TV-Series
Description
Gatchan, whose full name is Gajira Norimaki, is a central character in the Dr. Slump series. This cherubic creature hatches from a mysterious egg that Senbei Norimaki inadvertently brings back to Penguin Village from a trip to the prehistoric past. Arale, delighted by the strange being, names it Gajira, a combination of the monster names Gamera and Gojira, and the nickname Gatchan is derived from this. The creature becomes an adopted member of the Norimaki household.
Physically, Gatchan resembles a small, winged cherub or baby with green hair and two antennae on its head. It possesses small wings that allow it to fly, and notably, it lacks any distinct gender characteristics. The manga and anime have referred to the character using both male and female pronouns at different times.
In terms of personality, Gatchan is very much like Arale in its interests and demeanor, being innocent, playful, and full of curiosity. It does not speak any human language, communicating instead through a unique gibberish that has been named Gatchanism, consisting of sounds like koo pee pee poo. Arale is the primary character who seems to understand this language perfectly, and the two share a deep, intuitive bond, with Gatchan often following Arale on her many adventures and playing with her constantly.
One of Gatchan's most defining traits is its incredible appetite. It possesses the ability to eat almost any kind of material, with a particular fondness for metal, which it can consume in vast quantities. The only known exception to its diet is rubber, which it cannot eat. This power is not limited to consumption; Gatchan can also fire powerful energy rays from its antennae, often used as a form of retaliation. Other abilities include high-speed flight, as demonstrated when it races across the solar system, and a unique form of asexual reproduction. By consuming enough material, Gatchan can eventually spin a cocoon around itself. After a period of time, it emerges having split into two identical twins, who are then referred to as Gatchan Number 1 and Gatchan Number 2.
The character's role in the story goes far beyond being a simple pet. It is eventually revealed that Gatchan is actually an angel sent to Earth by the god of the galaxy, known as Kami. The original purpose of this angel was to devour humanity's metal resources and stunt the development of civilization, ensuring the planet remained primitive and thereby preventing the self-destruction that had befallen other worlds. However, due to Senbei's time-travel intervention, Gatchan was removed from its intended timeline and mission. When Kami eventually arrives on Earth to assess Gatchan's failure and passes judgment on humanity, he is moved by the peaceful, joyful life in Penguin Village and the happiness Gatchan has found with its adopted family. As a result, Kami spares the planet, allowing Gatchan to continue living with the Norimakis.
Gatchan's key relationships are primarily within the Norimaki household, considering Senbei and Arale as its family. It shares a particularly strong connection with Arale, being the character who understands her the most and joining her in her games and fights. Over time, Gatchan also demonstrates a capacity for care and empathy, as seen when it helps Arale rescue and care for an injured dog, showing that its place in the world has shifted from a divine instrument to a loving member of a community. The character undergoes notable development from a mysterious hatching to a companion, and finally to the revelation of its divine origins, all while retaining its infantile, innocent nature. In the future, the Gatchan twins multiply again over time, continuing their unique existence and remaining a memorable part of the series' legacy.
Physically, Gatchan resembles a small, winged cherub or baby with green hair and two antennae on its head. It possesses small wings that allow it to fly, and notably, it lacks any distinct gender characteristics. The manga and anime have referred to the character using both male and female pronouns at different times.
In terms of personality, Gatchan is very much like Arale in its interests and demeanor, being innocent, playful, and full of curiosity. It does not speak any human language, communicating instead through a unique gibberish that has been named Gatchanism, consisting of sounds like koo pee pee poo. Arale is the primary character who seems to understand this language perfectly, and the two share a deep, intuitive bond, with Gatchan often following Arale on her many adventures and playing with her constantly.
One of Gatchan's most defining traits is its incredible appetite. It possesses the ability to eat almost any kind of material, with a particular fondness for metal, which it can consume in vast quantities. The only known exception to its diet is rubber, which it cannot eat. This power is not limited to consumption; Gatchan can also fire powerful energy rays from its antennae, often used as a form of retaliation. Other abilities include high-speed flight, as demonstrated when it races across the solar system, and a unique form of asexual reproduction. By consuming enough material, Gatchan can eventually spin a cocoon around itself. After a period of time, it emerges having split into two identical twins, who are then referred to as Gatchan Number 1 and Gatchan Number 2.
The character's role in the story goes far beyond being a simple pet. It is eventually revealed that Gatchan is actually an angel sent to Earth by the god of the galaxy, known as Kami. The original purpose of this angel was to devour humanity's metal resources and stunt the development of civilization, ensuring the planet remained primitive and thereby preventing the self-destruction that had befallen other worlds. However, due to Senbei's time-travel intervention, Gatchan was removed from its intended timeline and mission. When Kami eventually arrives on Earth to assess Gatchan's failure and passes judgment on humanity, he is moved by the peaceful, joyful life in Penguin Village and the happiness Gatchan has found with its adopted family. As a result, Kami spares the planet, allowing Gatchan to continue living with the Norimakis.
Gatchan's key relationships are primarily within the Norimaki household, considering Senbei and Arale as its family. It shares a particularly strong connection with Arale, being the character who understands her the most and joining her in her games and fights. Over time, Gatchan also demonstrates a capacity for care and empathy, as seen when it helps Arale rescue and care for an injured dog, showing that its place in the world has shifted from a divine instrument to a loving member of a community. The character undergoes notable development from a mysterious hatching to a companion, and finally to the revelation of its divine origins, all while retaining its infantile, innocent nature. In the future, the Gatchan twins multiply again over time, continuing their unique existence and remaining a memorable part of the series' legacy.