i liked digimon at a time, but around the 4th season is when it went downhill for me. i still watch it, only if the episodes are from seasons 1-3.

@Fresh_Coffee: I liked Hikari from 01. She was a strong and innocent character. However, in 02, her image just shattered. That, by no means, say that I dislike Hikari. She annoys me, yes, but all I'm saying is that she feels like a totally different character as compared to the 01 Hikari.

Hm...Weird how I got into takari in 02... I usually don't care much about the pairings involving a character I don't care too much about. (I liked Takeru though )

@psycho_alchemist: Frontier was not as dark as Adventure and Tamers, but it was still a pretty enjoyable series.

That's funny, I always think of Daisuke as the seme. o.O Am I really completely alone in this?

I started watching Hagaren because Paku Romi voiced a character. Bwaha. XD She's my hero.

Kasumi:
Comparing too... yes Daisuke is the uke . Iori is kind of a dominating character after all..
And oh yeah, I actually believed in Daisuke's crush.. but when I saw him push Hikari violelently when he got all intense about what Taichi was saying (can't remember that part... but I remember the push) I was like "now.. wait a minute..."
And that was a long time ago when I wasn't into shonen-ai.
Later I kind of observed that Daisuke's "crush" miraculously disappeared when he got closer to Ken. (guess he gave up Taichi...)

Yup, Hikari's image did kind of shatter in the second season. Also like Fresh_Coffee said, she was pure, good, unselfish.. like her crest . I really liked such an innocent kid. But I guess you can't stay innocent once you grow up... (pretty common in anime). Still... I really don't like the way she treated Daisuke... Okay, maybe she saw right though him and felt overprotective of her brother, but she should have been honest about it instead of testing him..
I still remember her yelling at Daisuke that she hates people who are mean to their sister..I was shocked at her harsh tone.. The nice and cute Hikari.. so angry about something like that? Was she really that scared that Taichi was going to betray her? Poor Daisuke... he was so depressed at those words(and blowing his chances of getting to Taichi through Hikari).. I guess he didn't see it coming..

Fresh_Coffee:
Another person who agrees that Daisuke is the uke

Izu:
I pretend I didn't see that.. no.. Daisuke the seme? What???
Although apparently there's Daiken... Okay.. Ken is a little ukish and the angstiest character in the series... and it was Daisuke who made the first move... but still....

No, really! Daisuke is such a go-getter kind of guy that I can hardly imagine him, uh, taking it! Not that I see Ken as Mr. Fluffy Kittens, Sweetness and Light-naive-schoolgirl-type, but I generally think "Daiken" rather than "Kensuke". ;

*nods* Hikari seemed to go places with Takeru just to get on Daisuke nerves even though she knew he liked her. She was mean to him and I'm not suprised that he eventually forgot about her or didn't show feelings for her anymore. I think that Sora changed I didn't feel her character was there anymore, she was once a tomboy and then in Adventure she became girly not that it's a bad thing but she lost her character when that happened to me anyway. Especially when she was mean to Taichi ok I'm getting off topic and moving on to Taiora I'll switch back. Hikari did have her moments in Adventure her wish at the season finale was for there to be peace XD

Correction: Hikari saw through Daisuke and was getting back at him.. Still, it was mean and not like her character. I agree that she didn't totally change, which would be just too much in my opinion. But like I mentioned before... it's hard staying completely innocent when you grow up.
Also with Sora.. she became a teenager and it was very unlikely that she's remain a tomboy forever.. She actually wasn't really that boyish after all.. her girly side became more visable later..
But.. she seemed like such a responsible person before... In 02 in seemed like she tried to avoid Taichi... She could have dealt with it in a more mature way...

@Kihaku: I agree, I didn't like the way Hikari yelled at Daisuke either. While I must say that Daisuke was pretty mean to say all those stuff about his sister, Hikari still overreacted.

