The BEST episodes of Zatch Bell! season 1
Every episode of Zatch Bell! season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Zatch Bell! season 1!
Kiyo Takamine meets a momoto (demons from another world) boy zatch bell and set out to compete in the momoto games held every 1000 years to become their king.
#1 - Apollo, the Free Traveler Part 2
Season 1 - Episode 25 - Aired 9/28/2003
Apollo allows Kiyo to retrieve his book and warns Kiyo he will not hesitate to burn his book. Kiyo attempts to use "Bao Zakeruga" but nothing occurs once again. Kiyo begins to lose hope but Zatch's word return Kiyo's confidence. When Rops is hit by "Zaker", Zatch asks him what kind of king he will be and Rops shows his scarf to Apollo in reply. Apollo reminisces the origin of the scarf and the time his first meeting with Rops; a country has closed itself off from the outside and Apollo who is travelling the world is unable to leave. Apollo meets some kids who are taking care of Rops and asks them for directions out of the country. Apollo led by kids of the village lead him to the country's boarder but a gate blocks the exit. Rops' book glows and the kids give Apollo the book. When Apollo reads a spell, Rops is able to bring Apollo over the gate. The kids decide to give Apollo Rops and gives him a scarf. Apollo realizes that Rops wishes to be a king of freedom and uses his strongest spell against Kiyo. Kiyo counters with "Bao Zakeruga" and they both become immovable due to exhaustion. That evening, Apollo continues his travels around the world.
#2 - Gash vs. Bari
Season 1 - Episode 45 - Aired 2/22/2004
Kiyo and Zatch are overpowered by Bari's spells. Kiyo and Zatch resort to their strongest spell "Bao Zakeruga" but Bari is able to block it. Kiyo is unable to move or use spells after using "Bao Zakeruga" thus forcing Zatch to fight Bari hand to hand. Bari hesitates when he sees Zatch's eyes causing Bari to be knocked down. Zatch moves Kiyo to a safe place and continues his battle. Kiyo attempts to help Zatch by running a Loader into the factory to collapse the ceiling onto them. Bari goes after Kiyo to burn Zatch's book. As he looks into Zatch's eyes again, he stops and asks why. Gustav asks Zatch what kind of king he wants to be to which he replies a kind king. Bari finds the idea ridiculous and challenges Zatch whether a kind king or a powerful king will be fit for the throne. He leaves sparing Zatch's book.
#3 - The Dancing Mamodo
Season 1 - Episode 22 - Aired 9/7/2003
While practising the fourth spell, Zatch and Kiyo meet a girl named Djem and her Mamodo partner Yopopo. Djem explains that Yopopo's dance is able to attract Mamodos and that Yopopo is trying to call the Mamodo Kikuropu and his book owner as they attacked Djem's family. After she finished explaining, Yopopo is missing and Djem realizes that Yopopo found Kikuropu. Yopopo tries to combat Kikuropu without spells but is defeated. He is saved by Kiyo and Zatch and they team up to combat Kikuropu. Zatch's "Zaker" proves ineffective and Kiyo tries the use the fourth spell "Bao Zakeruga" but nothing occurs. Yopopo's book is burnt in the midst of the battle and filled with emotions, Kiyo is able to use "Bao Zakeruga" which summons a giant electrical dragon and defeats Kikuropu. Djem tells Yopopo she loves him and cries as he disappears.
#4 - Apollo, the Free Traveler
Season 1 - Episode 24 - Aired 9/21/2003
After Zatch and Ponygon damage the gate in front of Kiyo's home, Kiyo goes to the store to buy supplies to fix it. While there, Suzy is almost hit by a car but is saved by a stranger and his Mamodo. Kiyo follows him and realizing that he's a good person, decides to avoid a battle. The stranger reveals that he knows Kiyo is a book owner. They talk and Kiyo learns that Apollo and his Mamodo is Rops have been avoiding battles whenever possible. Apollo becomes interested in Kiyo's story and challenges Kiyo to a battle. Apollo tells Kiyo to meet him in two hours with his Mamodo. Zatch when unable to fix the broken gate himself, runs away and wonders whether he should return to the Mamodo world as he is just a nuisance to Kiyo. Zatch meets Lori who reminds him of his goal to become a kind king. Kiyo finds Zatch and they begin their battle with Apollo. Apollo gains the upper hand when he knocks Kiyo's book out of his hands and threatens to burn it.
