Pretty Cure (2004 TV series)

Pretty Cure (2004 TV series), also known as Futari wa Pretty Cure, is the inaugural installment in the Pretty Cure magical girl anime franchise, produced by Toei Animation. It aired in Japan from February 1, 2004, to January 30, 2005, as part of the Sunday morning programming block on TV Asahi. The series centers on two middle school girls, Nagisa Misumi and Honoka Yukishiro, who are granted the power to transform into the legendary warriors, Cure Black and Cure White, respectively.

The plot revolves around their mission to protect the Prism Stones, mystical artifacts scattered throughout the human world, from the Dotsuku Zone, a dark realm seeking to plunge the world into eternal darkness. Guided by Mepple and Mipple, two beings from the Garden of Light, Nagisa and Honoka must learn to work together despite their contrasting personalities to defeat the emissaries of the Dotsuku Zone and restore balance to the universe.

Futari wa Pretty Cure established many of the core elements that would become hallmarks of the Pretty Cure franchise, including the dynamic fighting style, the focus on friendship and teamwork, and the transformation sequences. The series achieved significant popularity in Japan and internationally, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and merchandise. Its emphasis on physical combat alongside magical abilities differentiated it from many contemporary magical girl anime.