are the result of the fusion between the Human-type and Beast-type Spirits.

You will see the miracle of Super Fusion (Hybrid)!
Digimon Card Game Dojo
When the Human-type and Beast-type become one…!!
A new type of Hybrid-body appears!
In the latest “Booster 16” a “Hybrid-body・Fusion-type” that is a fusion between the Human-type and Beast-type appears! Experience the amazing power of combining the powers of Humans and Beasts!
The manifestation of a Super Fusion (Hybrid) that holds the combination between human wisdom and wildness!
Fusion-type・Aldamon
A Super Dragon Warrior fused from the Human-type Agnimon and the Beast-type Vritramon! In battle, it annihilates those who stand in its way with overwhelming power!!
Agnimon + Vritramon Fuse!! Three characteristics surrounding the Fusion-type!
Only lasts for two turns!?: Due to its incredible abilities the Fused-type can only be effective for two turns. The timing of evolution is key!!
Superb power with excellent stability compared to the Beast-type, its powers are easy to control! Of course, their destructive power is also outstanding!!
Abilities of unique Options!: Unique Hybrid-body cards can also be used! Make them stronger!

Booster 16 includes two new Fused Special Moves, but different from the previous product, these ones don’t have flavor text. They were “Nega Cave” and “Plasma Double Tomahawk”. The Card Game website also never added any more complete backstories for the release, and neither did the V-Jump like it did before.

For this issue, Tailmon Betsu and Tanukikoji Kaneki’s profiles play on the Human/Beast types, so Tailmon Betsu is introduced as a Beast-type while Tanukikoji Kaneki is introduced as a Human-type.

Beast-type
Tailmon Betsu: This summer, peel off your skin and become an adult ♡
“This month is packed with new products!”
Human-type
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Recently went through a difficult breakup…
“There are also presents!”

Expansion Board 5

Expansion Board 5 has a very small presence in the October 2002 V-Jump, the contents this time are from Digimon Frontier, including the movie. But as a surprise, it also had a background story for the Fused Special moves that tied with previous lore from Digimon Tamers, it’s similar to how the Hybrids were told to be based on Crimsom Mode. This is a nice addition considering that from now on the Card Game won’t do large backstories anymore.

There’s more! Rushing new products!!
Tailmon Betsu: I want them all!
This month new products, other than “Booster 16”, will be released one after another! There are a lot of powerful cards, so be sure to check them all out!!
Expansion Board 5
The “Frontier” version is finally here!!
The “Expansion Board Frontier” edition is here, including the latest Digimon from the Theatrical-version released this summer!
There are powerful cards inside!!
New Digimon Standby!
Ornismon: The Ruler of the Ether who controls the skies! Prevents the activation of the support Digimon’s effects!!
Murmukusmon: The Boss Character of the Theatrical-version! Can greatly increase its power with a combo with Ornismon.
DigiCode
Option exclusive for Hybrid-bodies!
When the opponent gains an effect such as a “+” to their attack power through a Support ability, you also receive the same effect.

Slide evolution! ~ Hybrid Body Beast Type released the beast nature
Takuya and his team found the Beast-Type Spirit after the Human-Type Spirit. The power and ferociousness of the Ancient Ten Warrior Digimon are sealed in this spirit that Cherubimon aims for! When they Spirit Evolve into a Beast-type Hybrid Body, the beast nature is released exerting overwhelming power superior to the attack power of the Human-type. However, it also has a frightening aspect that sometimes its aggression can get so out of control that it cannot control itself!
A powerful enemy! The Five Warriors of Evil who have obtained the Spirit
Takuya and his friends weren’t the only ones to obtain legendary spirits!? Five of the “Legendary Spirits” left behind by the legendary Ten Warriors – Darkness, Earth, Wood, Water, and Steel – have been stolen by the evil Ultimate-level Cherubimon, who is plotting to destroy the world once again. The former companions who saved the ancient Digital World from peril have now been resurrected as the Five Warriors of Evil, standing in their way as powerful foes!
Hybrid Body Human-type ~ A new type of Digimon that has acquired the power of humans
Takuya and other humans who inherited the souls of the legendary Ten Warriors who saved the ancient Digital World transformed their analog power into Digital Monsters and were reborn as the entirely new Hybrid-Body! Boasting human intelligence and high agility, these Human holy warriors excel in coordinated attacks that utilize the fire, light, ice, wind, and lightning attributes hidden in each spirit, and at times, they would exhibit the power of miracles through the unknown human abilities!
Hybrid-body Fused Special Move! Super Combination of Fire and Light
Hybrid-bodies, possessing human intelligence and animal wildness, can use their attributes mutually to unleash Super Fused Techniques (Super Combo) that other Digimon cannot replicate! Agunimon of Fire and Wolfmon of Light fused their powers of light and fire in a Fused Special Move to burn and cleave their enemies! The Hybrid-body Fused Techniques are said to rival the legendary Fused technique, “Trinity Burst.”
Movie Digimon Frontier Ancient Digimon Revival!! ~Part 1~
On an island on the outskirts of the Digital World, Takuya and his friends get caught up in a battle between Digimon! On this island, Human-type and Beast-type Digimon hate each other. Takuya, Junpei, and Tomoki fight against the Human-type Digimon, while Koji and Izumi fight against the Beast-type Digimon. Will the group be able to fight against the Digimon for a long time?
Movie Digimon Frontier Ancient Digimon Revival!! ~Part 2~
Seeing the Child-level Human-type and Beast-type Digimon playing together, Takuya and his friends vow to put an end to the conflict between them. However, behind the fierce battle between the Human-type warrior D’arcmon and the Beast-type Hippogriffomon, there is a conspiracy by the Count of Darkness Murmukusmon. Is the mysterious bird Digimon from ancient times the guardian deity of the island, or the god of destruction!?

This Expansion Board also has the last Fused Special Move, “Shining Burn Slash”, and this one has a flavor text.

*Agnimon and Wolfmon! The enemy is surrounded by a dragon of flames, and sliced into half by holy light!*

Starter Ver. 8 ~The True Legend of Fusion (ADVANCED HYBRID SAGA)~

Hybrid Warriors enter a new realm of evolution…

“Starter Ver. 8” continues the focus on the Fused-types, this time it introduces Beo Wolfmon, the Fusion-type of Light. But this time the Digimon is created directly from the Jogress Evolution between Wolfmon and Garummon, giving a new possibility for the Fusion-type that removes their short lifespan weakness.

Transcendental Warriors Approach!!
Huge Data detected! Analysis start!!
The latest version of the popular “Starter Set” with pre-constructed decks has been released! There are so many powerful Digimon, mainly Hybrid-bodies! We’ll analyze in detail what is of interest!!
Target 1: BeoWolfmon
Wolfmon x Garummon Jogress Evolution!!
The Fusion-type of Garummon and Wolfmon has arrived! Its evolution condition is Jogress Evolution, so it’s subject to “Ignore Evolution Conditions”
There’s another possibility…
A version of Aldamon from Jogress Evolution! With powerful attack power, the short lifespan that was the bottleneck of the Fusion-type is also gone! Discard Digimon from the hand to further increase its attack power!!

There are also many new Digimon featured in this Starter Deck, such as Chaosdramon, Löwemon, and the Arkadimon line that originated from V-Tamer.

Target 2: Chaosdramon
Despite being a Perfect-level, it has the offensive power of an Ultimate level! It’s effective against Vaccine species!!
Target 3: Löwemon
The true form of the Hybrid-body of Darkness! Can evolve from Level IV Digimon!!
A warrior that crushes evil born from darkness!
Target 4: Arkadimon
From Level III to Ultimate Level, every Arkadimon is here!!
An abnormal powerful pressure…
EMERGENCY
What does this appearance mean…?
Flamon: Appears in the anime as the devolved form of Agnimon! Evolution into Agnimon is possible!!
Strabimon: A Level III Digimon that can evolve into Hybrid-bodies! It’s desired to incorporate it into a Wolfmon deck!

This was the November 2002 issue, and as we are getting closer to the end of the year by the cover date, it’s also the end of Tailmon Betsu in the V-Jump magazine.

Tailmon Betsu: Currently on a journey of self-discovery.
Great Tanukikoji Kaneki: I want to evolve into a Hybrid-body…

Booster 17 ~The Transcendental Warrior of Radiant Flame (EXCEED SHINING FLAME)~

The Transcendental-type boasting ultimate strength is now available on an amazing silver etched card!!

Booster 17 introduces yet another type of Hybrid Digimon, the transcendental type. But in the December 2002 issue, only the concept is introduced with the two characters only being featured as hidden characters.

A new form for the Hybrid-body?!
The 17th edition of the Booster Series is now on sale, perfect for strengthening your Deck!! Two types of Digimon, including the popular hybrid body and the Ten Warrior Digimon, are all here at once! In addition, there are two Digimon with overwhelming powers, but what are their true identities?!
The departure of the Ultimate Power!!
Policewoman Kaneki: See by yourself their true form ❤️

The 3 remaining Digimon of the Ancient Ten Warriors are also featured on the second page alongside the three mid-Boss Digimon featured in Digimon World 3.

The remaining three Ancient Digimon have also been confirmed!!
The remaining three of the legendary Ten Warriors Digimon have finally arrived! They have powerful abilities and look cool with their Holo card specifications, so be sure to get them and put them to good use!!
Ancient Troiamon: A, B, and C all have a high attack power, and you can set three Support Digimon in the Support Box!
Ancient Mermaimon: The main card for a “Deep Savers” deck! If you want to include one of the Ten Warriors in your deck, be sure to pay attention to their “appearance conditions”!
Ancient Wisemon: When adjusting your hand, you can send cards from the Net Ocean to the Dark Area, allowing you to check your opponent’s hand as many times as you want!
Revive! Heroes of the past!!
Digimon from the PlayStation join!
Three Ultimate-level Digimon that appeared as mid-bosses in “Digimon World 3” for the PlayStation! They’ll show their true value in combos with “Justimon”!!
Suijinmon: Can’t be sent to the Dark Area by the opponent’s Digimon’s abilities! Has consistent strength!!
Fujinmon: Can increase its attack power by +600 by discarding a “Justimon” from the hand!
Raijinmon: Discarding a “Justimon” with “Trinity Arm” increases its attack power!

And finally, this is the last major appearance of Tailmon Betsu.

Tailmon Betsu: Is something going to happen to her (Tail) this issue!?
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Wants to writhe in a dangerous love.

To take her place a new Digimon Navigator is introduced, Kaiser Matsuno. The background reason for Tailmon Betsu’s removal was that she was going to be now in eternal sleep.

Shocking Scoop!
A Giant Star of the Digimon World falls!!
The cat girl who has led the Digimon world for a long time is now in eternal sleep.
“I will live with a crocodile from now on”
And thus, the passionate spirit is passed on to the next generation…
Kaiser Matsuno
Under a new leader, Digimon cards aim for further development!
“Finally, that nuisance is gone!!”

Kaiser Matsuno also is the navigator for the Virtual Pets, so he also gets a profile there.

Kaiser Matsuno: A narcissistic warrior of the highest order who enjoys gazing at his own reflection in his sword… In other words, he’s quite intense.

The January 2003 V-Jump is a triple feature, starting with the proper feature of Magna Garurumon and Kaiser Greymon for the Booster 17.

