Line #44 Characters/Betterman


1	[[WMG:[[center: [- ''Anime/GaoGaiGar'' and ''Anime/{{Betterman}}'' [[Characters/GaoGaiGar Main Character Index]]\
2	[[Characters/KingOfBravesGaoGaiGar King of Braves [=GaoGaiGar=]]] \| [[Characters/GaoGaiGarFINAL King of Braves GaoGaiGar: FINAL]] \| '''Betterman''' \| [[Characters/KingOfKingsGaogaigarVSBetterman King of Kings: [=GaoGaiGar=] VS. Betterman]]]] -]]]
3
4	[[foldercontrol]]
5
6	!!Main Cast
7	[[folder:Keita Aono]]
8	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/a05_01.png]]
9	[[caption-width-right:350: [[labelnote:Click to see full body image]]\
10	https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b01_0.png[[/labelnote]]]]
11	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/KappeiYamaguchi (JP), Creator/MatthewErickson (EN), Creator/BenjaminRivera (Latin American Spanish)
12
13	The main character. A 17 year old student who finds himself piloting the Neuronoid ''Kakuseijin'' with Hinoki. While panicky, socially awkward, and caught in circumstances way over his head, Keita manages to show enough courage and wit to survive.
14	----
15	* ActionSurvivor: When he's not piloting the Neuronoid. Episode 8 is a prime example of this - he spends nearly the entire episode running for his life. (And with good reason too - the majority of that episode takes place in a hospital full of BrainwashedAndCrazy [[DeadlyDoctor nurses]] with [[PoisonedWeapons poisoned]] [[FemmeFatalons fingernails]]!)
16	* AffectionateNickname: Hinoki has called him "Kei-chan" since they were kids, and will continue to do so into [[Literature/KingOfKingsGaoGaiGarVsBetterman adulthood]].
17	* AscendedFanboy: As a military and video game fan, Keita {{squee}}s every time he sees any high tech device or military units. He also thinks it's cool to be piloting a mecha... until the horrors show up.
18	* BookDumb: Outright says that he's at the bottom of his class, but there are plenty of situations showing that he's not unintelligent. At one point, Asami goes so far as to say that he'd make a good scholar.
19	* ChekhovsHobby: His interest in military craft proves useful in one episode. In general, he ''likes'' the idea of piloting a mode-changing mecha enough that he keeps doing it.
20	* ChildhoodFriendRomance: He often played with Hinoki as kids, and they develop a romantic relationship as the show gooes on.
21	* ChivalrousPervert: Yeah, he's a teen with girls on his mind, and isn't above ogling. But Keita manages to contain these tendencies and cares about his female companions. [[AccidentalPervert It's not his fault when Asami falls on top of him, or that he unintentionally gropes someone]], but Keita's not above enjoying it.
22	* DistressedDude: The poor guy gets cornered so many times.
23	* FallingIntoTheCockpit: It's a Sunrise production - what did you expect?
24	* HiddenDepths: He may be jittery, geeky, somewhat pervy, and often needs saving. However, Keita shows great bravery, thinks fast, keeps Hinoki from falling into despair, and manages to protect others in danger. It's only when there is no way out that Keita needs to be saved by someone else. And despite some BookDumb tendencies, Keita is ''really good'' at figuring out effective uses of the Synapse Dangeki.
25	* NiceGuy: Despite his flaws, Keita is generally likable. It helps that he keeps putting his neck on the line for his friends.
26	* NonActionGuy: Keita is what you would call... a loaner hero that you use until the real one shows up. At the same time, it doesn't matter what you throw at him, in the Kakuseijin or out of it, he'll keep getting right back up to fight.
27	* RightManInTheWrongPlace: Why he ends up piloting the ''Kakuseijin''. Also happens outside the mech, such as Episode 8. After discovering the hospital's dark secret, he's the only one that can save Sakura.
28	* TearsOfFear: Played for laughs - Sometimes during an OhCrap moment, Keita will [[ArtShift shift into a silly crying expression]] before getting a hold of himself.
29	* WeirdnessMagnet: Somehow, someway, he finds himself being confronted by strange monsters or visions. [[spoiler: It turns out his Dual-kind capabilities plus the visions are the result of a dura matter transplant when he was younger.]]
30	* WhatTheHellHero:
31	** Hinoki gets peeved when Keita runs away from a situation, leaving her behind.
32	** In another episode, Keita does this to Akamatsu and himself after they get separated from Hinoki and Li-chan. Unable to get back to them, a distraught Keita points out how pathetic it is that "the men ran off and left the women behind".
33	* WrongGenreSavvy: After entering the ''Kakuseijin'' in Episode 1, Keita begins to make assumptions based on RealRobot {{Mecha Show}}s. He ''gradually'' realizes that he's in SurvivalHorror where the {{Kaiju}} is the real hero.
34	[[/folder]]
35
36	[[folder:Hinoki Sai]]
37	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/a06_00.png]]
38	[[caption-width-right:350: [[labelnote:Click to see full body image]]\
39	https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b02_5.png[[/labelnote]]]]
40	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/KyokoHikami (JP), Onalea Gilbertson (EN)
41
42	Keita's classmate and co-pilot of the ''Kakuseijin'', as well as his childhood friend. After her parents and brother Mario went missing, she became melancholy and distant. As a Head Diver, she is apparently very good at synthesizing particles for the Synapse Dangeki.
43	----
44	* AnimeHair: Her multicolored bangs. Apparently it runs in her family - flashbacks show that her father and brother had them as well.
