Super Sonico

Super Sonico

Super Sonico as she appears in the 2014 anime series, SoniAni: Super Sonico the Animation
すーぱーそに子
(Sūpā Soniko)
Manga
Super Sonico SoniKoma
Written by Chika Nonohara
Published by Earth Star Entertainment
Demographic Shōnen
Magazine Comic Earth Star
Original run March 12, 2011 – present
Game
SoniComi
Developer Nitroplus
Publisher Nitroplus, Enterbrain
Genre Visual Novel
Platform Microsoft Windows
Released
  • JP November 25, 2011
  • WW Summer 2016[1]
Manga
SoniComi
Written by Imusanjo
Published by Mag Garden
Demographic Shōnen
Magazine Monthly Comic Blade
Manga
Super Sonicomic
Published by Enterbrain
Demographic Shōnen
Magazine MAGI-CU Comics
Game
SoniPro
Developer Nitroplus, Imageepoch
Publisher Nitroplus
Genre Idol management
Platform Nintendo 3DS
Released July 31, 2014
Game
Motto! SoniComi
Developer Nitroplus
Publisher Nitroplus
Genre Visual Novel
Platform PlayStation 3
Released March 20, 2014
Anime television series
SoniAni: Super Sonico The Animation
Directed by Kenichi Kawamura
Produced by Gaku Iwasa
Kazuyoshi Fukuba
Nobuhiro Osawa
Yoshinao Doi
Written by Yousuke Kuroda
Music by Go Sakabe
Studio White Fox
Licensed by
Hanabee
Network AT-X, SUN, Tokyo MX, KBS, TVA, BS11
English network
Original run January 6, 2014 March 24, 2014
Episodes 12

Super Sonico (Japanese: すーぱーそに子 Hepburn: Sūpā Soniko) is a fictional female character created by Tsuji Santa for the Japanese computer and video game software company Nitroplus, first appearing as a mascot for a Nitroplus-sponsored music festival in 2006. Nitroplus has since developed the character into a media franchise that includes music products, manga series, computer and video games, toy figurines and other merchandise. An anime television series by White Fox based on the character aired in Japan between January and March 2014.

Characters

Super Sonico

Voiced by: Ayano Yamamoto[2] (Japanese); Jessica Nigri[3] (English)

Super Sonico is a fictional character created by Tsuji Santa of Nitroplus. Her debut appearance was on October 14, 2006 as the mascot for Nitroplus' annual live music festival event "Nitro Super Sonico", which took place at Shiba Park in Minato-KU.[4] Nitroplus was initially focused on computer games based on visual novels, but every year since 2000 they have also held a music festival.

Sonico appears in the various media as an eighteen-year-old college student. She is depicted as an attractive, busty and voluptuous young adult woman with light peach skin, large pink eyes, and straight light pink hair. She keeps her hair long in back and in the front it covers her forehead, around her eyes, down to the bridge of her nose. She is always shown wearing her signature headphones on her head. Her depictions show much variation in her facial features and body proportions between the different artists, while always keeping her trademark traits; headphones, pink hair color and large bust. She also appears as a gravure idol as well as the vocalist and guitarist of the fictional band First Astronomical Velocity (第一宇宙速度 Daiichi Uchū Sokudo, literally first escape velocity). She is prone to sleep in a lot, often requiring help to wake up, and her favorite foods are macarons. "Super" is her family name, and her bandmates refer to her as "Nico".[5]

Sonico plays a heritage cherry red Gibson SG electric guitar with a batwing pickguard and black pickup covers named "Daydream." An older piece of official art incorrectly shows the guitar with a Gretsch logo on the headstock.

