- Introduction
- Digital Monster Ver.1
- Digital Monster Ver. 2
- Digital Monster Ver. 3
- Digital Monster Ver. 4
- Digital Monster Ver. S
- Digital Monster Ver.5
- Complete Digital Monster Ver.1~5 Guides
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Conceptual Logs are archives where keywords that are important to the world of Digimon will be explained. The objective is to give a comprehensive view of the concept.
This is the general archive for research on the concept of Digimon and the Digital World as a whole. Due to the huge amount of information from many sources across many years, it has been decided to divide it into different pages, each dealing with a section of the whole. Below is a chart containing the topic division and access to each individual research.
| 1997~1998 Digital Monster | 1998~2000 Digimon Pendulum | 1999~2002 Original Digivices | 2002~2007 First Digital Monster revival era | 2017~2022 Second Digital Monster Revival era | 2020~2022 Digimon Digimon Reboot Project |
| 1999~2018 Digimon Adventure and 02 | 2001~2021 Digimon Tamers | 2002~2022 Digimon Frontier | 2005~2008 Digimon Savers and Next | 2010~2012 Xros Wars | 2015~2018 Digimon Adventure Tri. |
| 1999~2005 Digimon World~X | 1999~2001 Ryo Akiyama Series | 2006~2011 Digimon Story series | 2012~2022 Habu Kazumasa’s foundational series | 1999~2022 Other games | 2020~2022 Digimon Adventure Kizuna and The Beginning |
Notes:
- Be aware that the Cover date for V-Jump is around 2 months ahead of the proper release date. I’ll mention the Cover date here, but be aware that the real release date was around 2 months before it. So if I mention the V-Jump of June 1997, the actual release date is around April 1997.
- I only have access to the older V-Jumps; the content available in the Weekly Jump that should have been more complete in the early years isn’t available.
- The various scans featured from the Digimon guidebooks were made by Kyamos the Stubborn (@KyamosTS) from the Digisoul forum. The V-Jump scans were shared by Ulforce_Soul.
Digital Monster Ver.1
V-Jump articles and books
In the V-Jump of June 1997 the magazine’s chapter of “Let’s go with dog Mayuge” (犬マユゲでいこう) introduced the Portable Monster “Digital Monster” (携帯モンスター『デジタルモンスター』, Keitai monsutā “dejitarumonsutā”). In this short story, it’s stated that the official name is “Portable Monster Training Battle Simulator” (携帯モンスター養成バトルシミュレーター, Keitai monsutā yōsei batorushimyurētā). Normally it’s called just the “Digital Monster”, although sometimes it’s also called “Digimon”.
The first proper V-Jump article happened in the next issue. The definition given about Digimon is the following:
What is a Digimon? A hand-sized “portable monster”. They grow into various types depending on the meat and protein given, how much training they receive, and how many battles they win or lose. It seems that the better they are raised by the trainer, the stronger the monster becomes.
July 1997 V-Jump
The V-Jump of the next month also had a similar description, although the general focus was on introducing how to play the Digital Monster and a quick introduction to the characters, not something that could be called “world-building”. In the V-Jump September 1997, the term “Digimon world” (デジモン世界, Dejimon sekai) is used and Agumon is said to be a “threat with a total length of 1 cm”
Details about each particular Digimon would also be included in the guidebook released by Shueisha called “Digital Monster I’ll Become the Digimon King, Mon!“.
The basic construction of the Digimon world was very limited in what would later be called “Version. 1”, that is because there were no plans to really expand on it more, and the expansion with “Version. 2” and future products existed due to the success of the first toy. Details about the development history can be checked here.
Aspect’s “Bandai’s Official Digital Monster Encyclopedia”
The basic worldview of Digimon was properly explained first in the guidebooks related to the “Digital Monster”, giving a proper background for the Digimon that was not found in the V-Jump profiles. The most detailed background was found in “Bandai’s Official Digital Monster Encyclopedia” released by Aspect and was called “Ecological Research” (生態研究, Seitai kenkyū). The first part is called “Digimon Birth” (デジモン誕生, Dejimon tanjō) and introduces what Digimon are.
Digimon were born several years ago, dating back to the time when personal computers began to spread rapidly. Mysterious creatures were discovered in storage mediums such as a hard disk of a personal computer. This life form was troublesome, and it began to merge with the data around it. This was the beginning of the digital monster.
When they were discovered, it was thought to be a kind of computer virus, and they were painfully erased from the computers. However, after it was discovered that they could be transformed into different entities by feeding them certain programs, they were gradually cultivated. And with the advancement of technology, they became smaller and smaller until they could be carried around.
This is the Digital Monster you are holding in your hand right now, the one that has come to be known as Digimon.
This is the first direct explanation of what Digimon are as mysterious lifeforms thought to be a computer virus that was later studied when more about their ecology was discovered. Further details about the nature of Digimon were given in regard to their biology.
Changes depending on the environment and growth: When they hatch for the first time, they are always Botamon. However, they change into various types of Digimon depending on how they were raised and the environment. The environment inside the Digimon itself is almost constant, so they can be grown stably.
Gets 1 year old in 1 day: Digimon becomes 1 year older after each day. This was found out because of research, and before that, it was thought that they existed until it was erased without aging.
Existence without weight or height: For Digimon who live in computers, there’s no such thing as weight or height. Instead, they simply can change their size according to the capacity of your computer.
Eat and Sleep: Even life forms in computers eat to stay alive and sleep to rest their bodies. However, the food they eat is different from what humans eat.
The next page is the “Circumstances of Training” where the book explains the in-universe context of what is happening while playing with the toy. Basically, everything that happens while playing is just a super simplified view of the truth that was programmed to make everything easier to understand, so what is featured in this section is “what really happens” in-universe.
About Meat and Protein
They eat programs
When feeding the cute Digimon, juicy-looking bone-in meat is displayed. It looks delicious, but… it’s actually a software meal. The meat is displayed in order to simplify the operation and to make it more visually appealing when you are feeding the Digimon. Naturally, it doesn’t have any taste. But it is so important for Digimon that they have to eat it to survive.
Protein is a double-edged sword
Protein that increases “Muscular Strength” is also a type of software that enhances the abilities of Digimon. However, if you feed it too much, it forcefully strengthens the Digimon, making the data that composes their body more prone to breaking and increasing the likelihood of injury.
Digimon are composed of mysterious programs and data. The Training Alter Ego is a copy of the original and is used for special training. Since the Digimon is facing itself, it can check its habits during attacks and defense, allowing it to gain experience efficiently even though it is not a real battle.
Their treatment is data restoration
Sometimes, unfortunate injuries can occur during battles. This is because when they receive an opponent’s attack during a battle, certain parts of the data that compose the Digimon can be damaged. By using software designed for repairing destroyed data, the damaged data during the battles can be restored to its original state.
The true identity of what they put out
Digimon, being living creatures, eat and sleep. Naturally, they also produce waste, commonly known as “poop”. When Digimon grow, they eliminate unnecessary data from their bodies. To make this concept more understandable in a familiar way, this is displayed in the form of poop.
A serious match where you beat or is beaten!!
Battles are performed by connecting Digimon machines together. When that happens the Digimon will be transferred to a place called a Battlefield, inside this endlessly expanding space they will fight using hand-to-hand combat and special moves. Once that finishes, they will be returned to the main body, but if they are unlucky, they’ll get injured.
Enix’s “Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book”
The first databook released by Enix didn’t contain a deep exploration in regards to Digimon and their characteristics in regard to the settings other than an introduction and the individual Digimon profiles. The introduction of the book states:
The mysterious lifeform “Digital Monster”, they were born inside the Computer Network that spreads all over the world. By fusing with data from the Net, they improved their existences. Finally, the technology for capturing and raising “Digimon” has been successfully made portable! It’s up to you to raise the mysterious monsters “Digimon” who love to battle!!