45	* CharacterCatchphrase: She often says "Because I'm an idiot."[[note]]''Watashi, baka dakara."[[/note]]
46	* ChildhoodFriendRomance: She has feelings for Keita, whom she used to play with as children.
47	* CleavageWindow: Some of her outfits fit this trope.
48	* ClingyJealousGirl: She's never happy when she's Keita gets too close with other women.
49	* DefrostingIceQueen: It takes a while, but being around Keita gradually brings Hinoki out of her depression.
50	* FacePalm: Sometimes does this during Keita's EpicFail moments.
51	* FauxActionGirl: Hinoki gets torched at, almost eaten by worms, attacked by out of control machines, chased by a bipedal elephant type monsters, and survives most of the show's enemies, before finally being turned into a DamselInDistress near the end of the series. Granted, she has no special abilities or training beyond being a Neuronoid pilot, so it's not like she was much of an ActionGirl to begin with.
52	* FormFittingWardrobe: [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/betterman-38_7221.jpg Pretty much]] [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/betterman-46_5054.jpg Hinoki's]] [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/betterman-43_5444.jpg entire]][[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/betterman-45_1874.jpg wardrobe]] is snug around her curves.
53	* GoGoEnslavement: [[spoiler:In the final episodes of the series, Hinoki is tazed by Mamon and later wakes up in the Neuronoid wearing her dive suit, to be used as bait to draw Betterman out.]]
54	* HeroicSelfDeprecation: Even when she helps save the day, Hinoki still doesn't think too highly of herself. She constantly belittles her own intelligence, as seen with her CatchPhrase. [[spoiler:Ironically, said phase stems from some of Mario's (affectionate) last words to her. He followed up these words with saying, "If you ever need me, I'll be there."]]
55	* LongLostRelative: Why does Betterman look like her missing brother? [[spoiler:Subverted, Lamia is not her brother, but has his memories and looks.]]
56	* MagicSkirt: Surprisingly enough, considering how short it is.
57	* MaleGaze: [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/snapshot4.JPG Hinoki]] [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/snapshot5.JPG also]] [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/snapshot-redone1.jpg gets]] [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/snapshot-redone3.jpg this]] [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/snapshot-redone4.jpg a lot]] from Keita.
58	* MsFanservice: She's got quite the well-endowed chest, and her outfits are very kind to her figure.
59	* ParentalAbandonment: Her parents and her older brother Mario disappeared while exploring the Ajanta Caves in India. Their disappearance is the root of her emotional problems.
60	%%zce* SexyBacklessOutfit
61	* {{Tsundere}}: Can be this way to Keita at times. She ignores him at first, but only to avoid creating suspicion about their jobs. Though Keita upsets her, she doesn't take it out on him.
62	[[/folder]]
63
64	[[folder:Shigeru Akamatsu]]
65	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b03_0.png]]
66	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/{{Chafurin}} (JP), Dave Pettitt (EN)
67
68	The passionate head of Akamatsu Industries, the company which is contracted by Mode Warp to operate the Neuronoids. Somewhat eccentric but a gifted inventor, he created a number of amazing gadgets.
69	----
70	* {{BFG}}: Subverted. Akamatsu can wield a ''massive'' device that looks like this, but it's really a high tech scanner.
71	* CasualDangerDialogue: Is ''considerably'' calmer than most while facing mind-blowing weirdness on a weekly basis.
72	* CoolBoard: He can use a rocket-powered skateboard with an automatic jack to allow it to jump in the air.
73	%%* CoolOldGuy
74	* GadgeteerGenius: Has created a number of inventive technologies. Some successful, others not so much.
75	* LastNameBasis: Akamatsu is never called anything but Akamatsu or "Boss".
76	* LikeFatherLikeSon: [[spoiler: He's [[Anime/GaoGaiGar Liger Shishioh's]] son, which helps explain his inventing.]]
77	* MarriedToTheJob: His focus on the company had its personal cost [[spoiler: such as estranging his wife from him.]]
78	* MrExposition: Played with. When it's time to explain to Keita how the Neuronoid operates, Akamatsu is too busy to do so, so he hands the job to Li-chan.
79	* MyLittlePanzer: Literally. Akamatsu created a line of remote controlled miniature tanks that actually blew up after taking a direct hit. It was a commercial failure, since the "toy" could only be bought by licensed demolition experts.
80	* OneOfTheKids: Akamatsu shares the same tastes and interest as Keita.
81	--> '''Akamatsu''': "Never underestimate the cunning of a full grown boy."
82	* PapaWolf: Cares a great deal for those working under him. [[spoiler:Especially Sakura, who is revealed to be his daughter in the final episode.]]
83	* PsychicBlockDefense: The "Barrier Boy" headbands, which are supposed to protect the user from Algernon. Later, the "Laser Head" headbands are developed to prevent full-on psychic attacks.
84	* RenaissanceMan: Capable of designing a large number of inventions (from toys to military weapons), as well as run his own company.
85	* TrickedOutShoes: He created with large springs under them, presumably used to help people jump higher.
86	[[/folder]]
87
88	[[folder:Sakura Akamatsu]]
89	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b04_0.png]]
90	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/JunkoIwao (JP), Mariette Sluyter (EN), Mayra Arellano (Latin American Spanish)
91
92	A cryptic 15-year-old girl linked to the "Limpid Channel", allowing her to read the minds of beings around her, and to pick up important information. Also a Dual-kind, she can pilot Neuronoids in a pinch. Unfortunately, due to her poor health, she spends much of her time confined to a medical device called the Manage Machine. At the end of the series, she was revealed to be Shigeru's daughter. He agreed to work with Mode Warp so he could use the Manage Machine for her.