Scoop Rush!!
The true identities of the silhouette Digimon from the previous issue are revealed!!
First of all, the scoop on Booster 17!!
The mysterious Silhouette Digimon introduced in last month’s issue… Their true form are two Hybrid-body Digimon known as “Transcendental-types”! We’ll reveal their fearsome, high-spec abilities and the conditions for fusion!!

Kaiser Greymon
A Hybrid-body that meets the conditions
One of the fusion materials is Aldamon. It was included in “Starter 8”!
+
“Wind to Flame and Ice to Sword”
Added effects
You can add effects to the fused Digimon. You can nullify option cards in battle without question!
Fuse them!
The Birth of the Hot-Blooded Dragon
Attack power increases with Support Digimon!
All of the attack powers, ABC, are of the highest class! Attack power is increased by +500 for each support Digimon on the opponent’s side!! A trump card Digimon that can instantly turn the tide!

Magna Garurumon
A Hybrid-body that meets the conditions
BeoWolfmon evolves. This Jogress-evolution type with a long lifespan is useful!
+
“Darkness to Light and Thunder to Cannon”
Added effects
Ability to nullify option cards. Additionally, points will not be lost due to effects such as “Direct Attack”.
Shut out the Support Digimon!!
Like KaiserGreymon, it has a short lifespan, but it is super strong! Your opponent won’t be able to keep their Support Digimon around! Block their counterattack!!

Although the Digimon Website never updated with a new backstory for the cards, the developer website, ORG, did include some flavor text for some of the cards about the setting. For Booster 17 they included a special topic for a new Beelzebumon that has text related to the Deva, explaining that this might be because of a particular Beelzebumon that absorbed the power of all 12 Deva.

Look at all the Field Icons lined up!!
The field icons of “Beelzebumon” (Bo-821) are an astonishing four types! This is the highest in Digimon card history. It seems that this Digimon is a special “Beelzebumon” that has acquired the power of the “Twelve Heavenly Generals” (Deva). If you use it in your deck, the possibilities for card combinations will greatly expand!
You’ll be able to use a wider range of Option Cards and Digimon’s special abilities.

Tanukikoji Kaneki is the navigator in charge of Booster 17 with his profile saying his study of the Booster will allow him to defeat Kaiser Matsuno who had information on Booster 18.

Tanukikoji Kaneki: I’ve thoroughly conquered “Booster 17”. I’m not going to lose to the guy on the left.
Kaiser Matsuno: Get the latest information on “Booster 18”. The guy on the right is no match for me.

Booster 18 ~The Indestructible Ultimate War God (THE RISE OF NEW COSMOS)~

The second page of the January 2003 V-Jump features Booster 18 now introducing the other Fused-types that were not featured in the anime, the Fused-warriors of Ice, Darkness, Thunder, and Wind. Finally, it also introduces the last main Digimon of the series, which is teased to be the strongest Digimon in all history.

Next up
Booster 18 scoop info! Part 1
New Hybrid-body Fusion-type heroes!!
Kaiser Matsuno: Four new Fusion-types will appear in “Booster 18”! See for yourself what they can do!

This is the final blow
Booster 18 scoop info! Part 2
The strongest Ultimate-level in history has appeared!?
And we got the biggest scoop yet! It turns out that “Booster 18” contains a mysterious Ultimate Digimon-level… The silhouette Digimon on the left will be revealed in the next issue!!
Shaking the Heavens and Earth!!
Kaiser Matsuno: What is the true identity of the mysterious Ultimate Digimon?! The next issue, “Booster 18”, will also be packed with new information!

The February 2003 issue is once again a multi-feature. In the Booster 18 section, we have the proper reveal of Susanoomon, the strongest card so far with an A Attack of 1000, surpassing the previous record of 990 by Omegamon.

Tanukikoji Kaneki: Secrets from the previous issue revealed!
The Final Big News! The Ultimate War God Susanoomon
Unprecedented Amazing Specs
KaiserGreymon or MagnaGarurumon can evolve with the “Ruler of Destruction and Regeneration”! The Ultimate War God is born!!
The Advent of the God of “War”!
Unparalleled ability
It boasts invincible strength against “Level IV,” “Perfect-level,” and “Hybrid-body”! Although it can only be active for two turns, that is more than enough time to decide the match.
Attack power over 1000!
This is the first time since the beginning of Digimon Cards that an attack power has exceeded 1000, which is truly astonishing! Even Battle Type C boasts an attack power of 700 points!! Are there no enemies left to challenge?
“Ruler of Destruction and Regeneration”
This card is essential for Susanoomon, whose fusion requirements cannot be ignored, and it supports Susanoomon even after fusion. It also has the ability to search cards.

Tanukikoji Kaneki: I feel a little sad because I have to work on Christmas too…
Kaiser Matsuno: Christmas? I’m fully booked with dates!!

Ultimate Battle Deck 4: Royal Knights Set/Warrior Ten Set

Royal Knight set: The Guardians of the Net, Holy Knights (Royal Knights)!
Ten Warriors set: The Great Warriors of Ancient Times gather!!

Since this is one more of the Battle Sets products two main factions are featured in the February 2003 V-Jump, the Royal Knights and the Ten Warriors.

Two titles released simultaneously!! Sets of the “Royal Knights” and the “Ten Warriors” are available!
The “Ultimate Battle Set” will be released for two titles at the same time, each containing two sets of pre-constructed decks! Enjoy the ultimate feast of Digimons and thrilling battles!
The White Holy Knight Deck and the Red Dragon Knight Deck are included. There are many powerful Digimon individually!
Dynasmon: A flying dragon knight Digimon with dark purple wings. When combined with Cherubimon, it boosts its attack power even further!
Lord Knightmon: A knight-type Digimon that stands at the top of the Knightmons. It has two types of attack power-up patterns!
Omegamon: A Holy Knight-type Digimon that is well-known as one of the most powerful Digimon. If certain conditions are met, it will be extremely strong!!!
Enhancement Option
Knight’s Proud
A program that can enhance Digimon with the “Proud” ability. It powers up the main Digimon in your deck!
Kaiser Matsuno: Do you take the power?!
Gather under the light, Holy Knights (Royal Knights)!!

The Resurrection of Warriors from Ancient Times!!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Will you unite?
Two decks centered around Ancient Digimon. Use their support abilities to your advantage!
Ancient Sphinxmon: Having the shape of a lion, this is one of the Ten Warriors. Increases power with the support of the Nightmare Soldiers!
Ancient Garurumon: Although it has a lifespan of only two turns, can be supported by many types of Digimon. A main card in the deck!
Ancient Greymon: It’s a powerful member of the Ten Warriors that is on par with Ancient Garurumon. Powers up with the support of dragons.
Ancient Volcamon: An A-type with high attack power, one of the Ten Warriors Digimon. Has a combo fighting with the Volcano Armor!
Enhancement Option
Spirit Revenger
Even if the Digimon of the Ten Warriors loses a battle, they can summon a Hybrid-body. This is a useful card for re-planning your strategy!

Expansion Board – Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01 SP

A surprise shown in the January 2003 V-Jump is that the new expansion board would feature the manga “Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01”. As shown in it would also have boards containing profiles and the story as it was done for the anime.

The February 2003 V-Jump issue brought more information about the Expansion Board showing that it would have the three unique “Super Ultimate-level” Digimon from the manga, Arkadimon Super Ultimate-level, Demon Super-ultimate Level, and Ulforce V-Dramon Zero Super Ultimate-level.

Commemorating the conclusion of “Digimon Adventure ~V Tamer 01~”!!
100% Big Thanks
Finally, with the conclusion of “V-Tamer”, both teachers have sent out megaton presents and farewell greetings to everyone!!
You can only get it here!! “Digimon Card Game Super Ultimate-level SP (Special)”
Monsters who surpass the Ultimate-level have been drawn by Yabuno-sensei and made into cards!!

Demon Super Ultimate-level
The power of the Lord that brings about destruction and ruin!!!
Ulforce V-Dramon Super Ultimate-level
The Will for the Future is the Power of Miracles!!
Arkadimon Super Ultimate-level
The power of the wicked heart that rules over the world!!
This set of 3 will be presented by 3000 people by lottery

Check out Zero’s Ultimate Evolution with your own hands!!
All the card illustrations are newly drawn by Tenya Yabuno-sensei! A special version of Taichi & Zero is now available!

The March 2003 V-Jump is a proper feature of the V-Tamer Expansion Board featuring many of the Digimon of the manga, including the manga-original ones.

All illustrations are original drawings by Yabu-sensei!
The expansion board that was released in advance at Jump Festa is now on sale to the general public! All cards are illustrated by Yabuno-sensei with all his heart and soul! It’s a great addition to your collection!
Aero V-Dramon Zero: Taichi’s well-known partner, Zero, has also been made into a card! A reliable Perfect-level that is resistant to Virus-species.
Taichi: My combination with Zero is invincible!
The power of the Ancient-species is released!!
Ulforce V-dramon: See the Digimon of this silhouette with your own eyes!!

Three great Virus-species Digimons are also included!
Arkadimon Ultimate-level: Shows off ferocious strength even in the ongoing manga series! Only “Ancient-species” Digimon can stand up against it!?
Metamormon: Has the ability to copy the opponent’s attack power. Will always have the advantage in battle!
Parallelmon: A Digimon that could be considered the natural enemy of “Tamer” cards! It’s possible to fight against it without using support effects?

A group of powerful Tamers!
Alias III: The Alias 3, who tormented Taichi and Zero, also appears as a Program card! The combos with their partners are powerful!
Support their Digimon Partner!
Piemon: Can see your opponent’s hand and slot cards. Use to plan a strategy.
Rosemon: Force your opponent to discard their hand. Can you prevent their combo!?
First Appearance: Combo Digimon Cards
The expansion board features cards called “Combo Digimon.” These powerful Digimon have two attack types and possess special abilities!
Their appearance conditions are unique. You can summon them when your Omegamon is defeated in battle!
Omegamon: Warg and Melga evolved! Can suddenly appear during battle.

The end-of-year and beginning-of-the-year V-Jumps often cover a lot of the Jump Festa, which was also where this Expansion Board was first sold. Kaneki and Matsuno’s profiles mention their participation in the event.

Tanukikoji Kaneki: Exhausted from a big event after a long time! Feeling the decline in stamina.
Kaiser Matsuno: Had a great performance on stage at Jump Festa! Quickly rose to stardom.

There were 6 boards with this release, each with different profiles and story summaries alongside main keywords and key points featured in the manga.

(01) Partners with a strong bond!・Taichi and Zero
Taichi is a Tamer who provides precise support with his sharp insight. Zero, an Aero V-dramon, trusts Taichi and fights bravely. The combination of these two bound by a soul bond will change the fate of the Digimon world!
Taichi: A passionate boy who loves Digimon and who suddenly finds himself lost in the Digimon world. He joins Zero in taking on the threat of Demon!
Zero (Zeromaru): A Digimon raised by Taichi. It is an ancient species of Digimon that evolved from V-dramon to Aero V-dramon!
Their strong trust is the source of invincible power!!!
(STORY) DISC-01
Taichi and Zero, a fateful encounter!
Taichi, who appeared on Folder Continent in the Digimon world, seeks clues to return to his original world and heads to the Holy Angel Castle. However, the Demon Army launches an assault on the castle! Taichi and Zero’s battle now begins!
(TOPIC) Ancient Digimon’s Super Potential・Overwrite!
Digimon rewrites their own data in response to changes in their emotions. The rewriting data = overwriting is greatly reflected in Digimon’s physical ability. In particular, Zero, an ancient Digimon, displays more intense emotions and power than ordinary Digimon! It is said that rapid overwriting puts a strain on the body and may shorten its life span, but what is the truth?