Truthfully, I found Daisuke's "crush" annoying. It was funny at first, but it got extremely annoying. This is speaking from non-takari point of view, as I am no longer a takari fan...I don't know what happened, but I just sort of, fell out of it after 02 ended. (Really weird, this type of thing never happened before. All the pairings I've supported before, I still support them. It's almost like, all of a sudden, I couldn't see takari happening anymore.) *shrugs*

Now that I think about it, maybe Daisuke had a crush on Hikari BECAUSE she's Taichi's sister. (Sorry, Kihaku, but I don't mean it as in Taisuke ) The way I see it is that Daisuke idolizes Taichi, and knowing that he has a chance to be with his idol's sister (and that sister is someone sweet and caring) it's understandable that he'd want develop a crush on her.

@Izumi: Daisuke as the seme...Hm... Not with Kensuke, but maybe Daikeru. I definitely can't see Tasuke. XD But I know what you mean, Daisuke does seem the go-getter type. It really depends on who he's with though.

@Fresh_Coffee: Even though she was mean to Taichi, I had no problems with Sora. I think the lost-of-character you're talking about comes from the fact that we didn't get to know her in 02. She was too much of a background character. It's almost as though it's the "she's not that important, but she was in 01, so we have to include her" type of thing. That's what I think anyway. Oh, and by the way, Taiora is not off-topic. It's still within the Digimon boundaries!

Phew, this is probably the longest post I ever made ever since I registered here at the forums!

[QUOTE][QUOTE]Hey, I still love Digimon . but not all these new one i like the original season and cast.

Digimon has been ruined by the newer series...I wish they'd bring back the 1st season cuz it was the best.

XD You grew out of Takari Kasumi-san? I also grew out of it I use to be a hardcore fan. I don't think I would be ever to leave Taiora if I ever do you should just virtually slap me across the face Something must be wrong with me. I'm afraid this will be my last post in this topic for awhile I have to go on this trip to Quebec with my school, I really don't wanna leave the forums I'm too addicted XD I can't wait to see what messages everybody posts in the thread. Bye bye for now!

I remember as a kid I used to pair up the angel digimon (Angemon and Angewomon) because I thought they looked good. I knew a whole bunch of kids that did.

@rsF: Wargreymon is the ultimate level of Agumon. He appeared at the end of the Myotismon saga and mostly during the Dark Masters Saga. I believe he appeared during the 02 season as well.

I'm such a geek.

Kasumi:
Well Daisuke's sister (Jun) was actually pretty mean to him too... and I don't think it was very unnatural for him to be mad at her.

Oh.. you destroyed my fantastic theory.. Your version definitely seems more likely.
Oh well, I'm not such a big Taisuke fan ... but it was pretty obvious that Daisuke more than worshiped Taichi.. plus he blushed everytime he recieved a compliment from him .
But.. I guuess it's pretty sure that Daisuke's "crush" wasn't really one.. it dissappeared a little too quickly for that. It seems very logical that he just wanted to have a crush..Those kids..
Oh yes.. and like I've mentioned before.. the crush disappeared around the time her got closer to en. The admiration for Taichi was still there though.. so that kind of backs up your theory.

Argh! Daikeru! That doesn't make really sense since Takeru owns Daisuke Um.. very interesting that it's that way now... but Takeru isn't as angsty as his brother...
My "Daisuke is the uke" theories in the gutter... *cries*

Hmm... most of the "old chosen children" were in the background... Taichi, Yamato and Koushiro were prob. the most relevant... Figures.. since Koushiro was the technical support and Taichi and Yamato had close bonds with their siblings and were "the pair" of Digimon Adventure.
It doesn't really matter... since I liked those guys the most anyway . (well Yamato not that much... oh well)

Was that your longest post, Kasumi? No need to worry, it's not that long . And I guess it says something that the longest post is on this topic.

Fresh_Coffee:
Have fun!
hmm... I kind of switched pairings.. I wasn't really that fanatic about Taiora, but I didn't like to like shonen-ai pairings.. good thing that that was cured!

alchemistgirl:
Oh, don't say you're a geek!
Yup WarGreymon appeared at the end of 02 . naturally it was expected that he'd fight BlackWargreymon .
I'm also happy that Agumon seemed to be the most significant Digimon of the "oldies" ... he was my ultimate fave!

@Fresh_Coffee: Good to know I wasn't the only one who grew out of Takari. I know this forum is addictive, but consider your trip as forum rehab time. Forum addiction is dangerous. XD Have fun in Quebec! We anticipate your return.