93	----
94	* AttentionDeficitOohShiny: She canonically has ADHD, and requires heavy medication and biofeedback pulses.
95	* BlessedWithSuck: The Limpid Channel basically makes it impossible for her to live without Manage Machine treatment on a daily basis. (And that's in ''addition'' to really bad ADHD and a frail constitution.)
96	* CoolChair: The Manage Machine. The thing looks like a cyberpunk throne, and has a pair of goggles for some reason (probably to keep visual stimuli to a minimum). It is used to keep her mental state in check, against the stress of a 24/7 connection to the Limpid Channel.
97	* {{Cloudcuckoolander}}: Justified; she had ADHD.
98	* CreepyChild: She's fifteen, but she's still damn good at pulling this off when the plot calls for it. Her monologues and speeches in the episodes and episode preview doesn't make this any less chilling.
99	* DisabilityImmunity: Either due to her condition, powers, or that's she's pumped full of meds, Sakura is the only one unaffected by Prof. Umezaki's [[spoiler:pheromone attack.]]
100	* ImprobableHairstyle: Her twintails appear to be growing out of a single central point at the top of her head. (As her hair looks normal when she lets it down, it's probably done up using the same tech as [[Anime/GaoGaiGar Mikoto]].)
101	* MissingMom: [[spoiler:Her mother walked out after becoming fed up with Akamatsu being MarriedToTheJob.]]
102	* NakedFirstImpression: During her introductory scene in the pilot episode, Sakura is wearing a semi-transparent green gown. She wears this whenever she has to sit in the Manage Machine.
103	* NightmareFuelStationAttendant: Particularly in the next episode introductions, but occasionally during episodes as well.
104	* PsychicRadar: Her access to the Limpid Channel allows her to play this role - with it, she's capable of detecting if someone's in trouble, providing information on Betterman, and allowing Betterman to know when it's time to act. Her advice does tend to be either simple and direct ("it's coming!"), or specific yet so utterly disconnected from context as to be useless.
105	* WaifProphet: Near as we can tell, though, her physical frailness and Limpid Channel ability are unrelated. And while her predictions tend to be vague, she can filter them out well enough to provide consistently useful information (thus averting CassandraTruth).
106	[[/folder]]
107
108	[[folder:Asami Miyako]]
109	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b07_5.png]]
110	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/HoukoKuwashima (JP), Meredith Taylor-Parry (EN), Martha Ceceña (Latin American Spanish)
111
112	A young, level-headed bio-medical engineer and investigator, providing explanations to the various phenomenon the protagonists encounter. Working for [=ModeWarp=], she acts as the company liaison to Akamatsu Industries. She has dedicated her life to investigating and ending Algernon.
113	----
114	* AdventurerOutfit: Asami dons Safari Apparel during the India expedition. It contrasts with the rest of the team, most of which just dress casually or wear Akamatsu uniforms.
115	* CuteClumsyGirl: Downplayed - Asami is pretty competent. But she does end up slipping at times... often on Keita's face.
116	* {{Determinator}}: In regards to finding a cure for the Algernon virus.
117	--> '''Asami''': "I will never give up. Even if I were to be the last person left alive."
118	* MsExposition: Provides scientific and historical background to the gang when needed.
119	* NotSoAboveItAll: Miyako seems like the last person to make any mistakes, crack a joke, or have any fun. But we do see instances in which these do happen. When a picture of a Christmas Party is shown, a jolly-looking Asami is wearing a goofy fake mustache and red nose.
120	* ShyBlueHairedGirl: Asami's hair a dark-greenish blue color, and she's quiet, reserved, analytical, and, while kind, she's not very outgoing.
121	* TheSpock: The most calm and logical person in the group. If she does show any fear or anger, there's typically a good reason why.
122	* {{Technobabble}}: She provides a good percentage of this throughout the series.
123	* UnwittingPawn: [[spoiler:In the final episode, it's revealed that she is in fact a carrier of the Algernon virus, due to being part of the scientific team involved in Yakusugi's ill-fated Dive Inspection - the one that released Kankel into the world. Asami does ''[[HeroicBSOD not]]'' take this revelation well.]]
124	[[/folder]]
125
126	[[folder:Kaede Kurenai]]
127	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b06_3.png]]
128	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/YukoMinaguchi (JP), Colleen Blackmore (EN)
129
130	A cheerful, if subdued, young woman who co-pilots the Neuronoid ''Tyran''. In addition to being a dual-kind, she has psychic abilities that allow her to read electro-magnetic impulses. Kaede also has a close relationship with her co-pilot Shou.
131	----
132	* AlliterativeName: '''K'''aede '''K'''urenai.
133	* BattleCouple: She usually pilots the Tyran alongside Shou.
134	* BroodingBoyGentleGirl: Her dynamic with Shou. She's very gentle and supportive of him.
135	* CleavageWindow: Her outfits that don't reach NavelDeepNeckline levels will often leave an opening.
136	* MsFanservice: A beautiful woman with a very large chest and plenty of outfits to show it off.
137	* NavelDeepNeckline: Some of her outfits, and her concept art features, having a deep neckline that goes past her navel.
138	* NiceGirl: A very sweet and caring person.
139	* TheNicknamer: Names the ''Tyran'' "the Blue Rabbit", and gives Hinoki and Sakura the affectionate names of "Hino-ppi" and "Cherry". Akamatsu is actually confused by this at one point.
