Introduction
The world of Gensokyo, a place of wonder, magic, and the unpredictable, is brimming with fascinating characters. Among these, few shine as brightly as Marisa Kirisame, the self-proclaimed “magical thief.” Known for her energetic spirit, her insatiable curiosity, and her penchant for borrowing (without always asking), Marisa has become a cornerstone of the *Touhou Project* franchise. This article delves into the world of Marisa Kirisame, specifically exploring her character development, role, and impact *before* the year 2009. We’ll journey back to the earlier days of Touhou, examining how this captivating witch emerged, established herself, and captivated fans with her unique blend of charm, power, and a healthy dose of mischief. Focusing on this period offers a unique perspective on how Marisa Kirisame evolved and ultimately set the stage for her enduring popularity.
Early Appearances and Origins: A Sorceress Takes Flight
The story of Marisa Kirisame, as we know her, begins with her introduction to the *Touhou Project* universe. Her appearance marked a significant turning point for the franchise.
The Embodiment of Scarlet Devil (EoSD) and the Initial Spark
Marisa’s first formal appearance was in *The Embodiment of Scarlet Devil*, released in 2002. Here, she serves as a playable character and an antagonist within the game’s narrative. Introduced to the world as an enigmatic individual living in the Forest of Magic, her presence was immediately interesting. She possessed an eccentric nature and was not afraid to take matters into her own hands, a trait that instantly separated her from many others within Gensokyo. Her initial interaction with Reimu Hakurei, the shrine maiden, was both confrontational and intriguing. Their initial rivalry was evident, setting the stage for a dynamic relationship that would blossom over the years. In *EoSD*, Marisa’s role involved investigating the strange happenings at the Scarlet Devil Mansion, and ultimately, confronting the vampire, Remilia Scarlet. She provided a counterpoint to Reimu, offering a different perspective and demonstrating her own distinct brand of power and skills. Her initial impression was one of a skilled, somewhat mischievous, and independent individual.
Perfect Cherry Blossom (PCB) and Developing Relationships
As the *Touhou Project* progressed, Marisa’s character continued to develop, most notably in *Perfect Cherry Blossom* (2003). While also a playable character, her interactions with other characters, particularly Reimu, were a significant part of her continued journey. Here, the seeds of a friendship began to sprout. While still competitive and with their own unique approaches to life, Marisa and Reimu started to show more signs of respect and cooperation. Marisa’s role involved investigating the increasing cherry blossom phenomenon and its associated mysteries. Her drive to solve the case and her eagerness to learn more about the situation and the involved characters. Her ability to get involved in many scenarios, coupled with her genuine curiosity helped her to develop and understand the deeper workings of Gensokyo. This period solidified her place as a character who, despite her mischievous tendencies, was a force for good, with a strong sense of independence.
Immaterial and Missing Power (IaMP): A Fighting Game Debut
Beyond the main shoot ’em up games, the expansion of the *Touhou Project* into the fighting game genre also played a crucial role in defining Marisa. *Immaterial and Missing Power* (2004), the first *Touhou* fighting game, was a major step forward for many characters. This format gave ZUN (the creator of the franchise) a chance to show off the full extent of what Marisa could do. Here, players got to experience her combat style, her motivations, and her unique take on Gensokyo. Marisa’s fighting style was centered on speed and power. She quickly became known for her ability to overwhelm opponents with her lightning-fast movements and powerful magic attacks.
Personality and Character Traits: The Essence of a Magical Thief
Marisa Kirisame’s personality is perhaps as captivating as her magical abilities. Her personality shines through her appearances.
Key Traits
Marisa’s most defining personality traits are a mixture of energy, curiosity, and a healthy dose of self-confidence. She’s an incredibly energetic character, always eager to learn, explore, and try new things. This energy is contagious, drawing other characters into her schemes and adventures. She possesses an unyielding curiosity. She has an endless fascination with collecting knowledge and magical artifacts, from the mundane to the extraordinary. Her love for magic is matched by her desire to truly understand it. She has an abundance of confidence, often expressed through her casual demeanor and her signature catchphrase, “ze~” (or “you know”).