Associated characters

Suzu Fujimi (富士見 鈴 Fujimi Suzu)
Voiced by: Mai Goto (Japanese); Luci Christian[6] (English)
The young female founder, bassist and lead singer of the First Astronomical Velocity band. She has light green eyes and straight, long black hair. She is of average height and build, but appears thin next to Fuuri and Sonico. She is often seen wearing a pink nurse's uniform and often attempts to dress up Sonico in dubious outfits.
Fuuri Watanuki (綿抜 フウリ Watanuki Fūri)
Voiced by: Mami Ozaki (Japanese); Monica Rial (English)
The young female drummer of the First Astronomical Velocity band. She has a full figure, violet eyes and short wavy brown hair. She is shy, good natured and is usually seen either eating or sleeping when not playing in the band. She and Suzu first appeared in Nitroplus' 2010 visual novel computer game Axanael.[7]
Manager Kitamura (北村 マネージャー Kitamura Manējā)
Voiced by: Ryota Takeuchi (Japanese); David Wald (English)
Sonico's manager, a tall man with orange-yellow flame-styled hair and always wearing a hannya mask and carrying a katana on his back, under his coat. He is particularly protective of Sonico, ready to strike at anyone threatening or attempting something inappropriate with her. When not defending Sonico, he is friendly. Despite his demon mask, he is sociable, talkative and actively seeks modeling work for Sonico, sometimes over-committing her.
Ouka Satsurikuin (殺戮院 鏖禍 Satsurikuin Ōka)
Voiced by: Hisako Kanemoto (Japanese); Kira Vincent-Davis (English)
Sonico's co-worker at the modeling agency. She is a tween-age girl, of short stature and slight build. She has short orange hair, her right eye color is orange and she wears a riveted brown leather eye patch over her left eye. She wears a frilled tiara on her head, with grooved silver disks that cover her ears. She is confident, extroverted and constantly looking for her spot in the limelight. However, she is inexperienced with handling clients, and unlike Sonico, she does not have a protective manager, and so she often ends up in bad predicaments.

Toys

A popular and extensive line of PVC figurines of Super Sonico has been produced for Nitroplus by well-known toy designers including, among many others, Max Factory, FREEing, Orchid Seed and Hobby Japan. Figurine styles have included the highly stylized Chibi, Nendoroid and Figma designs in addition to the more realistic designs drawn directly from the character as she appears in games, manga and anime. Sizes have ranged from 1/8 to 1/2 the size of the young adult woman character as she appears in the media. Action figures have also been produced.[8][9]

Media

Music CDs

To date, there have been six singles and three albums released featuring Sonico.

Singles
Albums

Manga

A 4koma manga series by Chika Nonohara titled Super Sonico SoniKoma began serialisation on March 12, 2011 in Comic Earth Star. Another manga series titled Sonicomi with art by Imusanjo serialised in the Monthly Comic Blade. A 4koma manga series titled Super Sonicomic (すーぱーそにこみっく) has also been featured in Enterbrain's MAGI-CU Comics.

Games

SoniComi (2011, PC)

SoniComi (ソニコミ, full title Communication with Sonico) is a computer game for Microsoft Windows released on November 25, 2011, developed by Nitroplus and published by Nitroplus and Enterbrain. As a visual novel game, the player takes the role of Sonico's cameraman. The game features events where the player is able to take gravure photographs of her.[11][12] A PlayStation 3 adaptation with improved visuals, titled Motto! SoniComi (モット! ソニコミ, full title More Communication with Sonico), was released on March 20, 2014.[13][14] The PS3 version received a Famitsu score of 30/40.[15]

SoniPro (2014, 3DS)

SoniPro (ソニプロ, full title Super Sonico in Production) is a game developed by Nitroplus and Imageepoch for the Nintendo 3DS announced during the 2013 Wonder Festival. As an idol-producing game, the player takes the role of Sonico's producer, who aims to train her to become an idol. The game was released on July 31, 2014.[13]

Famitsu gave SoniPro a review score of 30/40.[16]

Appearances in other games

Sonico has made cameo appearances in various games, including Saints Row: The Third,[17] Le Ciel Bleu,[18] the visual novel Lovesick Puppies,[19] the Japanese online games Web Knight Carnival,[20][21] Mechanical Girl War Z,[22] Dragon League,[23] Dungeons Lord,[24] Momoiro Daisen Pylon[25] and Blue Sky Dragon Guild,[26] and will be a playable character in Super Heroine Chronicle.[17] Sonico appears as a character within the eroge Axanael developed by Nitroplus. She also appears in Square Enix's Kaku-San-Sei Million Arthur between March 11 and March 23, 2014.[27] Super Sonico appears in the Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel fighting game, appearing as a support character in the arcade version and as a playable character in the console version.[28]

