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Garo is the golden Makai Armor that specializes in longsword combat. Whoever wields the armor shall take the title of Garo the Golden Knight (黄金騎士・牙狼ガロ, Ōgon Kishi Garo, lit. "Fanged Wolf") The armor belonged to the Saejima bloodline for a time, belonging to Taiga Saejima, later inherited by Kouga Saejima, and Raiga Saejima. This armor first appears in GARO.

Overview[]

The Garo armor was created by blacksmiths of the Makai Order many generations ago. Like all makai armors, it is completely composed of soul metal and designed after a wolf. In Garo's case, the armor was themed after a wolf and a lion. Adorned in golden plating, the armor radiates a bright golden hue and occasionally blast fire to create a powerful psychological effect upon its opponents. Amongst all armors, the armor set and equipment are the most deceptive in form.

Originally, it was the Ouga armor that was deemed the strongest; the armor was lost (the events of Moonbow Traveller indicated it left under the care of spirits of late previous Golden Knights who resided in Tower of Heroic Spirits and left forgotten, if Kiba's success in summoning it by channeling them were any indication) and Garo inherited the title. Because the armor was worn by many notable knights, the armor carries a great reputation, defaulting the user as the strongest knight. Because this is not a formal ranking in itself, no preferential treatment is given to the knight. The title nonetheless commands respect and even awe within the Makai Knights corps. While not everyone knows the face of Garo, everyone recognizes the famous red scabbard.

To be in the presence of the Golden Knight is considered widely to be an honor; it lends influence and commands respect. Even various Horrors (who are either ancient or notorious enough to be documented) also show knowledge of the Golden Knight's existence as well. The prestige that comes with the title means that the order has high expectations for the knight.

As with other Makai Armors, Garo Armor can be summoned through the use of the Garo Sword, the armor's Makai Blade. Through a form of focused summoning, the knight points the sword upwards and spinning it in a circular pattern that creates a dimensional rift that opens to suit up. For that brief moment, the armor appears malleable and wraps itself around the knight with a temporary glow. While the transformation process takes under ten seconds, a skilled opponent can use that chance to prevent the knight from donning his armor and/or even rob the knight of his armor if they are capable enough; it would render the knight limited in combat strength.

Although the armor is strong, its power is also relative to the strength of its user. Because the armor is composed of Soul Metal, the knight's mental/emotional discipline will reflect on the strength of Garo as well. Under unique conditions, the armor is capable of changing its form.

When exposed and/or influenced by powerful spiritual energies and feelings from the user and/or allies, the Garo armor is capable of temporarily taking more powerful alternate forms. Unfortunately, the power-up changes have never been permanent. After expending its energies, the armor reverts to its normal form. No knight has yet to develop nor shown enough power to enhance Garo without external assistance.

Variations[]

Heavenly Flying GARO

Tenshou Garo

Soaring Garo (天翔てんしょう牙狼ガロ[1], Tenshō Garo, lit. "Soaring Fanged Wolf") was achieved when the golden armor was empowered by the feelings through the fragments of the siblings' stones during a battle with Horror Zarugin. In this strengthened form, Garo has a flying ability with the golden wings on his head, and fight without using Garoken. At the time of finishing, a golden light resembling Garoken that pierces the Horror appeared.

Tsubasabito Garo

Tsubasabito Garo

Winged Garo (翼人つばさびと牙狼ガロ lit. "Winged Fanged Wolf") was a form of a winged knight drawn by Kaoru Mitsuki, who yearned for Kouga Saejima, and gave Garo power. It grows golden wings on his back and soars freely in the air. It repels the light bullets fired by Messiah, exerting enough power to cut through attacks that a normal Garo cannot withstand, and even after the armor was released by Messiah, a wings grew on Kouga's back. Since it is a temporary form that changed in response to Kaoru's feelings, it is written in Hagane no Houkou that it cannot be freely changed into this form after that.

Unnamed caped Garo

During Garo's final fight against Kiba, Kouga could not summon his armor due to a magic seal placed by Kiba with Zaruba having his owner throw him into the dimensional rip to bring his armor. After a long exaggerated battle with Kiba, Kouga tried to summon Garo again and this time Kouga's armor was brought out by cherub versions of Zaruba to help him gear up, signifying that this was a different more powerful summon of the armor. The armor was slightly different this time, and included a cape unlike previous transformations. This upgrade came with a price paid by Zaruba who rusted away after Kouga defeats Kiba.

Notes:

This variant would later resurface during GARO: The Makai Flower worn by Taiga's spirit. How he was able to achieve this upgrade is unknown.

Known users: Taiga Saejima, Kouga Saejima

Phosphorus Garo

Ourin Garo

Shining Hawk Garo (鷹麟オウリン牙狼ガロ, Ōrin Garo, lit. "Shining Hawk Fanged Wolf") is the strengthened form created when Garo, who was about to be assimilated by Horror Legules, shot the Ourin's arrow aka. Phosphorus Garo into his own body to purify Legules' poison, and changed the Soul Metal by transforming arrow into inner power. Three gold rings are deployed on the back and the Phosphorus Arrow transforms into a spear-like shape. It is said that part of the armor changed to look like a bow when the arrow were fired into the sky, and the ring-shaped decoration on the back is presumed to imitate it. This form's abilities are on par with Phosphorus Arrow.

