Dragon Half

Dragon Half

ドラゴンハーフ
1993 Production I.G OVA 2 episodes Completed
Comedy Fantasy Parody Adventure
Details & Synopsis
Mink is half human, half dragon, ridiculously strong, equipped with horns, a tail and wings, and desperately in love with the famous dragon-slaying singer Dick Saucer. This is inconvenient for several reasons, beginning with the fact that Dick makes a living killing the half of Mink's family tree she inherited most visibly.

Dragon Half takes the usual fantasy-adventure ingredients and immediately throws dignity out the window. Mink wants a magical potion that could make her completely human and, hopefully, worthy of Dick. Instead she gets dragged through monsters, rival princesses, incompetent villains, absurd tournaments and escalating slapstick where being the heroine mostly means surviving everybody else's terrible decisions.

Released as two OVA episodes in 1993, Dragon Half is one of those compact early-90s anime objects that feels almost engineered for tape trading and convention-room recommendations. The animation snaps between ordinary fantasy designs and deliberately deformed comedy at a moment's notice, while Kotono Mitsuishi plays Mink with exactly the amount of energy the material requires: too much.

It is short. It is loud. It never became the four-episode adaptation originally envisioned, so the story simply stops while the manga keeps going. Somehow that makes the anime feel even more like an artifact of the OVA era.

And yes, the ending theme is called "My Omelette" and is sung over Beethoven. Some things belong in an archive because history would sound made up without the evidence.
Alt Title ドラゴンハーフ
Studio Production I.G
Network OVA
Aired 1993
Episodes 2
Genre Comedy, Fantasy, Parody, Adventure
Status Completed
Search Go to ep Filters
Arc List (1)
Dragon Half OVA (2)
Dragon Half OVA 2 eps 2 canon 📷 2
001 Mink's Voyage Aired Mar 26, 1993 canon 📷 277 ►
Mink is a fifteen-year-old half-human, half-dragon girl with one enormous problem: she is hopelessly in love with Dick Saucer, the kingdom's beautiful pop idol and professional dragon slayer. When King Siva learns that Mink is the daughter of his former knight Rouce and the red dragon Mana, he sends the Mighty Damaramu after her while Princess Vina pursues her own grudge. Mink survives the resulting chaos with Rufa, Pia and Mappy at her side, then learns about the People Potion, a legendary elixir that might let her become fully human. Naturally, this sounds to Mink like a much more reasonable plan than reconsidering her crush.
Lore · 8 Debut: Mink Is Half Dragon and Completely Certain This Is the Problem
+7
Debut: Dick Saucer Is Both Dream Boy and Natural Predator Mink's Impossible Quest Debut: Rouce Was Sent to Kill Mana and Married Her Instead Mink's Impossible Quest Debut: The People Potion Gives the OVA a Quest It Never Finishes Mink's Impossible Quest Debut: Rufa, Pia and Mappy Make a Terrible Plan More Sustainable Mink's Impossible Quest Debut: Super-Deformed Is Not a Separate Mode From the Story Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Debut: The Mighty Damaramu Survives Because His Brain Is Too Small Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Debut: Princess Vina Is Also a Half-Human Problem Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics
View all 277 screencaps from this episode →
002 The Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Aired May 28, 1993 canon 📷 274 ►
Mink needs money to continue her search for the People Potion, so she enters the Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament for its 50,000-gamble prize. Unfortunately, the field includes Dick Saucer, Princess Vina, the demon warrior Dug Fin and a cybernetically rebuilt Damaramu, who somehow survived his previous encounter with Mink because his brain was apparently too small to suffer a fatal injury. Rosario's attempts to rig the contest only make things stranger. After Dick is undone by a spectacularly ill-timed stomach problem and the tournament becomes increasingly destructive, Mink fights her way to the final and wins the money she needs. The OVA ends with her quest still very much unfinished.
Lore · 11 Debut: Mink Enters the Tournament to Fund the People Potion Quest
+10
Debut: Mink vs. Mecha-Damaramu Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Debut: Princess Vina vs. Dug Fin Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Debut: Mink vs. Dug Fin Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Mink Is Half Dragon and Completely Certain This Is the Problem Mink's Impossible Quest Dick Saucer Is Both Dream Boy and Natural Predator Mink's Impossible Quest The People Potion Gives the OVA a Quest It Never Finishes Mink's Impossible Quest Rufa, Pia and Mappy Make a Terrible Plan More Sustainable Mink's Impossible Quest Super-Deformed Is Not a Separate Mode From the Story Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics The Mighty Damaramu Survives Because His Brain Is Too Small Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Princess Vina Is Also a Half-Human Problem Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics
View all 274 screencaps from this episode →
ⓘ Legend
canon Episode adapts events from the source manga.
mixed Adapts source material but adds anime-original scenes.
good-filler Anime-original episode generally well-received by fans.
filler Anime-original episode not based on the source manga.
📷 Number of user-uploaded screencaps available for this episode.
MI