(02) Those who surpass the Ultimates!・Neo and Arkadimon!
The trump card of Demon, who plots world domination, is a Super-Ultimate-level Digimon and a young Tamer! However, the cold ambitions of the Tamer, Neo, surpass even those of Demon!! After defeating Demon, Neo and Arkadimon shake the world!!
The strongest Tamer who creates a new order from the ashes of erasure!
Saiba Neo: Another Tamer that was summoned by Demon to raise Arkadimon. He targets Taichi with ruthless and merciless tactics!
Arkadimon Child-level ➜ Arkadimon Ultimate-level
A forbidden Digimon that leads the world to destruction!
Arkadimon
A Digimon that created as the ultimate weapon to destroy the world. It evolves by absorbing the energy of all other Digimon!
What is the key to Arkadimon’s evolution into a Super Ultimate-level…?
(STORY) DISC-02
Another Tamer・Neo appears!
To defeat Demon, Taichi and the others search for the five tags that are the key to infiltrating Demon’s castle. However, to thwart their journey, Demon has sent Tamer Neo, who possesses greater abilities than Taichi!
(TOPIC) Digivice connects Tamer and Digimon
Tamers usually communicate their will to Digimons by speaking. However, in environments where words cannot be understood, like underwater, it becomes difficult to communicate effectively. By using the portable computer “Digivice 01,” it is possible to directly transmit the Tamer’s will to the Digimon! Additionally, it can transmit data from past battles and scanned enemies!

(03) The key to evolving into the Super Ultimate-level!・Digimental
A Digimental is a crystalline substance that enables a hidden super-evolution of Digimon! In order to achieve Arcadimon’s Ultra-Ultimate evolution, Neo seeks the legendary super-substance, the Digimental!
Enormous amount of battle energy allows the Digimental to unleash its true power!
Neo created a Digimental in the human world, but it didn’t have energy. To fill the Digimental with power, Neo forces a battle between tamers!
Digimentals draw out infinite power from Digimon while leaving their reason and intelligence intact. Even Super Ultimate Digimon can be controlled at the will of the Tamer!
And then, will Arkadimon turn into Super Ultimate-level…?
Rei
Neo’s younger sister・Rei. She was transported from the human world along with the Digimental by Neo. She is a kind-hearted girl who cares for her brother.
(STORY) DISC-03
Perfect-level Evolution! Aero V-dramon!!
Before Taichi heads to Demon’s castle, Neo’s Ultimate-level Digimon, Deathmon, stands in his way. The appearance of an unprecedented formidable enemy. Amidst an absolute crisis, Zero evolves into the Perfect form, Aerovidramon!
(TOPIC) Pal and Pul of Demon Castle
Demon’s stronghold・Demon Castle. It is the source of the world threat, filled with Virus-type Digimon that serve Demon. However, not all of Demon’s minions are malevolent Digimon. There are Digimon like the sibling duo, Pal, who cares for his brother, and Pul, who admires Neo. These Digimon also form bonds with humans, like they do with Rei!

(04) Neo’s avatars! Alias III
The three comrades fighting to create Neo’s utopia are the Alias III! Although they are all boys and girls who came from the human world, as Tamers with powerful Digimon, they stand in Taichi’s way!!!
Rosemon: Mari’s partner Digimon. Her combination with Mari’s sex appeal tactics is perfect! She fights beautifully with her thorny whip!
Omegamon: Hideto’s partner Digimon. Boasts the greatest fighting power among the Vaccine-species. He is known as a Holy Knight who fights in the name of “justice”, but…
Piemon: Sigma’s partner Digimon. He creates a different dimension, the Masks Square, and uses his teleportation skills to confuse his enemies, then eliminates them with his Trump Sword!
Alias III: The boy in black・Neo’s best friend Hideto. The masked boy・Sigma. The beautiful strategist, Mari. All of them are excellent Tamers who have Ultimate-level Digimon as their partners!
(STORY) DISC-04
Alias III appear!
Neo, aiming to delete Taichi and Zero, summoned Alias III. Despite being completely injured, Zero fights off Piemon and Rosemon. Amidst the fierce battle, Rei’s Digimental began to shine!
(TOPIC) Hideto, Neo, Rei, it all started that day!
Hideto was best friends with the siblings Neo and Rei. However, their happy days were shattered by Rei’s car accident. To create a new world, Neo plans to conquer the Digimon world. However, Rei, who loves Digimon, cannot understand her brother’s actions. Will Rei’s heartfelt sorrow reach Neo!?

(5) Fortress of Justice! Holy Angemon Army
Digimons of justice gather at Holy Angel Castle to face the threat of Demon! The holy warriors march out to keep the light of the future alive!
Holy Angemon: The noble lord of Holy Angel Castle. He summoned Taichi and Zero to the Digimon world to save the world. During the final battle, he evolves into his Ultimate-level, Seraphimon!
Igamon: A spy who infiltrated Demon Castle. A loyal, old-fashioned, compassionate Digimon. He supports Zero by teaming up with Gabou!
Gabumon (Gabou): The first Digimon to befriend Taichi and Zero in the Digimon world. He’s very well-informed, but his worrying nature is his biggest flaw.
(STORY) DISC-05
Holy Angel Castle Battle!!
Neo takes Arkadimon, who has reached the Child-level, to Holy Angel Castle. Leo and the others fight back, but Arkadimon evolves into Adult-level and then Perfect-level, demonstrating its overwhelming strength!
(TOPIC) Fellow soldiers who gather under the banner of justice!
To save the world from the Demon army, many Digimon, led by the battle captain Leo, have risen up. There’s Gon the Gomamon, who is determined to protect Net Ocean; Mayor Starmon, who guards Star City; and Patamon, the messenger of Holy Angel Castle. Even though their combat power may be low, their love for peace makes them unrivaled companions!

(6) Taichi & Zero・The trail to the fight!
Taichi and Zero were summoned into the Digimon world. Their fierce journey is about to reach a major turning point as they prepare for the final showdown!
Summoned by HolyAngemon, Taichi and Zero’s adventure began! To defeat the world’s calamity, Demon, Taichi must acquire the five V-Tamer Tags that unlock the seal to Demon Castle. However, their path is heavily obstructed by Neo and the Alias III, who were called by Demon from the human world. Through fierce battles, Taichi reconciles with Alias III, but Neo’s rampage, driven by his determination to raise Arkadimon, cannot be stopped. Arkadimon absorbs Demon and evolves into its Ultimate-level. Neo then severs ties with Alias III after they fulfill their role of providing energy to the Digimental. How will Taichi and Zero face Arkadimon, who seeks further evolution through the power of the Digimental?
Arkadimon evolves to its Ultimate-level! Is Neo’s ambition unstoppable?
Will Neo’s new world come to fruition?!
What will the future hold for Digimon and humans?!
The combination of Taichi and Zero will unlock infinite possibilities!

Booster 19 ~The Dark Demon Dragon of the Apocalypse (DARK WING APOCALYPSE)~

The March 2003 V-Jump also featured the first announcement for Booster 19, it has the conclusion of the Hybrid Digimon saga with the evolved forms of Lucemon fighting against a stronger Susanoomon now using a new ZERO-Arms, Orochi.

…And then, strange occurrences happen in “Booster 19”?
Strange occurrence ① ~What happened to the angel?!~
Though called the “strongest Level III Digimon”, Lucemon’s evolved form has been shrouded in mystery. In “Booster 18”, its evolved form is finally revealed!!
Lucemon: Despite being Level III, it has an attack power of over 500!! Included in “Booster 13”.
Perfect-level Lucemon Falldown Mode: With powers comparable to God, Lucemon’s Perfect-level. A Demon lord-type Digimon that combines the divine and the demonic!
Ultimate-level Lucemon Satan Mode: Lucemon’s Ultimate-level! Possessing the form of a dragon of darkness, it is a legendary being that destroys everything…

CLASH!!

Susanoomon: Susanoomon also powers up to face the true enemy that has finally appeared! A clash is inevitable!

Now the final war (Armageddon) begins…

The second part of the announcement focuses on the reveal of the mysterious “Red Frame Digimon” who shares the same name as the already existing Digimon but with a completely different design. A reason for that, due to something happening in the Digimon world, is teased.

What is the truth behind their appearance?
Strange occurrence ② ~What is with the shape of these Digimon!?~
“Booster 19” will feature Digimon with a look that is clearly different from previous versions. Details are still unknown, but we’ll have to wait for further information!!
Is this a new design!?
Some of the cards show signs of mystery!!
This card has a red frame. The Digimon on the right has a different card design. Is something happening in the Digimon world?
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Continue to keep an eye on Digimon cards in 2003!
All the mysteries will be revealed in the next issue!

The April 2003 V-Jump features the last edition of “Digimon’s Headline” featuring Booster 19 and develops more on the mystery of the Red Frame Digimon. They are shown as renewed Digimon caused by changes that were happening in the Digimon world, they are immune to a new Option Card called “Particle Worm” that nullifies the effects of Blue Frame cards. Blue Frame cards can be protected with the “X-Antibody Protoform” card. The page also indicates that the truth about the X-Antibody would be revealed in “Starter 9”.

Signs of change in the Digital World!
As we mentioned in the previous issue, changes are occurring in the Digimon world… One of these changes is the existence of renewed, newly designed cards. A special feature on the new cards called the Red Frame!!
“Red Frame” appears!!
This is a Red Frame Card!!
The illustrations have changed!
The illustrations of the Digimon have been completely renewed in Red Frame! They seem to have been reborn as a result of an incident in the Digital World…
Card abilities are now easier to see!
The red frame makes it easier to see the text box and card abilities! It’s compatible with traditional cards, so you can add it to your deck.
Kaiser Matsuno: The frame of the card is a fiery red! They also have abilities that Blue Frames don’t have!
Two optional cards hold the key
“X-Antibody Protoform” ➜ Negates the effect! ➜ “Particle Worm No.2” (No effect against Red Frame!)
The true identity of the X-Antibody will be revealed in “Starter 9”!!
A threatening Option Card against the traditional cards (Blue Frame)!
A terrifying Option that nullifies the effects of Option Cards and ability sections. Only Digimon with a Red Frame or the “X-Antibody” can counter it!!

The issue also features one more look at Lucemon’s evolutionary route for “Booster 19”.

The evolution route of the Ultimate Demon Lord is also revealed!!
The journey is tough, but…!?
Lucemon’s final form has finally revealed itself. However, the path to Satan Mode was a difficult one!? Here, we will reveal the two known evolution routes!
Point!
Evolve to Ultimate-level in one go with Mode Selector, or evolve into Perfect-level to gain additional abilities…
Option Cards Needed for Evolution
■ Mode Selector (Included in the Royal Knights Set)
An essential Option Card for evolution to the Ultimate-level. Its strength lies in the ability to evolve directly into the Ultimate-level!
■ Gospel of the Fallen Angel
If you evolve into the Perfect-level using the Mode Selector, this option is necessary for the Ultimate evolution.
Its strength is comparable to that of Susanoomon. If you use the evolution route that uses two Option Cards, it’s even stronger!

Since this is the last “Digimon Headline” the profiles of the navigators comment on the change.