Anime

A television anime series titled SoniAni: Super Sonico The Animation (そにアニ) was announced at the Nitro Super Sonic 2013 event held at the Tokyo International Forum.[17][29][30][31][32] Produced by White Fox, the 12-episode series aired in Japan between January 6, 2014 and March 24, 2014 and was simulcast by Crunchyroll.[33][34] A DVD and Blu-ray release of the TV series in Japan was announced for March 19, 2014.[35] Sentai Filmworks have licensed the series in North America and will release it on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on May 26, 2015.[36][37] The Anime Network began streaming the series February 6, 2014.[38] MVM Films have licensed the series in the United Kingdom.[39]

The main opening song of the anime is "SuperSoni♥" (すぱそにっ♥ SupaSoni♥) by Super Sonico (Ayano Yamamoto). The opening theme for episode one is "Beat Goes On" by Super Sonico, whilst a different ending theme, each performed by First Astronomical Velocity (Yamamoto, Mai Goto, and Mami Ozaki), is featured in each episode.

Episode list

No. Title Ending theme Original air date
1 "I'll Do My Bets~♪"
"Ganbarimausyo~♪" (がんばりまうsよ~♪) 
"Love the World" by First Astronomical VelocityJanuary 6, 2014
Sonico wakes up late and prepares food for her pet cats. She meets people as she rushes towards the college and still ends up late to class. Her professor praises her intellect but criticizes for her tardiness. After class, she attends a photo shoot with a lecherous client. After an array of photos, the client requests Sonico wear a much more revealing outfit but thanks to the intervention of Mr. Kitamura, Sonico's manager, she does not. After the photo shoot, she helps waiting on customers at her grandmother's bar where a baseball team is their regular patron giving praises on Sonico's growth. After a phone call from her bandmates, she meets up with Suzu, the bassist, and Fuuri, the drummer. They practice a new song that Suzu composed. 
2 "First Astronomical Velocity"
"Daiichi Uchū Sokudo" (第一宇宙速度) 
"Sky Love Hurricane" (スカイラブハリケーン Sukai Rabu Harikēn) by First Astronomical VelocityJanuary 13, 2014
Sonico is preparing for a concert with her band, First Astronomical Velocity, but things prove troublesome when a sudden modelling job comes into play. 
3 "Sonico Goes to Okinawa"
"Soniko, Okinawa ni Iku" (そに子、沖縄に行く) 
"Summer Illusion" (サマーイリュージョン Samā Iryūjon) by First Astronomical VelocityJanuary 20, 2014
Sonico goes to Okinawa for a modeling shoot. The first day she meets all the staff, and has dinner with them. The manager, Kitamura, shows Sonico back to her room so she could get some rest, and is invited to go drinking by the client. Another man approaches when he hears Kitamura speaking so highly of his model. The next afternoon, after the photo shoot, the man calls Kitamura to remind him that he agreed to Sonico appearing in an action series shooting that evening. Unfortunately, while watching Sonico during the filming, Kitamura's protective instincts kick in, resulting in him becoming the unwilling superhero star of that week's TV show episode. 
4 "Daydream"
"Deidorīmu" (デイドリーム) 
"Moonlight de Buttebase! ~Moonlight Star~" (ムーンライトでぶっとばせ! 〜MOONLIGHT STAR〜 Mūnraito de Buttobase! ~Moonlight Star~) by First Astronomical VelocityJanuary 27, 2014
Sonico gets a postcard from someone with no sender written. It seems to be from a tropical location, and there's only a few words printed. Sonico remembers her past. Everything started when she was into rock during middle school. She couldn't express herself honestly and with as much power as a rock musician, so she wanted to be like one. She finds an upperclassman who sets her on her path to stardom by giving her a guitar named "Daydream". 