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book introduction
The actual profiles found in this book are written in a more “wild animal recording channel” way focusing on showcasing the way of life of the Digimon, most of the time giving details about the fighting spirit of the Digimon. It’s very different from the profiles depicted in the other books the has a more “neutral” description of each Digimon.
Baby Period Digimon: Botamon. A Baby Digimon thrilled by the sight of the world for the first time. The first Digimon we meet. Born with all possibilities hidden, it’s so small that you can’t take your eyes off it… that’s Botamon!! They look black because of the downy hair that protects their whole bodies, and that body is slimy. When they get tired or needs training, they call, and the number of times they do so is unbelievable! They grow very fast at this stage, but they are also tough enough to withstand a little neglect. They can’t fight because their fighting instincts haven’t awakened. But with training, the Digimon’s instincts will gradually be unleashed.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Bota-mon Profile
Baby Period Digimon: Koromon. After having health Baby period, the Digimon is quickly aproaching the Child Period. They shed the black hair that protects their bodies and begin to train more seriously. They quickly adapt to their environment, rapidly developing their Digimon-like qualities. Their fighting instincts are not perfected yet, so they can’t fight. However, the experiences gained during their time as Koromon will determine how they will grow in the future. It is important to raise them with care.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Koro-mon Profile
Child Period Digimon: Agumon. Rushes into formidable enemies with courage and fight!!! At last, has Digimon’s battle spirit ignited!? They are still in the process of growing, but their bipedal walking and approaching appearance is just like a fighting dinosaur. Despite their innocent eyes, they always walks boldly in search of battle. Even though they power isn’t powerful enough yet, they fight not caring even if the opponent is an Adult-level Digimon. This recklessness can only be said to be typical of a child. There are many opponents who suffer severe injuries from the breath of flames that they spews out of their mouths. They are truly a “small beast”!
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Agu-mon Profile
Adult Period Digimon: Greymon. A dinosaur who longed for battle and lost its reason. By hardening their own skins and protecting their proud heads, they are truly Digimon who evolved their brains for battle. They are smart and understand their owner’s orders well, but it won’t simply do as it’s told by humans. They have sharp claws and horns, and a large mouth that spews out flame bullets… Since they have a fierce battle spirit, even their owners can be at danger. They are a pretty scary existence against their enemies.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Grey-mon Profile
Adult Period Digimon: Devimon. A black angel with the soul of a demon. This form, the bad companion since the beginning of mankind, a fallen angel… Is this a form that Devimon itself desired? Also known as the “Angel Digimon Enchanted by Evil”. The black costume that envelops its body absorbs all light and turns it into darkness. It uses the “Death Claw” attack, in which its sharp claws surely pierce the heart of its opponents. It is cunning, but fortunately, is faithful to its master. But, is this an act of making a pact between a fallen angel and a demon?
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Devi-mon Profile
Adult Period Digimon: Airdramon. A mythical flying dragon descends from the sky!! With huge wings, dancing in the sky, this is a Digimon that seems to have escaped from a mythical world. Contrary to its divine appearance, its mysterious roar summons storms, and its fluttering wings cause tornadoes. Even Airdramon, who was said to be close to a god, could not escape the destiny to fighting. Did its high intelligence curse its destiny, and did its personality become more ferocious? One of its strengths is that it is the only Digimon that can attack from the air.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Airdra-mon Profile
The Digimon biology section lacks proper in-universe definitions like the previous book, but it contains a detail about Digimon poop that I couldn’t confirm if it existed in Aspect’s book.
Big shock!! Poop is dangerous!?
Poop was thought to be relatively harmless, but in fact, it is as hard as steel. Accumulating 8 piles of poop will hurt the captured Digimon. It is safer to flush it.
▲When the poop has filled, the Digimon will be in danger.
Keibunsha’s “Digital Monster Great Encyclopedia” “Road to the Strongest Monster”
The exclusive content of the Keibunsha version is even more limited compared to the previous two books. It’s similar to Enix’s books as it merely has an introduction to Digimon, the profiles, and details on how to play. The profiles, however, are the same generic ones that are featured in basically all the other guidebooks except for the unique ones that were used by Enix. The explanation for Digimon, however, also expands in that not only the Digimon absorbs the environment data, but also the owner’s personality which is one of the influences of their evolution.
Digimon is a new kind of life form formed by the fusion between a mysterious computer virus, data, and bugs!
Humans quickly started to capture and domesticate this strange living thing that could only live inside a computer.
The Digital lifeform grows absorbing the environment and the owner’s personality, transforming into varied forms and personalities. As a result, many types of monsters were born.
Later researchers discovered technologies that allow for raising these lifeforms and improved them so that they could be raised inside a small keychain. That is a Digimon.
Digital Monster Ver. 2
V-Jump articles and books
The “Digital Monster Ver. 2” was first revealed by the V-Jump in the November 1997 issue. The previous issue introduced the Perfect Level Metal Greymon and stated that more amazing Digimon would be revealed in the November issue, however that issue instead was the reveal that Version. 2 was going to happen, and so the full break-down of Version. 1 only happened in the January 1998 issue, instead, these last two issues (November and December) focused on introducing the new toy and the Original Digimon Drawing contest.
The first proper introduction to the Digital Monster Version. 2 Digimon was in the booklet that came with the V-Jump in February 1998. They’re some of the winners of the Orimon contest are shown such as Whamon, which introduces the concept of Net Ocean as the “Network Ocean” (ネットワークの海, Nettowāku no umi). The background of Version. 2 is also changed from the grasslands used in Version. 1 to a dessert, further expanding the world of Digimon.
In the V-Jump March 1997, the Perfect Levels are introduced, including Vademon which seems to look like something that came from the far ends of the universe, but also seems to have been born from a plant.
Aspect’s “Digital Monster Ver.2 Bandai’s Official Digimon Encyclopedia“
The second version of Aspect’s book lacked a “Digimon Birth” section like the previous one and as such, has no proper backstory for the Digimon here. The book still has the complete Digimon profiles and the references to previous existing Digimon mention the fact that they appeared in “Version.1”.
An angel Digimon believed to be “Goodness” itself and bring happiness. The six shining wings and the divine figure causes relief to those who see them. However, it shows coldness and harshness personality against “Evil”, continuing to atack until the other side surrenders. It’s from the same family as Devimon from “Ver.1”, and it’s thought to have descended to this world to exterminate the Devimon who sold their souls to “Evil”. It fights against “Evil” with its Special Move “Heaven’s Knuckle”, which demonstrates tremendous offensive power against the existence of “Evil”!
Digital Monster Ver.2 Bandai’s Official Digimon Encyclopedia Angemon Profile
An aquatic Digimon that inhabits the Network Ocean (Net Ocean) where Digimon were born. They have a vicious and violent personality, always quick to start a fight. However, they are often found deep in the ocean of the Internet and are rarely encountered, a bit relieving isn’t? Possibly because they live in deep places, their eyesight is not very good. However, since other senses are well developed, that isn’t a handicap in battle. Their special move is “Jet Arrow”, which shoots out water at ultra-high pressure from the fumaroles around the back of their heads.
Digital Monster Ver.2 Bandai’s Official Digimon Encyclopedia Whamon Profile
The book came with a height chart that mentioned the setting about Digimon’s sizes that was in the previous book.
Digital Monster Ver.2 Character Size Comparison Chart!!
Since the “Digital Monsters” exist as data from computers, they can’t have their sizes compared to things that exist in reality. Also, there is no smallest or highest, as they can change the size of their bodies.
Enix’s “Digital Monster Ver.2 Mo-Powerful Data Book”
The second version of the Enix book series continues the same structure as the previous one but without a unique navigator. However, it retains the introduction of the previous book about Digimon, but with mentions about the development of the newest version. This becomes the standard for the next versions.