Tanukikoji Kaneki: “I was finally feeling relieved after that white one (Tail) was gone… Seriously!?”
Kaiser Matsuno: What?! My exploits have just begun, and it’s already the final episode?!

Expansion Board 6

The last main product of the 4th season of the “Digital Monster Card Game”, after this the game will have major changes once again. Expansion Board 6 features the end of the “Digimon Frontier” storyline, with the reveal of the true form of the Spirit of Darkness, the Transcendent-types, the Royal Knights, and finally the final battle against Lucemon.

Be sure to check out “Expansion Board 6” too!!
The included cards make up an unprecedented lineup!!
Gathering of Ultimate-levels!
“Expansion Board 6” contains many powerful Digimon, such as Susanoomon and Lucemon Satan Mode. It’s perfect for strengthening your deck!!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: The first expansion board that includes cards with a holographic specification! The card design is the same as the Red Frame!

Sadly I couldn’t find any clear images of the boards featuring the story. Different from the previous expansion boards that had 6 boards with a story, this time only 4 of the boards had a story summary (Boards 3 to 6), while the other 2 boards only had information about the game. I was only able to find good complete images of the tutorial boards, so I won’t be able to share the actual text of the story summary boards.

Digimon Chronicle

DigiCan

In May 2005, V-Jump introduced a new format for Digimon articles, now called “DigiCan” (デジ缶/デジカン). The introduction to this new model includes a reintroduction to the three continuing navigators (Ota, Matsuno, and Kaneki) reacting to the dangers the Digital World is facing and a meet-up with Shueisha’s staff to start a new era for Digimon. After that, two new navigators are revealed, Kawahero and Mito Nitro. Kawahero seems to be a general “games” guy who appears in both the Card Game and Video Game sections, while Mito Nitro is Ryo Mito, the producer for Digimon games at that time.

When the Digital World was on the brink of collapse, a group of men rose up!
Emergency Meeting Chronicle!!
AM 09:00
From writers and designers to perverts, everyone involved with Digimon gathers together in an emergency! The operation room is filled with a bizarre atmosphere!!
The familiar characters weren’t changed!!
Kaiser Matsuno: To save the world from the crisis… Wake up the new Handheld・X! Fuhahahaha!!
Pile Volcano Ota: A man should laugh even during a crisis! When you can’t laugh is exactly when you should laugh, got it!!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: First, do 10 sit-ups, then try counting grains of rice. See, you feel calmer now, right?
PM 23:49
After half a day of heated discussion, a conclusion was finally reached. Farewell to “Digimon Headline”, and…!!
The time for the last train was approaching! And then, it was time to a decision!!
Here we go!! DigiCan starts this month
The ultimate information can packed with every possible Digimon special report, that’s “DigiCan”!! Open the lid and behold, a perfect, thrilling, and sensational Digimon microcosm will burst forth! Yay!!”
Starting off with a luxurious special composition!!
Manga: An intense battle with extra pages!! What secret strategy has Neo devised to counter Zero and Taichi’s offensive…?
Card: We reveal without reservation the new cards included in the latest starter pack. The Red Frame is blazing hot, BABY!!
Portable Toy: The shocking new portable toy “X” descends! We’ll thoroughly track its new settings and features, plus there are luxurious gifts!!
Game: Nitro and Hedro GET their hands on earth-shattering special reports!! The highly anticipated new release that everyone has been waiting for is here!!
What are these people?
Kawahero: My name is Kawahero, and my favorite food is cucumbers! I’m going to conquer the world with my cards, so watch out!!
Mito Nitoro: Nice to meet you, I’m Mito Nitoro. Do you know why I’m called ‘Nitro’? It’s because I love sushi toro! Hehe ♪ Burp ♪

Starter Ver. 9 DORUgoramon Terror Deck/Omegamon Purge Deck

Instead of getting “Season V” this new era is simply known by the branding of “Digimon Chronicle”, the media-mix project that was active at that time. The May 2005 V-Jump introduces Starter Ver.9 and is part of the overall reveal of what the X-Antibody Digimon are. The X-Antibody Digimon are established as being the Digimon with a Red Frame in the card, they are immune to the various Particle Worms, which seem to be the X-Program.

Congratulations! Renewal!! Continue to pursue the latest Digimon information!!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: We are in charge of the Card Game!
Kawahero: I’m going to attack relentlessly Dero~!
Entering full-scale new phase!! Digimon Chronicle
Starter Ver.9 A・B sets released simultaneously!!
Many Red Frames appear!!
Digimon who have been transformed by the mysterious “X-Antibody”… In “Starter 9”, a powerful deck containing a large number of reborn Digimon appears! What is the power of the new waited Digimon!?

Ⓐ New Digimon Deck!
Set A features a deck centered around the first appearance of Dorumon. Additionally, it’s a powerful deck that can be used to evolve Agumon! Which one will be your main force?
Main Red Frame Cards
●Agumon
●WarGreymon
●GrandisKuwagamon
Is their hidden power immeasurable!?
Dorumon: A Level III Digimon that will be the cornerstone of your deck. With many evolution routes, this will be your main force.
Dorugoramon: Dorumon evolved into its Ultimate-level! Its attack power doubles with a combo using Red Frame!!
If you collect two sets, you can create an even more powerful deck!

Ⓑ Offensive Omegamon Deck!
The standout card in Set B is the new Omegamon! Get WarGreymon from Set A to strengthen your deck!!
Main Red Frame Cards
●Dobermon
●MetalGarurumon
●GigaSeadramon
Reborn with a Red Frame!!
Gabumon: If you’re aiming to evolve into Omegamon, this is a Digimon you can’t miss. It evolves early!
Omegamon: A powerful Digimon that stands superior against both red and blue frames. An evolution that is absolutely needed!

The June 2003 V-Jump was a double, basically triple, feature including updates on Starter.9

Spring Card Game Grand Assault!!
Making 2 great Digimon Decks!!
The second part has begun! There’s a lot of information, including deck building with “Starter 9” and secret information about “Booster 20”!!
Reborn! Omegamon Deck
What about Level III Digimon?
There are two candidates for Level III Digimon. Between WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon, choose the Digimon you want to evolve into.
What are the strategic points?
The deck has many Ultimate-level Digimon, so it is somewhat heavy. Since the evolution conditions cannot be ignored in many cases, it might be tough in the early game. Don’t worry about the cost; aim for “Winning Percentage: 80%!” and evolve aggressively!
Point
It’s okay not to aim forcibly for evolution into Omegamon! The other 2 Ultimate-level Digimon are strong!!
Ultimate Goal!
It’s the moment when all the hard work pays off! Let’s fully enjoy the overwhelming power of Omegamon! Having the ultimate guardian is like giving a kanabō to an oni!!

Newcomer! Dorugoramon Deck
What about Level III Digimon?
As expected, the basic Level III Digimon to choose is Dorumon. Being a Digimon with high abilities and having a Red Frame, it won’t be affected by specific programs.
What are the strategic points?
Dorumon undergoes an Orthodox evolution. Winning Percentage-type Option and then, X-Evolution! Aim for early evolution!
Become stronger with Booster 20!
Grademon has incredible abilities even while being a Perfect-level! If there’s a chance, evolve!
Point
Let it be stronger with “Booster 20”! Especially, Grademon is a must-have inclusion in your deck!!
Ultimate Goal!
If it evolves to Ultimate-level Dorugoramon, victory is near. Seal special abilities and attack with combos involving the Red Frame!

It was very common for the Card Game to include new items and places that are nowhere to be seen in other media; most of the time, they lack any textual context. Until now, the Card Game existed only as a secondary complement to most Digimon media; it did use Digimon and content from basically any official Digimon work, but it didn’t really exist as an important textual complement to it. Even the few times it adds more content in a certain era using flavor text, it might as well be something that was added without contact with the rest of the staff by the Card Navigators (such as Tanukikoji Kaneki making up the 7 evolutions of Volcamon in one of the Pile Volcamon cards). But now, this changed.

Digimon Chronicle is different from any major content the card game has complemented so far because it’s not a complete story but rather a fragmented experience made in that way from the very beginning that needs to be complemented by connecting material from every related medium. This allows the Card Game to really be important in understanding Digimon Chronicle.

The main way this will happen will be clear in the next topic, but some cards and effects seem to be unrelated to the Chronicle storyline but are actually important and portray elements not seen in any other source. The main indication that something is happening is in ORG’s website for the Starter Ver.9, it introduces that in a place called “Dome City” Blue Frame Digimon are teaming up to fight back against the Red Frame Digimon, which is represented in the card game with Blue Frame Digimon getting higher attack values and stronger abilities that counter Red Frames.

The Blue Frame strikes back!
The Blue Flame Digimon of the past haven’t succumbed yet! The overwhelming ease of evolution is directly related to the ease of fighting. So the special ability against the Red Frame has also blossomed. Along with the Field Card “Dome City” (St-974), it is a counterattack against the Red Frame Digimon!!

Booster 20 ~The Pedigree of X-Evolution (GENEALOGY OF X-EVOLUTION)~

The first Booster release for Chronicle was “Booster 20”, but there was also a Jogress Pack that included it alongside Booster 19, the last of the Season IV boosters. Booster 20 was the main feature of the June 2003 V-Jump, introducing many new Digimon and elements of this series. there were 4 pages of the Card Game, 3 about Booster 20 and 1 for Starter.9. The first two colored pages are for Booster 20 and Booster 19&20, making up the “First Part”. The second part is the green pages that started with Starter.9.

A storm of responses from all over the country! The highly anticipated second installment of the new series!!
Spring’s Card Game Strategy Guide
Part.1
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Hey, I’m Kaneki!! This month, with a total of 4 pages, we thoroughly conquer the latest cards!! Let’s get fired up!!
Kawahero: The amount of information is so overwhelming that even I was overwhelmed. Now, let the party begin Dero~!!
The latest release comes in two forms!!
Generous Great Release of Rare Cards!
The latest news on the Digimon Card series, which is doing well, now with four full pages to share!! The latest set, Booster 20, will be released in two formats: Packs and Carddass machine! Be sure to check them both out!!
Perfect-level Grademon is above the Perfect-level
Another Perfect-level for DORUmon, which was introduced in last month’s issue! These amazing stats are at the Ultimate-level class!!
Rare cards from Booster 20!
Kawahero: Open your eyes wide and see Dero~!!
Not only does it include many Red Frame cards, but the Ultimate-levels of the Blue Frame have also been significantly powered up! Be sure to check it out!!
Lilithmon: The effect is more powerful than the attack strength! Although reducing your deck is painful, the damage dealt is significant!!
Grandis Kuwagamon: You can fight using this card with no worries since it is not affected by the effects of Option Cards!!
Giga Seadramon: An Ultimate-level with excellent attack power and effects! Make effective use of abilities such as “Underwater” in battle.
Is there an even greater secret to the release in two formats!?
Get from the Carddass machine!
Booster 20 ONLY Cards!!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Among the cards that can only be obtained from the Carddass machine, the top recommendation is undoubtedly Dorugoramon! An amazing one with gold etching!!
Lucemon Satan Mode: Its attack power is among the best among Ultimate-levels! It’s a trump card that gives you an advantage even against the Red Frame!
Pharaohmon: If your opponent is using a deck that mainly uses Red Frames, you’ll definitely be able to use this card effectively! Suitable for those who place emphasis on defense.
Raidenmon: Although there is a risk of discarding your entire hand, it is a valuable asset that can counter the powerful Red Frame!!
A miracle that has been unwrapped!!
Dorugoramon: An Ultimate-level with high-level specs! Its attack power exceeds 900, and increases the more aggressive the opponent is!
Buy a pack and get them!
Booster 19&20 ONLY Cards
Kawahero: The only way to get a significantly more powerful Omegamon is to buy the pack! Omegamon-users, be sure to get it Deroyo~!
War Greymon: Red Frame WarGreymon. Even if it can’t evolve into Omegamon, it’s still a mainstay of the deck!
Armagemon: Although it is a Blue Frame, it can counter Red Frames. It is extremely effective against enemies that are strengthened by Support!
Zeed Millenniumon: A has high attack power and is easy to use. If you can evolve it in the early game, you can reduce your opponent’s deck by a large amount, which is great!
The blade of the purge descends!! Omegamon
The attack power of both A and B is an astounding 1000!! What’s more, it has an overwhelming effect against Red Frame Cards!!