5 "New World"
(New World) 
"Crystal Dream" (クリスタル・ドリーム Kurisutaru Dorīmu) by First Astronomical VelocityFebruary 3, 2014
A woman editor working for a local magazine is directed (over her protests) to write an article on Sonico, as part of a series on celebrities that live locally. She does not expect Sonico and her manager to agree to direct observation but they do, feeling that it is important to have local exposure. So the editor spends the day observing Sonico expecting the famous model to be shallow and self-absorbed. However she finds Sonico to be a typical college student and her classmates are mostly unaware that Sonico is a famous model. The while waiting in Sonico's bedroom the editor finds a notebook of Sonico's compositions and comes to respect Sonico's dedication to her music, her band and bandmates. This forces the editor to reflect on how she is living her own life. 
6 "Cruising of the Dead"
"Kurūjingu obu za Deddo" (クルージング・オブ・ザ・デッド) 
"Nightmare Buster" (ナイトメア・バスター Naitomea Basutā) by First Astronomical VelocityFebruary 10, 2014
Ouka Satsurikuin, Sonico's co-worker at the modeling agency, gets a job as the spokesperson of a new fat-reducing ointment. Ouka invites Sonico, Suzu, and Fuuri to join her on a VIP cruise to celebrate the product's launch. In a private cabin the ointment company's owner is confronted by one of her own staff, concerned that the product has had insufficient testing, she proceeds with the product release anyway. Ouka's roll-out presentation goes very well, with samples given to attendees who are pleased with the immediate results. That night, however, Ouka, Sonico and her bandmates find themselves on the run from the other passengers, who have effectively become zombies from the ointment's side-effects and are desperately hungry. With the cruise ship out at sea there are few places they can go to get away, which they must do until the effects of the cream wears off. 
7 "Star Rain"
"Sutā Rein" (スターレイン) 
"Star Rain" (スターレイン Sutā Rein) by First Astronomical VelocityFebruary 17, 2014
Sonico goes on a trip for some lyrical inspiration, conversing with another woman on the way to her stopover in Niigata. Whilst stopping over in Tainai City, Sonico comes across a glassmaker, who teaches her to make a little accessory. The next day, Sonico heads towards the local hot springs, meeting people and encountering many sights along the way. After checking into the hot springs and taking a dip, she tries to find her way to an observatory but gets lost in the woods. However, she manages to follow a raccoon to where the observatory is, becoming awed by the starlit sky. 
8 "Super Sonico Murder Case"
"Sūpā Soniko Satsujin Jiken" (すーぱーそに子殺人事件) 
"Shinjitsu no Hikari" (真実のヒカリ The Light of Truth) by First Astronomical VelocityFebruary 24, 2014
As First Astronomical Velocity get together at the Supernova studio to rehearse for an upcoming concert, Sonico is found allegedly 'murdered' inside a locked waiting room, though are relieved to find she had only fallen unconscious. Just then, Suzu's younger sister, Ena, appears, deciding she wants to investigate the mystery, coming up with ludicrous theories over who Sonico's 'murderer' is. They soon discover that Sonico's guitar has gone missing, which soon leads to Ena becoming implicated for the crime herself. In the end, they find the guitar on the stage and Sonico's fall was simply an accident. Later, after Sonico and the others take their leave, Ena confronts Supernova's maid, Miina, who had lied about the room being locked Sonico to keep the others from discovering she had broken an amp. 