A mysterious lifeform that was born out of the sea of the Computer Network that spreads across the world, “Digital Monster”. They fuse with bugs and data from the network, transforming and improving their existence… Such “Digimon”, new friends were added to Ver.2!! Of course, Battle with Ver.1 is OK!! The very mysterious “Digimon” who love to battle, train them with your own hands!!
Digital Monster Ver.2 Mo-Powerful Data Book introduction
The book also adds a Digimon Height Chart explaining the size differences between the Digimon.
The Digimon living in the Digital world can freely change their body sizes. Making a standard size compasarion…
Character Large Gathering
Like the previous book, each Digimon has an individual profile that is written in a much different way from the others which are basically copy-pasted versions of the same profile, although the information given is mostly the same, the Enix books stand out due to their different approach of giving that information.
Receive the God’s fist of judgement for peace and good of everything!! Everything for peace and happiness. Sometimes even Angels turn into Demons during the conflict, isn’t it? Its good heart has been recognized, so it was allowed to have the form of an angel, but its thorough heart would never forgive evil that appears before its eyes. Once it sees something as an enemy, it mercilessly explodes with its golden fist “Heaven’s Knuckle” completely beating it down. Surprisingly, the Devimon (Ver.1) of the Darkside was originally of the same race as Angemon!!”
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Angemon Profile
An intense debut from the depths of the ocean!! Huge destruction from a huge body. A super large Digimon that was hiding in the depths of the Digital world’s Net Ocean has been discovered!! The bottom of the quiet sea, could it ever be thought that such a ferocious creature was hidden there!? Since it doesn’t have a symbiotic relationship with other Digimon, it uses a huge tsunami to attack, and its fighting style is out of the ordinary. The “Jet Arrow” that blows out from the fumaroles is more destructive than expected because it releases what was super-compressed inside the huge body all at once!
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Whamon Profile
Fighting is everything!! A “Fighting Spirit” moves a living corpse. What do you need for battle? Weapons? Special moves? Experience? Skullgreymon’s answer is just the “Fighting Spirit”! Even if your flesh is shaved off, even if your armaments decay, you can live as long as you have the will to fight. The sad and proud Digimon who chose such a future. They no longer have anything to lose. They are driven solely by their fighting instincts, making them truly nearly invincible. The organic missile “Ground Zero” is also terrifying!!
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Skull Greymon Profile
In a small change, the Digimon Poop section had a new description of what it’s, following the same idea as before.
When they eat, they poop…this is the basis of living creatures. Digimon poop is as hard as steel. But they are so strong in the wild that a little poop won’t faze them.
Keibunsha’s “Digital Monster Ver.2 Great Encyclopedia” “Road to the Strongest Monster”
This version of the Keibunsha books basically only has the basic Digimon profiles, not even the introduction to Digimon that was in the first version’s book is present here. This book, however, does start the Digimon Size comparison charts that will be common to basically all Keibunsha books from now on. It says:
※The figure above is how large Digimon generally are. They are able to change how big they are freely.
KK Bestsellers’ “Strongest Digital Monster Ver.1~2 Ultimate Book”
A new book series that started with a compilation of Versions 1 and 2. The book has the following introduction to Digimon.
Monster battles unfold in the Digital world!
Welcome! To the Digimon world!!
“Digital Monsters” are wonderous lifeforms that exist in the Digital World. Their forms are truly diverse, and they can be strong or weak depending on how you raise them. That is your mission, raise the strongest Digimon. For that reason, taking care of meals and muscle training is indispensable. What will happen to Digimon at the end of the battle with rivals who are aiming for the strongest position just like you!? The answer is for you to find out for yourself!
The Digimon profiles in this book series are basically the same ones used in the Aspect and Keibunsha’s releases. What makes them stand out is a commentary section by Kitagawara-meijin, a Digimon navigator that is a stand-in for Makoto Kitagawara, the person in charge of the settings of the Digimon series up until the Digimon Accel era.
So alongside the individual Digimon profiles, there’s also a Kitagawara-meijin basic advice. For some of them, it’s advice on how to train a certain Digimon to evolve, but in order cases, it’s Kitagawara giving more information about the setting of certain Digimon.
Kitagawara has his own profile in the book series that says:
Basic advice from Kitagawara-meijin
When it comes to Digimon, I have seen everything from development to completion, so leave it all to me! I will teach you the basics perfectly!
About the unique information about the Digimon, there are the examples below.
Will never forgive the bad guys
The number of wings on its back is 6 in total. This indicates a very high rank among angels. By the way, the scary Devimon was originally an Angemon, it’s really surprising.
Defeats enemies with its huge body and great power
It is characterized by its appearance resembling a whale, but it is a terrifying Digimon that has a ferocious personality and thoroughly beats down its enemies when it finds them. Digimon battles aren’t set in the sea, but that won’t weaken its attack power, so you can let it fight with peace of mind.
The book also has an introduction to the encyclopedia of both Version. 1 and 2 commenting on the differences of the Digimon found in each of them.
Did you see all the characters?
Digimon Character Encyclopedia
Ver.2
The atmosphere has changed significantly from the previous work, with fewer dinosaurs and more animal types. So what is their power?
Did you see all the characters?
Digimon Character Encyclopedia
Ver.1
From dragons to stuffed animals, don’t the monsters that appear in “1” look very lively and fun!?
The book also has a Digimon Height chart for both Version. 1 and 2. Starting with the one for Version. 2:
The No.1 monster is decided here!
Digimon Ver.2 Size Comparison
Pursuing strength only is boring. Because a lot of unique faces have been gathered, let’s decide on various numbers one!
Who is the smallest one!
Small monster No.1!!
Baby Level Punimon and Adult-Level Metal Mamemon, they are the top!
Who’s the heaviest!
Heaviest monster No.. 1!!
Whamon has the heaviest minimum weight. It really looks heavy.
Who is the largest one!
Largest monster No. 1!!
As expected from a Whale Type!! Whamon got the number 1 title with a decisive lead!
*Since Digimon exist like digital data, it is not possible to compare their size with real objects.
The No.1 monster is decided here!
Digimon Ver.1 Size Comparison
Dinosaurs, stuffed bears, even bombs, the monsters of “1” are rich in variety. The glory of being number one is in whose hands!?
Who is the smallest one!
Small monster No.1!!
For the Adult level, Mamemon is the top by far. Isn’t this expected!?
Who’s the heaviest!
Heaviest monster No.. 1!!
The three characters on the right are the top with the same value. Isn’t quite surprising that even skinny Devimon is in the top?
Who’s the largest!
Largest monster No.. 1!!
The biggest is Metal Greymon. Nearly the entire body has been turned into a Cyborg.
Character Size in the Cyber World
Since Digimon are an existence made of Digital Data, we can’t compare the sizes from “1” and “2” with that of real objects.
Digital Monster Ver. 3
The “Digital Monster Ver. 3” was first revealed by the V-Jump in the April 1998 issue. The next month’s issue introduces the cast of Digimon that would be used in that version, revealing the Baby level Poyomon, a newly discovered Digimon that floats in the Digimon world’s Net Ocean, and its various evolutions up to the Adult Level, with only shadows of the Perfect Levels being shown. In the next issue, the last three perfects are revealed alongside the integration of the navigators from Tamagotchi (Professor Banzo and Mikachu) in the articles.
Keibunsha’s “Digital Monster Ver.3 Great Encyclopedia” “Road to the Strongest Monster”
In the lack of either the Shueisha or Aspect’s books, the Keibunsha book is the most “standard” of all the available books with the standard profiles for each Digimon. The book once again lacked the Digimon backstory that was featured in the first book, but the Digimon featured here does mention a bit of Digimon’s backstory and setting.
It starts with Poyomon, the 1st Baby Level available. According to it, this is the Digimon with the most primitive shape of them all, the reason why researchers seem to think of it as maybe being the key to explaining how Digimon came to be. Other interesting profiles include Unimon which is mentioned as being able to run across the Computer Network world and Bakemon as an existence created from the darkness that destroys computers it possesses.
