TV-Series
Description
Momotarō is a yellow-furred flying squirrel esper and member of P.A.N.D.R.A., consistently seen with its leader Kyōsuke Hyōbu. He originated from unethical WWII-era Japanese military experiments attempting to create animal-based esper soldiers, emerging as the sole survivor. Visible modifications from these procedures include a light bulb embedded in his back—concealed when hibernating—and a crosshead screw implanted in his forehead, serving as constant reminders of his traumatic past.
His personality varies: the anime depicts him as cheerful and playful, often teasing Hyōbu, while the manga shows him as more short-tempered. Consistent traits across both include a fondness for sunflower seeds, attraction to female squirrels reflecting his animal nature, and using telepathy to communicate with humans. Memories of the experiments can trigger uncontrollable rage, leading to indiscriminate attacks.
His experimental abilities include:
- **Aerokinesis**: Generating powerful combat air blasts, visualized as purple energy beams in the anime.
- **Telepathy**: Used for communication and emitting short-duration immobilizing thought-waves.
- **Limited Precognition**: Foreseeing events seconds ahead, demonstrated during pursuits of teleporters like Aoi Nogami by predicting their destinations.
Loyalty defines his relationships. He shares a profound bond with Hyōbu, rooted in shared wartime trauma and P.A.N.D.R.A.'s mission, and displays genuine fondness for Kaoru Akashi. Within P.A.N.D.R.A., he serves as both a combatant and Hyōbu's companion, participating in missions such as prison breaks and protective operations for figures like Princess Sophie.
Narratively, Momotarō embodies the consequences of militarized esper exploitation. His presence underscores themes of trauma and resilience, while his dual nature—balancing animal instincts with human-like consciousness—adds complexity to his role as both weapon and survivor. His interactions during missions subtly challenge boundaries between species and esper classifications.
His personality varies: the anime depicts him as cheerful and playful, often teasing Hyōbu, while the manga shows him as more short-tempered. Consistent traits across both include a fondness for sunflower seeds, attraction to female squirrels reflecting his animal nature, and using telepathy to communicate with humans. Memories of the experiments can trigger uncontrollable rage, leading to indiscriminate attacks.
His experimental abilities include:
- **Aerokinesis**: Generating powerful combat air blasts, visualized as purple energy beams in the anime.
- **Telepathy**: Used for communication and emitting short-duration immobilizing thought-waves.
- **Limited Precognition**: Foreseeing events seconds ahead, demonstrated during pursuits of teleporters like Aoi Nogami by predicting their destinations.
Loyalty defines his relationships. He shares a profound bond with Hyōbu, rooted in shared wartime trauma and P.A.N.D.R.A.'s mission, and displays genuine fondness for Kaoru Akashi. Within P.A.N.D.R.A., he serves as both a combatant and Hyōbu's companion, participating in missions such as prison breaks and protective operations for figures like Princess Sophie.
Narratively, Momotarō embodies the consequences of militarized esper exploitation. His presence underscores themes of trauma and resilience, while his dual nature—balancing animal instincts with human-like consciousness—adds complexity to his role as both weapon and survivor. His interactions during missions subtly challenge boundaries between species and esper classifications.