@Kihaku: So you mean to say you see Tasuke instead of Daikeru?
I suppose this does mean Daisuke cannot be labeled as the uke anymore... I liked the thought though...*tries to think of ways to revive the theory* Uh...Well, since nobody is the uke in EVERY pairing, the title of the uke has to go to the character who is the uke in MOST of the pairings. Daisuke is the uke in most pairings. SO, Daisuke is the uke! (Yes, I notice I am bending the rules to make Daisuke the uke, but do we care? )

Koushiro and Taichi are your favourite characters from 01? I liked everyone from 01. (Very rare thing to happen to me. I actually like all 8 characters.)

I notice that my previous post wasn't very long... At least, compared to the posts in the "Shounen-ai thread." It says something? Really?
Oh, and I just noticed, not only was that my longest post, it's also the post with the most smilies!

And yup, Agumon (+ his evolutions) are DAH BEST!

I'm back people from Quebec! It was so much fun XD it was a nice break from the forums but I had to come back sooner or later. Yes Agumon is the best he is so cool! I liked gatomon too because she's the strongest champion.

I liked the originals, the new ones are starting to screw up the whole thing.

Kasumi:
Yup . I see Tasuke more likely... but Daikeru is the name I always see.. *sighs* Again it must be which is easier to pronounce or something...
Ooh.. yes.. you have a point.. but.. even Yamato is an uke is in many pairings.. and Iori and most of the girls.. *shakes head* But there is no need to think of those since Daisuke is owned by everyone anyway ! *nods*

I also liked all the characters from 01 Taichi was my favourite and Koushiro would be next.. I guess... from 02 however... well I didn't really fancy Miyako, Sora and Hikari (oh gosh.. girls again )... but they were okay..

It was long enough . You mean that it isn't long compared to a few posts in the shonen-ai thread... yeah there were a few long posts there.. I guess you write posts about things you're passionate about . So that's what it says.. and pretty often the longer the post the more smilies there are.

Fresh_Coffee:
You think Agumon is the best too! Yay! I just love his spirit and courage. He's a lot like Taichi (figures).. + he's a cute glutton .
Tailmon the strongest champion? Well... she hasn't really got any special attacks.. she's fast but.. I don't know how to define "strongest" Angemon is pretty powerful at least.. I kind of think of both Tailmon and Patamon to be the weakest till they become "Angels"...

Ryuiji134:
Um originals.. new ones? Which are the original then.. and there are new ones now?
Or do you mean Digimon X-evolution?

Isn't Tailmon rookie form? I think that gatomon is the strongest Champion because I remember one ep when Gatomon was still evil she beat all the champions butts XD and isn't she the only one who is always in her Champion form unless she's worn out?

Um... Tailmon is the original name for Gatomon. (Gatomon is the USA dub name). the rookie form is Plotmon(the puppy form). .
Yup.. I remember that ep... but I guess Tailmon was at an advantage since the other champions didn't expect her to be that strong... After that she didn't really show much strength as a champion. (in season 2 she didn't have the power either because she lost her ring). Yup, she's always in her champion form.. while the others are in their rookie form. Don't know.. I always thought that she'd be about as strong as the rookies then since she doesn't have trouble maintaining that form.. but well.. it's something about her being so used to it since she had spent most of her time in that form when she was under the power of Vamdemon.
Um.. also... her Ultimate form Angewomon is a lot like Angemon.. who is just a champion. I thought it was kind of unfair that way.. since they both seem about as strong... Tailmon's ultimate equivalent to Patamon's champion... *sighs*
I guess that Angewomon should be stronger than Angemon...

Kihaku:
the first season I mean, because Digimon had to start out with a first season, like the 1st three seasons were good and then they just started killing it, and yes I think there are really gay ones now, they just keep on going and going and killing the name more.

Kihaku: You know so much I didn't know that Gatomon was a dub name must learn to use original names oh great master! I thought it was kinda of weird too how Tailmon ulimate form is Angewoman and Patamon's is Angemon kinda of strange. Notice that I used Tailmon and even italic it???

