TV-Series
Description
Rei is an Oni alien from planet Uru, initially presented as Lum's former fiancé. His engagement with Lum ended before the series began, crumbling due to his extreme gluttony, arrogance, and tendency to morph into an unsightly Ushitora—a creature blending tiger and bull traits—when excited, especially by food. This repulsive transformation drove Lum to break their bond.
He arrives on Earth determined to reclaim Lum, fiercely jealous of her new love, Ataru Moroboshi. Rei first prominently challenges Ataru to a potato-eating contest after Lum falsely claims pregnancy with Ataru's child; Rei suffers his only known eating defeat. His clumsy pursuit involves failed proposal attempts using a Japanese translation guide. Rei's Japanese is severely limited, usually uttering only one to five words, though the 2022 adaptation shows slightly better fluency in specific contexts, like reading prepared speeches.
Gradually, Rei's fixation on Lum fades. He begins a relationship with Ran, another Oni harboring long-standing feelings for him. This shift stems primarily from Ran's constant food provision, with Rei's attachment seeming more driven by sustenance than romance. His dynamic with Ran contrasts his earlier pursuits, as he increasingly lingers in his less appealing Ushitora form.
Rei's core ability is his Ushitora transformation, triggered by strong emotions like excitement or anger, or simply by food. This form grants significant size and strength, though it typically appears comical rather than menacing after his debut. One early anime-exclusive episode features his Ushitora form growing gigantic enough to tower over buildings, an ability not seen again.
His character development remains minimal. While transitioning from Lum's rejected suitor to Ran's partner, the change feels pragmatic, reflecting his single-minded focus on food. Brief interactions occur with others, like Kurama, who initially pursues him but recoils upon seeing his Ushitora form. Later stories often place Rei in comedic situations emphasizing his gluttony or dim-witted nature, without significant personal growth or altered motivations.
Rei appears across multiple manga chapters (6-8, 19, 88, 150-151, 162, 171, 190, 207-208, 246, 266-267, 287, 312, 325, 329-366) and corresponding anime adaptations, including the original 1981 series, its films, OVAs, and the 2022 reboot, consistently maintaining his core traits.
Relationships define much of Rei's story. His history with Lum and Ran originates on Uru, where both women once loved him. Ran's enduring affection leads her to tolerate his flaws, while he remains largely indifferent to her feelings beyond the meals she provides. Rei's interactions with Ataru evolve from hostile jealousy towards a more neutral coexistence, especially after Rei shifts his focus to Ran.
He arrives on Earth determined to reclaim Lum, fiercely jealous of her new love, Ataru Moroboshi. Rei first prominently challenges Ataru to a potato-eating contest after Lum falsely claims pregnancy with Ataru's child; Rei suffers his only known eating defeat. His clumsy pursuit involves failed proposal attempts using a Japanese translation guide. Rei's Japanese is severely limited, usually uttering only one to five words, though the 2022 adaptation shows slightly better fluency in specific contexts, like reading prepared speeches.
Gradually, Rei's fixation on Lum fades. He begins a relationship with Ran, another Oni harboring long-standing feelings for him. This shift stems primarily from Ran's constant food provision, with Rei's attachment seeming more driven by sustenance than romance. His dynamic with Ran contrasts his earlier pursuits, as he increasingly lingers in his less appealing Ushitora form.
Rei's core ability is his Ushitora transformation, triggered by strong emotions like excitement or anger, or simply by food. This form grants significant size and strength, though it typically appears comical rather than menacing after his debut. One early anime-exclusive episode features his Ushitora form growing gigantic enough to tower over buildings, an ability not seen again.
His character development remains minimal. While transitioning from Lum's rejected suitor to Ran's partner, the change feels pragmatic, reflecting his single-minded focus on food. Brief interactions occur with others, like Kurama, who initially pursues him but recoils upon seeing his Ushitora form. Later stories often place Rei in comedic situations emphasizing his gluttony or dim-witted nature, without significant personal growth or altered motivations.
Rei appears across multiple manga chapters (6-8, 19, 88, 150-151, 162, 171, 190, 207-208, 246, 266-267, 287, 312, 325, 329-366) and corresponding anime adaptations, including the original 1981 series, its films, OVAs, and the 2022 reboot, consistently maintaining his core traits.
Relationships define much of Rei's story. His history with Lum and Ran originates on Uru, where both women once loved him. Ran's enduring affection leads her to tolerate his flaws, while he remains largely indifferent to her feelings beyond the meals she provides. Rei's interactions with Ataru evolve from hostile jealousy towards a more neutral coexistence, especially after Rei shifts his focus to Ran.