Big Sale of Booster 20 Topics!!
Digimon Topic 1: Congratulations!! This is the “1000th” card in the Booster Series!
The 1000th card in the series, Huanglongmon! It’s included in Booster 20, and you can get it both from Packs and from vending machines!!
Super powerful commemorative card!!
Huanglongmon: The evolution conditions are strict, but the strength is worth it! It has many combos and is a Digimon that can be used as a main force!
Plus the combos are amazing!!
Massive Point recovery!
Holy Beast Great Cardinal Positions
Search for the Four Holy Beasts and add them to your hand, then use this program for massive point recovery. Was all the effort worth it!?”
Search for the Four Sacred Beasts!
You can search for the Four Holy Beasts on the Net. This is a great way to start a combo, so use it as much as you can!

Digimon Topic 2: Two types of gold etching!
Among the gold-etched cards included in Booster 20, the following three cards have been revealed to have two types!!
Can you get both?
・Dorugoramon
・Omegamon
・Grademon

Digimon Topic 3: Complete the story!
Mysterious texts were discovered inside some of the Red Frame option cards! This could reveal the secret that has happened in the Digital World!?
Omegamon Attacks
This card is “Chapter 5”. How many chapters are there in total…!?
Chapter Five: Following Yggdrasill’s orders, the Royal Knights set out to exterminate Digimon possessing the X-Antibody!
Pay attention to the text!
Omegamon is the enemy!? Shocking facts are revealed…!! Checking all of them is needed!!
Collect all the cards!
The “Booster 20” is packed with news value! It will definitely satisfy you!!

The June V-Jump follows the same overall structure, there are two parts for the Card Games article, one full-color and the other just white and green. The concept for these articles was to introduce the Card Game to beginners. They also tease that Grademon still has more hidden power and in the next month’s issue, the ultimate knight will be revealed.

5 Option Cards containing a summary of the Digimon Chronicle storyline were released as a part of Booster 20, they are the first 5 parts of the story.

They were revealed, the mysteries of the world
What exactly has happened in the Digimon world? What is the X-Antibody, and what are the Red Frame Digimon? The secrets of this mysterious world are now being revealed!
Option cards labeled Chapter 1 through Chapter 5 include ‘Digital World Crisis’ (Bx-32), ‘Yggdrasil’ (Bx-33), ‘New World NDW’ (Bx-34), ‘X-Evolution!’ (Bx-35), and ‘Omegamon’s Attack’ (Bx-36)…
The shocking facts depicted there. And what will happen to the Digital World and the Digimon from now on…!?

Digital World Crisis
Chapter One: Due to the growth of data volume exceeding predicted values, the threat of a Digital Hazard draws near!
Yggdrasil
Chapter Two: In order to delete Digimon that are overloading the servers, Yggdrasill activates the X-Program!
New Digital World NDW
Chapter Three: A New Digital World that is composed of three levels: the “Past”, “Present”, and “Future”!
X-Evolution!
Chapter Four: Strong Digimon were able to fight off the X-Program, and attained the “X-Antibody”!
Omegamon’s Attack
Chapter Five: Following Yggdrasill’s orders, the Royal Knights set out to exterminate Digimon possessing the X-Antibody!

ORG’s website continues to establish that the conventional Digimon were developing new abilities that could counter the Red Frame Digimon, now this especially includes Perfect-level Digimon. Of important Digimon, here Lilithmon, one of the Seven Great Demon Lords, is featured. The Four Holy Beasts and Huanglongmon are also featured in another topic, but by mistake, the writer just pasted the same text from the Blue Frame topic and this was never fixed.

New powers! Abilities created by Blue Frame
Against the individually overwhelming power of the Red Frame, the Blue Frame Digimon have also begun to acquire new powers. In addition to the new ‘anti-Red Frame’ special abilities obtained in S9, they are continuously generating unprecedented special abilities!
For example, the vending machine-exclusive ‘Raidenmon’ (Bo-1018) can discard all cards in your hand to send all Red Frame Digimon on the opponent’s sheet (except Level III) to the Dark Area!
Additionally, the special abilities of ‘Hangyomon’ (Bo-995) and ‘Vajramon’ (Bo-998) can immediately reduce the opponent’s points by 10 if they evolve using an option effect during battle. This becomes a trump card against rapid evolution, regardless of Red Frame or Blue Frame!
Various new special abilities have been acquired, mainly by Perfect-level Digimon. See for yourself!

Booster 21 ~The Threat of the X-Eradicating Corps~ (X-DELETER) & Ultimate Battle Set 5: X-Evolution Box: Chronicle Deck/Yggdrasil Deck

August 2003 starts the articles on Booster 21, here it introduces the Ryudamon evolutionary line and also the new Ultimate-level for Ryudamon evolving from Grademon, Alphamon.

Latest information!!
Gather! Strong warriors aiming for the top!!
Now available in two formats: Pack and Carddass!
We’ve already obtained the latest information on the new Digimon card set! “Booster 21” will be released in both pack and vending machine formats! Since there are cards that can only be obtained in one format or the other, make sure to check them both!!
Awakening of the Great Dragon King!!
Ryudamon (Level III) ➜ Ginryumon (Level IV) ➜ Hisyaryumon (Perfect-level) ➜ Ouryumon (Ultimate-level)
How to use Ouryumon effectively?
All of the Digimon that can evolve from Ryudamon are available in both vending machines and packs. Since the evolution routes are limited, you should prioritize acquiring the cards.
Who will be the main character of the battle!?
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Rivals
Kawahedoro: Are great, Dero yo!
The Black Knight descends!
Grademon (Perfect-level) ➜ Alphamon (Ultimate-level)
A new Royal Knight that evolves from “Release of the Sealed Knight!” Although it reaches its lifespan in one turn, it boasts invincible strength with the highest attack power and powerful special abilities ever!!
Next issue, the final hidden gem of ‘Booster 21’ makes its appearance!
It seems that “Booster 21” still has some boss-level cards hidden away… In the next issue, we’ll reveal that mysterious Digimon, so stay tuned!!

Numerous unidentified Digimon were discovered!
Habitat distribution map!!
Kawahedoro: Investigation Dero!
Following on from the first can, we bring you information on Booster 21! Check out the cards of interest! We’ll also be reporting on the results of the card tournament!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Come on! Let’s go on a journey of discovery!!
Dinotigermon: An Ultimate-level Digimon that can be strengthened by combo with Red Frame! Its basic attack power is also high!!
Ultimate Brachimon: The effect of sealing special abilities is appealing! It’s powerful against Blue Frame, so make it a mainstay in your deck!
War Greymon: A powerful Blue Frame Digimon with stable strength that is not affected by the opponent’s attack type.
Grademon: A Perfect-level with attack power that surpasses even Ultimate-levels! It can also evolve into Alphamon!!

The September 2003 is a double feature that can’t really be divided, so this is why I put both Booster 3 and Ultimate Battle Set 5 on the same topic. This issue continues featuring Digimon related to Pendulum X 2.0, but here the focus is the Guilmon-evolutionary line, in special the X-Antibody versions of the characters, including Dukemon X, Megidramon X, and Medieval Dukemon (This is the same issue that includes a detailed explanation about Medieval Dukemon).

Dukemon X-Evolution!
Dukemon joins the Red Frame!
The highlight for ‘Booster 21’ and the new ‘Ultimate Battle Set’ is the reborn Dukemon! We’ll feature it prominently alongside its newly revealed form!
The Crimson Knight is reborn!!
Guilmon (Level III) ➜ Growmon (Level IV) ➜ Megalo Growmon (Perfect-level) ➜
If the case is “Option Cards are in the way〜!”…
Dukemon (Ultimate-level): Useful when facing powerful Ultimate-levels because it is not affected by special abilities or Options!
If the case is “I’ll take you down with me!”…
Megidramon (Ultimate-level): If evolution is successful, both parties will take 10 points of damage. Watch the situation and decide whether to evolve!
If the case is “E-Even the enemy is Dukemon!?”…
Towards a new evolution!!
Medieval Dukemon (Ultimate-level): Another Possibility of Dukemon. Has the ability to fight advantageously against Dukemon!!!
Dukemon Deck Strategy 1
Aegis: Effective against both Red Frames and Blue Frames. If you’re cornered, this is the one to use.
Strong Option!
Dukemon’s Revelation: Countermeasure against Red Frame options. Use it in combination with Medieval.
Dukemon Deck Strategy 2
Forest Leaf
If you use this card, it’s possible to freely evolve from Red Frame Dukemon to Medieval (or vice versa). The possibilities for strategy expand!
Mode Change!

The October 2003 V-Jump just continues to introduce more about the newer cards. The issue promotes the “Bandai Card Game Festa 2003 – Summer Camp”.

New Flight
Chapter Six: Doumoto Kouta and DORUmon travel through the Versandi Terminal!
Ulud Terminal
Chapter Seven: The world where ancient dinosaur Digimon, whose ferocity have been aggravated by the X-Antibody, reside!
Mysterious Land
Chapter Eight: The birthplace of the legend of the messiah dragon, the Rolan Continent!
Divine Protection of the Aqua Orb
Chapter Nine: Using the Aqua Orb, the legendary dragon Ouryumon was released through X-Evolution!
Dukemon’s Revelation
Chapter Ten: ‘Hear me, X-Evolved Digimon! Show me your power! Otherwise, erasure awaits you!!’

Booster 22 ～Awakening: The Forbidden Dark Evolution （DEATH-X-EVOLUTION）～

While Booster 21 had a lot to use from Pendulum X 2.0, Booster 22, which was first featured in the November 2003 V-Jump, used Pendulum X 1.5 as the basis. Since it’s just a reprint of Pendulum 1.0, but changing a few evolutions to focus on Death-X-Evolution, Booster 22 decided to explore other Evil-looking Digimon, starting with Beelzebumon Blast Mode. This will finally continue the hidden

Breaking News!
Kaneki and Kawahedoro: We admire the outlaws!!
The Wicked Feast (Collaboration) of the Demon Dragon and Demon Lord!
The new rulers of darkness!
It has been revealed that there are numerous powerful Demon Lord-type Digimon in ‘Booster 22’! Stay tuned for the Demon Lord-type Digimon and Droumon’s Death X-Evolution, as well as their final forms, which will be fully disclosed!!
Tanukikoji Kaneki: The much anticipated Red Frame!
Death-X-Dorugoramon: Discard your hand to instantly power up! Note that it can also evolve from Dorugoramon!!
Which darkness do you want to sink into…?
Kawahedoro: The reliable Blue Frame!!
Beelzebumon Blast Mode: Although it’s powerful, its Lifespan is of only 1 turn. Beelzebumon evolves into this form to unleash its full power.
Of course, the rival Digimon too!!
Use the Red Frame Aegis combo to hit the opponent’s point directly! Seal the opponent’s special ability and gain the advantage!