Habits and Mannerisms
Marisa’s habits and quirks further contribute to her unique appeal. She has a penchant for collecting all kinds of items. She’s a “magical thief” not because she’s malevolent, but because she often *borrows* items without asking, attributing the act to the thrill of the acquisition. The use of “ze~” adds a distinct flavor to her speech. This little quirk has been a significant factor in her popularity, becoming almost synonymous with her character. It’s a clear signal of her relaxed, carefree attitude and enhances her overall charm.
Relationships
One of the most important aspects of Marisa’s character is her relationship with Reimu Hakurei. While their bond started as a rivalry, it has evolved into a complex and multifaceted friendship. They often butt heads, each holding firm to their own beliefs and styles. But it is this difference, combined with their respect for one another, that makes their friendship so endearing. This has formed the core dynamic of *Touhou*, playing a significant role in the plots, events, and outcomes of the franchise. She also has acquaintances with Alice Margatroid, and the sorceress Patchouli Knowledge.
Powers, Abilities, and Spell Cards: A Master of Magic
Marisa Kirisame isn’t just an interesting character; she’s a powerful one. Her powers, abilities, and use of spell cards reflect her dedication to learning and her unique take on magic.
Magical Prowess
Marisa’s magical abilities are rooted in her use of magic missiles. She is known for her speed, agility, and firepower. She excels at quickly deploying powerful spells and overwhelming opponents. Her affinity is for practical magic, favoring spells that are direct and effective. She doesn’t spend time in complex magical rituals. Her magic style is a reflection of her personality: direct, efficient, and powerful. She frequently utilizes her master spark, an incredibly strong magical attack.
Signature Spells and Spell Cards
Marisa’s spell cards are the core of her combat. Some of her signature spells include:
* ***Master Spark***: A devastating beam of concentrated magical energy.
* ***Magic Missile***: Marisa’s most frequently used projectile.
* ***Stardust Reverie***: Marisa’s most powerful spell.
* ***Love-Colored Master Spark***: A potent and widely popular spell.
Significance and Legacy Before 2009: A Fan Favorite
Marisa Kirisame’s impact on the *Touhou Project* before 2009 goes beyond mere character popularity. She has become a cornerstone of the franchise, influencing multiple areas.
Popularity and Influence
Marisa’s popularity is a testament to her well-crafted personality, her compelling role, and her appealing visual design. She consistently ranks among the most popular characters in the franchise, and she often appears in fan art, fan fiction, and merchandise. Her influence extends beyond her own character. Her catchphrases, such as “ze~” and “dattebayo”, have become famous within the Touhou community. Marisa’s popularity also helped popularize a number of elements in the series, including a love of Western-style magic.
Impact on the Series
Marisa has made an impact on the *Touhou Project* in various ways. She serves as a vital contrast to Reimu, allowing the series to explore different themes and perspectives. She brought with her an approachable style of magic. She expanded the world of *Touhou*. She’s not a traditional shrine maiden but a magical thief who breaks the rules. The inclusion of her in the games gives a new perspective. She also helped demonstrate how close-knit and diverse Gensokyo is. Marisa’s presence elevated the appeal of the series, adding further depth.
Conclusion
Marisa Kirisame, with her boundless energy, her insatiable curiosity, and her magical abilities, stands as one of the most enduring and beloved characters in the *Touhou Project*. Before 2009, she cemented herself as a key figure in Gensokyo, establishing her own unique traits. Her initial appearances and the evolution of her relationships, especially with Reimu, formed the foundation of her continued success. Her distinctive powers and memorable spell cards further enhanced her appeal, solidifying her role as a powerful yet relatable character.
This period of Marisa Kirisame was critical to the establishment of the identity we know and love today. The foundations were set here, the building blocks of her character laid. This prepared her for the years to come, paving the way for further growth. She remains an integral part of the franchise, and her journey is an engaging narrative for all who enter Gensokyo.