Dragon Formation Garo Render

Ryujin Garo

Dragon Formation Garo (竜陣リュウジン・ガロ, Ryūjin Garo, lit. "Dragon Formation Fanged Wolf") is a miraculous form in which the Soul Metal of Garo's armor, which gained the power of the heroic spirits who fell prey to Karma, changed due to the requiem for the heroic spirits played from Rekka's flute. It features a dragon-like decoration on his back, a long tail in the shape of a dragon, and Ryujin Garoken (竜陣牙狼剣, Ryūjin Garoken, lit. "Dragon Formation Fanged Wolf Sword")[2] that has changed into the shape of a flame.

Blue Dragon Garo

Souryu Garo

Pale Dragon Garo (蒼竜そうりゅう牙狼ガロ, Sōryū Garo, lit. "Pale Dragon Fanged Wolf")[3], (also erroneously known as Blue Dragon Garo in some translations) was a new form of Garo that changed in response to the feelings of Kakashi. Based on the air bike-like Mono Tsukihashira that Kouga and the others used for movement, it gains high mobility with a golden horse that deploys a conical blade in front. Although there is no change in the Garo's armor itself, he fought against the Demon Dragon that was heading for the human world.

Shin Tsubasabito Garo

Shin Tsubasabito Garo

  • Known user(s): Raiga Saejima
  • Debut: CR GARO: Makai no Hana (Amemiya SP Super Demon Dragon Reach)
True Winged Human Garo (しん翼人牙狼つばさびとガロ, Shin Tsubasabito Garo, lit. "True Winged Human Fanged Wolf") is a form with four large wings similar to Tsubasabito Garo growing from his back in the shape of an X. Raiga Saejima transformed in order to save Kaoru that had gone out of control and transformed into Super Demon Dragon. The reason for his transformation is currently unknown, but it is likely that he wore the scales of Super Demon Dragon and made it wings.

Garo Lost Soul Beast

Shinmetsu Jyushin Garo

Lost Soul Beast Garo (心滅獣身牙狼, Shinmetsu Jūshin Garo, lit. "Heart Destruction Beast Fanged Wolf") is a transformation occurs when the wearer of Garo's armor fully gives into rage as the 99.9 second time limit has run out and turned the wearer into werewolf like berserker. There are only two present day instances of this transformation:

  • During Kouga Saejima's battle with Kodama in which he let the time limit elapse.
  • During Raiga Saejima's battle with Eyrith in which she accelerated the time limit forcing it to elapse after fulfilling her predestined role in the disappearance of her opponent's parents. Unlike Kouga's case, Raiga doesn't completely lose himself in rage as the armor's Lost Soul Beast form was under Eyrith's total control.
Notes: It is also known as Lost Soul Beast Garo.

Light Awakening Beast Garo

Koukaku Jyushin Garo

Luminous Beast Garo (光覚獣身牙狼, Kōkaku Jūshin Garo, lit. "Luminous Beast Fanged Wolf") is the strongest form of Garo that has overcome Shinmetsu Jyushin and regained his ego, and has undergone a miraculous change different from the dark knight. Based on the normal form of Garo, it looks like a fusion of the parts of Shinmetsu Jyushin Garo, and the Garoken has changed into a giant sword Koukaku Zanbaken (光覚斬馬剣, Kōkaku Zanbaken, lit. "Luminous Slashing Horse Sword")[4]. The abilities included a barrier that nullifies Eyrith's attacks, and boasts such a mighty power that it annihilates the Horror with a single blow. It is unknown whether Raiga can freely change to this form.

Gar Majestic Beast

Taigan Jyushin Garo

Grand Boulder Beast Garo (大巌獣身たいがんじゅうしん牙狼ガロ, Taigan Jūshin Garo, lit. "Grand Boulder Beast Fanged Wolf"): Garo, who confronted Byakko, fights with Gōten, but is sealed in a sphere and petrified by Byakko's attack. However, in response to Rei Suzumura, Kuromaru, and Kaoru Mitsuki's voices, he breaks the sphere and reveals a new form. Countless wings protrude from his back, each shining in rainbow colors.

In the decisive battle with Kiba, by further receiving the feelings of Kaoru and Monos from this state, Garo grew from the top of the Garo's head. Its combat power is also powerful, and it crushed Dark Evil-Eyes Dragon Kiba in this final form with a single blow.

  • Known user(s): TBA
  • Debut: P GARO: Moonbow Traveller
Fanged Wolf King Fang (牙狼王牙, Garo Ōga, lit. "Fanged Wolf King Fang") is a winged Garo that has become pure white by fusing the armor of Ouga with the three generations of Raiga Saejima, Kouga Saejima, and Taiga Saejima. It is said to be the strongest among the knight's armor. Its power is said to surpass even that of Garo.

