From Toon Zone Animation Wiki
Monster Rancher is an anime series based on the video-game franchise of the same name. Originally planned to last only 48 episodes, the series was well received enough that this number was extended to 73. The show stars a young boy named Genki who lives in the "Real World" at the beggining of the series. He is transported into the "World of Monsters" after starting a videogame called Monster Battle, and is swept into an adventure involving the fate of the Monster World. The show's monster attribute could be considered similar to other popular shows of the time, like Pokemon and Digimon Adventure; however the show's plot was noticeably darker, featuring death and mass murder (although admittedly toned down for children; most of the deceased characters are revived near the shows end).
Plot Synopis
The shows protaganist is Genki, an enrgetic young boy who is transported to the world of monsters in the first episode. After being attacked by the Black Dino monsters and meeting Holly (a young girl) and Suezo (her monster companion) he learns that the monster world is tyranized by the evil Muu, a dark lord who is able to force monsters to become evil and serve in his armies. Holly and Suezo are traveling the Monster World attempting to find the Phoenix, a creature said to have the power to defeat Muu. The Phoenix is said to be inside a Mystery Disk, which is the form Monster's take before they are taken to a shrine and released. Encouraged by thoughts of advnture and glory, Genki promptly agrees to join Holly and Suezo on their quest, and soon has a monster companion of his own, Mocchi. The four friends are joined by the enigmatic Golem; the professional thief Tiger of the Wind; and the conman Hare, as they search for the Phoenix and the final confrontation with Muu. They are led on their journey by a locket of Holly's which purportedly features as a compass that points to where the phoenix is lying.