The December 2003 V-Jump finishes the cover year with a full coverage of the Seven Great Demon Lords introduced in Booster 22, it also introduces the idea that members of the Royal Knights and the Four Great Dragons are teaming up to fight against the Seven Great Demon Lords. This continues from Lilithmon’s initial introduction among the Blue Frames that were powering up. Demon and Barbamon, in particular, are noted as being immune to Particle Worm No.2, even though they are Blue Frame Digimon. This is a characteristic that many Blue Frame Digimon are developing, especially among the Seven Great Demon Lords.

Two new characters appear!
Their existence has been revealed, yet they remain enigmatic – the “Seven Great Demon Lords” Digimon. In ‘Booster 22’, two additional Demon Lords have been included, bringing the total to five!
Mysterious Digimon Lords… the descent of the Seven Great Demon Lords!!
What are the Seven Great Demon Lords?
Among the Digimon who have fallen into the Dark Area, these Digimon possess unique powers and are in conflict with Angel-type Digimon. They don’t have strong individual connections.
With them on your side, there’s nothing to fear!!
Option cards that can call for support from the Seven Great Demon Lords Digimon. Even if they cannot evolve, they become valuable forces.
Lilithmon: Appeared in past series. Has an advantage against opponents with Proud.
Beelzebumon: The most well-known Great Demon Lord? Convenient and easy to incorporate into combos!
A giant jaw that crushes everything!!
Leviamon: A new Digimon from the Seven Great Demon Lords. It cannot use options or support abilities, but its attack power is in the highest class ever seen!!
The cunning leader of darkness!!
Barbamon: A new Digimon in the form of an old man. It has a Blue Frame, but it can prevent the effects of “Particle Worm No. 2”!
Demon: It is immune to the effects of Particle Worm No. 2 and can fight with a variety of special abilities!!
Lucemon Falldown Mode: Although it is at its Perfect-level, it boasts overwhelming offensive power. An incredible Hybrid-body Killer.
Tanukikoji Kaneki: Only one remains! What is its true identity?

Booster 22 Includes
The Opposing Forces!
Royal Knights
Magnamon: A Level IV Digimon. It has high offensive power and a wide range of special abilities.
The ancestral figure of the Royal Knights!!
Imperialdramon Paladin Mode: Supports the Royal Knights. Or can also become their natural enemy…
Four Great Dragons
Holydramon: Seals the opponent’s Strength Plug-In U, provides stable strength.
Goddramon: Increases attack power according to the opponent’s evolution! A reliable Red Frame!!

Versandi Terminal
Chapter Eleven: In the world that rules over the “Present”, new species continue to be born!
The Holy Sword Falls to Earth!
Chapter Twelve: Faced with the ultimate X-Evolution, the Royal Knights are driven to the wall!
All Delete
Chapter Thirteen: The ultimate Omega inForce! ‘To carry out the deletion of Digimon…is my duty!!’
Death-X-Evolution!!
Chapter Fourteen: Evolution that occurs even after death! The awakening of a virtual being created from insanity!!
Emergency Transfer
Chapter Fifteen: Being unable to analyze its data, Yggdrasill does an emergency transfer of the Death-X-Evolution!!

ORG’s website also depicted the hidden conflicts portrayed with Booster 22, the conflict between Death-X-Dorugoramon and Beelzebumon Blast Mode, and also the Seven Great Demon Lords vs Four Great Dragons and Royal Knights.

The Lord of Magic Bullets vs Death-X-Evolution!!
The Dark-evolved Ultimate-level of Dorumon, “Death-X-Dorugoramon,” finally appears! The Death-X-Evolution performed with the evolution card “Death-X-Evolution!!” can evolve not only from “Death-X-Doruguremon” but also from “Dorugoramon” that is also an Ultimate-level! Master its use according to the opponent or game progress! It’s a pack-exclusive card marked with a Red Frame!
In contrast, the Blue Frame vending machine exclusive card is “Beelzebumon Blast Mode”! With the exclusive evolution card “Lord of the Magic Dashing Bullets,” it can evolve from both “Impmon” and “Beelzebumon”! With ultra-fast evolution from Level III or evolution from the Ultimate-level, its attack power triples with an extremely powerful ability. Either way, there’s no doubt it’s incredibly strong. Who will emerge victorious in this battle!?

Seven Great Demon Lords vs Four Great Dragons and Royal Knights
Although the existence of some of them has been revealed, there are still many mysteries about the “Seven Great Demon Lords” of darkness.
Two new bodies have arrived this time. The “Leviamon” (Vending Machine Card), which boasts a powerful attack power despite the Blue Frame, and the “Barbamon” (Pack Card), which has the special ability to return the card from the Dark Area. If you use the program “Advent of the Seven Great Demon Lords” with them, they become even more powerful.
The opposing forces of light are not defeated either. “Goddramon” and “Holy Dramon” from “Four Great Dragons”, and “Dukemon” and “Magnamon” from “Royal Knights” will power up and participate in the war. In addition, Imperialdramon Paladin Mode, the ancestor of the Royal Knights and their support or natural enemy, is also available in gold etching!

Starter Version 10: X-Combo Deck

The January 2004 V-Jump introduces Starter Ver.10, focusing on Alphamon and Death-X-Dorugoramon. This is a prelude to the last chapter of Digimon Chronicle, which will be the focus of Booster 23.

The newest starter kit is now available
The final battle approaches!
“Digimon Chronicle” – The Final Chapter Starts!
Kaneki and Kawahedoro: Waiting for the Climax!
There’s a secret in this “Starter 10”!!
The latest in the Starter series is here, with pre-constructed decks perfect for beginners! You can get rare Digimon that were hard to get your hands on all at once!
Starter 10: Strengthen the basics of decks! A lineup of Digimons necessary for evolution, from Level III to Ultimate-level! You can solidify the basics of the deck!
➜ Linked to
Booster 23: Strengthen your combos and strategies! Includes cards necessary for combos, including Option Cards! More details will be provided in the future!
Alphamon (Ultimate-level)
Will the strongest Holy Knight (Royal Knight) be victorious?
Undoubtedly one of the strongest Digimon. It seals the opponent’s support.
Death-X-Dorugoramon (Ultimate-level)
Or will the God of Destruction born out of chaos!?
Not only does it have high attack power, but it also has a wide range of evolution routes.

Is the objective becoming the Strongest of the Royal Knights, or maybe Death-X-Evolution!?
A starter box where you can GET all the Evolutionary lines. This time, the main Digimon “Dorumon” can evolve through three main lines. Among these, two completely different lines appear together for the first time!
First is “Raptordramon” → “Grademon” → “Alphamon.” Known for their exceptionally high basic attack power, these proud warriors possess the attack strength and special abilities to win one-on-one battles. Especially, “Alphamon” is said to be one of the strongest Royal Knights!
The other line is “Death-X-Dorugamon” → “Death-X-DoruGreymon” → “Death-X-Dorugoramon.” These undead-type Digimon continue to evolve even after death. Their attack power increases significantly through combos and support, such as sacrificing other Digimon to boost their attack power!
Whether you choose one line or use both, with the cards included, you can build a solid deck!
New Digimon Appearing One After Another!!
New Digimon are making their debut one after another! Of course, they come pre-constructed, so you can collect all the Digimon that have newly appeared in the handheld game “Pendulum X,” from Level III to Ultimate-level.
Starting with the new Level III Digimon “Fanbeemon,” the evolution line continues with “Waspmon” → “CannonBeemon” → “TigerVespamon.” Additionally, there is also the evolution route “Omekamon” → “MetalFantomon” → “MetalPiranimon”! Both evolution routes are closely linked with the evolution lines of “Dorumon” and “Ryudamon,” which are in the same deck. This ensures a significant boost in both evolution speed and power!!

Booster 23~The Spinners of Genesis (NEW PHASE OF DIGITAL WORLD)~

The February 2004 issue directly presents “Booster 23” alongside “Starter Ver.10”. Here the focus is on Alphamon Ouryuken vs. Death-X-mon, representing the ending of the Digimon Chronicle storyline, but it also continues to represent the fight between the Seven Great Demon Lords and the Royal Knights who acquired the X-Antibody.

Thank you for supporting Digimon again this year! We’ll keep going strong next year too, so please keep supporting us!!
Kaneki: Is it finally time to retire…?
Kawahedoro: I this the final time we’ll be seen in this form?
Teach the strongest Combo Attacks!!
“Starter 10” Evolves!!
The “Starter 10” deck only shows its true power when combined with “Booster 23”. Today, we’ll introduce some examples of powerful combos!!!
COMBO 1
2-Stage Evolution!!
Ultimate Evolution without regard for requirements
By using “X-Antibody”, it’s possible during the battle to perform 2-stage evolution. What’s more, you can especially ignore evolution requirements!!
Alphamon (Ouryu Sword)
(Included in Booster 23, Vending Machine Exclusive)
Although it has a short lifespan, it is undoubtedly one of the strongest Digimon. Aim for a short battle.
COMBO 2
Deck or points!?
A combo that cuts down the Net. If you use “Barbamon” it’s a chance to cut down points even if you get interrupted by “Emergency Program Halt!!”!!
Barbamon
It has the effect of reducing points based on the cards your opponent uses!
COMBO 3
Dangerous power-up!
The more you pay a cost, the stronger your Death-X-Mon will be. If you use “Digi Seabass” to recover your Net, you can evolve into a powerful monster.
Death-X-Mon
Has an incredible ability that sends defeated Digimon to the point gauge.
COMBO 4
Holy Knight’s Combination Technique!!
Support ‘UlforceVeedramon’ with ‘Omegamon’! Attack power increases by up to 910 points!!”
Ulforce V-Dramon
Power-ups with the support of Holy Knight Digimon! Fight with combos!
COMBO 5
Unite! Power of the Wind Guardians!!
The evolutionary system has been unified to Wind Guardians Digimon, and “TigerVespamon” has been strengthened. “Digi Seabass” recovers the net!!
COMBO 6
Evolution and Battle!
Dynasmon can evolve using ‘Protein,’ allowing for efficient combat. A two-birds-with-one-stone combo!!
Protein+
It’s an attack power boost card, but some Digimon can also use it to evolve!
Dynasmon
If the battle type is the same as the opponent, its attack power will be doubled! Intense!!

Release datewise this was the last issue of 2003 and it shows a much sadder emotion when compared to the previous years, with Kaneki and Kawahedoro implying that this might be the end. If this was just tradition to ask for support as it’s usually done or not. Starting with this the updates in the V-Jump became much smaller as if there wasn’t anything else to talk about (In many ways, you can think that the development hell behind the planned release of Digimon World X really affected their plans).

The March V-Jump merely showed a few more combos, while the April V-Jump was a collection of powerful cards used in tournaments, May was a review of powerful cards of the entire history of the Card Game, and June just didn’t have any pages about the Card Game at all.