Mink

Primary Protagonist / Half-Dragon Heroine

The fifteen-year-old heroine of Dragon Half, born to the legendary swordsman Rouce and the imperial red dragon Mana. Mink has horns, a tail, wings that appear when she needs them, enough strength to turn most fights into accidents, and a teenage crush powerful enough to override basic self-preservation. Her idol is Dick Saucer, which would be merely embarrassing if he were not also a professional dragon slayer. Mink's search for the People Potion begins because she believes becoming fully human will solve this romantic problem. Two OVAs of evidence suggest the potion may not be the most urgent issue.
+12 LORE
Mink Enters the Tournament to Fund the People Potion Quest Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Mink vs. Dug Fin Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Super-Deformed Is Not a Separate Mode From the Story Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Mink Is Half Dragon and Completely Certain This Is the Problem Mink's Impossible Quest The People Potion Gives the OVA a Quest It Never Finishes Mink's Impossible Quest Mink vs. Mecha-Damaramu Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Princess Vina vs. Dug Fin Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide The Mighty Damaramu Survives Because His Brain Is Too Small Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Princess Vina Is Also a Half-Human Problem Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Rouce Was Sent to Kill Mana and Married Her Instead Mink's Impossible Quest Rufa, Pia and Mappy Make a Terrible Plan More Sustainable Mink's Impossible Quest Dick Saucer Is Both Dream Boy and Natural Predator Mink's Impossible Quest
RU

Rufa

Supporting / Elf Friend and Questionable Magical Backup

One of Mink's closest friends and a young elf whose confidence with magic is considerably stronger than her actual accuracy. Rufa joins Mink and Pia on the People Potion quest, happily participating in plans that become dangerous almost immediately. She carries a lightning staff, though nearby scenery has almost as much reason to fear it as the intended target. The OVA softens some of her harsher manga personality, leaving her mostly as the outspoken friend who helps keep Mink's already chaotic adventure moving in the wrong direction at impressive speed.
+3 LORE
Rufa, Pia and Mappy Make a Terrible Plan More Sustainable Mink's Impossible Quest Super-Deformed Is Not a Separate Mode From the Story Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics The People Potion Gives the OVA a Quest It Never Finishes Mink's Impossible Quest
PI

Pia

Supporting / Armored Best Friend

Mink's small, good-natured friend who travels in a suit of armor because her extremely protective parents apparently decided ordinary clothing was an unacceptable risk. Pia is less reckless than Mink and Rufa, although traveling with them makes that a mostly theoretical distinction. She brings Mappy along as both pet and bodyguard, which proves useful whenever the group's latest problem requires something much larger than a tiny mouse. In a cast built around loud personalities, Pia's sweetness makes her a surprisingly effective straight woman.
+3 LORE
Super-Deformed Is Not a Separate Mode From the Story Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics The People Potion Gives the OVA a Quest It Never Finishes Mink's Impossible Quest Rufa, Pia and Mappy Make a Terrible Plan More Sustainable Mink's Impossible Quest
MA

Mappy

Supporting / Fairy Mouse and Emergency Bear

Pia's tiny fairy mouse companion looks harmless until somebody gives him a reason not to be. Mappy can transform into a huge bear-like form and acts as Pia's bodyguard while she travels with Mink and Rufa. The transformation is treated with exactly the amount of explanation Dragon Half usually gives anything: almost none. He also gets swept up in the group's emotional reactions, including their collective admiration of Dick Saucer, proving that even the animal mascot is not safe from the joke.
+2 LORE
The People Potion Gives the OVA a Quest It Never Finishes Mink's Impossible Quest Rufa, Pia and Mappy Make a Terrible Plan More Sustainable Mink's Impossible Quest
DS

Dick Saucer

Supporting / Pop Idol, Dragon Slayer and Terrible Crush Choice

The kingdom's impossibly handsome singing star is also a famous dragon slayer, because apparently being a pop idol was not enough of a career. Mink adores him long before meeting him, and continues doing so even after King Siva convinces Dick that she is a dangerous red dragon in disguise. Dick is skilled, vain and completely comfortable singing his own praises while walking into battle. The joke works because Mink never stops seeing the glamorous idol while the audience gets increasing amounts of evidence that perhaps she could aim a little higher.
+6 LORE
Dick Saucer Is Both Dream Boy and Natural Predator Mink's Impossible Quest Mink Enters the Tournament to Fund the People Potion Quest Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Mink vs. Dug Fin Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Princess Vina Is Also a Half-Human Problem Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Mink Is Half Dragon and Completely Certain This Is the Problem Mink's Impossible Quest The People Potion Gives the OVA a Quest It Never Finishes Mink's Impossible Quest
PV

Princess Vina

SPOILER!