#5 - The Flowers of Evil
Season 1 - Episode 20 - Aired 8/24/2003
Steng demands Kiyo to surrender his book for Folgore and Kanchome's lives. Once he has the book, he reveals he has no intention of keeping that promise. Kory suddenly appears and steals Kiyo's book from Steng and while dodging Baltro's attacks, returns Kiyo's book. Folgore and Kanchome meanwhile manage to free themselves allowing Kiyo and Zatch to defeat Steng and Baltro. Kiyo questions Steng why his father was kidnapped, to which Steng replies he was paid to do so. The castle begins to collapse as Steng and Baltro make their escape. Kiyo, Zatch, and Kory manage to rescue everyone in the castle including Kiyo's father. Steng and Baltro while running away from the castle, meets the Mamodo who hired Steng. The Mamodo fires blue lightning and Baltro's book is burnt.
#6 - Gash and Tia: A Fierce Combination
Season 1 - Episode 30 - Aired 11/2/2003
Zatch is still paralysed by Purio's poison gas attack. With Tia managing to hold off the attacks, Kiyo gets an idea. Using Purio's slime as glue, Kiyo attaches Zatch to Tia's back allowing Zatch to move and attack. They manage to defeat and burn Zoboron's book. Purio who gains a new spell, uses it to create a smokescreen and escapes. Kiyo, Zatch, Megumi, and Tia spend the rest return to the amusement park. Kiyo asks Tia what Zatch was like in the Mamodo world and Tia replies that she does not know Zatch's family. Later, Megumi takes Kiyo with her to leave Tia and Zatch alone to allow Tia to give Zatch a bentō she made for him. They continue to spend the rest of the day at the park.
#7 - Battle in Hong Kong
Season 1 - Episode 37 - Aired 12/21/2003
Li-en asks her father to return Wonrei to her but he refuses and sends her to Japan. On the way to the movies, Zatch and Kiyo's book is stolen by Li-en. She then returns their book and tells Kiyo that her father is a mafia boss and that he captured her Mamodo Wonrei. She asks Kiyo to help her free Wonrei. They travel to Hong Kong to an island where Li-en's father's mafia keep their treasure and weapons. After defeating some men on the way, they take an elevator to the top of the island where Wonrei is imprisoned. At the top of the island however is the Mamodo Zabas and his partner Galliont are awaiting for the elevator's arrival.
#8 - Tia and Megumi's Excellent Adventure
Season 1 - Episode 28 - Aired 10/19/2003
Kiyo, Zatch, Megumi, and Tia made an appointment at go to an amusement park. On the way there, Megumi and Tio enter a clothes shop and meet a person named Maryl Caruno who asks Megumi if they can trade clothes for a while. Megumi agrees and after the trade, Maryl leaves with Megumi's wallet and book. Megumi chases her but is stopped by a butler who reveals Maryl recently became queen and that assassins are after her. They search for her but Megumi is captured by the assassins who mistook her for the queen. Tia finds Maryl and tells her what has happened to Megumi. Maryl decides to risk her life to save Megumi, but is saved by Tia. The assassins were then captured and Maryl thanks Tia for her help.
#9 - Battle in Hong Kong Part 2
Season 1 - Episode 38 - Aired 12/28/2003
After exiting the elevator, they meet Zabas who reveals his intention to kill Wonrei while he is in his cell. Kiyo and Zatch decide to distract Zabas while Li-en tries to free Wonrei. Wonrei reveals no intention of escaping fearing that Li-en would be hurt in the Mamodo battle. When Zabas is about to attack Li-en, Wonrei escapes from his cell and defeats Zabas. Zatch asks Wonrei what kind of king he would be and he replies a king which protects all. Li-en and Wonrei leave but Zabas stands up ready to battle. Kiyo and Zatch defeat Zabas with the fifth spell, "Zakeruga", a more powerful and concentrated version of "Zaker". Li-en and Wonrei run into her father. He allows their relationship once seeing Wonrei's determination to protect Li-en and gives them a boat to leave the island.