A primitive Baby Digimon! A newly discovered baby Digimon. This Digimon is called Slime Digimon. With its transparent body, it floats in the “Net Ocean” like a jellyfish. It has the most primitive shape among all the Digimon discovered so far. Those who research the evolution of Digimon are obserbing it as “the key to solving the mystery of Digimon origin”.
Digital Monster Ver.3 Great Encyclopedia Poyomon Profile
Soars across the world with big wings! Because it is a Mythical Beast Digimon with a unicorn horn and Pegasus wings, it is called a legendary holy beast. With the large wings in its back, it runs around the Computer Network world. The horns that extend from its forehead can also serve as weapons to stab its enemies. A wild(?) Unimon has a fierce temperament like that of a violent horse. However, if tamed, it can be treated like one’s own limbs.
Digital Monster Ver.3 Great Encyclopedia Unimon Profile
An Evil Digimon born from darkness! A Ghost Digimon wearing a cloth that completely covers its head. It is an evil existence born from darkness. It is said that any computer possessed by Bakemon is instantly destroyed. The contents of the cloth are shrouded in mystery. Some say that a part of the shadow under Bakemon has become a black hole. Its combat power is not high among the Adult-level Digimon, so it does not prefer close combat.
Digital Monster Ver.3 Great Encyclopedia Bakemon Profile
Other than the individual profiles, the book continues to have the Digimon size comparison charts, but the text for them is simplified as a simple “Digimon can change their body size freely“. There’s also a new topic in this book called “Digimon Strongest Match” where Digimon from the current version and the ones from previous versions are paired to fight and decide who would win in a fight,
Enix’s “Digital Monster Ver.3 Mo-Powerful Data Book”
The structure of the Enix books seems to remain the same as before, it contains the below introduction:
A mysterious lifeform that was born out of the sea of the Computer Network that spreads across the world, “Digital Monster”. New species of Digimon have been discovered one after another, such as “Ver.1” and “Ver.2”, but now, new companions of “Ver.3” have appeared!! Of course, battles with “Ver.1” and “Ver.2” are also possible! The very mysterious “Digimon” who love to battle, train them with your own hands!!
Digital Monster Ver.3 Mo-Powerful Data Book introduction
Following the same structure of the profiles, the text is more “lively” than that of the standard profiles used in the Keibunsha and KK Bestseller’s releases alongside some extra information that isn’t present in either series.
Reflects the primordial sea that gave birth to Digimon to the eyes. Floating in the sea of the net, a jellyfish-like gel Digimon. Does this lifeform solve the mystery of the origin of Digimon? In any case, in current research, it’s true to be the most primitive Digimon. A life covered with a soft body, waits patiently for the coming evolution. Protects its own body with strong acid bubbles, with a strong powers of vitality and adaptability, it won’t be destroyed by any harsh environment.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Poyomon Profile
A legend gave birth to a legend!! Instead of a natural evolution, this Digimon was created through synthetic technology. It carries a brave unicorn’s horn and a graceful pegasus’ wings. Since it is based on fast horses that have a long history as humans’ companions, its naturally free-spirited personality should gradually change to obedient depending on the relationship of trust. Its light mobility and agile attacks make it a very attractive partner. The power of the “Holy Shot” that it spits out from its mouth is also amazing.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Unimon Profile
Do you believe? Don’t you? But, this fear is real!! It can’t be, a ghost in the Digital world? There are many who don’t believe in Bakemon’s existence, but a possessed computer system is said to have been destroyed beyond repair in an instant. With a worn-out cloth covering its head, it’s a body shrouded in mystery. Only the mouth with bared fangs and the two eyes that seem to be sucking in give a hint of what is inside Bakemon. Doesn’t like direct attacks because the fighting power isn’t very high. Its special move is “Hell’s Hand”, which drags the opponent into hell.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Bakemon Profile
KK Bestsellers’ “Strongest Digital Monster Ver.3 Ultimate Book”
The new series continues now with a book on Ver.3. The content in regards to the Digimon themselves is very similar to that of Keibunsha’s book, with the main difference being the overall presentation of the contents of the toy rather than unique settings.
Digital Monster Ver. 4
The first announcement for “Digital Monster Ver.4” was in the June 1998 V-Jump issue while the last Perfects of Ver. 3 were revealed. The Digimon featured on it would be revealed in the August 1988 V-Jump, but it didn’t include any character profiles, other than that of the three Perfect Levels (This time all the Digimon were revealed at the same time).
Keibunsha’s “Digital Monster Ver.4 Great Encyclopedia” “Road to the Strongest Monster”
The newest version of the Keibunsha book brings back the original backstory that was featured in the 1st version with very small changes that reduced a bit the size of the text but with the same information about Digimon being a new lifeform created when a mysterious computer virus fused with data and bugs and grew absorbing the environment and the personality of humans. The content of the book remains the same with the profiles for each Digimon and a height chart with the same simplified text that was used in the previous book.
“Digital Monster” commonly known as Digimon, is a new kind of lifeform that was created by a mysterious computer virus fusing with data and bugs.
This digital lifeform, absorbing the environment in which it grew up and the personality of its owner, evolved into various forms.
Later researchers discovered technologies that allow for raising these lifeforms and improved them so that they could be raised inside a small keychain. That is a Digimon.
There were many interesting developments in Digimon from Ver.4 including the introduction of another primitive Digimon that might be related to the first Digimon to exist, the coming of Nanimon from a different dimension (A reference to Oyajitchi from Tamagotchi), Megadramon is introduced as the strongest Digimon that was created by human hands, Piccolomon uses high-level programing language from another dimension to use magic (Which would turn in a very clear reference to Magical Witches), and finally, Digitamamon is a Digimon that evolves from data of another dimension, a reference to the ultimate form that Nanimon can achieve.
In the Net Ocean an Ancient Fish Digimon is discovered! This is an ancient fish Digimon with hard scales and giant claw-like nails. It was discovered in the Net Ocean while a computer network destroyed by malicious hackers was being repared. Its body structure is primitive, and it has fins that look like limbs. Primitive Digimon that originated in the Net Ocean are thought to have evolved many times before coming to land.
Digital Monster Ver.4 Great Encyclopedia Coelamon Profile
“OYAJI” challenge world of the survival of the fittest! An unidentified Digimon that invaded from another dimension’s Digital World. Was commonly called “OYAJI” in the different dimension. After entering this Digital World, it evolved into an active creature. It was casted in the world of the survival of the fittest, but its true strength is unknown. It is said that it evolves into its ultimate form after winning numerous battles.
Digital Monster Ver.4 Great Encyclopedia Nanimon Profile
The strongest Digimon born by human hands. A Dark Dragon Digimon that boasts the strongest and worst power among Dragon Digimon. Its program has been remodeled by someone. Even computer networks protected by strong anti-crime devices are easily penetrated due to the tremendous power it holds.
Digital Monster Ver.4 Great Encyclopedia Megadramon Profile
Mischievous. Innocent fairy Digimon. A fairy Digimon that manipulates magic. Uses high-level programming language from another dimension to create magical events. Although it is small in size, it uses its special ability to seal the enemy’s abilities and defeat them with a single powerful blow. The super-powerful bomb “Bit Bomb”, which is a condensed version of the computer virus that Piccolomon holds, is feared by all enemies.
Digital Monster Ver.4 Great Encyclopedia Piccolomon Profile
Apex of evolution. Is that a Digitama? A Digimon’s beggining and end is the “Digitama”, this is an ultimate Digimon with that form. The the pinnacle of evolution is Digitamamon, isn’t evolved from a normal Digimon, and it is said that it will never evolve unless it fuses with data from another dimension. All attacks are meaningless in front of the egg-shaped exoskeleton.