Whee~ Back from my 4 day absence from this board. (Not that anybody noticed. XD)

@Kihaku: Daikeru is easier to pronounce? (I keep thinking "Die Keru" XD I can't help it! ) I don't know, they seem pretty much the same. Ah, whatever, like you said, Daisuke is owned by everyone anyway. That's all that matters.

Here's my Favourite characters list in order:
1. Yagami Taichi
2. Izumi Koushiro
3. Ishida Yamato
4. Kido Jou
5. Takenouchi Sora
6. Takahashi Takeru
7. Tachikawa Mimi
8. Yagami Hikari

^My 01 list... The list wouldn't be all that different with the 02 characters included though.

Tailmon...Weird, but I always saw Tailmon as the weakest out of the champions. Her attack power is equivalent to that of a rookie level digimon... (seems so anyway)

@Fresh_coffee: Back from Quebec I see. Had fun? Did you have to speak french?
Yeah, dub names and original names can get quite confusing if you're not familiar. Only with digimon though. At least we all know the human characters' original names. (Still trying to figure out why Yagami was changed to Kamiya... )

I was always a Taiora and Mimato fan . I can still remember when there were constant debates online about the couples. But I will admit I probaly fueled the fire once or twice.

Kasumi: Of course I noticed you were away in my head I was wondering where is Kasumi did she leave us 0_0. I tried to speak French but it didn't turn out so well I have the stupidest story you wouldn't want to know it was still fun even though every french person was saying in there heads what's up with that girl. XDDDDD Thanks for asking why were you absent for 4 days? I'm still trying to understand how Yamato got switched to Matt 0_0.

Semester 2 started about a week ago. Been busy with the homework load. And it's only the first week! *sighs* I dread the day I leave the forum...

Curiously, Fresh_Coffee, what grade are you in? I'm taking gr. 10 french, and I have problems communicating in french... *sighs* I dislike my french course... And there's still a whole semester to go. T_T

Yamato to Matt... Well, I'm guessing they took Matt from Yamato. *shrugs* It fits the lip movement...

Ryuji:
First three seasons were okay? Well.. they only did the fourth after that.. (well I don't know about X-Evolution) and apparently it had unique ideas. That's also what I like about the seasons. That they bring out a different story instead of going on and on with the same.

Coffee:
Ooh now orries. You're probably used to the dub names, but I watched the original one.. or well the Finnish dub with the original names and origial lines.. although later we had it subtitled. Anyway I figure what you mean even if you use dub names ... Wait. Patamon's ultimate is Holy Angemon.. would that be then soo much more powerful that Angewomon? how unfair.

Kasumi:
Sure we notice if you're gone.
Ah, you also see Tailmon as a rookie... Well she didn't do much in her champion form. She was definitely most important as Angewomon.

hmm.. my favourite list.... from 01
1. Taichi
2. Koushiro
3. Hikari
4. Sora
5. Jou
6. Yamato
7. Mimi
8. Takeru

and 02

1. Taichi (sure)
2. Ken
3. Koushiro
4. Daisuke
5. Jou
6. Mimi
7. Takeru
8. Iori
9. Yamato
10. Miyako
11. Hikari
12. Sora
in 01 I like all the characters in 02 however... well Miyako, Hikari and Sora disappointed me, but were still tolerable enough.

Chibi-Usa:
A Mimato fan? Interesting. Also another pairing in which Yamato is the uke... oh.. I guess it fits with Taiora. To pair Yamato with the next possible girl (ooh.. why not Hikari? )

About the name discussion. in 01 They were pretty obvious I guess. Kamiya had me wondering for some time. Why on earth change it... into a version that didn't really make it easier to pronounce or change it that much anyway. I was enlightened... Yagami reads backwards... imagaY i'm a gay
I guess that freaked out some people. Now.. why can't we all be open-minded?

*doubles over laughing* Yagami, imagay... XDDD You're amazing, how do you come up with these stuff? XD I can't stop laughing now.

Well, truthfully, 4 days isn't all that long.

*chokes on water* Yamari? *am reminded of a Yamari fic I read long ago* *twitch* Um...Don't mind me...