9 "Sonico's Longest Day"
"Soniko no Ichiban Nagai Hi" (そに子の一番長い日) 
"Go! Go!" (ゴー! ゴー! Gō! Gō!) by First Astronomical VelocityMarch 3, 2014
Sonico and her classmates participate in a college fair, starting off by helping out at a sailor maid café. Her schedule soon becomes busier when she is asked to fill in for both the Light Music Club's guitarist and Ouka's modelling work, due to both of them falling ill. She soon learns she has been entered into a beauty contest, which coincides with her mini-concert, whilst the café suddenly requests her help at the same time. With Sonico torn between the three jobs, Suzu and Fuuri disguise themselves as Sonico to fill in for her at the café and contest, whilst Sonico herself performs in the concert. With all the commotion settled, Sonico holds her marine biology exhibit for all the children. 
10 "Ramen and a Little Rice"
"Rāmen ni Han Raisu" (ラーメンに半ライス) 
"Affection" by First Astronomical VelocityMarch 10, 2014
Sonico takes in a stray Munchkin cat, which she names Rice, to join her five other cats; Roasty, Porky, Noodles, Fishcake, and Tasty. However, Rice doesn't seem to get along well with the other cats, and seems more interested in escaping Sonico's apartment. One day, Rice makes a break out of the apartment in search of its owner, so Sonico and the other cats head off in search for him. Rice is soon cornered by a hostile dog, but the other cats soon come to his rescue, getting him safely to Sonico, who returns him to his owner's house to reunite with his mother. Afterwards, Rice pays a visit to Sonic's apartment to spend some time with his new cat friends. 
11 "A Saint Comes to Town"
"Seija ga Machi ni Yattekuru" (聖者が街にやってくる) 
"Very Merry" (ベリメリ Beri Meri) by First Astronomical VelocityMarch 17, 2014
With Christmas approaching, the Musatani Shopping Center finds themselves up against a giant department store that has appeared recently. Suzu, who is asked to help bring younger customers to the shopping center, has Sonico, Fuuri, and various others to act as Santa girls to appeal to customers and increase sales. When the department store responds by employing some popular idols to draw the customers away, Suzu decides they need an official Santa Claus to appear on Christmas Eve to appeal to parents and children. On her way home, Sonico encounters a young girl named Ayaka who is upset about her father not being able to come home in time for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Sonico brings Ayaka to meet Santa, who turns out to be Ayaka's father, bringing her the present she wanted the most. 
12 "We're Right Here♪"
"Koko ni Imausu♪" (ここにいまうs♪) 
"SUPERORBITAL" by First Astronomical VelocityMarch 24, 2014
First Astronomical Velocity decide to hold a concert for New Year's Eve, but Suzu ends up overspending her budget, leaving them with no money for speakers. Wanting to go ahead with the concert, each of the members asks for favors from their friends and neighbors to help put the concert together, even helping to stream it on the internet. Although the concert gets off to a good start, the strings on Sonico's guitar break midway through the performance. However, her grandmother, Leila, manages to save the day with her own guitar, buying time for Sonico to replace the strings. Looking back over the past year, Sonico and all her friends and supporters see the new year in together. 

