History
Donovan Baine
Anita and DonovanDonovan is a Dhampir, the offspring of an affair between a vampire male and a human female. His true origin is unknown, however it is known that he was shunned as a child for his tainted blood. One day, a terrible event occurred in his hometown which had something to do with him. The end result was the death of everyone in the town, including his mother. Donovan wandered the world for a long time, following the teachings of Buddhism in an attempt to control his massive power as well as inner turmoil. Donovan is a man who seeks an answer to his cursed existence. Along his journeys as a wandering monk, he learned many things, and eventually came into possession of a gigantic magical sword known as Dhylec. This sword had the unique ability to channel the spirits of various elementals and gods for use of their power. Combined with his powerful telekinetic abilities, his strength, his mental discipline as well as the power of Dhylec and his spirit beads worn around his body, Donovan became a force of justice to be feared by all evil. The Darkstalkers' arrogance may have been their undoing with the creation of Donovan.
Donovan is a Dark Hunter but is not part of any official organization of dark hunters. He does not hunt for profit like Baby Bonnie Hood does. His reasons are spiritual in that hunting the dark gives him a meaning to his existence, to protect others from the dark, and maybe even cleanse himself of his tainted blood. On one of his journeys, Donovan came across a young girl named Anita. As Donovan came onto the scene, she was threatened by a monster. Donovan easily dispatched it, and turned to the villagers for an explanation. The people told him that Anita had never exhibited any kind of emotion or said any words since her family was slaughtered by a Darkstalker.
Taking his sword Dhylec, he slicing off the head of Anita's doll. Anita responded with a violent psychic force. Donovan subdued the attack and told her that anger was the most easily summoned emotion, but that this was proof that she could still heal her own heart. He welcomed Anita to accompany him not only to find herself but to aid him in battle, as she had some unique abilities as well. Thus, Donovan became her guardian, and Anita has kept the headless doll ever since.
Dee (Evil Donovan)
DeeIn his ending in Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge, Donovan finally loses his humanity as he sacrifices himself somewhat in order to protect Anita as well as awaken her emotion again. Although Donovan is victorious, he succumbed to the dark part of his soul too much in order to do so. This tragic turn of events causes Anita to cry, and is symbolic in showing that Anita is finally whole again. Years later, a grown Anita wonders what became of Donovan, and she hopes he's okay. Sadly however, we find Donovan sitting on a throne, beside many bodies. He is fighting a never ending struggle with himself as he yearns for inner peace.
Dee is the true, present day Donovan, somewhat corrupted and a "what if" if his Vampire Hunter ending was indeed canon. In Dee's ending, he confronts Anita, who shows her true form and he begins to fight an aged Anita. The outcome of this fight isn't shown but during the credits various pictures are shown of an aged Anita visiting a grave. It is assumed that the grave is Donovan's and that she won the fight and killed him, and it is still unknown whether this is a canon event or something of a "what if."
Personality
A wise, noble, serious, and caring person who detests supernatural beings who attack innocent humans and those that seek to control the world through dictatorship. Having the same essence as a vampire, he understands what it's like to be hated, and to have dark temptations. It's because of this that he swears to protect humans no matter what, he views being a darkhunter as a symbol of justice, rather than for bloodsport like Baby Bonnie Hood.
He enjoys reading and spending time with Anita, and possibly knows her significance to Makai and the human world.
Powers and Abilities
Spirits of various elementals and gods Donovan's primary attacks utilize both his martial arts training and his large demon slaying sword, Dhylec. His psychokinetic abilities allow him to levitate Dhylec off the ground and can even ride it through the air. He can also ensnare opponents with his psychokinesis, suspend them in the air, and slam them on the ground as seen in his grab attack. His large prayer beads or japa malas can be used as a barrier or can be swung towards enemies. When they are swung, they give off an aura of blue and white energy. With both Dhylec and his prayer beards, Donovan can summon gods from Buddhist and Hindu mythology (though the wind god in the Press of Death attack appears to be from Greek mythology) to fight alongside him.
He can also temporarily revert to his true form as a Darkstalker, a dark skinned human-like demon with yellow hair and wings. He flies at his enemy and emits a large ball of lightning against his foe in this state.
Dee
Essentially Donovan but with more powerful moves and a mix of Demitri's moves and even a laser projectile.
Other Media
- Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge
- Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire (Console ports only)
- Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower
- Darkstalkers Resurrection
- Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes
- Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (cameo)
Japanese only games
- Vampire Hunter 2
- Vampire Savior 2
- Vampire Chronicle for Matching Service
- Vampire: Darkstalkers Collection
Comics
In the UDON Comics Darkstalkers series, he fought Bishamon and various other creatures of darkness.
Donovan challenges Akuma, believing him to be a Darkstalker.
Animated
Donovan is the main protagonist in the 1997 four-episode anime series. He is voiced by Unshō Ishizuka in the Japanese version and by Ari Solomon in the English version.
Drama CD
Vampire Hunter Gaiden: Donovan The Wonder Of Density
Published by Victor Entertainment and released only in Japan, it features Donovan and Anita in an original story.
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