In the US dub, for 01, the dub names were their middle names. Their official first name was still their original name. I wished they'd done that with 02... Not that it makes a big difference, but it looks better.

About Kamiya... Yeah, it's still japanese, still 3 syllables... They even had to go through paint edits for door plates just because of that change. Weird...

Oh no! I'm not going to take credit for that. *sighs*
We discussed this long ago on a Digimon forum.. I don't remember if someone came up with it.. or if it was actually the reason for the change of the name.
I think it was the actual reason. It would make sense.

Yamari (wait Yamato is the seme?) isn't that bad.. um.. when they're older anyway. You know.. the classic.. older brother's best friend

Yeah.. in 01 the name changes weren't even that bad. They made actual sense...
Sometimes I don't understand the logic behind the changes (like in 02)
paint edits.. Don't they do that all the time... like in YGO for example.. apparently a lot was edited.. I guess they did that for Digimon too.

It's unlikely for that to be the reason for the change. Not many people read words backwards, afterall.

No, Yamari isn't that bad... But a few Yamari fics totally changed my views on it. Don't get me wrong, the fics were well-written, it's the mental image it left behind... Eh... Or maybe it has something to do with the fact that Yamato is near the top of my favourite characters list, and 02 Hikari is at the VERY end? Hm...Not likely...

No, what I meant was that changing Yagami to Kamiya caused unneccesary paint edits. From what I can tell, not too much paint edit took place.

YGO was licensed by 4kids, and we all know 4Kids love paint editing.

Kasumi: 0_0 I'm very young ok not that young compared to you guys. I'm in grade.8 taking everything in grade.8 evel XD I already chose my courses for grade.9 next year I can't remember what I chose though but I was so happy I didn't have to take Art. I'm so crappy the only thing I can draw is stick people. XD

I have to say in season 1 hikari rocked my socks she was so innocent , I guess she could be my first person then Taichi you gotta love him

@Fresh_Coffee: Grade 8? Was Quebec your graduation trip or something? Oh, wait, it's only February, too early for a graduation trip.
*sighs* I miss grade 8... I remember dreading graduation, and now I dread my high school graduation (which is 2 years away)... I'm weird, I know.
I remember being very happy when I found out that I didn't have to take art as well. Hm...Considering you're in Canada, the only courses you had choice in would be drama, instrumental music (band), and art. The other course would be business, tech, or food & nutrition.

01 Hikari was cute. She was very lovable. But in 02, her image shattered into millions of little pieces. What did the people at Toei (and whoever was resonsible for the production of Digimon Adventure 02) do to you, Hikari?

Kihaku

that's true, but after they started making these weird things i stopped watching it and went onto Final Fantasy Unlimited... I did like most of the early seasons though, and yes each one had unique ideas which was cool and all!

Kasumi:
Well... maybe the dub makers were suspicious... When it's a kid show they double check things many times.

Hmm.. I pair people even if I don't like the other half of the pairing and adore the one ... But anyway.. I guess fanfics can get you (not that I have any experience)

Coffee:
Ooh.. age isn't a issue I mean..I was probably quite a lot older than the target group for Digimon.

Ryuji:
Weird things? oh well.. I guess children becoming Digimons can be wierd. I kind of liked the idea.. since it was new and before they were fighting with their own mental strength.. now also with the physical.

Kasumi: It seems weird to go to High School teachers keep on saying "Oh the teachers don't care about you so you better behave it's a different world" I'm not sure if I even want to go there. I know for sure I didn't choose Vocal Music wait is that even on the list? Anyway the Quebec trip was just this trip for fun I don't know what's going on for grad I don't really care don't wanna go to highschool so I try not to think about it XD

Humans becoming digimon now that's something I would like to try!

Out of all the "fighting" styles, I liked Tamers' card slash the best. Unlike 01 and 02, the partners can play a bigger role than simply standing there, encouraging their partner digimon, and allowing them to evolve. As for Frontier, while I liked the idea as well, it killed the partner-digimon relationship idea.