Digital Monster Ver.4 Great Encyclopedia Digitamon Profile
Enix’s “Digital Monster Ver.4 Mo-Powerful Data Book”
Continuing the structure as before, the current introduction is:
A mysterious lifeform that was born out of the sea of the Computer Network that spreads across the world, “Digital Monster”. Changing their forms in various ways new species of Digimon have been discovered one after another, and again, new friends from “Ver.4” make an appearence! They can even battle with “Ver.1”, “Ver.2” and “Ver.3”! The very mysterious “Digimon” who love to battle, train them with your own hands!!
Digital Monster Ver.4 Mo-Powerful Data Book introduction
Below are the profiles of the previously mentioned Digimon.
An ancient wrath is revived from beyond the eternal time. An Ancient Fish Digimon that was discovered inside the Net Ocean while a ruined Computer Network that was being repired. With a primitive body structure that has been preserved without changes since ancient times it can be called a living fossil. The fins have developed like limbs. This primitive Digimon is thought to be the key to unraveling the evolutionary route of Digimon. With a special hard skin for an aquatic Digimon, it defends itself with “Variable Darts” attacking with giant claws.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Coelamon Profile
An outsider says goodbye to a sweet life while being reborn. Unidentified Invader Digimon. Commonly known as OYAJI. With a hometown of a different dimension, it was a digital pet with an aggressive personality and an alcoholic. It seems it got drunk and lost its way, before anyone knew it settled in the Digital World of Digimon, where it had to learn how to defend itself in battle. Its outward appearance surprisingly adapted to the environment, but its true strength is a mystery. If it has the guts to keep fighting even if it loses, it’ll be able to open the way to evolve into its ultimate form….
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Nanimon Profile
Final Mission completed!! The slaughter program runs. A Dark Dragon Digimon that is the strongest among dragon types. The fourth in a series that has been artificially remodeled by someone. What controls the body is a program to destroy everything. It easily breaks through strict security and roams the Digital World in search of opponents to fight. As a living creature, it lacks emotion, and is merciless once its target is determined. The dull glowing blade “Ultimate Slicer” cuts through the enemy, and the organic missile “Genocide Attack” fired from both arms finishes it off.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Megadramon Profile
The egg that gave birth to Digimon returns life to nothingness once again. Is this a Digitama!? The Ultimate Digimon finally appeared!. Is this a dead end in the evolution of Digital Monsters!? No, it’s a Digimon that proves the possibility of new evolution. For that evolution, it seems to be imperative to fuse with data of a different dimension. Its egg-like exoskeleton renders any attack meaningless. Its special moves are “Enigma”, which destroys the enemy’s spirit, and “Nightmare Syndrome”, a dark sphere. It plays with the opponent’s fate like a toy and stops their life activities.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Digitamamon Profile
Overwhelm the enemy with a mysterious power that overturns the common sense of the battle! Among the many Digimon, Piccolomon, who stands out from the crowd, is a fairy Digimon who can manipulate magic. The high-level programming language of another dimension, which can be chanted freely, is magic itself to other Digimon. It loves loves pranks, innocently brandishing its favorite spear, “Fairy Tail”, and enjoys making computers run wild. Its special move is a computer virus condensed bomb “Bit Bomb”. It can inflict massive damage on its opponent.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Piccolomon Profile
KK Bestsellers’ “Strongest Digital Monster Ver.4 Ultimate Book”
Similar to the previous book, this one is more complete in regards to the training itself, but it also has a Character correlation Diagram that connects the various Digimon. A lot of the details there are ones that are directly mentioned in their previous profiles, such as the rivalry between Angemon and Devimon. Other connections are more built upon the implied settings, such as Poyomon being the most primitive Digimon implying that ones like Botamon evolved from it before.
There are also some relationships that aren’t really stated in a lot more places, being exclusive to such charts. Such as the notion that Gabumon is the same species as Agumon, or that Seadramon and Airdramon not only are the same species but also the one that was remodeled to create Megadramon. Similar details were put in the 2nd Aspect book such as Airdramon and Seadramon being the same species.
Digital Monster Complete Book Ver.1~4
This is a compilation book released by Shueisha, the first since “I’ll Become the Digimon King, Mon!”. This one makes use of the Weekly Jump original navigator Digimonkey, the one that was the inspiration for Etemon, which was also being used at the monthly V-Jump at the time. Although this book was mostly focused on teaching how to play the game, it also featured some interesting details about the worldview.
For example, this was the first book to mention that the Digital Monster toy was in fact a gadget that connected with the Digimon in the Digital World instead of directly having the Digimon living inside the toy, and it also mentioned the “Battle Simulator” only mentioned before in the article made only in the Digimon reveal.
Also, in the context of this book, Digimon is the name of the toy itself, not the monsters. Instead, the monsters are just called “Monsters” in this book.
Digital Monster Ver. S
V-Jump Articles
The first announcement for “Digital Monster Ver.S” was in the June 1998 V-Jump issue alongside the Ver. 4 announcement. For the original Digimon Monsters, the worldview itself was only expressed with the books, but with a home console game, this would be the first time that the settings of Digital Monsters could be expressed in a single media, but of course, there was a bit of information before
Details about the worldview were explained in the following issues.
People all over the world keep Digimon as pets on their personal computers … That is the world in the SS (Sega Saturn) version. DTs (Digimon Tamers) all over the world were enjoying battles and exchanging information. However, when they spread so widely, hackers began to appear who misused them. That’s when the Digimon Research Institute was established!
Sega Saturn Version’s Worldview
Various gameplay elements were also explained more there, such as the multiple folders where the player can tame up to 4 Digimon at once.
The Digimon live inside these Folders. If it’s used for a long time, it will break, and a new one needs to be bought for replacement.
↑ The Folder was broken due to the Poop.
If the Folder is broken, the Monster will get angry
Think of it as a breeding box for raising Digimon!
The August 1998 issue introduced the Hackers that were going to be the villains of the game. Not only the general concept of Hackers was given, but also a short profile for each one of the major hackers made so far, some of them would be added later as part of a fan drawing contest.
They are outrageous people who manipulate Digimon and do evil deeds all over the world! They appear suddenly while you are raising a Digimon. They will challenge the player to a Digimon battle. If you win the Digimon Battle, you’ll get wonderful things that will help you grow your Digimon!
I want to draw a postcard, but what is a Hacker?
A scientist who committed crimes because he dreamed of creating the ultimate monster. He collects monster data by participating in battles and uses it for his research.
Mad Scientist
Among the hackers, they are the underlings!! When they find a Tamer, they have a Digimon match. They strive every day to become top-notch hackers.
Weak Hacker
A rogue who makes money through Digimon battles. He wanders through Computer Networks and picks fights with Digimon Tamers.
Money Hacker
New Digimon would also be introduced for this game and profiles were shared, such as the ones below from the November 1998 issue.
Holy-type Monster
Ruler of Skies
There are few people that have seen this figure and its habitat is usually unknown. However, when the forces of evil gather, it appears from nowhere.
Holydramon
Dark-type Digimon
The Dark (Dark Side) power that shakes the earth
The Embodiment of Evil. With its left Demon Arm, it releases Darkside Power into the earth. It causes huge earthquakes in the Digital World.
Minotaurmon
Sega Saturn Game
Talking about the game itself, the intro explains the discovery of Digimon and the creation of organizations to study those mysterious beings, the appearance of hackers that were misusing the Digimon, and of Tamers that are training Digimon to become the best of all Tamers.
In this age of advanced computers, a network spreads connecting every nation worldwide…
In the cybernetic ocean where an enormous amount of information gathers and diverges, there are pseudo-life programs with something like free will.
They appeared simultaneously and randomly everywhere in the electronic network. In today’s network, which is used daily, these programs that accidentally simulate life were naturally accepted.
These pseudo-life programs, which are known as “Digital Monster”, have been widely generalized as electronic virtual pets since they can grow and compete in virtual battles. They quickly became a “boom”.