140	* PerpetualSmiler: Downplayed. Kaede often has a smile on her face, but when things get serious or dangerous, her expression does change.
141	* PsychicPowers: Her ability to read electro-magnetic impulses. [[spoiler: The Superhuman Federation takes a particular interest in her due to this.]]
142	* TheTease: While she's in a relationship with Shou, she enjoys flirting with Keita quite a bit, as it's quite fun to watch Keita's brain turn off.
143	[[/folder]]
144
145	[[folder:Shou Yanagi]]
146	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b05_2.png]]
147	->'''Voiced by:''': Creator/ShinichiroMiki (JP), Jonathan Love (EN)
148
149	The composed and capable 24-year-old co-pilot of the ''Tyran''. He also possesses psychic capabilities, such as precognition. In a relationship with Kaede. Though often collected, Shou does suffer from trauma at times.
150	----
151	* BattleCouple: He pilots the Tyran alongside Kaede.
152	* BigDamnHeroes: [[spoiler: To Asami, when she's a captive of Dr. Umezaki and is about to be forced under mind-control. Yanagi literally shows up JustInTime.]]
153	* BroodingBoyGentleGirl: His dynamic with Kaede. Shou's more vulnerable side comes out only when he's alone with her.
154	* HeroicBSOD: Has one when he has visions [[spoiler:of his dead brother Kei]], and results in him being down for two episodes.
155	* ILetGwenStacyDie: [[spoiler:Feels that his younger brother Kei's death is his fault.]]
156	* TheLancer: What Keita lacks as The Hero, Shou has. He has the intellect, experience, composure, special powers, training, fitness and fearlessness that an ideal hero should have.
157	* LastNameBasis: Addressed as Yanagi by almost everyone. Only Kaede calls him by his given name due to her being his lover.
158	* PsychicPowers: To a lesser extent than Sakura or Kaede, but useful at times [[spoiler:such as hypnotizing insect swarms]]. These powers are also why he sees certain visions.
159	[[/folder]]
160
161	!!Supporting Characters
162	[[folder:Ritsuko "Ri-chan" Fuchu]]
163	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b08_4.png]]
164	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/TomokoKawakami (JP), Christy Greene (EN)
165
166	A laid-back employee of Akamatsu Industries, she operates the vehicles that transports the Neuronoids. Understandably, she's a bit perturbed by all the unnatural events surrounding her.
167	----
168	* CustomUniformOfSexy: Unlike other employees, Li-chan wears some tight-fitting red pants.
169	* TheDriver: Plays the role, but does a bit more than that.
170	* TheLadette: Downplayed. Unlike most of the main female characters, she wears an Akamatsu uniform on duty. She also drinks beer and is often seen with a nicotine rod in her mouth.
171	%%* MissionControl
172	* OralFixation: Again, the nicotine rod.
173	* ScrewThisImOuttaHere: Subverted. She does quit her job after a particuarly harrowing experience in one episode, but she returns after realizing that she felt safer with the rest of the team.
174	* TheTeamNormal: Has no notable superpowers, but still manages to help out.
175	%%* ThoseTwoGuys: With Yamajii.
176	%%* TheWatson
177	%%* WrenchWench
178	[[/folder]]
179
180	[[folder:Yamajii]]
181	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b09_36.png]]
182	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/TakehitoKoyasu (JP), Ben Jeffrey (EN)
183
184	Another Akamatsu Industries employee, he helps the Boss in the Command Carrier with any technical data.
185	----
186	%%* TheEngineer
187	%%* MissionControl
188	* MrExposition: He's the one who deciphers the technobabble for Ri-Chan.
189	%%* TheTeamNormal
190	%%* ThoseTwoGuys: With Ri-Chan.
191	[[/folder]]
192
193	[[folder:Kazuho "Heichin" Heichi]]
194	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b10_0.png]]
195	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/HoukoKuwashima (JP)
196
197	An Akamatsu Industries technician, working alongside Yamajii and Ri-Chan.
198	----
199	* BigBadFriend: [[spoiler:He's truly responsible for the early attacks in the series.]]
200	* TheEngineer: Akamatsu even comments that his talents as a technician was exemplary.
201	%%* MissionControl
202	* ScaryShinyGlasses: His square-shaped glasses shine ominously in every appearance, [[spoiler:as a clue that something isn't right with him.]]
203	* SecretlyDying: [[spoiler:It turns out that he's infected with Algernon, something the viewers or even anyone in-universe knew about.]]
204	* WeHardlyKnewYe: [[spoiler:Has a full-on case of Algernon since before the series began, which is discovered six episodes into the series, then dies later on.]]
205	[[/folder]]
206
207	[[folder:Cactus Prickle]]
208	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/HirokiTakahashi (JP), Creator/MarkGatha (EN)
209	The original co-pilot of the ''Kakuseijin'' that worked with Hinoki. During the Bottom World investigation, he becomes infected with Algernon and abandons the Neuronoid. He dies shortly after.
210	----
211	* TheFaceless: Almost all of Cactus's appearance obscure his face in shadow, even in well-lighted areas. His face is shown exactly once [[spoiler:in the last episode - he appears alongside the other survivors of the ill-fated Dive Inspection during the Officer's exposition of the event.]]
212	* FirstEpisodeTwist: He dies. And then he gets mentioned several times afterwards [[spoiler: such as being pals with Heichin.]]
213	* PosthumousCharacter: Makes an appearance in another episode during a dream sequence.
214	* PunnyName: Oddly enough.