Supporting / Rival Princess and Secret Slime-Half

King Siva's spoiled daughter and Mink's chief romantic rival for Dick Saucer. Vina presents herself as an elegant human princess, but she is actually half slime and maintains her human appearance through magic. That unusual heritage makes her extremely difficult to injure in ordinary ways, which is useful when competing with a half-dragon who tends to solve problems by hitting them very hard. Vina's dislike of Mink combines jealousy, pride and family politics into a rivalry far more intense than Dick Saucer has done anything to deserve.
+4 LORE
Princess Vina Is Also a Half-Human Problem Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Mink Enters the Tournament to Fund the People Potion Quest Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Mink vs. Dug Fin Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Princess Vina vs. Dug Fin Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide
KS

King Siva

Supporting Antagonist / Petty King and Professional Bad Decision Maker

The ruler of Mink's homeland once ordered his greatest knight Rouce to kill the imperial red dragon Mana. Rouce married her instead, which Siva has taken very personally ever since. The King is vain, impulsive, devoted to his daughter Vina and remarkably easy for Rosario to manipulate with plans that should not survive five seconds of scrutiny. His attempts to eliminate Mink create much of the OVA's conflict, although describing any of them as a master plan would be generous.
+5 LORE
Mink Enters the Tournament to Fund the People Potion Quest Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide The Mighty Damaramu Survives Because His Brain Is Too Small Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Princess Vina Is Also a Half-Human Problem Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Rouce Was Sent to Kill Mana and Married Her Instead Mink's Impossible Quest Dick Saucer Is Both Dream Boy and Natural Predator Mink's Impossible Quest
RO

Rosario

Supporting Antagonist / Royal Adviser and Fake Wizard

King Siva's priest-like adviser has the appearance of a sinister court magician and approximately none of the corresponding competence. Rosario repeatedly proposes schemes for getting rid of Mink, including pushing her toward the Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament. His supposed magical mystique relies heavily on theatrics, tricks and the hope that nobody asks too many questions. He survives around the royal court largely by producing another idea before the King has finished being angry about the last one.
LORE
DA

Damaramu

SPOILER!

Supporting Antagonist / The Mighty Damaramu

A massive warrior sent by King Siva to dispose of Mink and a man so committed to calling himself the Mighty Damaramu that it effectively becomes punctuation. His first battle with Mink ends with his own energy blade driven straight through his head. This would normally settle the matter. Damaramu returns in the second OVA as a cyborg and explains that his unusually compact brain prevented the injury from killing him. He then spends so much energy demonstrating his upgrades that Mink gets another chance to remove him from the fight. Dragon Half could not have designed a more appropriate recurring henchman.
+4 LORE
Mink vs. Mecha-Damaramu Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide The Mighty Damaramu Survives Because His Brain Is Too Small Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics Mink Enters the Tournament to Fund the People Potion Quest Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Super-Deformed Is Not a Separate Mode From the Story Dragon Half Comedy Mechanics
MA

Mana

Supporting / Mink's Dragon Mother

Mink's mother is an imperial red dragon capable of taking human form. Years earlier King Siva sent Rouce the Red Lightning to slay her, only for the famous knight to fall in love with her instead and abandon the assignment completely. Mana is beautiful, powerful and considerably more grounded than the husband and daughter sharing her house. Her existence explains Mink's dragon traits, but the family comedy matters just as much: one of the kingdom's most feared creatures now spends part of her life managing a retired hero and their lovesick teenager.
+2 LORE
Mink Is Half Dragon and Completely Certain This Is the Problem Mink's Impossible Quest Rouce Was Sent to Kill Mana and Married Her Instead Mink's Impossible Quest
RT

Rouce the Red Lightning

Supporting / Retired Dragon Slayer and Mink's Father

Once King Siva's greatest knight, Rouce earned the name Red Lightning through his extraordinary speed in battle. His career took an unexpected turn when the King ordered him to kill Mana, an imperial red dragon, and Rouce responded by falling in love with her instead. He retired, married Mana and became Mink's father. The legendary warrior is therefore introduced to the audience less as a fearsome knight than as proof that Dragon Half considers domestic comedy a perfectly acceptable ending for heroic legend.
+2 LORE
Rouce Was Sent to Kill Mana and Married Her Instead Mink's Impossible Quest Mink Is Half Dragon and Completely Certain This Is the Problem Mink's Impossible Quest
DF

Dug Fin

SPOILER!