At the same time, experts in the electronic network have established “Digimon” Research Organizations, DigiLabs. Some of these organizations aim for education and peaceful uses, but other groups are made of hackers that will exploit “Digimons” for evil purposes and earn wealth with them.
Among the general public, the one who takes care of a Digimon is called Tamer. Digimon Tamers that take care of many Digimon are admired by many people. In addition, being a Digimon Tamer who wins the Digimon Virtual Battles are the envy of many people.
Eventually, training every Digimon and winning every Virtual Battle, and thus becoming a “Top Tamer”, is the dream of many Digimon Tamers
Digital Monster Ver.S ~ Digimon Tamers ~ (Opening)
In this game, the player is using a PC to take care of a Digital Monster that was given to him by someone from a DigiLab by accident. The Digimon are inside of a Folder which is a simplified way of interacting with a Digimon, although it can degrade over time due to certain parameters such as poop accumulation.
The network world is depicted as organized as folders, files, and websites that the player can access with certain Addresses and URLs and send the Digimon to those places, either to train or to gather data that can be used by the player. In a way the Digimon and the world as depicted here makes use of the conventional understanding of the network and some of the elements that were featured in the background of the Virtual Pets released so far.
Digital Monster Ver.5
Keibunsha’s “Digital Monster Ver.5 Great Encyclopedia” “Road to the Strongest Monster”
The last of the original Digital Monster, it concludes the first Digimon with very interesting settings about the human influence on the Digimon. Starting with the last introduction in the Keibunsha Books (Just a simplified version of the previous texts)
Digital Monsters are a new lifeform born out of the fusion of a new variety of Computer Viruses and Data Bugs.
They have the ability to evolve into various forms and types by absorbing the environment in which they grew up and the personality of their owners.
Then one day, researchers modified them so that they grow inside key chains!
The last of the new Digimon start with Zurumon, a Baby Level Digimon that was born from the fusion of a malicious virus and the negative emotions of hackers, giving this Digimon a unique origin that fits with the introductory statement that Digimon absorbs the personality of their owners. Following this idea, this release has many corrupted Digimon that were affected by Viruses. Tyrannomon was corrupted because its data ended up bugged and turned into a ferocious Digimon, Nanomon was beaten by a Virus-type Digimon, and that made it enter a rampage state. There’s also the introduction of something called the “Dark Area” where a new Dramon Digimon called “Devidramon” was summoned by Devimon.
Mutant Baby Digimon
Digital Monster Ver.5 Great Encyclopedia Zurumon Profile
A slime-type Digimon born from the fusion of a super-malicious computer virus and the negative emotions of those who misuse computers. With a soft body, it walks like crawling on the ground. It is mostly liquid and has a highly toxic body. Because it shoots its poisonous bubbles from its mouth, even fairly large Digimon cannot get close to it.
The Tyrannomon species that began to rampage
Digital Monster Ver.5 Great Encyclopedia Dark Tyrannomon Profile
A Dinosaur Digimon, it was originally a Tyrannomon-type. The data that forms its body caused a bug, turning it into a ferocious Digimon. Its skin has turned black and the arms are well developed. It seems that everything it sees is an enemy, and it attacks without remorse. Among Digimon this is a dangerous existence.
The Worst Monster in the Digimon world
Digital Monster Ver.5 Great Encyclopedia Devidramon Profile
Called the “Demon with Compound Eyes” this is an feared Evil Dragon Digimon. Was summoned from the Dark Area by Devimon. It has well-developed limbs, which is rare among Dramon-species Digimon, and it attacks by extending both of its arms. Has a cruel and ferocious personality. It is said to be the most dangerous of all the Digimon.
A medical Digimon that began to rampage
Digital Monster Ver.5 Great Encyclopedia Nanomon Profile
An super small mecidal machine Digimon. It was originally a Digimon that repaired broken computers, but when it lost to a powerful Virus-type Digimon, its thinking circuit was thrown out of whack, and now it is in a rampage state. Its specialty is destroying the opponent’s data. No matter what Digimon it is, if Nanomon destroys its data, it’s over.
Enix’s “Digital Monster Ver.5 Mo-Powerful Data Book”
The last individual book by Enix, as usual it starts with an introduction that sums up the origin and development of the Digital Monster devices.
A mysterious lifeform that was born out of the sea of the Computer Network that spreads across the world, “Digital Monster”. Their forms continued to evolve, and new species of Digimon have been discovered one after the other, again, new friends from “Ver.5” also appear. They can even battle with “Ver.1”, “Ver.2”, “Ver.3”, and “Ver.4”! The very mysterious “Digimon” who love to battle, train them with your own hands!!
Digital Monster Ver.5 Mo-Powerful Data Book introduction
The profiles featured in the book are, as usual, more detailed than those featured in Keibunsha, explaining the nature of those Digimon. Zurumon is explained as being something completely different from other Digimon, as it was born from negative power (The fusion of a super virus that caused confusion in the Digital World and the spirits of corrupt people that misuse computers). Similarly, Dark Tyranomon is explained as having been corrupted by a virus that ate its body and mind, turning it violent, it also mentions Tyranomon as a Digimon that fell to the Darkside, similar to Devimon.
A life blessed by evil in the shadows of the Digital world. In the darkness, a small life blessed by evil was born. The super-malicious computer viruses that caused confusion and anxiety in the Digital World, and the corrupt minds of those who misuse computers are intricately intertwined, one day they fused… Completely different from other Digimon, Zurumon is a slime Digimon born from negative power. Its body tissue is highly toxic, and even large Digimon don’t get close due to its deadly poisonous bubbles.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Zurumon Profile
A black cyber Virus controls mind and body. Originally, it was a Digimon of the same species as Tyrannomon, which ran through the earth in good health, but its body and mind were devoured by a vicious computer virus, and it turned violent. What the eyes reflect now isn’t a green grassland, but a savage battlefield. The skin is also completely darkened, befitting of the Darkside that it has fallen to. The powerful flame radiation “Fire Blast” transforms the surrounding area into a sea of fire, leaving behind the scars of death as it continues on aimlessly…
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Dark Tyranomon Profile
A compound-eyed evil dragon summoned from hell. The most evil in the Digimon world, the “Compound-Eyed Demon” has finally appeared!! A resident of the Dark Area that was summoned by Devimon, a Fallen Angel Digimon from Ver.1, to the Digital World. Four crimson eyes that paralyze opponents, long claws that chop up flesh, claw-shaped tails that skewer opponents… A bloody stench wafts from the body, as if it’s waiting for the time of an evil carnival. The finishing touch is the special move with its huge claws “Crimson Nail”. Cries for mercy will never reach Devidramon!!
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Devidramon Profile
Recreates any System with its distorted techniques. Originally a medical Machine Digimon, repairing crashed computers from the inside, Nanomon was a Vaccine-like existence. However, during a fierce battle with a virus-type Digimon, its thinking circuit was destroyed and it went out of control!! It easily destroys computers that are working normally, as well as even the strongest Digimon opponents, and causes them to malfunction. It completely silences the enemy with the special move “Plug Bomb” released from the fingertips.
Digital Monster Mo-Powerful Data Book Nanomon Profile
Complete Digital Monster Ver.1~5 Guides
With the end of the individual releases of Digital Monster and the very close announcement of Digimon World and Digimon Pendulum, the last of Digital Monster are compilation of the information of each individual version connecting the dots of the many profiles. Since the Digimon Pendulum was already in the making during the time of Version 3 and 4, some of the settings that have been featured since those versions can be thought of as teases to later explanations that would be featured in Pendulum, such as the mentions of the Vaccine and Virus types in Version.5 that would only be later explained in the Pendulum.
Part of the expansion of the worldview of Digimon would be the creation of proper places where Digimon would live. The profiles would make mentions of places like the Net Ocean, forests, skies, outer space, and even a Dark Area that is implied to not be in the Digital World alongside other dimensions.
