TV-Series
Description
Parco Folgore is a major supporting character in the anime Zatch Bell. He is a world-famous singer and film actor from Milan, Italy, known for his flashy stage presence, long spiky blond hair, cleft chin, and attention-grabbing outfits. He styles himself as a peerless handsome man and the hero of Italy, and he is constantly surrounded by adoring female fans wherever he travels. Beneath his theatrical and self-centered exterior, he is genuinely warm-hearted, generous with his time, and devoted to making other people happy.
Folgore's background explains much of his personality. In his youth he was a violent delinquent who wanted to become strong like a lion, but he lost his way and fought anyone in his path, which led his parents to drive him out of the family home. After leaving, he saw a television image of a powerful hippopotamus calmly allowing a small bird to perch on its tooth. That image inspired him to give up violence and seek acceptance by entertaining and comforting others, so he pursued a career in show business and rose to international stardom. Even after his success, his parents continued to refuse to see him, and the memory of losing important bonds through violence stayed with him. He met his partner, the mamodo Kanchomé, on a rainy day in an Italian alley, and the two recognized a noble spirit in each other; Kanchomé grew to see Folgore as his hero and role model.
Folgore's motivations center on being someone people can rely on and smile with rather than fear. He wants to live up to the heroic image he projects, and he takes genuine pleasure in lifting others' spirits. Despite his constant flirting and comic behavior, he has a clear sense of judgment and knows when a situation requires seriousness. He regularly visits hospitals to sing for sick children, and in battle he is willing to put his own body on the line to protect Kanchomé and his allies.
In the story, Folgore initially arrives in Japan with Kanchomé intending to defeat Zatch and Kiyo, but they lose their early encounter. The two groups later meet again in England, where Kiyo discovers Folgore performing for sick children in a hospital, and from that point the group becomes friends. Folgore then acts as part of the allied team, taking part in many major battles. A recurring gag is that he is frequently the one struck down by enemy attacks while Kanchomé escapes harm, only to rise again thanks to his exceptional toughness and his self-proclaimed invincible spirit.
His most important relationship is with Kanchomé. The two form an inseparable duo, and although Folgore often chases after female fans or behaves foolishly, he cares deeply for his partner and is willing to fight and even sacrifice his own safety for him. He also forms strong bonds with Zatch, Kiyo, Megumi, Tia, and the other allies, and he respects Kiyo even though Kiyo disapproves of his womanizing ways. Folgore affectionately calls his female fans his bambinas.
Over the course of the series, Folgore develops beyond his comic role. When Kiyo is incapacitated, Folgore shows he is ready to carry on the fight to protect those who matter to him. When Kanchomé gains powerful new spells, Folgore learns to use them effectively in serious battles, and he demonstrates considerable bravery in the face of overwhelming enemies. He also shows deep emotional vulnerability, grieving openly when Kanchomé sacrifices his spellbook to protect him from the villain Clear, and apologizing for not having the chance to say goodbye. In later story material, he remains a beloved star and is finally reunited with Kanchomé.
As a human partner, Folgore's main role in combat is reading Kanchomé's yellow spellbook and reciting his transformation spells. These include Poruku, which changes Kanchomé into any object or creature Folgore chooses; Koporuku, which shrinks him; Dika Poruk, which creates a giant controlled illusion; Miriaru Poruk, which makes an opponent believe Kanchomé used their own attack; and the ultimate spell Shin Poruk, which transforms Kanchomé into anything he can imagine and creates an imaginary world capable of affecting an opponent's mind. Folgore himself is also extraordinarily durable and strong, enduring attacks that would badly injure ordinary people, and he can be revived when Kanchomé sings his hit song Muteki Folgore. His other well-known song is Chichi wo Moge, adapted in English as Hey Hey Let's Dance All Day, and in his films he regularly plays the invincible super spy 00F.
Folgore's background explains much of his personality. In his youth he was a violent delinquent who wanted to become strong like a lion, but he lost his way and fought anyone in his path, which led his parents to drive him out of the family home. After leaving, he saw a television image of a powerful hippopotamus calmly allowing a small bird to perch on its tooth. That image inspired him to give up violence and seek acceptance by entertaining and comforting others, so he pursued a career in show business and rose to international stardom. Even after his success, his parents continued to refuse to see him, and the memory of losing important bonds through violence stayed with him. He met his partner, the mamodo Kanchomé, on a rainy day in an Italian alley, and the two recognized a noble spirit in each other; Kanchomé grew to see Folgore as his hero and role model.
Folgore's motivations center on being someone people can rely on and smile with rather than fear. He wants to live up to the heroic image he projects, and he takes genuine pleasure in lifting others' spirits. Despite his constant flirting and comic behavior, he has a clear sense of judgment and knows when a situation requires seriousness. He regularly visits hospitals to sing for sick children, and in battle he is willing to put his own body on the line to protect Kanchomé and his allies.
In the story, Folgore initially arrives in Japan with Kanchomé intending to defeat Zatch and Kiyo, but they lose their early encounter. The two groups later meet again in England, where Kiyo discovers Folgore performing for sick children in a hospital, and from that point the group becomes friends. Folgore then acts as part of the allied team, taking part in many major battles. A recurring gag is that he is frequently the one struck down by enemy attacks while Kanchomé escapes harm, only to rise again thanks to his exceptional toughness and his self-proclaimed invincible spirit.
His most important relationship is with Kanchomé. The two form an inseparable duo, and although Folgore often chases after female fans or behaves foolishly, he cares deeply for his partner and is willing to fight and even sacrifice his own safety for him. He also forms strong bonds with Zatch, Kiyo, Megumi, Tia, and the other allies, and he respects Kiyo even though Kiyo disapproves of his womanizing ways. Folgore affectionately calls his female fans his bambinas.
Over the course of the series, Folgore develops beyond his comic role. When Kiyo is incapacitated, Folgore shows he is ready to carry on the fight to protect those who matter to him. When Kanchomé gains powerful new spells, Folgore learns to use them effectively in serious battles, and he demonstrates considerable bravery in the face of overwhelming enemies. He also shows deep emotional vulnerability, grieving openly when Kanchomé sacrifices his spellbook to protect him from the villain Clear, and apologizing for not having the chance to say goodbye. In later story material, he remains a beloved star and is finally reunited with Kanchomé.
As a human partner, Folgore's main role in combat is reading Kanchomé's yellow spellbook and reciting his transformation spells. These include Poruku, which changes Kanchomé into any object or creature Folgore chooses; Koporuku, which shrinks him; Dika Poruk, which creates a giant controlled illusion; Miriaru Poruk, which makes an opponent believe Kanchomé used their own attack; and the ultimate spell Shin Poruk, which transforms Kanchomé into anything he can imagine and creates an imaginary world capable of affecting an opponent's mind. Folgore himself is also extraordinarily durable and strong, enduring attacks that would badly injure ordinary people, and he can be revived when Kanchomé sings his hit song Muteki Folgore. His other well-known song is Chichi wo Moge, adapted in English as Hey Hey Let's Dance All Day, and in his films he regularly plays the invincible super spy 00F.