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Karnov

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Jinborov Karnovski (ジンボロフ・カルノフスキー Jinborofu Karunofusukī), better known as simply Karnov (カルノフ, Karunofu; Cyrilic: Карнов), is a recurring character in Data East's games and the company's de-facto mascot. Originally introduced as the main character of his eponymous game, he later appeared in various other DECO tiles, often as an enemy or boss character and occasionally as an NPC, and later became the main antagonist of the Fighter's History series.

Profiles[]

Karnov (Famicom)[]

Real Name: Jinborov Karnovski
Age: Unknown (not certain as he died once)
Birthplace: Country of Creamina
Background: Born as the second son of a poor farming family in the west of Creamina. From an early age, he loved to fight, and by the age of 15 he was known in the area as the strongest man in the village, but he always was up to doing bad things. One day, he incurred the wrath of God by destroying the statue enshrined in the village temple, and was forced to become God's servant.[1]

Fighter's History Dynamite[]

A year ago, Karnov, overconfident in his own strength, lost all his treasure and pride. All that remained were ugly scars. He endured harsh training in the frigid land, feeling the pale flames of revenge engulfing him. Now, his letter tells us that the time has come.[2]

History[]

Karnov[]

Arcade[]

Karnov, desiring riches, seeks out the Lost Treasure of Babylon by collecting the scattered pieces of a map that lead to its location. Eventually, after battling his way throughout the land and conquering the wizard who holds the last piece, Karnov manages to find it and celebrates by tossing gold coins in the air atop his newfound pile of treasure.

Famicom[]

Working as a servant of God as punishment for his misdeeds on Earth, Karnov is instructed to put a stop to the evil sorcerer Arakatai and his army of monsters. As his journey progresses, he receives advice from God after each stage, and eventually defeats Arakatai, saving the people of Creamina. Depending on how many continues are used during the game, one of three endings will be shown: if Karnov uses no continues, he is released from God's servitude and becomes the God of War; if Karnov uses one continue, he becomes a guard of Heaven; if Karnov uses two continues, Karnov is granted a second chance back on Earth, returning to the temple and helping out the people of the village; if Karnov gets a game over, he is berated by God for failing his quest.

NES[]

After Ryu steals the Lost Treasure of Babylon and sets his minions loose on the village of Creamina, Karnov the one-time circus strongman decides to help the villagers by chasing after Ryu and reclaiming the treasure.[3]

In Fighter's History series[]

Karnov is a feared and wealthy man of power. He is a known collector of ancient and powerful artifacts, most of which were either earned as awards or gained through theft. Bored of his life of peace and wanting to find a new challenge, he hosts the "Great Grapple" tournament for the world's best fighters and offers his fortune as the prize. But Karnov overestimated himself and suffers a humiliating defeat. Wanting revenge, he goes through hard training in frigid lands and then hosts the tournament again next year.

Personality[]

A warrior who only respects others of his kind, Karnov is a hardened veteran of battle.

Powers[]

  • Fire-breathing: Karnov can spit flames from his mouth.
  • Expand: Karnov can expand the width of his belly to flatten opponents (appeared in later games).

Music[]

  • Main Theme - Karnov
  • Karnov's Theme - Fighter's History
  • Karnov's Theme - Fighter's History Dynamite / Karnov's Revenge (different from FH1, it's arrangement of the same theme in his origin game)
  • Errand of God - Fighter's History: Mizoguchi Kiki Ippatsu!! (same as FHD)

Game Appearances[]

Sprites[]

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • Karnov was reportedly modeled after one of Data East's head directors named Koji Jimbo, signed in various games staff rolls as JIMBOLOHU.
  • Karnov as he appears in the Karnov's Revenge series have been inspired by Abdulah the Butcher, resembling his appearance, and possibly also by Heart from Fist of the North Star.
  • There is a character in Shantae and the Pirate's Curse simply called the Warrior who appears to be a reference to Karnov.

References[]

  1. ↑ Karnov (Famicom) manual, pg 1.
  2. ↑ Fighter's History Dynamite (NeoGeo CD) manual, pg 26.
  3. ↑ Karnov (NES) manual, pg 5.
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