Supporting Antagonist / Demon Warrior and Tournament Finalist

A young demon fighter who enters the Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament and immediately proves far more dangerous than most of the ridiculous competitors around him. Dug Fin is connected to the Demon Lord Azatodeth and possesses speed, fire magic and enough actual combat ability to make him one of the few opponents Mink cannot dismiss accidentally. He defeats Princess Vina and reaches the tournament final against Mink, where the comedy briefly allows a real fight to happen before returning to its natural state of total chaos.
+3 LORE
Princess Vina vs. Dug Fin Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Mink Enters the Tournament to Fund the People Potion Quest Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide Mink vs. Dug Fin Brutal Killer Martial Arts Tournament Guide
← All lore

Mink's Impossible Quest

The Problem Is Mostly Mink

Mink Is Half Dragon and Completely Certain This Is the Problem

Mink's situation sounds like the beginning of a serious fantasy tragedy: she is the daughter of the legendary swordsman Rouce and the imperial red dragon Mana, and the boy she adores is a professional dragon slayer.

Dragon Half immediately refuses to treat that premise with the dignity Mink thinks it deserves. Mink does not conclude that Dick Saucer may be a terrible romantic choice. She concludes that the obvious solution is to stop being half dragon.
Why it matters
The People Potion quest works because Mink's goal is emotionally sincere and logically ridiculous at the same time. The OVA never laughs at her for wanting to be loved. It laughs at the spectacular route she decides love requires.
Mink Dick Saucer Mana Rouce the Red Lightning

Debut: Ep 001 - Mink's Voyage

Dick Saucer Is Both Dream Boy and Natural Predator

Dick Saucer is a famous singer, a glamorous celebrity and an accomplished dragon slayer. Mink is already obsessed with him before the two are properly thrown together, which means the joke is built into his job description.

King Siva exploits that contradiction by convincing Dick that Mink is the dangerous red dragon he should be hunting. Mink then has to deal with the surreal problem of being attacked by the person whose posters she would probably still keep afterward.
Why it matters
Dragon Half turns the usual romantic obstacle into a fantasy-species problem. Mink's crush is funny because every new fact about Dick should make her reconsider it, and absolutely none of them do.
Dick Saucer Mink King Siva

Debut: Ep 001 - Mink's Voyage

The Family History Behind the Joke

Rouce Was Sent to Kill Mana and Married Her Instead

King Siva once sent his greatest knight, Rouce the Red Lightning, to kill the imperial red dragon Mana. Rouce found Mana, fell in love with her and abandoned the assignment so completely that the two eventually had Mink.

That backstory explains almost every absurd relationship in the OVA at once. Siva still resents Rouce. Mana is the dragon heritage Mink thinks is ruining her love life. Rouce is proof that a dragon slayer falling in love with a dragon is not even unprecedented in Mink's own family.
Why it matters
Mink is trying to become human because she thinks Dick could never love someone with dragon blood, while her own parents are already living evidence that the premise is not nearly as hopeless as she believes.
Rouce the Red Lightning Mana Mink King Siva

Debut: Ep 001 - Mink's Voyage

The Quest the OVA Barely Gets to Start

The People Potion Gives the OVA a Quest It Never Finishes

Once Mink hears about the People Potion, the OVA suddenly has the shape of a larger fantasy adventure. If she can obtain it, she believes she can become fully human and finally remove the obstacle between herself and Dick Saucer.

The important part for this adaptation is what does not happen. The two-episode OVA never reaches the full manga quest. Episode two is still Mink Enters the Tournament to Fund the People Potion Quest.
What changed
The People Potion turns Mink's crush into an adventure objective, but the anime ends while that objective is still opening up. Dragon Half is a surviving fragment of a bigger adaptation rather than a complete version of Mink's story.
Mink Rufa Pia Mappy Dick Saucer

Debut: Ep 001 - Mink's Voyage

The Party

Rufa, Pia and Mappy Make a Terrible Plan More Sustainable

Mink does not begin the People Potion quest alone. Rufa supplies enthusiastic magical backup whose accuracy is negotiable, Pia brings a much calmer personality inside an absurd amount of protective armor, and Mappy can stop being a tiny fairy mouse whenever the situation requires something considerably more alarming.

They function less like a balanced RPG party and more like friends who have collectively accepted Mink's premise before asking whether the premise makes sense.
Why it matters
The OVA's warmth comes from the fact that nobody tries to cure Mink of being Mink. Her friends know the quest is ridiculous and go with her anyway.
Mink Rufa Pia Mappy

Debut: Ep 001 - Mink's Voyage