215	* SoundOnlyDeath: ''Maybe'', assuming that's him laughing in the first episode. (We can't tell what exactly happens to him, just that he is [[KilledMidSentence killed mid-laugh]] and Keita was close enough to have a pretty good idea what happened...)
216	* TakeOurWordForIt: Despite never seeing Cactus, or his fate, several of the characters are affected by his death.
217	* UnwittingPawn: [[spoiler: Just like the other survivors, he was responsible for releasing Kankel into the world when the Dive Inspection went wrong.]]
218	[[/folder]]
219
220	[[folder:Tsuguo "Ushii" Ushiyama]]
221	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b12_4.png]]
222	->'''Voiced by:''' Hiroaki Ishikawa (JP)
223
224	Keita's classmate and friend, who shares his interests in technology, the military, and girls. He's also [[Anime/GaoGaiGar Sueo's]] Big brother.
225	----
226	* {{Otaku}}: Military and technology fan.
227	* SatelliteCharacter: His entire character is pretty much defined by his interactions with Keita. %%(This is because he's a {{Transplant}} from ''Anime/GaoGaiGar'', being the brother of Kazuo and Sueo Ushiyama.)
228	[[/folder]]
229
230	[[folder:Officer]]
231	->'''Voiced by:''' Naoki Bandou (JP)
232	The head of [=ModeWarp=], and the superior Asami reports to.
233	----
234	* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: As far as anyone knows, his name is "Officer".
235	%%* OneWayVisor
236	* UnwittingPawn: [[spoiler:Like Asami, Mamon, Umezaki, and Hinoki's father, it's revealed that he was part of the scientific team involved in Yakusugi's ill-fated Dive Inspection -- the one that released Kankel into the world. His involvement caused him to become a carrier of the Algernon virus.]]
237	[[/folder]]
238
239	[[folder:Chandi]]
240	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b11_1.png]]
241	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/HoukoKuwashima (JP), Onalea Gilbertson (EN)
242
243	A mysterious girl met by Keita in India, always smiling. She is accompanied by Puleto, a lizard-like creature. She communicates only through telepathy using the Limpid Channel. Capable of great strength and speed, she saves Keita on several occasions.
244	----
245	%%* ActionGirl
246	* BadassAdorable: She's an adorable-looking young girl, but if you're her enemy, you ''will'' get your ass kicked.
247	* BecauseYouWereNiceToMe: She helps Keita out because she likes him. Why she likes him isn't entirely clear, but it's implied she simply finds him amusing.
248	* LastOfHerKind: [[spoiler:Due to the other D-Type Hunters slaughtering each other to single out the most powerful one.]]
249	: LivingWeapon: Sort of. While Puleto functions as powered armor for her, it can also take the form of a huge lizard.
250	* MysteriousProtector: To Keita.
251	* OnlyKnownByTheirNickname: "Chandi" is a nickname that Keita gives her, based on a story he heard from his guide in India - we never find out her real name. [[spoiler: She likely doesn't have a real name anyway, considering she's a clone.]]
252	* PerpetualSmiler: Always chipper, always with a tiny smile on her face.
253	* PoweredArmor: "Puleto" is a D-Type hunter armor. When not being worn, it can take the [[AnimatedArmor form of a large lizard]].
254	* SelfMadeOrphan: [[spoiler:She kills Prof. Umezaki during the battle at BPL.]]
255	* {{Tykebomb}}: [[spoiler:She is a creation of Dr. Umezaki, making her his daughter. She is also the last of the D-Type Hunters, a series of superhuman clones.]]
256	%%* WolverineClaws: When wearing Puleto.
257	[[/folder]]
258
259	[[folder:Yakusugi]]
260	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b13_3.png]]
261	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/YusakuYara (JP), David Kelly (EN)
262
263	A mystifying Buddhist priest who provides unexpected aid to the heroes. Even at in his old age (possibly 120 years old), he has managed to reach the peak of human abilities. He is amazingly fast, strong, and has powerful spiritual capabilities.
264	----
265	* BadassPreacher: Even at over a hundred years old, he is at the peak of physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities. He ends up saving the heroes - even Betterman!
266	* BigDamnHeroes: He saves Keita and Hinoki on multiple occasions.
267	* ChekhovsGunman: [[spoiler: His remarkable capabilities made him a suitable candidate for the Dive Inspection, a project to create the perfect human. It backfired horribly - as a result he became tainted with Kankel, and thus he turns out to be the one Betterman must ultimately defeat.]]
268	%%* ChurchMilitant
269	%%* CoolOldGuy
270	%%* MysteriousProtector
271	%%* OldMaster
272	[[/folder]]
273
274	!!Bettermen (Somniums)
275	A form of primate recorded since BCE. Formally named as "Somniums," they are capable of transforming from one form into another by consuming the seeds of the Animus Flower. Along with the ability to metamorphosis, they have access to the Limpid Channel. Humans termed them as "Bettermen" for their nature to evolve.
276
277	[[folder:In General]]
278	* BenevolentAbomination: Despite their otherworldly, often terrifying nature, they're genuinely heroic and firmly on humanity's side.
279	* CreepyGood: They're otherworldly creatures that can turn into {{Kaiju}}, have monstrous teeth, and [[spoiler:technically eat people's remains]]. However, they're the good guys and genuinely trying to protect humanity.
280	* FinishingMove: Each of their combat forms have move to finish off their enemy. It's justified, as their attacks up until that point analyze the target and prepare their 'Psycho' attack to that specific enemy. Not only does this let them kill with one last attack, it also allows them to [[FriendlyFireproof only kill the thing they want dead and nothing else.]]