In fact, following Kaneki and Kawahedoro’s statements, they stopped appearing in the V-jump; they were featured together for the last time in the February 2004 issue. Mito Nitoro also last appeared in the February 2004 issue. Kaiser Matsuno got a chance to appear in the March V-Jump with photos of the 2004 Jump Festa, but after that, he also disappeared from the magazine. The last time Pile Volcano Ota appeared in the V-Jump was in the December 2003 issue, but he will appear once again in a later issue, so I’ll comment on that one when it happens. It really felt like the last thing that was keeping Digimon alive was truly ending.

The Ultimate Showdown Begins!!
The battle between incredibly powerful Digimon is finally starting!
In the card vending machine exclusive cards, the strongest class Royal Knight “Alphamon” Ultimate Fuses with “Ouryumon”! It becomes the even stronger “Alphamon (Bx-108)” (Ouryusword equipped version). The A attack (Ultimate-Battle-Blade-OURYUKEN) boasts the strongest attack power in history with “1200”!
On the other hand, the booster pack exclusive card features the final boss “Death-X=Dorugoramon” which has Ultimate Evolved into “Death-X-mon (Bx-125).” Upon evolution with “Advent of the Apostle of Destruction!! (Bx-131),” its attack power increases by +500 to +1000 depending on the number of cost cards! Additionally, it sends defeated opponents to the point gauge, truly calling forth “Destruction”!

Gathering of Strong Digimon!
This time marks the culmination of the “Digimon Chronicle” series! Many other powerful Digimon from the past are also gathering. Amazingly, there are nine Digimon with attack power over 900! Among them, six, including the two mentioned above, have attack power over 1000!
Since these are all well-known Digimon that can easily fit into existing evolution lines, they will greatly power up your deck!!

New Bonds
Chapter Sixteen: A strong heart that believes in oneself and one’s comrades, and does not give up till the very end!
Skuld Terminal
Chapter Seventeen: This world of the ‘Future’ developed to include many artificial varieties of evolutions.
Advent of the Apostle of Destruction!!
Chapter Eighteen: The threat of this Death-X-Evolution continues to persist, even without a Digicore!
Omega inForce!!
Chapter Nineteen: “Any further influence by the X-Antibody must be emphatically rejected!”
Comrades Connected by Hope
Chapter Twenty: The heroes advance through space-time, putting their lives and the future on the line!
Activation of the Holy Sword Summoning Formation!
Chapter Twenty-One: Come forth, and liberate all! I summon thee – the holy sword, Gradalpha!!
Ultimate-Battle-Blade-OURYUKEN
Chapter Twenty-Two: To the aloof holy knight who has attained the power of the great legendary dragon, cut your way through to the future of the world!!

After Chronicle, Before Alpha

Booster 24~Advent of the Seven Great Demon Lords (THE EVIL GATE)~

In July 2004, V-Jump finally brought something new to the Card Game, Booster 24. In the background of Chronicle-related products, the Card Game established this special growth in power of the Seven Great Demon Lords, and with this, the evolutionary line of the last member of the group, Belphemon, is finally revealed. It also introduces a mysterious new thing called the “Gate of the Seven Deadly Sins” and the gathering of the Seven Great Demon Lords, announcing the greatest crisis of the Digital World.

Clash! Royal Knights vs. the Seven Great Demon Lords!! …And finally, the last of the Seven Great Demon Lords appears!!
The last of the Demon Lords finally appears!
In “Booster 24,” the last of the “Seven Great Demon Lords” makes its long-awaited appearance! All the Digimon in its evolution line are included, making it an immediate powerhouse for your deck!!
Introducing from Level III to Ultimate-level all at once!! They will become an instant asset to your deck!
Phascomon (Level III): Unaffected by the effect of “The Revelation of Hidden Power!!”. Has a cute face and top class attack power!!
Porcupamon (Level IV): You can discard your hand to force a draw in battle. The effect that allows you to take the first move is also quite convenient!!
Astamon (Perfect-level): During battle, you can send up to three cards from your opponent’s hand to the Dark Area. Let’s nip the counterattack in the bud!!
The final disaster awakens from its slumber!!
Belphemon (Ultimate-level) (Seven Great Demon Lords): Can seal the opponent’s special ability or make your own A attack. Boasts stable strength.

Complete Collection! The Seven Great Demon Lords!!
The highlight of “Booster 24” is the complete collection of “The Seven Great Demon Lords”! All of them are equally powerful Blue Frame Digimon!!
The Digital World is in a crisis as never seen before!!
Lucemon: Cards on your sheet cannot be sent to the Dark Area by opponent’s options or special abilities!!
Barbamon: Each time your opponent uses an Option Card, you can reduce their points. This is a powerful effect that can prevent combos!
Beelzebumon: Send Digimon without the “Flame” ability to the Dark Area! It is also possible to evolve directly from Level III!!
Leviamon: Attack powers A, B, and C are all 1000! If you can avoid the effects of options, you’ll be unbeatable in battle!
Lilithmon: When your card is sent to the Dark Area, you can reduce your opponent’s points by 20!
Demon: Can send Digimon that are not part of “DA” (Dark Area) the Dark Area. its special abilities can also reduce points drastically!
Gate of Deadly Sins: If conditions are met, it’s possible to evolve into one of the Seven Great Demon Lords ignoring the evolution conditions!

Standing up to them are the elite of Royal Knights!
Only the Red Frame “Royal Knights” can stand against the “Seven Great Demon Lords”?! There are secrets in the bottom of the cards of these three…
“We are evolving!”
Omegamon (Agumon): Attack A and B have the ability to exceed 1000. With the support of “Magnamon”, option cards can also be nullified!
Dukemon (Guilmon): With the support of “Omegamon” and “Magnamon”, all of the opponent’s attacks are reduced to 0! There are no more opponents left!?
Magnamon (V-mon): Can summon Omegamon during battle. Can also use support abilities to launch a full attack!
Holy Knights or Demon Lords… Which side will you fight for?

This could be the start of a new storyline, but nothing came from this. Various background elements from the last card products all teased some development, but in the middle of this project basically all the hype died out and little is known about those elements.

Interesting points that are noted from the cards are the increased growth of non-X-Antibody Digimon to not only become immune to the X-Program without the need to develop an X-Antibody (by Booster 24, all Seven Great Demon Lords are immune), but also advantages in direct confrontations against X-Antibody Digimon.

Maybe as an answer to that the Card Game depicted the “X-Eraser” (X-Antibody Removal Tool) being used by X-Antibody Digimon to return to a non-X-Antibody state. The Royal Knight with X-Antibody are said to hide something in their cards, which is likely a reference to all of them having the three terminals of the New Digital World in the background of the card as if that had some important meaning.

The confrontation between the X-Antibody Royal Knights and Seven Great Demon Lords is also depicted in one of the cards, and of course, there’s the mystery of the “Gate of the Seven Deadly Sins”. After months without anything meaningful from the Card Game, and Digimon as a whole, it seemed something was starting there, but that didn’t continue.

The August 2004 V-Jump only had a small corner featuring the Card Game, showing a few combos that could be done using the cards. In September 2004 a special tournament was revealed that would give away the Belphemon Sleep mode card. October 2004 had no news about the Card Game. November 2004 featured an update in the Digimon Dynamites tournament. December 2004 had no news.

January and February 2005 issues featured news about Digimon World X, but nothing else was featured there.

Digitalize Booster Pack

The March 2005 V-Jump finally introduced the new V-pet, Digimon Accel, and with it the newest pack for the Card Game, Digitalize Booster Pack. Although the pack includes new Digimon, the focus is initially in featuring the Digimon from the CGI movie “Digital Monster X-Evolution”. A new “Digimon Dynamites” tournament is also being planned. After a very weak 2004, they plan to make 2005 a more active year for Digimon.

Digimon Card Game
The long-awaited latest work will be released in March!
Many heroes from CG Anime and Games will join the battle!
Sorry for the wait! The latest of the Digimon Card Game will be released in March! Characters from CG anime and handheld device will also be joining the battle! Look forward to a super luxurious lineup!
Emergency participation from “Digital Monster X-Evolution”!
Alphamon
Not only is the attack power of over 1000 threatening, but the special ability that can be used against strong opponents is also powerful! Make this your main force!!
And, the new protagonist Digimon from “Digimon Accel” is here too!!
Bancho Leomon
A new Ultimate-level Digimon. It is strong against Virus-species, and its special abilities cannot be nullified!
A major card game event, “Digimon Dynamites!” is also in the planning stages!
Digimon is going to be even hotter in 2005!

The April 2005 V-jump continues strong with the announcements, now showing more new card featured in the Booster Pack, focusing on the Digimon that will appear in Digimon Accel. As an unexpected surprised, there’s a full page about the events that will be featured in “Digimon Dynamites 2” and it includes the last main appearence of Volcano Ota in this era of the Digimon Articles in the V-jump. He’ll sometimes appear in some photos later on, but will not be a main character used to promote the Digimon franchise.

The main Digimon from “Accel” appears!
The release of the “Digitalize Booster Pack” is fast approaching. This month, we’ll be introducing the Digimons from “Digimon Accel”!
Tyrantkabuterimon: This is an Ultimate-level Digimon that can greatly reduce lost points!
Darkdramon: It has the effect of returning cards in the Dark Area to the Net. Aim for a comeback!
Commandramon: A Digimon included this time as a basic Level III Digimon!
First appearance Level III Liollmon: If you evolve from this Digimon, you can nullify certain effects!
A fierce lion-warrior! Bancho Leomon: Can add Virus-species Digimon that aren’t Level III to the Point Gauge. A new Digimon to look forward to!
Participation from “Digimon Accel” has been confirmed!
These are the next generation’s main characters!!

The May 2005 V-Jump features more Digimon; now it also shows Digimon that were used in the game “Digimon World X”, such as Beelzebumon X-Antibody, Herakle Kabuterimon X-Antibody, and Clavis Angemon. Craniummon is featured alongside them, and although he is not in Digimon World X directly, the mysterious Mecha Rouge, which is implied to be related to the Royal Knights, has a form in the game that greatly resambles Craniummon. The magazine teases more reveals related to the Royal Knights.

There are tons of Digimon you’ll never see before! A super-rich lineup!!
The latest volume includes many Digimons that are making their first appearance! Here are some of them! Be sure to check out the new Royal Knights!
7 characters unveiled at once!!
The Royal Knights and the Seven Great Demon Lords also appear!
Reaching even higher heights with X-Evolution!
Beelzebumon: Beelzebumon is finally a Red Frame! Being able to evolve directly from Impmon is powerful!!
Clavis Angemon: You can discard a card from your hand to double its attack power. This is an Ultimate-level that allows for powerful combos!!
Herakle Kabuterimon: Shuts down your opponent’s special abilities, including those of support Digimon!
The new Royal Knight broke the silence and descended!
Craniummon: A new member of the Royal Knights has been revealed! Keep an eye out for future developments!!
Into the Ultimate-level!
Wanting to evolve into the Ultimate-level “Tyrant Kabuterimon” that was introduced in last month’s issue! So, here’s an example of an evolution route!!
Level III Kokabuterimon: It has high attack power and useful special abilities. It is a basic Digimon.
Level IV Blade Kuwagamon: Evolves from “Kokabuterimon”! Has the effect of reducing the opponent’s points.
Perfect-level Metallife Kuwagamon: Evolution into a Perfect-level! There is little difference in the attack power of A, B, and C, making it a stable force!
Into Ultimate-level Tyrant Kabuterimon:

As an unexpected addition the June 2005 V-Jump features the return of Kawahedoro reporting on the “Digimon Dynamites 2” event, now he became Death-X-Kawahedoro (デクスカワヘドロ). He reports that the event did very well thanks to everyone who came to it and also did a breakdown of the deck used by the winner.