One of the many compilations of the 5 versions was Enix’s “Digital Monster Final Data Encyclopedia”. The book includes three “Digimon Independent Researches” (デジモン自由研究, Dejimon jiyukenkyū) covering the topics of Digimon’s Ecological map, Rivalry, and Evolution & Major Remodeling.
Completely understand the habitat!!
Digimon Independent Research 1
Ecology MAP
A digital space where virtual nature spreads. Digimon that have been released into the wild are enjoying life wherever they choose. This is a virtual ecological map that shows their distribution.
Fateful confrontations with flying sparks!!
Digimon Independent Research 2
Rival Correlation Chart
Drama is hidden in the Digimon who are fated to battle. Is fighting the only way to put an end to rivalry?
Will the changes continue!?
Digimon Independent Research 3
Super Evolution & Major Remodeling
Among Digimon, there are many that are thought to have the same DNA, or that have undergone the same type of remodeling. However, the truth has not yet been clarified.
A new Website, Digimon Web, was also released on September 1st, 1998 and it featured an interesting design. The website had a structure where each section was called an Island that made up the Web Island that floats in the Net Ocean of the Digimon World. There Tamers could exchange information and learn more about Digimon, there the users could read the profiles of Digimon.
The Web Island floats on the Net Ocean of the Digital World, the world of Digital Monsters, it’s an artificial island in the Internet. Each place is full of information about various Digimon! You can access Web Island to get information about all kinds of Digimon and exchange information with other Digimon Tamers (Digimon Users) through the network!
What is Web Island?
Finally, V-Jump October 1998 had a complete summary of the 5 versions, a map of File Island where the events of the 5 took place, and various details about the world of Digimon. The stuff is presented as secret information leaked by Digimonkey as necessary information for future Digimon Tamers.
First, we have the introduction of File Island, a place like small earth with 6 areas, each with a different climate and inhabitants monsters that follow different rules. The Digital Monsters were broken down in regards to the worldview with each area being featured in different versions so Digimon would be more interesting.
It consists of 6 areas. Freezeland, Tropical jungle, Unwavering Forest, Misty Trees, Geko Swamp, and Gear Savannah. The scenario of Digimon is File Island. It is divided into six areas centered on Mugen Mountain. Each area has a different climate and inhabitant monsters. This means that the rules and regulations are also different. It’s like a small earth.
The name is File Island!
Wow~. I didn’t know the Digimon world was this deep! But then again, you wonder why they went to the trouble of purposely breaking the worldview and having the monsters of each area appear in different versions. The reason is simple. The purpose was to make Digimon more interesting by introducing a variety of monsters in each Ver.
Digimonkey
And so, below are the description of the places featured in the 5 versions.
Unveiled for the first time!! This is Digimon World!!
Uhyo! Was there such a world inside the small Digimon!? I’m borrowing for a minute secret material that has not been revealed until now. This time, I’m going to reveal the name of the place and the monsters that inhabit it!
Huh~ so cold! It’s an Ice Church surrounded by snow. Only the chosen and good are allowed inside. It seems to be a sanctuary for monsters.
Ice Sanctuary
No vegetation grows, rough rocky surface. It’s full of rogues who look like something out of a western movie…
Great Canyon
Monsters on the verge of life and death, they appear to be in survival. It’s File Island’s Lost World!!
Dino Ancient World
It’s always night, the Sun seems to never appear. It appears to have ghots, it’s kind of a eerie mansion.
Dark Lord Mansion
I wonder if the monsters that have turned into graves are buried there. It’s scary, but it also feels lonely. Nanmaida~!
Overdell Cemetery
It sounds like small birds are chirping. The baby stage Monsters live here! Once they become adults, they move to an area that suits their bodies.
Village of Beginnings
The Net ocean spreads around the island. The ocean is usually calm, but when monsters run amok, it becomes turbulent.
Net Ocean
Wow, what a beautiful lake! Apparently, the monsters fish in this place. I wonder if there are delicious fish there.
Dragon’s Eye Lake
From the top, you can see the entire island. However, it’s a place covered in clouds. This smell… it seems like it has a great scret!?
Mugen Mountain
Located in a beautiful forest covered in mist! It feels like something out of a fairy tale. It’s whimsical and there might be cute monsters wandering around.
Toy Town
Full of muddy swamps. It’s the worst! It also makes strange croaking sounds. What kind of monsters are here!? It’s hideous.
Daion Region
Full of garbage from Factory Town. This place is full of ugly monsters. It stinkies!!
Trash Mountain
It’s the Island’s Number 1 High tech area. Most of the land is factory, but there is also a junk shop. Machines seem to rule the town.
Factory Town
Don’t underestimate this small mountain! The mountain paths are quite steep. It’s not easy for monsters to navigate between the Unwavering Forest and the Gear Savannah without getting lost.
Mount Miharashi
Truly unexplored! Just forests and more forests as far as the eye can see! It feels like a perfect home for insect monsters.
Beetle Land
Huh!? Dorimogemon is diging and diging! Once it’s open, traveling between the Unwavering Forest and the Gear Savannah will be a breeze, with no one getting lost anymore.
Drill Tunnel
After the map details the magazine gives explanations for Digimon ecology and the world in 6 topics. It already has the view of what was going to be used in the Pendulum so the content here recontextualizes the Digimon in the context of the Pendulum and already introduces some key concepts that would be used in both Digimon World and the Digimon Pendulum.
Digimon’s world map is now open to the public, and new information is appearing one after another! There are a lot of secrets that you won’t believe. If you know them, you will definitely enjoy playing the game! A must-see for DT (Digimon Tamers). These are the 6 mysteries of Digimon!
New mysteries in Digimon are rapidly approaching!
In the world of Digimon, monsters live in peace… Or so I thought, but it seems that’s not the case. Personality disagreements and disputes over land are constant. They’re just like humans.
1 Fierce battle between Monsters!
Interspecies Battle!!
In order to eradicate the good ones, Devimon launches an all-out attack on the Ice Sanctuary!!
Conflict of Authority
Conflict over the administration of Beetle Land. In order to decide the ruler of the forest, conflict continues day and night.
It seems those aren’t the only battles between monsters!!
A monster attribute!? It’s the first time I’m hearing that word in Digimon. To put it simply, it refers to the nature of the monsters. Well, if there are good ones, there are also bad ones. This is the way of the world.
2 Monsters have attributes!
Does it have a relation to a monster’s power?
Vaccine
They are strong and have a kind spirit. They are the Monsters that respect justice. Those who violate order will be punished!
Data
They can’t decide if they are good or bad. They are worried the most about themselves.
Virus
Violent ones who twist monsters with their own powers. They love evil and cause chaos in the Digimon world.
There are extremely strict rules for monsters in each area! This is essential for a peaceful life. If one were to break these rules, a bloody punishment awaits!!
3 Different monster rules each Area!
For Gear Savannah
A wild land where monsters run with full energy! Here, the Adult Stage Leomon patrols every day to protect the peace of the region.
Recently, strange rumors about Digimon are spreading in the streets. It seems that a Digimon Tamer was sucked into the Digimon. I’m not sure if it’s true or false, but this is a big incident! If you get sucked in, can you survive in the Digimon world!? It’s going to be an exciting and awesome adventure! Digimon Tamers, how exciting, it’s going to be a great adventure.
4 A mysterious incident with a Digimon Tamer !?
Have you ever wondered this while playing Digimon? How big are the Monsters… I was a little surprised when I looked it up! It’s not much different from my height.
5 Size of Monsters
Aaah! Seriously? This is just a small part of the Digimon World. Maybe there will be a Digimon set on a new continent. This is exciting!
6 Digimon World still expanding!
Conclusion
Trying to figure out the history of Digimon’s development and discover where each element of the lore was created is a very difficult task. It’s common to put the concepts in a release date timeline and see where each element was developed but many of the Digimon products were created during the same time, meaning that certain elements that we see in certain works are in fact teases for a much greater development that has already been planed to another work.
