TV Special
Description
Ataru Moroboshi, a 17-year-old student in Tomobiki High School's Class 2-4, suffers extreme bad luck originating from his birth on Friday the 13th during a major earthquake on Butsumetsu, the Buddhist calendar's unluckiest day. This perpetual misfortune attracts supernatural phenomena and chaotic events, impacting those near him and cementing his reputation as Tomobiki's bane. His life alters dramatically when randomly chosen to represent Earth in a game of tag against Lum, an Oni princess, with the planet's fate hanging in the balance. Driven by his girlfriend Shinobu Miyake's promise of marriage if he wins, Ataru secures victory by stealing Lum's bikini top. His triumphant shout—"Now I can get married!"—is misconstrued by Lum as a proposal, prompting her to move into his home as his self-declared wife.
Ataru exhibits a lecherous and perverted personality, relentlessly pursuing romantic encounters with women of any species or circumstance. He routinely solicits phone numbers and addresses upon meeting new women, though his advances face near-universal rejection and often trigger physical retaliation. Despite constant failure and Lum's electric shocks—which he gradually builds tolerance to through repeated exposure—he displays remarkable tenacity. His behavior includes academic laziness and evading responsibilities, yet he demonstrates unexpected intelligence, particularly in devising escapes from Lum or manipulating situations involving rivals like Shūtarō Mendō. He occasionally reveals a chivalrous or compassionate side, such as caring for a disliked class caterpillar or accompanying the ghost of a sick girl on a date.
His relationship with Lum remains contentious; he initially views her as a nuisance hindering his womanizing and denies romantic attachment. However, he gradually develops genuine care, evidenced by protective actions—like using cursed boxing gloves to punch himself instead of her when compelled to strike anyone nearby. Facing Lum's potential departure or danger triggers profound distress, manifesting as depression and determined efforts to safeguard their future. In the series finale, he indirectly affirms his commitment by refusing to let Earth forget her, avoiding an open declaration of love.
Physically, Ataru is depicted as skinny with dark brown hair and eyes, often seen in his school uniform or casual, sometimes disheveled attire. His skinny frame belies cartoony superhuman abilities, including exceptional speed, endurance, and regenerative capabilities. These enable feats like outrunning jets or catching katana blades barehanded—a skill honed to counter Mendō's attacks. He also displays situational prowess, exploiting opponents' weaknesses or navigating complex traps through unconventional methods.
In "The Obstacle Course Swim Meet" OVA, Ataru participates in a chaotic school competition promising exemption from summer homework. He forgets a promise to date Lum during the event, instead flirting with other girls, leading to his typical electrocution. His actions escalate the chaos, including the accidental release of freezing wind chimes that encase the school in ice.
Ataru's family relationships are strained; his mother often voices regret over having him, though she fulfills her maternal duties. His interactions with classmates range from rivalry (Mendō) to tolerance (Lum's friends). He maintains a complicated dynamic with Shinobu, transitioning from childhood friends and lovers to estrangement due to his behavior and Lum's presence, though she later moves on romantically.
Ataru exhibits a lecherous and perverted personality, relentlessly pursuing romantic encounters with women of any species or circumstance. He routinely solicits phone numbers and addresses upon meeting new women, though his advances face near-universal rejection and often trigger physical retaliation. Despite constant failure and Lum's electric shocks—which he gradually builds tolerance to through repeated exposure—he displays remarkable tenacity. His behavior includes academic laziness and evading responsibilities, yet he demonstrates unexpected intelligence, particularly in devising escapes from Lum or manipulating situations involving rivals like Shūtarō Mendō. He occasionally reveals a chivalrous or compassionate side, such as caring for a disliked class caterpillar or accompanying the ghost of a sick girl on a date.
His relationship with Lum remains contentious; he initially views her as a nuisance hindering his womanizing and denies romantic attachment. However, he gradually develops genuine care, evidenced by protective actions—like using cursed boxing gloves to punch himself instead of her when compelled to strike anyone nearby. Facing Lum's potential departure or danger triggers profound distress, manifesting as depression and determined efforts to safeguard their future. In the series finale, he indirectly affirms his commitment by refusing to let Earth forget her, avoiding an open declaration of love.
Physically, Ataru is depicted as skinny with dark brown hair and eyes, often seen in his school uniform or casual, sometimes disheveled attire. His skinny frame belies cartoony superhuman abilities, including exceptional speed, endurance, and regenerative capabilities. These enable feats like outrunning jets or catching katana blades barehanded—a skill honed to counter Mendō's attacks. He also displays situational prowess, exploiting opponents' weaknesses or navigating complex traps through unconventional methods.
In "The Obstacle Course Swim Meet" OVA, Ataru participates in a chaotic school competition promising exemption from summer homework. He forgets a promise to date Lum during the event, instead flirting with other girls, leading to his typical electrocution. His actions escalate the chaos, including the accidental release of freezing wind chimes that encase the school in ice.
Ataru's family relationships are strained; his mother often voices regret over having him, though she fulfills her maternal duties. His interactions with classmates range from rivalry (Mendō) to tolerance (Lum's friends). He maintains a complicated dynamic with Shinobu, transitioning from childhood friends and lovers to estrangement due to his behavior and Lum's presence, though she later moves on romantically.