281	* FriendlyFireProof: Their {{Finishing Move}}s are all tuned specifically to kill the target over the course of the battle. As such, they can fire massive area of effect attacks without worrying about harming allies.
282	* HumanoidAbomination: They look human, but are clearly not, possess the power to turn into monstrous creatures, [[spoiler:feed on humans technically]], and are generally otherworldly.
283	* OurVampiresAreDifferent: Potentially immortal, capable of transformation, flight, and with incredibly strong forms [[spoiler:, and they technically feed on people.]] This aspect is even lampshaded in the show, when a student talks about Vampires being able to take the form of a fog. Betterman Nebula's supersonic attacks create fog.
284	%%* SuperMode: Their combat forms.
285	* {{Telepathy}}: All Bettermen communicate this way.
286	[[/folder]]
287
288	[[folder:Lamia]]
289	[[quoteright:295:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/a17_6.png]]
290	[[caption-width-right:295: [[labelnote:Click to see full body image]]\
291	https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/a17_02.png[[/labelnote]]]]
292	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/TakehitoKoyasu (JP), Jonathan Love (EN)
293
294	The titular Betterman of the series, saving the protagonists on several occasions. He is capable of eating the seeds of the Animus flower to transform into much more powerful fighting forms. Mysterious and vigilant, Lamia's default form is that of a humanoid male, with long hair. He also bears more than a passing resemblance to Hinoki's brother, Mario.
295	----
296	* AntiRegeneration: [[spoiler:Ortus can reprogram enemy cells, and uses this ability to remove Kankel's HealingFactor, allowing him to rip Kankel apart and kill him.]]
297	* CoolShades: When in humanoid form. He also must have a secret stash of them, as he keeps tossing his shades every transformation.
298	* {{EMP}}: Nebula can create this effect using sound and light waves, destroying any unshielded electronics.
299	* FromASingleCell: [[spoiler:It's implied Ortus' HealingFactor is equal to Kankel's, and thus can regenerate from anything.]]
300	* GenderBlenderName: PlayedWith. 'Lamia' was derived from Myth/ClassicalMythology about a child-eating snake-woman monster (or amongst HumongousMecha fandom, a ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'' [[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsAdvance heroine]]). Lamia here is a man, but that was because being a Somnium, he was a Shapeshifter whose default form just happened to be a man.
301	* GreaterScopeParagon: [[spoiler: Of Anime/GaoGaiGarFINAL.]]
302	* HairColorSpoiler: He shares the same tri-colored shock as Hinoki. Is it her brother? [[spoiler: No - Lamia only looks that way because he ate the Animus seed that sprouted from Mario. In the process, Lamia gained his memories, as well as some of his physical attributes.]]
303	* HealingFactor: [[spoiler:Ortus has unlimited regeneration rivalling Kankel's. As such, Kankel's TouchOfDeath doesn't work because he can regenerate faster than Kankel can degenerate his cells.]]
304	* HoldingBackThePhlebotinum: Despite how powerful his Forte form is, Lamia doesn't use it unless it's absolutely necessary. [[spoiler: This is due to the fact that seeds containing the Forte power can only be acquired from Algeron carriers. Additionally, it takes the combined power of multiple Forte seeds at once for Lamia to transform into [[SuperForm Ortus.]]]]
305	* HornAttack: "Psycho Glory" ends with Forte extending a bone saber into his foe's weak spot.
306	* LastOfHisKind: He's the only remaining Somnium at the end of the series, [[spoiler:after the others are destroyed by Kankel.]] [[spoiler:Subverted in the [[Literature/KingOfKingsGaogaigarVSBetterman sequel]], which revealed that there were still others.]]
307	* MysteriousProtector: To Hinoki [[spoiler: but his reasons may not be entirely altruistic.]]
308	* NecessarilyEvil: [[spoiler:His protecting Hinoki primarily because she can create a flower that can ensure his kind's continued existence and help defeat Kankel]] seems horrible on the surface, but [[spoiler:his kind are humanity's protectors and it's established mankind ''will'' perish if they go extinct. Kankel is also such a massive threat to ''everything'' that the GodzillaThreshold has been passed.]] It's made clear Lamia is ''only'' doing this because he absolutely ''has'' to, and he's a genuinely heroic guy who's trying to save everyone.
309	* NoHoldsBarredBeatdown: [[spoiler:After removing Kankel's HealingFactor, Lamia doesn't use a FinishingMove to instantly kill it, but rather brutally rips it apart with his bare hands.]]
310	* OminousFog: Nebula can also generate these with ultrasonic waves. Asami hypothesizes that this is as one reason why eyewitness accounts of Betterman is so rare.
311	* OnlyICanKillHim: [[spoiler:Ortus is the ''only'' thing that can kill Kankel, as the form's HealingFactor makes it one of the only things that can survive Kankel's TouchOfDeath, and its ability to rewrite enemy cells allows him to remove Kankel's own HealingFactor so it can be destroyed.]]
312	* PowerCrystal: Has one on his chest, which he uses to unleash "pectofolex" - light which can heal allies or hinder enemies.
313	* RazorWings: Aqua's fins can cut through flesh.
314	* SuperScream: Nebula's main attack "Psycho Voice", which is capable of targeting only specific enemies without damaging anything nearby.
315	* SuperSpit: Aqua's "Psycho Fluid", which destroys the cells of it's target, while making sure friendly units are unharmed.
316	* SwissArmyHero: If he needs to fight, he can take on several forms:
317	** ''Nebula'' is a JackOfAllStats, capable of flight and the common battle form.