#10 - Invincible Kanchome
Season 1 - Episode 41 - Aired 1/25/2004
After being severely injured by Bago, Folgore and Kanchome retreat. Rushka arrives to try Kanchome and her sheep but is kicked by Fredo. Kanchome seeing Rushka regains the will to fight. At that moment, the book glows and Folgore is able to read the third spell, "Dika Poruk". The third spell causes Kanchome to seemingly become an invincible giant but in reality, a hologram of Kanchome is actually being projected. While Bago and Fredo are distracted, Folgore runs through fire to reach Fredo. Folgore is able to grab and burn Fredo's book. After Kanchome says goodbye to Rushka and everyone at the circus, he and Folgore end up at a harbor. Kanchome seeing candy aboard a boat, boards it. At that moment, the boat heads towards the South Pole with Kanchome on it.
#11 - A Day With Gash
Season 1 - Episode 26 - Aired 10/5/2003
Zatch is out playing when Naomi chases him down and steals his lunch. Zatch distraught over the loss is comforted by a giant old woman. The woman reveals her name to be Nana Boba and proceeds to tell Zatch she is searching for the Hiromi, the soon to be wife of her son. Zatch volunteers to help her and suggests searching her son's house. There, Zatch catches Hiromi's scent and tracks her down. Zatch asks Nana what if Hiromi was someone who wore cheap jewelry and a short skirt, she would beat her up. Zatch spots Hiromi and tells Nana. He then notices the jewelry and short skirt, tries to hold Nana back. When Hiromi enters a bus, Nana runs after it and Zatch tries to stop her. Zatch soon crashes into the bus when it suddenly stops and loses consciousness. When awaken, Zatch sees Nana give Hiromi her old wedding ring and wishes her well. Zatch realizes that Nana was joking about her threat and that she knew her son would choose a good wife.
#12 - Coldhearted Foes
Season 1 - Episode 42 - Aired 2/1/2004
Zatch has a fever but decides to accompany Kiyo to school anyways. Kiyo and Zatch get into an argument and Zatch collapses from the fever. After placing Zatch in the care of the school nurse, Kiyo finds Apollo at school. Apollo tells Kiyo that after Rops' book was burned, he became the president of his father's company. He then reveals that the Mamodo who burnt his was someone that resembles Zatch. He reveals that in Holland, the Zatch look-alike ad his partner Dufort mercilessly defeated them in battle. Apollo reveals that the Zatch look-alike's name is Zeno. Kiyo promises that he will defeat them for what they done to Rops. Zatch wakes up from a nightmare about Zeno and visits Kiyo who tells Zatch to become a kind king.
#13 - Go For It, Umagon!
Season 1 - Episode 23 - Aired 9/14/2003
Kiyo's father shows Kiyo a stone tablet that features a Mamodo creature with demonic writings at the bottom and tells Kiyo to phone him if he finds out what the stone tablet is. Kiyo and Zatch return to Japan and while retrieving his baggage, Zatch finds his horse friend. The horse takes an instant dislike to Kiyo but accompanies them home. Kiyo realizes that the horse is a Mamodo when he finds its book. Angered by the Mamodo's attitude towards him, Kiyo kicks it out of his home. He is then pressured by his friends to find the horse. Kiyo finds the horse trying to find a book owner and Tio explains how lonely it was without a book owner during the Mamodo battles. Kiyo then decides to let the horse stay with him until he can find his book owner. Kiyo then names the horse Mamodo Ponygon.
#14 - The Final Mirror Battle
Season 1 - Episode 35 - Aired 12/7/2003
Kiyo and Zatch continue their battle with Grisor. During the battle, Hakase explains the true origins of the mirror; the mirror was stolen by Grisor for the Mamodo battles but during his travel to the human world, it broke into three pieces and scattered across the world. An attack from Grisor knocks Zatch unconscious. As he prepares to knock Kiyo and Zatch into the magma, Shion knocks the mirror out of Hakase's hands cracking it. Zatch regains consciousness and uses "Bao Zakeruga" to defeat Grisor and the mirror is destroyed in the process. The next day, Shion decides to move in order to become a stronger person without being completely dependent on a person for help.
