Series & First Appearance
Twelve hails from the anime series "Terror in Resonance" (Zankyou no Terror), created by Shinichirō Watanabe and produced by the studio MAPPA. He made his first appearance in Episode 1, titled "The Beginning," which debuted on July 10, 2014.
Profile at a Glance
Twelve is a 17-18-year-old member of the terrorist group Sphinx, serving as the secondary counterpart to his partner, Nine. A complex character, he balances a carefree, humorous demeanor with an underlying capability for ruthlessness and violence when necessary. Twelve is characterized by his sharp intellect, a strong sense of justice, and an unwavering loyalty to his friends, particularly to Nine.
Personality & Motivations
Twelve presents himself as a light-hearted jokester, often engaging in playful antics and reveling in mischief. Beneath this facade, however, lies a deeply affected individual, shaped by the trauma experienced during his childhood in an institution for children known as the Settlement. His internal conflict drives him; while he often jokes around, Twelve’s sense of justice compels him to take drastic measures against what he perceives as societal corruption. A notable quirk is his playfully sarcastic banter, often serving as a coping mechanism. His compassion shines through most evidently in his interactions with Lisa Mishima, showcasing a protective instinct despite his violent tendencies.
Abilities / Powers
Twelve possesses a genius-level intellect, especially in technology and design, which he utilizes in Sphinx’s terrorist activities. His strategic cunning is vital for orchestrating their plans effectively, including elaborate schemes to evade law enforcement. Twelve is adept in managing explosive devices and enjoys creating and manipulating chaos to achieve his goals. However, his lack of formal combat training renders him physically vulnerable compared to more seasoned opponents. His abilities evolve through the series as he learns to better harness his skills and navigate their morally shaky objectives.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Twelve’s character undergoes significant development throughout the series. Initially, he is presented as a carefree figure alongside Nine, but as the narrative progresses, the psychological toll of their past and actions begins to surface. A pivotal moment occurs when he and Nine recruit Lisa into their plans for societal retribution. His relationship with her highlights his internal conflict, contrasting his light-hearted exterior with profound emotional struggles. The climax of the series sees Twelve confronted with the consequences of their actions, forcing him to reassess his motivations and the potential fallout on those he cares about, particularly Lisa.
Notable Relationships
- Nine: As his primary partner in crime, their friendship is central to Twelve’s character. They share a complicated bond, built on mutual trauma and shared goals.
- Lisa Mishima: An important ally, she represents a source of emotional grounding for Twelve. Their relationship evolves from mere partnership to a deeper emotional connection, with him often acting as her protector.
- Nicolas: While they share a common enemy in law enforcement, Twelve sees Nicolas as a rival due to his contrasting worldview, adding depth to Twelve’s motivations.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs in Episode 4, when Twelve and Nine execute a meticulously planned terror attack while engaging in playful banter about life and death. This juxtaposition of humor and cruelty encapsulates Twelve’s character. Another impactful moment is in Episode 9, where he demonstrates acute vulnerability while talking to Lisa about their traumatic past, resonating with many fans as a portrayal of genuine emotional struggle.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Twelve is voiced by Yūuki Kaji in the original Japanese version, known for his abilities to convey a character’s depth through a dynamic range of emotions. The English voice is provided by Bradley Moreland, who captures the essence of Twelve’s humorous and serious attributes similarly. Twelve has garnered a noteworthy fanbase, ranking in multiple popularity polls due to his multifaceted personality and tragic storyline. The character has served as a discussion point in various analyses regarding the impact of childhood trauma on behavior and morality in storytelling.
Twelve encapsulates the complexity of youthful rebellion in a corrupted society, making him both a compelling character and a significant figure in the exploration of themes within "Terror in Resonance." His journey of growth and the turmoil he faces provide depth, making him memorable to anime aficionados seeking both excitement and emotional engagement in their narratives.