318	** ''Aqua'' is faster than even Nebula (going over 1000 km. per hour) and is a destructive LightningBruiser. The only downside is that it can only be used in the ocean.
319	** ''Forte'' is a [[MightyGlacier giant hulk]] capable of finding a foe's weak point, and [[AttackItsWeakPoint striking at it to cause it to shatter into dust]].
320	** [[spoiler: ''Ortus'' is a SuperForm that requires multiple seeds of Forte. It lets him to use Psycho Birth, which revives and regenerates cells, and can rewrite enemies' cells to remove abilities, making it the only way to defeat Kankel for good.]]
321	%%* TheWorfEffect: Has this happen to him occasionally.
322	[[/folder]]
323
324	[[folder:Seeme]]
325	[[quoteright:295:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b17_2_4.png]]
326	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/TomokoKawakami (JP), M.J. [=McCann=] (EN), Mariana Gomez (Latin American Spanish)
327
328	Often accompanying Lamia, Seeme is a strange yellow bird-like creature. She serves as his confidant, while helping him keep on eye on Hinoki. [[spoiler: It's implied that, just as Lamia had eaten the seed of the Animus flower that sprouted from Mario, Seeme took the seed from the flower of Hinoki's mom.]]
329	----
330	* BigDamnHeroes: [[spoiler: Her first appearance as Lume, in which she saves our heroes and an incapacitated Lamia from Dr. Umezaki.]]
331	%%* TheConfidant
332	* {{EMP}}: [[spoiler: Lume's main attacks are electromagnetic waves.]]
333	* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler:In her Lume form, she jumps in front of Lamia to [[TakingTheBullet take a hit from Kankel,]] and is killed instantly.]]
334	* MetamorphosisMonster: Even more so than other Bettermen. [[spoiler:She transforms from a yellow birdlike creature into a glowing humanoid energy being.]]
335	* {{Sidekick}}: To Lamia. When things get bad for him, [[spoiler:Seeme can also transform into Betterman Lume.]]
336	* TheSmurfettePrinciple: The only female Betterman that appears in the series.
337	* VoluntaryShapeshifting: She occasionally takes the form of a yellow deer-like creature. [[spoiler:And then of course there's her Lume form...]]
338	[[/folder]]
339
340	[[folder:Bodaiju]]
341	[[quoteright:295:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b15_2.png]]
342	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/KazukiYao (JP)
343
344	An arrogant Somnium who confronts Lamia over his priorities and taboo actions. He appears as a dark skinned monk, and transforms into Betterman Turba.
345	----
346	%%* AmbiguouslyBrown
347	* BlowYouAway: Turba's main power involves wind-based attacks, such as RazorWind. He can also create "psycho calm" - an attack that compresses air to create a vacuum.
348	* FashionableAsymmetry: One sleeve of his monk's robe is shorter than the other.
349	* LetsYouAndHimFight: He decides to pick a fight with Lamia over breaking a Somnium taboo. They do get over it [[spoiler: only for Bodaiju to die shortly afterward]].
350	* PowerCrystal: Like Lamia, he has one in his chest. His is capable of countering "pectofolex".
351	* WarriorMonk: Or at least looks like one.
352	[[/folder]]
353
354	[[folder:Lord Pakila (Pachira)]]
355	[[quoteright:295:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b16_2.png]]
356	->'''Voiced by:''' Kazuhiro Nakata (JP)
357
358	Leader of the Somniums, appearing as an elderly man with long white robes. He has premonition capabilities.
359	----
360	%%* CoolOldGuy
361	* TheLeader: He is the current king of the Somniums.
362	* WeHardlyKnewYe: [[spoiler:He only appears on screen for around three episodes before Kankel kills him.]]
363	[[/folder]]
364
365	!!Antagonists
366
367	[[folder:Professor Umezaki]]
368	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b18_6.png]]
369	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/OsamuIchikawa (JP), Steve Olson (EN)
370
371	The head of BPL, a major research facility trying to find future food resources. However, it turns out he was conducting unethical experiments, and creating an army of biological horrors. [[spoiler:He dies in the confrontation with the Protagonists and Bettermen. Sadly, Umezaki was himself a victim of Algernon.]]
372	----
373	* AbusiveParents: The guy considers the D-Type Hunters his children, but puts them through live fire exercises to make them stronger.
374	* BigBad: He serves as the main antagonist for the first 14 episodes.
375	* BigCreepyCrawlies: His "Carrier Ants". While not as huge as a other examples (they're about the size of a table), but they're still larger than they should be. And his swarms could combine into something appearing like these.
376	* BodyHorror: The things he does to people...
377	* CrazyPrepared: The guy has several monsters to take down the heroes, and several backup plans in case those failed. He might have won [[spoiler: if Betterman Lume didn't show up.]]
378	* DiscOneFinalBoss: He's responsible for most of the monsters the heroes face for the first part of the series, but is defeated in episode 14.
379	* EvilFormerFriend: Was a good friend of Hinoki's parents. When he heard they disappeared, the Professor went to Ajanta to aid in the investigation efforts.
380	* EvilutionaryBiologist: Bonus points for actually being part of the Biotech field.
381	* LiteralSurveillanceBug: Designed an insect-camera cyborg, allowing him to survey the battle at BPL.
382	* MadnessMantra: Begins to utter repeatedly that he will save "7 billion!" people. [[spoiler: It's a hint that's he's infected with Algernon.]]
