Zoids Index

EZ-048 Demantis Technical Data ディマンティス

	Name Note:	None
	Alignment:	Neo Zenebas Empire
	Rollout:	ZAC 2101
	Type:	Mantis
	Height:	6.48 m
	Length:	7.2 m
	Weight:	10.0 t
	Max Speed:	370 km/h

Equipment Information
Weapons:	Equipment:
2-Barrelled Vulcan Gun x2 (Top of forelegs) Gatling Gun Seat (Back) Hyper Falx x2 (Forelegs)	Ion Booster (Green part of abdomen) Multi Antenna x2 (Head)

Story Information
Pilots:	Introduction:
None Listed	The Demantis is one of several SS (Super Small) Zoids utilized by the Eisen Dragoon. In fact, it's one of the most numerous in the unit, and while it may not be the most powerful Zoid in the force it can swarm enemies with its far greater numbers, enough to kill even a giant-scale Zoid. Even on its own, like other SS Zoids, it's considered to be far stronger than one would think for its size, and it specializes in ambush tactics on top of that. ^[1]

Story Information

Pilots:

Introduction:

None Listed

The Demantis is one of several SS (Super Small) Zoids utilized by the Eisen Dragoon. In fact, it's one of the most numerous in the unit, and while it may not be the most powerful Zoid in the force it can swarm enemies with its far greater numbers, enough to kill even a giant-scale Zoid. Even on its own, like other SS Zoids, it's considered to be far stronger than one would think for its size, and it specializes in ambush tactics on top of that. ^[1]

- Details of Design

Combination

Similar to BLOX, Demantis has a connector joint in the Ion Booster that allows several bodies to combine, turning one super small Zoid into a giant one. The benefits of this are never brought up, however, and at a glance it seems like a step backwards from having numerous agile gunners. Theoretically it could be used to make use of damaged Demantis on the field, as long as the right parts are still intact.

That aside, there's various ways this Zoid can combine. Originally featured in CoroCoro, it was first depicted as having each body segment in its original state, connected together like the top example. However, the barrels of the gatling gun can also link together, creating an elongated gatling. The kit can even add additional forelimbs, giving it more attack options.

Numerous Pilots

While multiple pilots aren't unheard of, it's surprising just how many operate the Demantis. Typically there's a pilot in the head and a gunner on the back. There's also a spotter who stands on a platform behind the Zoid's neck, between its head and the gunner seat. The pilot in the cockpit has their legs exposed, but it's likely that, like the Barigator, this is a mechanical flaw with the toy being too small while recycling the average 1/72 scale pilot. This most likely isn't intended to be canon, and presumeably the pilot would fit inside the head just fine, as canon images don't show the pilot's legs.

- Concept Art

These prototype images of the Demantis were shown off in the May 2001 issue of CoroCoro Comic.

- Military History

ZAC 2101, June, Rollout

When the Helic Republic arrived on the shores of Nyx they discovered two enemy forces fighting each other. The Eisen Dragoon, Demantis included slaughtered the Defense Forces of the Guylos Empire. Had they not intervened, the Republic may have met a considerable amount of resistance during their landing operations. Instead, the Eisen Dragoon allowed them to launch almost immediately.

ZAC 2101, August, Defense of the Eisen Dragoon Base

When the Ray Force, the vanguard of the Republic's landing operations on Nyx detected a strange enemy base, they went to investigate. There they found the Eisen Dragoon hunting the base's defense forces. Among them was Wolff Muroa, the prince of Zenebas. He urged them to move on and head towards Valhalla, the Empire's capitol city but when they refused, the Eisen Dragoon attacked. The Republic's forces were immobilized, then set upon by the Demantis and other Eisen Zoids, who started tearing their Zoids apart. The battle lasted until the Republic air dropped Gunblusters onto the field. Against such bombardment, the small, relatively unarmored SS Zoids didn't stand much of a chance. Even so, the battle was further interrupted by the awakening of the Bloody Demon, which started a drawn out battle against the remaining members of the Ray Force.

ZAC 2101, December, Invasion of the Helic Capitol

As Valhalla went up in flames, detonated by Prozen's Bloody Death Saurer, Neo Zenebas landed on the shores of the Central Continent, the Republic's homeland. They rushed through Republican territory and soon reached the capitol. Demantis joined their fight to raze the city. One Demantis was crushed by Tommy Paris as he fled the capitol city in a Saberlion, trying to smuggle the president to safety.

ZAC 2102, ???, Reclamation Attempt of the Capitol

In ZAC 2102 there was an attempt to reclaim Helic's capitol city. This effort, which started with a piercing maneuver by the High Speed Force, was put to an end as soon as it began. The force was overwhelmed by jamming waves from Dark Spiners that still occupied the city, and after the larger Zoids had immobilized their targets, half by gun fire and half by setting their own ally machines upon them, Demantis and Diloforce units swarmed the fallen and destroyed their Zoids. Steve Bone was among those in the Republic's High Speed Force, but was forced to abandon his König Wolf.

- Equipment Information

- 2-Barrelled Vulcan Gun x2

2-Barrelled Vulcan Gun x2: 2連装バルカン砲×2

The 2-Barrelled Vulcan Guns are installed to the Hyper Falx, through an opening at the top of the armor plate. Though these aren't the Demantis' most powerful weapon, they're the most often depicted, with the Zoid relying on them for frontal assaults as it carries on the march.

- Gatling Gun Seat

Gatling Gun Seat: ガトリング砲座

The primary bombardment weapon for the Demantis is its Gatling Gun, which is effectively a gunner seat. The pilot sits in the seat, exposed, but benefits from the Multi Antenna, which eliminates any blind spots the pilot may still have. The gun itself can rotate 360 degrees, countering targets from every direction.

- Hyper Falx x2

Hyper Falx x2: ハイパーファルクス×2

The Hyper Falx, the long green claws of the Demantis, are named after a curved blade. As melee weapons, they're said to have unimaginable power for a Zoid of this class, and are often depicted swinging straight down on their target. They also house the 2-Barrelled Vulcan Guns, which stick through the top of the thick metal plate.

- Ion Booster

Ion Booster: イオンブースター

This green booster makes up the belly of the Demantis, and allows it to fly at a low altitude over long distances. This is when the Demantis reaches its maximum speed of 370 km/h, which is considered quite high for a typically land-based Zoid.

- Multi Antenna x2

Multi Antenna x2: マルチアンテナ×2

The Multi Antennas are, of course, the antennas. These detect enemies in the nearby area, or are presumed to, based on them being able to eliminate blind spots for the Gatling Gun Seat.

- Merchandise

Model Kits

EZ-048 Demantis

- Featured In Media

- Zoids Battle Story

Though not featured as characters, Demantis deserves an honorable mention for its army support role in the Zoids Official Fan Books. It was perhaps one of the most widely used Zoids in the Eisen Dragoon. It also benefitted greatly from the high emphasis of support roles in their unit. Grounchars would immobilize enemies, then the Demantis could swarm over them with relatively little risk.

Other Media Appearances

Anime Media: Zoids New Century

Book Media: Zoids Official Fan Book 3
Book Media: Zoids Official Fan Book 4

Game Media: Zoids Bonds of Steel

- Notes

1. All information, unless stated otherwise, is from the box, official product info, or Official Fan Books. Media appearances reference their respective media.