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Character Study: Nandaba Kamon
The head of the Nandaba household, independent manga artist Kamon does not present the typical vision of a father figure. He is a selfish slacker with erectile dysfunction who has only two goals; getting his newly hired housekeeper, Haruko, into bed and selling as many copies of his latest manga, "Come On, Mabase", as possible.
Kamon is very jealous of the relationship that Haruko and Naota are developing, even going so far as to invite Ninamori to sleep over, in hopes of her diverting Naotas attention. Always with ulterior motives, Kamon also extended the invitation because his manga just happens to be about Mabases mayor, Ninamori's father, having an affair.
The father/son war for Harukos affection culminates in Kamon's challenge to an actual paintball war. His jealousy knows no bounds and he will do anything, even sacrifice his own son for the chance to be with her. Kamon even fantasizes early on about showing Haruko off to co-workers as his new, young wife. Oblivious to the needs of others, he does not consider the fact that Naota also sees her as the mother figure which is missing from his life and would likely relish the idea of Haruko filling this role. Kamon is completely self-centered and cares only for that which gives him pleasure.
Distinctive to FLCL is the fact that Kamon finally does get Haruko into bed only to find that he is unable to perform. Naota walks by as they are in the midst of their affair and cannot resist the urge to peep, not uncommon in Japanese erotic texts. Harukos eyes meet Naotas gaze and their relationship is more confused than ever. Kamon represents everything that Naota does not want to become, while simultaneously he has the one thing that Naota is not able to acquire. Even when Kamon manages to achieve his most valued goal, Naota understands that he should not follow in his father's footsteps because Kamon is not able to perform at this most crucial moment.
 Character Study: Canti
What kind of offspring can be produced through a violently sexual act of head bashing conception between a 12-year-old, morose Japanese boy mother and a female, bass wielding, Vespa driving, alien father? None other than Canti, the robot with a Sony television for a head. When the N.O. Channel is opened through Harukos insemination of Naotas head, she expects to instantly receive Atomsk the Pirate King for her efforts. Though slightly delayed, Atomsk does come through, hitching a ride in Canti to escape the Medical Mechanicas terminal core where he is a vital part of its operations. Unfortunately for Haruko, she does not realize this and with one swing of her bass, Cantis head is busted and he loses his connection with Atomsk.
During the brief time that Canti/Atomsk was gestating in Naotas head, they made a connection with him. Realizing the great loss Naota feels with his brother gone, Canti/Atomsk elect to fill that void as best they can, thus becoming yet another way in which Tasuku is symbolically viewed in FLCL. When Harukos swing sends Atomsk back through the N.O. Channel, Canti is left in Mabase and becomes a part of the Nandaba family. Atomsk still has the connection with Naota, and anytime he is needed, Canti can access his power by eating Naota.
When Atomsks power is not required, Canti is a peaceful part of the Nandaba household, willing to run errands and do the dishes whenever necessary. Mamimi through her love for Tasuku, sees Canti as very similar and he becomes nothing less than a god to her. He is very influential in Naotas life also, and Naota becomes protective of him, not wanting the others to use him for their own benefit. Naota is both mother and brother to Canti and also has to join with him to activate the power of Atomsk, needless to say, their relationship is very complex.
Those are just a few of the ways that the characters of FLCL intertwine to create the atmosphere for the first 21st Century anime. Many additional supporting characters are also included to form a deeply detailed network of citizens living in Mabase. The pace is very quick throughout this six OVA series, but if you take the time to see them, the characters more defined than those of much larger anime project. As crucial as the characters, themselves, are to the success of FLCL as the Millennium Anime, there are many equally important elements which all contribute to its triumph.
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