The first season, retroactively titled level 1, of the Zatch Bell! anime series was directed by Tetsuji Nakamura and Yukio Kaizawa and produced by Toei Animation. Based on the manga series by Makoto Raiku, the plot follows the adventures of Zatch Bell, a Mamado who is sent to Earth and partnered with the human Kiyo Takamine for a battle that adjudges the new monarchy of the Mamado world. The first season of the TV series, known formally as Konjiki no Gash Bell!! (金色のガッシュベル!!, lit. "Golden Gash Bell!!"), ran from April 6, 2003, to March 28, 2004, on Fuji TV. The season adapts volumes 1 through 11 of the manga, and also features original, self-contained subplots.