Thank you for the Great Success
Death-X-Kawahedoro: Thank you to everyone who came Dero~!!
Digimon Dynamites 2
Tournament Report! Powerful Tamers from all over the country gather here!!
Many visitors! Check out the excitement in this venue!!
The results of the Official Card Tournament have been announced!
“Digimon Dynamites 2” was held in Tokyo and Osaka. We’re going to report on the results of the Tokyo tournament, where fierce battles were waged between the tamers!
And incredibly, on the day of the event, the Digimon included in the pre-released ‘Digitalize Booster Pack’ are already making a big impact in the tournament!!
This card is the main one!!
Volcdoramon: The central card of the deck. It has the special ability to reduce the opponent’s points by 10 for each card placed on the point gauge.

Following this event, there was no new update in the Card Game for the following months, the only feature until October 2005 was about the new versions of Digimon Accel and the eventual “D-1 Full Boost” event.

Digitalize Booster Pack 2

The appearance of Death-X-Kawahedoro didn’t matter much after the Digimon Dynamites 2 event; it seemed that once again Digimon was dying, and its presence in the V-Jump was greatly reduced. The November 2005 V-Jump finally seemed to change the situation, as it featured two new Digimon Navigators, Q Kiyo-kun (who is an in-stage persona of Target Nishizawa) and Agumon Hakase. The two were introduced with Digimon Mini and seemed to be added to introduce Digimon to newcomers.

The issue acknowledges the complete lack of updates on the Digimon Card game, but it finally announces Digitalize Booster Pack 2. Now the focus is completely on the new Digimon Accel Digimon, this time focusing on the brand new Digimon of the Olympos XII.

Breaking the long silence, breathing new life into Digimon cards!
The latest of the series is finally here!!
Bringing an unprecedented lineup!!
The latest set of Digimon cards will finally be released this fall! In a lineup filled with surprising names, we introduce two new Digimon from “Accel” that will be joining the card lineup!!
Neptunemon: One of the “Olympus 12 Gods”! A God-man Digimon that protects the seas of the Digital World.
A more intense battle awaits… The Olympus 12 Gods descend upon the Card Game!!
Mercurymon: High-ranking Digimon known as the “Olympus 12 Gods”! What are the abilities of these revered gods?!
Q Kiyo-kun: Original design sheet for Digimon Accel is also included~!!

December 2005 did a more direct tie-in showcasing new cards of “D.B.P.2” alongside the new version of the Digimon Accel, depicting an implied connection between Sleipmon, a newly revealed Royal Knight, with Kudamon.

After a long silence, D.B.P.2 (Digitalize Booster Pack 2) finally appears
Get information on the new cards included this month! All of these Digimon are appearing on cards for the first time!!
Kudamon: A Level III Digimon that is the base of the deck. It can evolve into the Digimon included in this deck!!
Valdurmon: An Ultimate-level Digimon featured on the package. Top class attack power!!
Spinomon: A Dinosaur-type Digimon that also plays an active role in “Digimon Accel.” Its appeal is its destructive power in one blow.

The January 2006 V-Jump is impressive is features the highest amount of Digimon pages in a long time. The overall structure of the articles changed, they are not “DigiCan” anymore, but “Digimon Evolution” and continue to feature Agumon Hakase and Q Kiyo-kun, this is truly like another attempt to revive Digimon in the same style as the “DigiCan” attempt with Chronicle.

2 full pages were used to promote D.B.P.2..The first page introduces a new member of the Olympos XII and also Chaosmon, who was the main Digimon of Digimon Accel. The second page introduces some important combos while giving very interesting names, which reminds me of the early Card Game Dojo articles.

The best lineup to kick off a new corner
The Breath of New Power!
Two new Ultimate-level Digimon join the battle in “Digitize Booster Pack 2”! With excellent attack power and special abilities, they can be the key to victory!!
Pick up the Ultimate-levels that appears on cards for the first time!!
The solitary snake princess who protects the earth!
Minervamon: One of the “Olympus 12 Gods.” Gains advantage against opponents who use a lot of Options!
A Knight of Chaos who transcends holy and evil!
Chaosmon: A mysterious Digimon with parts of BanchoLeomon and Darkdramon. Its abilities are overwhelming!!
In addition, “D.B.P.2“ features a gathering of Ultimate levels from previous generations!!

Learn powerful combos! “D.B.P.2” Special techniques collection!
Introducing the combos possible with the included cards. The Ultimate-levels are powerful on their own, but by incorporating them into combos, they really show their true worth!!

Evolve and gain even more power!! Combo “Múspellsheimr Shoot”
Starting with “Kudamon” and following the Orthodox Evolutionary route to “Sleipmon”, this combo can provide powerful support effects. Its efficiency is appealing!
Kudamon: Evolve into “Reppamon” and stack as many cards as possible on your gauge!
Reppamon: The effect of “Reppamon” greatly increases the attack power of “Tyilinmon”!
Tyilinmon: Use “Sleipmon”‘s effect to deal direct damage to points!!
Erasing protection with the light of purification! Combo: ‘Purge Shine'”
If the enemy Digimon belongs to either [DA] (Dark Area) or [NSO] (Nightmare Soldiers), you can use the effect of “Valodurmon” to erase the card in the slot. So, just force it to belong to one of them!
Choose between “ExVemon” and “Stingmon” as you like!
A wave of destruction that can bury the gods! Combo “Ultimate Deletion”
A combo where “Susanoomon”, advantageous against the “Seven Great Demon Lords” and “Royal Knights”, is supported by Digimon such as “Garurumon”. The drawback might be the short lifespan of “Susanoomon”…?
In terms of abilities, Ogremon is an easy to use Support Digimon.

This is the last article featuring the original run of the “Digital Monster Card Game”. “Digimon Evolution” would continue in the next issues, but with a complete focus on “Digimon Accel” and “Digimon Mini” until the April 2005 issue that introduced Digimon Savers officially and the Digivice iC.

The May 2005 issue continued the reveal, but also the new Digimon Card Game, officially named “Digital Monster Card Game α” and its integration with Data Carddass, known as “Ultimate Battle!! Digimon Battle Terminal!”.

“Digital Monster Card Game Alpha” Evolve. 1 is scheduled for release this spring!!!
An evolved Digital Monster Card Game with added new elements is currently in development!
The product name is “Digital Monster Card Game α”!!
What exactly does “α” mean…!? Please look forward to future information.
The dedicated website for ‘Digital Monster Card Game α’ is scheduled to be released in March!! Stay tuned for updates on the website!!”

The official website of the original Digimon Card Game teased that a new website would be open and when the time came the old Website was closed and a brand new one featuring “Digital Monster Card Game α” and “Ultimate Battle!! Digimon Battle Terminal!” was released in its place.

The V-Jump continued to feature this card game from the May 2006 issue until the May 2008 issue, finishing with the ending of the sequel to Battle Terminal called “Ultimate Battle!! Digimon Battle Terminal! 02”. Only in 2010 with Xros Wars the articles truly returned at full force, with a brand new card game. And then this history repeats.

Conclusion

What is Digimon a franchise of? It might have started with Fighting Virtual Pets, got a lot more popular with manga and especially anime, and there were tons of toys to be sold, but more often than not, the Card Game aspect really is the most common and consistent out of all of them.

When I first started working on this post, my objective, as mainly a lore-based blog, was to archive the rare moments of lore portrayed in the card game outside of basic card flavor text, but the overall culture of the V-Jump articles and the tournaments related to them was what truly made me happy during all the months that I stayed working on this.

Seeing Tailmon Betsu and Tanukikoji Kaneki in the “Card Game Dojo” was just so fun to look at, and even though a lot of content might still be lost because they were featured in interviews, Weekly Jump, or the events themselves, this very small look at this aspect of the franchise just made me laugh so much.

Seasons II and III really seemed to be the golden age of this content, and even though there was a very clear difference in Season IV with the exit of Tailmon Betsu and Kaiser Matsuno, up until the beginning of Digimon Chronicle, I still felt that maybe they could continue with the same emotion, but the more it continued that era, the more the presence of Digimon and the excitement in the V-Jump articles seemed to decrease. The old happy faces just weren’t able to keep everything on the same fire as before, even though it had a lot of potential.

The After-Chronicle era was also a very different era production-wise, as reported by Kuroitsu of the PARABELLUM blog, which reported on Card Game news and events during that time. Until Booster 23 all cards were produced in Japan, but to cut costs Booster 24 and later Digitalize Booster Pack were made in Korea, while Digitalize Booster Pack 2 was made in China.

Kuroitsu notes the following about the Korean cards:

Change in paper quality (the surface is now smoother and thinner);
Change in instruction paper (it has become harder than before);
Exclusive vending machine cards appearing in packs;
Foil stamping errors on cards (the card names are illegible);
Gold etching cards are covered in initial scratches (The user saw several of them in person which even led to a judge apologizing at an official tournament).

The event organization was also not well recorded during the first Digimon Dynamites, Kuroitsu confirms he participated and won the Osaka Tournament, but no reports were made about it on the website or the V-Jump.

With Digitalize Booster Pack 2 not only the production was moved to China, but the content was changed to make players buy more boxes to get all the available cards, while also greatly reducing the number of produced boxes, causing the boxes to sell out. This made online stores like Amazon cancel the sales and start to just sell one package per person. Somehow, Bandai wanted to have people buying more boxes, while also selling fewer boxes than before.

About the content, he stated that during Starter Ver.9, the Card Game was criticized by the fans for the removal of Flavor Text which was only properly restored in Booster 21, something that was done again with the release of “α” until they once again had to restore it.

After Digimon Savers Bandai once again attempted to keep Digimon alive with a single V-Pet series (Digimon Twin and later Twin Tag Attack that never got released) and Battle Terminal 02, by the end Battle Terminal 02 continued to be the last living thing about Digimon before the so-called ice age.

As part of the “Digimon Reboot Project,” all the main branches of the franchise were revived and we had a very popular card game alongside two sequential anime, after the anime ended, Bandai tried to keep things fresh with a brand new era of the V-Pets with a unique storyline, Digimon Seekers, but that soon died just like it happened with Digimon Pendulum X. Finally we are at a time in which all the V-pet releases are just colored versions of previous toys, plans for the anime are so far only possible movies with previous IPs, and the Card Game is what is attempting to keep the brand with new content.

“Digimon Liberator” is by far the biggest attempt at Digimon being a Card Game-centric franchise, far surpassing what was done with Booster 24 and the last versions of Battle Terminal 02. Not only that, but the Card Game is this time a true worldwide project, so I have great hopes for this project.

Still, it’s very sad to look back at how the original card game fell from grace after the attempt to make it the solo Mediamix project.

Although there wasn’t anyone in the constant articles for the last booster packs and Digimon Accel, this photo from “Digimon Dynamites 2” shows Volcano Ota and Kaiser Matsuno, so they were likely still there and just weren’t used in the V-Jump anymore.

Currently, the V-Jump isn’t doing navigator-based articles for Digimon, but the Digimon Navigator culture continues alive in the tournaments.

I hope you enjoyed this long look at the V-Jump coverage of the old Digital Monster Card Game and a few extra materials. I plan to do more of this in the future, but I can’t promise it’ll be fast (Just this post took months to finish). Thank you for reading, and take care until the next post!