383	%%* MadScientist
384	* MadScientistLaboratory: The Biotechnology Provision Laboratory, a massive research facility (several huge domes, an airport, even an artificial lake). Since [=BPL=] has such vast resources and technology, Asami goes there to help in her investigations. She discovers more than she bargained for.
385	* MindControlDevice: Umezaki created his own {{Puppeteer Parasite}}s! [[spoiler: By shoving them into people's mouths, he took control of the human personnel of BPL.]]
386	* MindHive: Managed to set one up, using technology to control his minions from a central nexus.
387	* TheSwarm: Several of them - worms, wasps, beetles, large ants, and even mind controlling parasites!
388	* {{Telepathy}}: Gains access to the Limpid Channel, likely through some sort of biotech.
389	* UnwittingPawn: [[spoiler: Like Asami, Mamon, the Officer, and Hinoki's father, it's revealed that he was part of the scientific team involved in Yakusugi's ill-fated Dive Inspection - the one that released Kankel into the world. His involvement caused him to become a carrier of the Algernon virus.]]
390	* TheWormThatWalks: Professor Umezaki has his insect swarms form into three large monsters. As if their size wasn't enough, these monsters can break up into individual swarms and reform when need be.
391	[[/folder]]
392
393	[[folder:Mugito Mamon]]
394	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b19_0.png]]
395	->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/{{Mugihito}} (JP), Doug [=McKeag=] (EN)
396
397	The leader of the Superhuman Federation, a group of powerful psychics. Mamon himself has powerful Dowsing abilities. Using those powers, he hopes to bring about a perfect human. [[spoiler:Lamia defeats him during the climatic battle.]]
398	----
399	* AffablyEvil: For all the horrible things he does, he remains a very jolly fellow, and it doesn't appear to be an act.
400	%%* BaldOfEvil
401	%%* BeardOfEvil
402	* BigBad: After Umezaki is killed, Mamon takes over as the main antagonist.
403	* BodyHorror: [[spoiler:After losing the first Brahman summon to Pachira, Mamon‘s second attempt at summons fails when Kaede‘s unborn child instinctively protects the mother by disrupting the ritual. Even though the summons failed, Mamon (using himself as the conduit), gains the ability to turn himself into a Brahman creature. His appearance looks like an advance origami design, but the skin of the creature turns out to be similar to that of the urinary bladder.]]
404	* DiscOneFinalBoss: [[spoiler:After he's defeated, there's still Kankel to deal with.]]
405	* ElaborateUndergroundBase: The Superhuman Headquarters. While there is an above ground structure, the most of it is the "geofront" is subterranean. And it’s elaborate - with a spiral rail instead of an elevator to transport people, a brain scanner to only allow psychics to enter, and a number of traps along the way.
406	%%* EvilOldFolks
407	%%* EvilutionaryBiologist
408	* EyesAlwaysShut: Subverted, they DO open during some of his particularly creepy moments.
409	* OneWingedAngel: [[spoiler:He gains the ability to transform into Brahman.]]
410	* PerpetualSmiler: That grin never seems to leave his face.
411	* UnwittingPawn: [[spoiler:Like Asami, Umezaki, the Officer, and Hinoki's father, it's revealed that he was a carrier of the Algernon virus, due to being part of the scientific team involved in Yakusugi's ill-fated Dive Inspection - the one that released Kankel into the world.]]
412	[[/folder]]
413
414	[[folder:Kankel ('''UNMARKED SPOILERS''')]]
415
416	The main antagonist of the series which the Bettermen are ultimately trying to defeat.
417
418	----
419
420	* BigBad: Kankel is the true villain of the series and it coming into being is the reason everything is happening.
421	* CombatTentacles: It has no skeletal structure to speak of and can use its limbs as tentacles in combat.
422	* CurbstompBattle: Pretty much everyone it fights up until Ortus ends up easily defeated.
423	* FromASingleCell: Kankel has a nigh unlimited HealingFactor. Even Pakila pretty much imploding it into nothingness failed to kill it. Ortus only manages to kill it by disabling Kankel's regenerative abilities before ripping it apart.
424	* GoodThingYouCanHeal: It's a good thing for Kankel it has an absurd HealingFactor, as it doesn't seem very durable otherwise and often ends up taking a decent amount of otherwise fatal damage. It's just impossible to meaningfully damage, as it will just regenerate even by being imploded into nothingness. Once Ortus disables its regeneration, he has no real problem ripping it to pieces and killing it.
425	* KryptoniteFactor: The only thing other than Ortus capable of harming and driving away Kankel is Linker Gel, which it can't process and while it can't kill it, burns away at its body on contact and drive it away.
426	* OffWithHisHead: After stripping Kankel of its HealingFactor, Ortus finishes his beatdown by ripping Kankel's head off and killing it.
427	* TouchOfDeath: Kankel can degenerate the cells of anything it touches rapidly, reducing them to little more than a puddle of goo in seconds. Ortus is the only thing that can survive it, as his HealingFactor means he heals faster than Kankel can degenerate his cells.
428	* UnskilledButStrong: Kankel has borderline no fighting skills, but given it's nigh impossible to meaningfully damage and possesses a TouchOfDeath and plenty of raw power, it really doesn't ''need'' skill. When Ortus proves able to shrug off its cell generating touch, its fighting style relies mostly on brute force. Once Ortus strips it of its powers, he has no problem ripping it to pieces while its helpless to do anything about it.
429	* TheWorfEffect: It easily kills Bodaiju and Pakila, establishing how huge of a threat it is.
430
431	[[/folder]]

Context Characters / Betterman