Other media

Gravure books featuring Sonico were released by Enterbrain on July 7, 2011. An internet radio show, SoniRadio (そにっくらじお♪), began broadcasting on March 24, 2011. A Sonico-themed non-game networking software application for iOS has also been released.[40]

Endorsements

Sonico was used to promote the International Exhibition Center station of the Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line.[41] She is also being used to promote the Soni Plateau (曽爾高原 Soni Kougen) brand of beer from Nara Prefecture, as a collaboration based on the similar-sounding name.[42] Sonico was also the mascot for the 2013 Anitamasai Convention in Saitama.[43]

The Super Sonico Tab is a special edition ASUS MeMo Pad ME172v tablet computer featuring an artwork of Sonico on the rear of the device.[44]

Notes

    References

    1. "Sonicomi: Communication with Sonico". J-List. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
    2. "Crunchyroll - Life Sized Sonico Zealously Guarded by Manager Kitamura". Crunchyroll.
    3. "Sentai Filmworks Casts Professional Cosplayer Jessica Nigri as Lead in Super Sonico". Anime News Network. 2015-01-22.
    4. "すーぱーそに子テレホンカード登場!(2006.11.2) (NITRO SUPERSONIC 2006)" (in Japanese). Nitroplus. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
    5. "すーぱーそに子 SUPERSONICO (Official biography profile of Super Sonico)" (in Japanese). Nitroplus. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
    6. "Luci Christian Joins Super Sonico English Dub Cast". Anime News Network. 2015-04-06.
    7. Axanael in-game screenshot
    8. "Nitro Super Sonico". BIGBADTOYSTORE. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
    9. "すーぱーそに子 ボンデージver." (in Japanese). Nitroplus. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
    10. 被災地復興支援ソング, Nitroplus
    11. 2010-07-31, SoniComi Gameplay System Detailed, The-O Network
    12. 2011-11-30, Sonico Seducing Otaku With “Communication”, SeventhStyle
    13. 1 2 2013-07-28, SoniPro 3DS Game Has You Training Super Sonico To Be An Idol, Siliconera
    14. 2013-09-19, 『モット! ソニコミ』すーぱーそに子がPS3に登場, Famitsu
    15. 2014-03-11, Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1319, Gematsu
    16. 2014-07-22, Famitsu Review Scores: 1337, Gematsu
    17. 1 2 3 "Nitro+'s Super Sonico Mascot Gets TV Anime". News. Anime News Network. September 21, 2013. Retrieved January 15, 2014.
    18. April 2012, ル・シエル・ブルー×すーぱーそに子 コラボレーション!, Userjoy Japan
    19. 2013-01-11, 『LOVESICK PUPPIES』EDテーマを歌うのはすーぱーそに子がボーカルのバンド「第一宇宙速度」, moedigi
    20. 2012-10-19, 「Web ナイトカーニバル!」と「すーぱーそに子」のコラボレーションが決定, 4gamer
    21. 2013-07-30, 【新コース追加!】「超(スーパー)すーぱーそに子コース」販売開始!, Gamania Japan
    22. 2013-07-31, Mobage/GREE「メカ少女大戦Z」が「すーぱーそに子」とコラボ, GAME Watch
    23. 2013-09-13, 「すーぱーそに子」ライブ出演記念コラボレーション!『ドラゴンリーグX With すーぱーそに子』iPhoneアプリ「ドラゴンリーグX」にて2013年9月16日(月・祝)よりスタート!, ICT Headline
    24. 株式会社フューチャースコープ. "姫奪(キダツ)!ダンジョンズロード|姫奪×すーぱーそに子コラボキャンペーン". 姫奪(キダツ)!ダンジョンズロード.
    25. 2011-12-01, 「桃色大戦ぱいろん for ニコニコアプリ」,本日よりすーぱーそに子とコラボ, 4gamer
    26. 2012-12-17, "すーぱーそに子"がもらえる 『蒼穹ドラゴンギルド』でコラボイベントが開催, Famitsu
    27. "Super Sonico Has A Cameo In A Square Enix Game". Siliconera.
    28. "Nitroplus Blasterz Coming to PS3, PS4 this Winter, Super Sonico Becomes Playable - Niche Gamer". Niche Gamer.
    29. "そにアニ (Super Sonico the Animation)" (in Japanese). Nitroplus. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
    30. 2013-09-22, すーぱーそに子がテレビアニメ化決定『そにアニ -SUPER SONICO THE ANIMATION-』, Famitsu
    31. 2013-09-22, 「そにアニ -SUPER SONICO THE ANIMATION-」 “すーぱーそに子”が、まさかのアニメ化決定, Animeanime.jp
    32. 2013-09-22, Super Sonico Gets Her Own TV Anime, Crunchyroll
    33. 2013-10-14, "Super Sonico: the Animation" Staff and Cast Announced, Crunchyroll
    34. "Crunchyroll to Stream Super Sonico Anime". News. Anime News Network. December 30, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
    35. "そにアニ 商品情報 Blu-ray&DVD" (in Japanese). Nitroplus. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
    36. "Sentai Filmworks Adds Super Sonico Anime". News. Anime News Network. January 21, 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
    37. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-01-22/super-sonico-the-animation-will-get-english-dub/.83556
    38. "Super Sonico Joins Anime Network!". Anime Network. February 6, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
    39. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-01-26/mvm-acquires-super-sonico/.83712
    40. "Super Sonico Social Networking Client App Released for iOS". Crunchyroll. August 16, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
    41. 2012-08-09, 発車メロディーのCMブランド名を当てるキャンペーンを実施! ~りんかい線「国際展示場駅」で発車メロディーにCMソングを採用!~, Zenrin Promo
    42. 2013-09-22, Super Sonico and Hello Kitty Get Their Own Beers, Crunchyroll
    43. 2013-09-16, Nitroplus Character Super Sonico to be Mascot for Saitama’s Anitamasai Anime Convention, Crunchyroll
    44. ハイホー × すーぱーそに子 コラボレーション!, hi-ho

    External links

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