Skeleton-D, one of the most curious one-off characters
I think just about anyone who is familiar with the older Puyo Puyo games has seen this name pop up at some point, especially if the recurring character Skeleton-T is brought up. But for those who don’t…
In Madou Monogatari: Hanamaru Dai Youchienji, the cutesy Super Famicom game, there’s a peculiar one-off character that has a strong resemblance to the tea loving punching bag of Puyo Puyo.
So why am I wasting my time talking about this? Because I’ve felt like making informative, Madou posts lately, and it’s only fair to give a bit of love to this strange character.
This is a character that seems to be recognized more amongst English fans, and liked a little bit, but usually goes ignored by the Japanese ones. Heck, when I was looking up his Japanese name, there… wasn’t much information about him! There were a few things I did learn however.
Now, amongst English fans, dating back to 2003-2009, people have assumed that Skeleton-D was carrying a beer bottle, and was hyperactive alcoholic. They also seem to believe that he’s related to Skeleton-T, and is connected to Suketoudara Jr’s gang.
So… is this true? Well, yes, but also no.
According to Japanese websites, they say Skeleton-D is carrying an energy drink. Lipovitan D, to be precise.
Hmm… doesn’t really resemble the bottle in the sprite, but I guess it’s hard to get away with. Is this what the “D” in his name stands for?
More over, would Compile put in such a silly reference to a product back then? Well, Japan’s national rugby team seems to be sponsored by it, and there have been… sillier things in both the Puyo Puyo and Madou Monogatari games.
Skeleton-D chugs his drink, usually before attacking with “Jugem”, which is the strongest spell Arle Nadja can use. This could be seen as advertising for Lipovitan, by associating with a such a powerful spell…
But on the other hand, in the Madou Monogatari games, alcoholic beverages restore your magic, so Skeleton-D could be doing just that.
Now, does any in-game text suggest what Skeleton-D is drinking?
Nope, it doesn’t. Causing trouble and picking fights can be associated with alcoholism. Arle says he’s “ruining things for others around him, while he ignores her and tells her to be quiet, and that she’s in his way. All of which lean towards alcoholism
Buuuut from what I’ve been looking up…
14 seconds in, the man screams “FIGHT”, according to this website, this commercial and the catchphrase were a bit famous. Lipovitan D used to be affiliated with “macho” things back then, which fits with Skeleton-D’s brash personality, maybe.
But enough about the drinks, what of Skeleton-D’s relation to the tea-loving bonehead?
Most who play the game, and peek at some FAQs if they got lost, would immediately assume that Skeleton-D is connected to the other one, and buddies with Suketoudara Jr.
After all, along with Devil, the fish and his gang the closest thing to an antagonist. They spend the whole game causing trouble in various places, and Skeleton-D is no different, being found in the Ancient Village, stealing vegetables for the fun of it.
However, no mentions of him are made by Suketoudara Jr., nor does Skeleton-D mention the gang leader. He is not even seen in the gang, while Nasu Grave, Mini Zombie, and Skeleton-T are.
Soooo Skeleton-D might just be some loafer that wanted to steal, but got caught. His relation to Skeleton-T is never mentioned by anyone either.
Does this mean they aren’t related?
Well, no. People could interpret them as being brothers, distant cousins, or something else if they wanted. Fans depict Zombie and Mini Zombie as related, same with Seriri and Merrow. There’s no reason to not do the same for Skeleton-T and Skeleton-D, because Compile never said yes or no to that possibility.
The same applies to whether or not people prefer him drinking alcohol, Lipovitan D, or some random energy drink. All are supposed to be seen as a direct opposite to the relaxed tea-drinker.
Some people can see him as a drunk (the English fans are used to this depiction at this point) who uses alcohol to power strong magic. Or maybe they can see him as a “macho" skeleton. Just like the relation, Compile didn’t confirm what it was he’s drinking.
What do I like to believe?
A combination of all of these. I like to think Skeleton-D is drunk off his ass, thinks he’s strong and manly compared to the other skeleton. He’s obviously aggressive and doesn’t like to listen at times, but he’s the life of the party too.
He probably like, gets a blender, mixes some beer with Lipovitan D, Red Bull, and Dr. Pepper.
Skel-D: Tell her to quit pestering us, we don't enjoy her 'squish hugs', especially not me! [He pouts and looks to the floor, trying to hide his red tinted face]
