TV Special
Description
Shūtarō Mendō, heir to the immensely wealthy Mendō conglomerate, commands vast resources as his family owns 51% of Japan and maintains the private Black Glasses Squad. Born April 1, he transferred to Tomobiki High School where his handsome looks, athletic prowess, and talents initially won him popularity among female students. Despite an aristocratic demeanor, Mendō possesses a lecherous disposition mirroring Ataru Moroboshi's, frequently declaring superficial "love" to multiple women while treating male classmates with disdain.
His primary obsession is Lum, whom he addresses politely as "Lum-san." Her unwavering devotion to Ataru positions Moroboshi as Mendō's greatest rival, fueling frequent conflicts where Mendō often draws his katana (named Murasame in the anime) to attack Ataru, though never successfully. This jealousy extends to others, like Ryūnosuke Fujinami, whose larger fan club and greater volume of love letters provoke his envy.
Mendō exhibits extreme narcissism alongside significant nyctophobia (fear of darkness) and claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces). Trapped in dark, cramped environments, he screams his characteristic phrase: "It's dark, it's cramped, I'm scared!" Yet these phobias vanish if a girl is present, his vanity compelling him to maintain composure. Ataru routinely exploits these fears by trapping him under a temple bell, though Mendō occasionally breaks free through sheer terror.
His family background includes a manipulative, sadistic younger sister, Ryōko Mendō, whom he protects regardless. The Mendō family crest features an octopus, and Shūtarō keeps several as pets, reacting with offense to anyone consuming takoyaki in his presence.
Romantically, Mendō's initial popularity with Shinobu Miyake faded as she recognized his self-absorption, leading her to pursue Inaba. He admires the school nurse, Sakura, but avoids overt advances due to her mystical abilities and temper. His interactions with Ryūnosuke remain polite yet complicated by his envy of her popularity.
Mendō's name, derived from the kanji for "trouble" and "shooter," reflects his role as a "trouble maker." Despite antagonism toward Ataru, their frequent interactions outside school suggest an unacknowledged camaraderie. Mendō's actions sometimes escalate to extremes, including kidnapping Lum during her insomnia or ordering Ataru's assassination, though these plans invariably fail due to his retainers' incompetence.
Across all media, his character remains consistent: a privileged yet flawed individual whose wealth and status mask deep insecurities and phobias, perpetuating his rivalry with Ataru and unrequited fixation on Lum.
His primary obsession is Lum, whom he addresses politely as "Lum-san." Her unwavering devotion to Ataru positions Moroboshi as Mendō's greatest rival, fueling frequent conflicts where Mendō often draws his katana (named Murasame in the anime) to attack Ataru, though never successfully. This jealousy extends to others, like Ryūnosuke Fujinami, whose larger fan club and greater volume of love letters provoke his envy.
Mendō exhibits extreme narcissism alongside significant nyctophobia (fear of darkness) and claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces). Trapped in dark, cramped environments, he screams his characteristic phrase: "It's dark, it's cramped, I'm scared!" Yet these phobias vanish if a girl is present, his vanity compelling him to maintain composure. Ataru routinely exploits these fears by trapping him under a temple bell, though Mendō occasionally breaks free through sheer terror.
His family background includes a manipulative, sadistic younger sister, Ryōko Mendō, whom he protects regardless. The Mendō family crest features an octopus, and Shūtarō keeps several as pets, reacting with offense to anyone consuming takoyaki in his presence.
Romantically, Mendō's initial popularity with Shinobu Miyake faded as she recognized his self-absorption, leading her to pursue Inaba. He admires the school nurse, Sakura, but avoids overt advances due to her mystical abilities and temper. His interactions with Ryūnosuke remain polite yet complicated by his envy of her popularity.
Mendō's name, derived from the kanji for "trouble" and "shooter," reflects his role as a "trouble maker." Despite antagonism toward Ataru, their frequent interactions outside school suggest an unacknowledged camaraderie. Mendō's actions sometimes escalate to extremes, including kidnapping Lum during her insomnia or ordering Ataru's assassination, though these plans invariably fail due to his retainers' incompetence.
Across all media, his character remains consistent: a privileged yet flawed individual whose wealth and status mask deep insecurities and phobias, perpetuating his rivalry with Ataru and unrequited fixation on Lum.