@Kihaku: I would think the change has something to do with the meaning of Yagami. The word "God" is forbidden in a kid's show... Why? I have no idea... (Yagami = "Eight Gods" in japanese)

Yeah, I just remembered that one of the earliest shounen-ai couples I supported consisted of my top favourite character in the series and a near-the-bottom-of-the-list character in the series. *shrugs*

@Fresh_Coffee: My elementary teachers always told me the same thing as well... But it's not entirely true. It really depends on which teacher you get and for what subject. (and believe me, teacher not caring about you is not always a good thing)

Kasumi: I already have the trouble with one teacher. The art teacher I think she hates me 0_0 she got mad at me for reading a book in class while she was taking attendance. She's mean to other kids too maybe it's just me. Ah well atleast in highschool ummmmmm I can't really think of anything at the moment except my highschool I'm going to has an anime club. It looks kinda of weird though I just keep rambling on and on.

I like the whole partner thing the digimon interaction is great but then the humans just sit around and encourage their digimon. So I have to say I agree with Kasumi on this one third season was the best in this aspect.

I never really got to watch season 3 (damn Brit TV) but it looked good from what I saw. I liked having a stern character in it.

*Laughing when she saw this topic* I'll admit, I still think Digimon is pretty cool. It ain't a rip-off of Pokémon like most think. It's storylines are darker and its characters much more deeply developed.

I don't watch it anymore, but I'll still always love Seasons 2 & 3.

And I'll always like Digimon. Some of those digital monsters are so cool!

@Fresh_Coffee: You're lucky that your high school has an anime club... My school's cheap, they don't have anything. (ok, that's a lie, but they don't have anything interesting. )

@Yukina Raven: I remember the whole Digimon is a rip-off of Pokemon (or vice versa) argument. Fortunately, the argument ended about a month into the Digimon series. Of course, I know there are still people who think one is the rip-off of the other, but at least no one is running around with mallets anymore.

Hmm... That would make sense (darn. I liked the other one )
Digimon Adventure had quite a few more religious themes otherwise. Like the prophecy of the apocalypse
or something. I really liked the part with the angels

Hmm.. hmm... I don't know. I like the fact that in the Adventure and 02 series the children had a close bond with their Digimon and that the fighting was mostly about their mental strength. It also allows really great character development (and in Adventure it's one of the best I've seen in any series).
But I also understand that the the following series would rather have a different approach and I think it's better for a change and seperates the series from one another. I like the part about humans becoming Digimon because they can be more involved physically. Usually I like that more.. It kind of annoyed me in Pokémon when the "tariners" weren't really doing much themselves. In Digimon Adventure however that isn't the case .
But I haven't seen either Tamers or Frontier (I hope I will someday) so I can't say which I like best . I like both ideas I know of, but at the moment I think I prefer the one in Adventure (I just loved the in depth characters).

Well.. I wouldn't really bother if either series was influenced by the other, since both a very different from each other.
You said it well Yukina_Raven
Also Digimon has an actual, developing plot and a deeper meaning .

Didn't Digimon come out before Pokemon in Japan anyway?

@Kihaku: Actually, I would say that the trainers in Pokemon did more. It may not look like it, but trainers battle with their mental strength as well. Pokemon can sense their trainers emotion and will respond accordingly. When a trainer is nervous or lack confidence, their pokemon will naturally become weaker. When a trainer is angry/mad, their pokemon will usually attack blindly, or simply, thrash around. In that aspect, wouldn't you say Digimon Adventure battling and Pokemon battling is the same?

There's more to it. Trainers must become "one" with their Pokemon in order to get stronger. It sounds cheesy, I know, but it does bring a more realistic view to Pokemon training. How? Let me explain...

When a Pokemon battles on its own, all they can do is dodge or block obvious attacks. When they're dodging, they can't formulate any strategies to defeat their opponent.
This is where trainers come in. They are the ones who come up with strategies. They are the ones who help their Pokemon by warning them a second before the attack hits. Trainers can see and think far better when they're in battle.

So how is it more realistic? Well, if you're in a fight, you can't think as clearly as when you're not. That is the case with Pokemon battling as well.

Going back to Digimon Adventure, as much as it hurts to say this, Taichi and the gang supported them mentally, but nothing else. If anything, Taichi was the only one who came close yelling out strategies, while the others only watched and shouted encouragements.