However, it’s really important to take notice of where things were made to better understand the series and what really is the origin of everything. As of today, there are still Japanese pages like the ones found on Japanese Wikipedia or Pixiv that still list the name “Digital World” (デジタルワールド) as an anime original that was created for “Digimon Adventure 02” that was created in place of “Digimon World” (デジモンワールド) that was used in the original Adventure and early Digimon material. But, as you can see above, the term “Digital World” has been used since the very first Digital Monster series alongside “Digimon World” or “World of Digimon”, so it’s much older than even some Japanese pages state it’s.
In these first profiles and articles, the Digital World is represented as a general idea of the world of the computer network where many computers are connected thanks to the Internet. The general view of it was at first, not clear. Since Digimon evolved due to the environment, there were some differences from one computer to another and some Digimon evolved the way they did because of the place. The background featured in the toys could give a general idea of what the world would look like, not much different from how real-world environments look.
The release of “Digital Monster Ver.S” had the first proper “view” of how said Computer Network World functions with the player using a computer and each “page” or “folder” being something like a different layer to this experience. The individual Folders used here are the stand-ins for the Virtual Pets and as such, they are like isolated spaces that you can give a background simulating the looks used in the V-Pets.
But the folders themselves are all inside a single computer, connecting with the Internet the player can see various Digimon living on different pages of the web at various addresses he can access, in fact, the player can even use the Internet and connect his PC with addresses from all over the world and send the Digimon to there so it can gather data from there (The limit is if the item exceeds the Digimon’s capacity). One of the pages available on the Web is the Virtual Colosseum which is divided into 5 regions, each available on certain days of the week with certain Digimon being the focus for each of them.
The Virtual Space “File Island” ended up being made alongside the development of Digimon World and Digimon Pendulum and integrated the many backgrounds featured in each version of “Digital Monster” although not much is known about it except the places, the various other islands that were featured around the same time such as the Virtual Colosseum and the Web Island gives a bit of context as virtual spaces that are floating on the Net, each with many areas that are fit for the Digimon of different species.
The way that Digimon exists in the Digital World and how humans influence them is still not explained in depth. In the original explanation from the first guidebooks, the implication is that Digimon exists anywhere there are electronic digital data, not just computers themselves but even individual equipment such as Hard Drivers or even Floppy Disks. The Digital Monster toy is at first explained as a miniaturized decide where a compressed version of the technology to train the compressed monsters was equipped. However, one of the books implies a different idea and instead talks about the Digital Monster as merely a device that connects with the Digital World where the monsters live. The overlap of those two ideas would continue to exist even today.
The scope of the Digital World is also a bit vague. Even early on there were depictions of what maybe could be outer space with Digimon like Vademon. Following the idea from Version.S, the “cosmos” is one of the many wallpapers used as the background for the PC, so it’s possible to understand that basically anything can be used as a background for Digimon, even ones as open and abstract as “outer space”.
Another curious concept is the introduction of “Digital Worlds of Different Dimensions” (Or even Different Dimensions of the Digital World as it would become more clear in future books). The clearest example is Nanimon who was once known as Oyaji from a different dimension until it entered the Digimon world, this is a reference to Tamagotchi as I explained before, but having this really increases the scope of mystery in Digimon due to how inconsistent the concept of “Tamagotchi” is.
I plan to make a post all about the early settings of Tamagotchi, but during those old days, there were many inconsistent depictions of Tamagotchi, even in the same material. Sometimes they were depicted as small aliens from another planet in the universe, other times their small size was so small that it was impossible to see with the naked eye, while in some materials their invisibility was something completely unrelated to their size, but more something about their nature. The depiction that is more similar to Digimon themselves is one book stating that Tamagotchi aren’t really small aliens, but rather electronic-like beings and therefore, aren’t physical in nature. That description seems to be the reason why it was possible to depict Nanimon as coming from a Digital World of a different dimension and also have Botamon cameo in Tamagotchi, as according to Kenji Watanabe the two are the same Digital lifeforms.
What the Digital World really is and how it related to the Real World is so far a mystery and unclear, as even the sister series that seems to exist in a 1-to-1 connection with Digimon is also unclear about what it really is. The expansion of that can also be seen with Piccolomon that uses magic from a different dimension, this will become more clear later on, but another WiZ series will also be depicted as a “different dimension of the Digital World”, even unknown to other staff like Kenji Watanabe.
If just looking at the world itself isn’t clear, could a closer look at the what about the monsters themselves help? Sadly just like the world, the truth behind what Digimon are is still unclear for now. At least different from Tamagotchi whose true nature seems to be spread across multiple different materials that all seem to contradict each other, the fact that Digimon are digital beings, originally computer viruses, that exists inside the computer network and general electronics is very clear. But the full scope of that existence is still very unclear.
In the way that Digimon were described in the various guidebooks, they started as computer viruses that seemed to lack a proper form, something like very simple programs. As they started to absorb the data from the environment and even that of other programs, they started to “adapt” using that data and so they turned into the monsters we all know now. But, what is the origin of those early virus programs that would become Digimon?
Across those various profiles it’s implied that Digimon themselves aren’t really man-made, instead man-made Digimon is a very specific category of synthetic or artificial Digimon (Such as Unimon, Andromon, Megadramon, and more). While talking on Twitter about the subject, Volcano Ota stated that at first it was thought that Digimon was “something that occurred naturally” instead of something that someone made.
What makes Digimon separated the most from something like the Tamagotchi is the very limited way in which Digimon and humans interact. While the Tamagotchi had various moments where they interact with Professor Banzo and Mikachu in a very physical way in the stories, so many that they put into question what Tamagotchi really are, the same doesn’t happen with Digimon. Most of the time we see humans and Digimon interact side by side in a few images regarding Digimon training that can just be understood as a metaphor for the training. In “C’mon Digimon: The capering monster BUN” there’s a machine that can give Digimon a physical 3D body that can be interacted with and trained in a more effective way than just using the Digital Monster machine. But, it’s a very limited experience that can just be seen as a normal technological advancement.
There’s one point that does imply that Digimon could have an existence that surpasses simple “computers programs inside of a computer that simulates life”. And that is, at first, the Digimon description from Keibunsha. That series of books not only relate Digimon’s evolution to the absorption of environmental data but also the “personality of the owner” (飼い主の性格, Kainushi no seikaku). It’s very common sometimes to think that the “trained monster reflects the player” in regards to it evolving due to how the player takes care of it, the Version.1~4 encyclopedia from Shueisha, in fact, states that “there are as many evolutions as persons who are playing“. But the way that the Keibunsha describes seems more like Digimon literally absorbing the user’s personality.
As more versions were released we got more Digimon who do fit in something that reflects the heart of the user with the culmination being Zurumon who is stated to be literally born out of the fusion of a computer virus and the collective spirits of those who misuse the computer network, with an origin directly stated to be different from any other Digimon so far. It’s as if the boundaries between the digital and the real are becoming more vague.
In many ways, this can be thought of as a tease to what is to come, more directly in regards to Digimon World which was teased alongside the reveal of Version.5 as a human was literally going inside a Digital Monster. It might not have been intentional, but it also seems to be a vague enough definition that could also be seen as an early view of what would be shown in the anime that was close to being revealed.
But the actual development of those ideas is something that is outside of the scope of this part, so it’s already time to make space for the review of the settings in Digimon Pendulum.
Digital World Archive 
Pingback: Conceptual Log: Archived Research on Digital World and Digimon – Digital World Archive
Pingback: Product Review: Digital Monster 25th Anniversary Book –Digimon Device & Dot History– – Digital World Archive
Pingback: Conceptual Log: Archived Research on Digital World and Digimon (1998~1999 Digimon Pendulum) – Digital World Archive