#15 - Danny Boy
Season 1 - Episode 27 - Aired 10/12/2003
A Shemira sculpture is coming to the museum and to describe art to Zatch, Kiyo tells him to imagine a delicious yellow-tail. Meanwhile, A Mamodo named Danny and his book owner Mr. Goldo are delivering the sculpture. Danny meets Zatch while buying fish and fights him thinking Zatch is after his book. Danny stops when Zatch tells him he is at the museum to see the Shemira sculpture. Danny decides show Zatch the sculpture and returns to Mr. Goldo only to find out the sculpture has been stolen by a gang. Zatch follows them through their scent and leads them to a ship. Zatch then gives Ponygon a memo to give to Kiyo. Zatch, Danny, and Mr. Goldo infiltrate the ship. Mr. Goldo is held hostage by the gang but Kiyo arrives and saves him with Zatch's "Zaker". Once the gang has been apprehended the gang leader attempts to use a truck to escape. He crashes and the cargo falls into the car containing Danny's book and the Shemira sculpture. Danny manages to hold up the cargo and asks Zatch to destroy it. Zatch does so and the sculpture is saved but Danny's book is burnt. Before disappearing, Mr. Goldo heals Danny with the spell book and congratulates Danny on a job well done.
#16 - The Invincible Folgore
Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 6/15/2003
A Mamodo impersonates Kiyo after nailing him to the ceiling and attempts to get information out of Zatch for his book. After fooling Zatch and Suzy into believing he is Kiyo, Kiyo crashes down from the ceiling and the Mamodo reveals his true form. He reveals his name is Kanchome and his partner Parco Folgore came from Italy to defeat Zatch. Two hours later Folgore returns to combat Kiyo and Zatch. Using Poruk, Kanchome transforms into a cannon but it is revealed that his appearance changes but he is still incredibly weak. Kanchome unwilling to lose to Zatch manages to gain a new spell, "Koporuk" which causes him to shrink. Kiyo annoyed, sets up a trap with a frying pan and chocolate and using "Jikerdor" traps Kanchome to the pan. Kiyo decides to let Folgore and Kanchome leave with their book intact.
#17 - The Invulnerable Robnos
Season 1 - Episode 16 - Aired 7/27/2003
Kiyo comes home and finds a notice demanding Kiyo and Zatch to go to a warehouse for Suzy's life. Kiyo arrives and meets the enemy Mamodo, Robnos, and his book keeper. A battle ensues and Kiyo is at a disadvantage. During the course of the battle, Kiyo is about unravel Robnos' attacks; He realizes that Robnos' laser attacks are able to reflect off the walls and that there were actually two Robnos firing lasers. Using "Jikerdor" Kiyo pins one of the Robnos down. The two Robnos then fuses into one making "Zaker" infective against him. Kiyo manages to stab a pole into Robnos's head and with "Zaker" aimed at the pole, overloads the charger in Robnos' head. The pair defeated reveal that they never had Suzy and that a Mamodo that looks like Zatch was spotted in England.
#18 - The Joining of the Three
Season 1 - Episode 33 - Aired 11/23/2003
Kiyo and Zatch accompany Shion to meet a mamodo named Grisor. Grisor reveals that the demonic mirror has the ability to free a person from the Mamodo battles. He explains that the mirrors must be gathered in a mystical ruin nearby. Grisor meanwhile is revealed to be in contact with his book owner Dr. Hakase. Dr. Hakase reminisces about the first time he met Grisor; Hakase was recently kicked out of an institute and Grisor offers to give him power to get revenge on the institute. Grisor leads Kiyo, Zatch, and Shion to the ruins where the three pieces are then combined into one. At that moment, Grisor makes his escape with the mirror.
#19 - Big Brother Kanchome
Season 1 - Episode 40 - Aired 1/18/2004
Kanchome while waiting for Folgore to sign autographs, sees some candy in the back of a truck and climbs into it. The truck's door closes and Kanchome is driven away. Kanchome ends up at a circus and while wandering around, finds a girl named Rushka. Kanchome then volunteers to be her big brother. He follows her back to her farm where Kanchome learns from her guardian that Rushka's parents died and the closest thing she has to a family are sheep. Soon after, a Mamodo named Bago and his partner Fredo steals all the sheep on the farm. Kanchome follows the Mamodo in an attempt and return the sheep for Rushka. Folgore finds Kanchome on the way and decides to help Kanchome with his battle. Folgore and Kanchome end up at the cave where Bago and Fredo await.