  • Known user(s): TBA
  • Debut: P GARO: Moonbow Traveller
Kiwami Tsubasabito Garo Ouga Perfect Golden (極翼人牙狼王牙完全金色きわみつばさびと がろおうが かんぜんこんじき, Kiwami Tsubasabito Garo Ōga Kanzen Konjiki, lit. "Extreme Winged Fanged Wolf King Fang Perfect Golden") is a upgraded form of Garo Ouga that has been strengthened by the power of bonds and completely golden.

History[]

Like many Makai Knight armors, the Garo armor was created with Soul Metal used as the material in the armor's creation. While it's unknown who first donned the Garo armor, the armor became a revered legend among the Makai Order. The first known holder of the Garo armor is Gōki.

In present-day Japan, the Garo armor became associated with the Saejima Family as they answer to the Eastern Watchdog. Inheriting the title from Taiga Saejima after his death, Kouga Saejima trained for years until he was ready to carry out his family's mission. In time, though only displaced in time alongside his wife Kaoru, Kouga passed the Garo armor to their son Raiga Saejima.

Garo's reputations as powerful Makai Knight led the bearers of the armor to become feared and hated by Horrors who fought them time and time again, more so than other Makai Knights. As such, mutual resentments of these Horrors led their evil combine into Zaji.

Equipment[]

Garoken

Garoken

  • Garoken (牙狼剣, Garōken, Fanged Wolf Sword): As seen in GARO: Asura, back when Gōki still bear the title of Garo in the past, Sword of Garo in normal conditions was originally a large chunk of Soul Metal roughly shaped into large greatsword about the same size as the Garoken sword in its transformed state that taking the appearance of a western style longsword (akin to medieval knights) and lacked a scabbard. After generations passed, the sword later redesigned into a plain light short sword akin to a Chinese Jian sword complete with its scabbard. However, the scabbard itself is more decadent in western design. Appearing as a red wooden scabbard, it carries the golden triangular symbol of Garo; the scabbard itself is stronger than normal wood as it is capable of withstanding sword strikes without a scratch. Despite the change of its designs, it still retains the appearance of its transformed state. The mystical/magical properties of the sword make it more powerful than regular swords. The blade doesn't dull (or as easily) compared to regular swords. As the weapon is made of soul metal, relative to the knight's skills, he can manipulate the weight of the weapon to increase or decrease it in different situations to increase or minimize damage.
    • Garo Zanbaken (牙狼斬馬剣, Garōzanbaken, Fanged-Wolf Horse-Slaying Sword): The upgraded form of the Garoken which accessible via, the aid of Gōten. The Makai Blade takes the form of a double-edged greatsword which blade has a round tip and roughly the size of a car bumper, signifying the increased attack power and range that it enables Garo to cut through the durable hide of a powerful Horror on a whim. Despite the increased size, it doesn't hamper the Knight in any way since the weapon is made of Soul Metal.
      • Dai Garo Zanbaken (大牙狼斬馬剣, Dai Garō Zanbaken, Big Fanged-Wolf Horse-Slaying Sword): The second upgrade of Garoken with aid of Gōten. This form is similar to Garo Zanbaken, but with both size and attack power increased to ridiculous proportions that allow even Gōten to surf with it. As with the previous upgrade, this upgrade is accessible with aid of Gōten.
  • Zaruba: Garo's Madōgu.
  • Gōten: Garo's Madō Steed.
  • Grappling Hooks: At the back of Garo Armor are a pair of grappling hooks to help evading attacks. Used by Raiga.

Gallery[]

Concept art[]

Trivia[]

  • During the project which started off as Skull Z, a concept art shows that the Garo was originally designed to resemble the manga character under the name Ōgon Batto/Golden Bat from the franchise of the same name.[5] The said art is also seen as a modernized version of the latter.
  • The Garo armor is typically passed on an inheritance from the previous generation. The usual change in the armor after it has been passed is the eyes color. This trait would later be used for its anime iteration.
    • Gōki had silver eyes during his time as Garo.
    • Taiga Saejima had red eyes during his time as Garo.
    • Kouga Saejima had green eyes during his time as Garo.
    • Raiga Saejima had blue eyes during his time as Garo.
  • According to Kouga and Zaruba in Red Requiem, Garo means "Hope" in Makai language.

References[]

  1. Pia Corporation. (2019). "GARO Pia -HISTORY BOOK-". p. 69, "Makai Knights Complete Works". ISBN 978-4-8356-4090-7.
  2. Hobby Japan. (2018). "Hobby JAPAN" Vol.583. p. 233, "Makai Shinpo". JAN 4910081270185.
  3. In "Uchusen YEAR BOOK 2013", the name is described as Souryu Knight Garo (蒼竜騎士ガロ, Sōryū Kishi Garo, lit. "Pale Dragon Knight Fanged Wolf").
  4. Pia Corporation. (2019). "GARO Pia -HISTORY BOOK-". p. 68, "Makai Knights Complete Works". ISBN 978-4-8356-4090-7.
  5. https://itokub.blogspot.com/2020/10/15-tahun-garo.html

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