Now, I agree with you about the whole character development part though. The partners bond was what allowed character development, and the producers handled that very well.

@Nagurikorosu: Yes and no to your question. If I recall correctly, the Digimon tamagotchis came out before the Pocket Monsters game. However, the Pocket Monsters anime came out before Digimon Adventures.
But as we already said, it's two different series with two differnt storylines and approach, so does that really matter?


Kihaku, now this would be my longest post. I'm sorry, didn't mean to, but the urge/need to defend Pocket Monsters was too great.

Nagurikorosou:
I remember it like Kasumi does . At least I think it was that way. um... both were based on a game, or?

Kasumi:
Oh, that was a great post!
I can see that you like Pokémon.
Okay, I admit that the trainers are involved..
Still I just can't get over the part that they make their "friends" fight so they can take the glory.. Uh to put it bluntly. The Pokémon themselves aren't acknowledged that much in my opinion.
In Digimon there wasn't any choice. The kids had to fight.. and yeah there wasn't much of a strategy, because their own power was the power of the Digimon... Kind of like the Digimon being their counter parts. In a way they were fighting.. or their spirit was. If they couldn't do it, lost mental strength, or didn't live up to the power of their crest the Digimon couldn't fight either.
Also I remember the part when WarGreymon was fighting Piamon... very interesting kind of. Even though he was getting bashed it looked as if Taichi was too. He seemed about as half dead as WarGreymon when Yamato showed up (ooh.. I loved the scene after that That's one of my favourites! )
Um.. yeah.. I guess I didn't pay that much atention to the bonds in Pokémon. I guess the fact that they have so many Pokémons makes it seem more insignificant. But I agree that Ash seemed close to his Pokémon .
I don't think it's the same as in Digimon though. Also I'm not so sure about the actions of the Pokémon depending on the trainer's emotions. Well.... it would be logical for them to behave differently, as in animals sensing their owner's emotions and acting differently, but I don't think they have such a link as in Digimon in which the Digimon are actually connected to their partner.
For example when Yamato became depressed and was manipulated.. the same thing happened to Gabumon. Their reactions were similar.
Also having conflicts with Digimon would be like inner conflicts..
Heh, I felt like talking a lot too.. Hmm to conclude as much as I liked certain themes in Pokémon, in my opinion Digimon has a much more profound meaning and they foight for a more justified purpose.
I liked the first season of Pokémon. I think though that the weakness in it was the endless almost plotless story line later and lack of character developmnent.

Kasumi: My school at the moment is cheap , they keep turning off the heat we freeze to death most the time XD they make us buy tissue paper boxes 0_0

Yes Digimon actually came out first the game or toy or something like that. Pokemon however the anime came out before Digimon I don't know if anyone is going to agree with me but more into Pokemon they start copying Digimon with having "courage" etc.

Ah, I see. It's like Duel Masters vs. Yu-Gi-Oh!.

It was a lot better than the pokeman. At least they loved the animals as friends and didn't forcefully train and pit them against eachother. Pokeman was just virtual dogfighting for kids.

LOL. That's a good analogy Frog.

Coffee:
I'm not sure what you mean... Um Pokémon started copying Digimon? Or?
About having courage? What do you mean by that? Since.. people having courage isn't exactly something just for one...
It's like being in love not exactly something to copy...

Nagurikorosou:
Um.. not exactly There is a great difference between Pokémon and Digimon..
It's pretty obvious that Duel Masters was influenced by Yu-gi-oh!

Frog:
I think they loved the Pokémon too.. but I agree that it's a little contradictory to make your friends fight...

I've been told that Duel Masters the manga is older.

Hypocrisy a la' (it's supposed to be an accent) Pokemon the First Movie. I keep thinking about it's review on Anime News Network. Which I can't access right now. But it was pretty funny...to me anyway.

Duel Masters manga?????
Um.. apparently it was based on a game which was invented after Yu-gi-oh!
I thought that Takahashi was the first to come up with "dueling" and the cards...
But now I don't feel that sure...
Still it's a little different with Pokémon and Digimon since... well they're not as similar as DM and YGO...
Haven't seen the first Movie.. It's supposed to be good..