#20 - Praying Mantis Joe: The Hero of Justice
Season 1 - Episode 43 - Aired 2/8/2004
Zatch asks Kiyo to take him to a Praying Mantis Joe show at the mall. Kiyo refuses and Zatch leaves to go watch it with Umagon. Zatch meets Suzy and the teacher's wife, referred to as Wife, who are both also heading to the mall. Once there, Suzy and Wife realize the merchandise they wanted that was on sale was fake. After watching the Praying Mantis Joe show, Zatch notices that Suzy, Wife, Ponygon, and many kids were upset about the false merchandise being sold. He decides to ask Praying Mantis Joe to help with the merchandise problems. The actor of Praying Mantis Joe tells the kids he is unable to do anything and Zatch with the kids leave determined to face the store manager. The store manager calls his bodyguard to deal with the kids. At that moment, Praying Mantis Joe arrives and is severely beaten by the bodyguard. Wife then throws an unconscious Joe onto the bodyguard knocking him unconscious. The store manager is then forced to give the real merchandise to the costumers.
#21 - The Rematch: Gash and Hyde Meet Again
Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 7/13/2003
Eito and Hyde coincidentally find Kiyo and Zatch and wanting revenge, decides to follow them to school. Eito reminisces how he found Hyde's book and remembers how he wanted power after being bullied. Zatch finds the pair when he smells Eito's Yellowtail burger and a battle ensues. Hyde amazed at Zatch's progress flees with Eito. Eito decides to challenge Kiyo and Zatch again by holding Kiyo's friend's hostage in a water tower. Kiyo and Zatch gain the advantage during the battle. When Eito sees Hyde's determination to win, the book glows revealing a new spell. The spell collides with "Rashield" and in the explosion, Eito and Hyde make their escape.
#22 - Kiyo's Curry Camping Trip
Season 1 - Episode 17 - Aired 8/3/2003
Summer Break has begun for Kiyo but he has to fulfill promises he made to people; the promise to help perfect an invisible pitch, catch 500 fish, hunt for a dinosaur, and helping create contact with aliens. With Zatch's help, he is able to fulfil the promises quickly. The next day, Kiyo goes with his class on a camping trip and Zatch secretly follows him. After cooking curry with his friends, the camp ends in an explosion of fireworks. The next day, Suzy wins a trip to Hong Kong and Kiyo and Zatch are on plane on their way to England. Zatch's friend is seen stowed away on the plane heading to England.
#23 - The Third Spell
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 6/1/2003
The next day, Kiyo finds out a new page has become readable, revealing the third spell. Kiyo and Zatch head to a deserted area to practise the third spell "Jikerdor". When cast, nothing occurs and after multiple tries, they decide to give up. On their way home, they are attacked by a Mamodo named Fein and his partner Sebe. Kiyo manages to lead them to an abandoned building to prevent anymore bystanders from becoming injured. The pair manage to overwhelm Kiyo and Zatch with their super-speed spells. Kiyo places his hope on the third spell and uses "Jikerdor" which causes the Mamodo Fein to become magnetized. With Fein's movements becoming restrained, Kiyo and Zatch are able to burn Fein's book. Kiyo wondering if all Mamodos are that powerful, tells Zatch he must become stronger.
#24 - Invitation to a Duel
Season 1 - Episode 44 - Aired 2/15/2004
A mamodo named Bari and his partner Gustav defeat a Mamodo. Bari feeling unsatisfied in his battles, decides to go to Japan where a strong Mamodo named Zatch resides. Bari finds Zatch and tells Zatch they shall battle in a factory three hours from now. Zatch and Kiyo arrive to the factory where they learn that there are still civilians in the factory. Zatch manages to save the civilian while Kiyo distracts Bari's attention. As Bari is about to strike Kiyo down, he hesitates due to Kiyo's eyes. Bari prepares to finish Kiyo off but Zatch manages to stop him in time. With no distractions, Kiyo and Zatch prepare to face Bari and Gustav.
#25 - The Invisible Hunter
Season 1 - Episode 39 - Aired 1/11/2004
Zatch loses at a lottery to win a yellowtail fish and a man decides to take pity on Zatch and gives him his tickets to an onsen. At the onsen, Kiyo finds a note in his room revealing the location of a secret onsen and an all you can eat yellow tail buffet. Upon arriving at the location, Kiyo realizes that it's a trap and they attacked by a Mamodo named Baransha and her human partner Garza. Kiyo and Zatch are at a disadvantage since Baransha can attack from afar and become invisible. As the battle drags on, Kiyo uses ginkgo nuts' strong scent in order to track down the invisible Baransha. Kiyo and Zatch gain the upper hand with "Bao Zakeruga" but Garza and Baransha manage to escape by jumping into the river.