Karnov (カルノフ, Karunofu; Cyrilic: Карнов; Full name: Jinborov Karnovski) is a recurring character from Data East's games and the company's de-facto mascot. He was originally introduced as the main character in the titular game and have since appeared in various other DECO tiles, either as a regular enemy, boss or as an NPC.
In Fighter's History series
Story
Karnov is a feared and wealthy man of power. He is a known collector of ancient and powerful artifacts, most of which were either earned as awards or gained through theft. Bored of his life of peace and wanting to find a new challenge, he hosts the "Great Grapple" tournament for the world's fighters and offers his fortune as the prize.
Personality
A warrior who only respects others of his kind, Karnov is a hardened veteran of battle.
Powers
- Fire-breathing: Karnov can spit flames from his mouth.
- Expand: Karnov can expand the width of his belly to flatten opponents.
Music
- Main Theme - Karnov
- Karnov's Theme - Fighter's History
- Karnov's Theme - Fighter's History Dynamite / Karnov's Revenge (different from FH1, it's arrangement of the same theme in his origin game)
- Errand of God - Fighter's History: Mizoguchi Kiki Ippatsu!! (same as FHD)
Game Appearances
- Karnov - main character
- Garyo Retsuden - regular enemy
- Bad Dudes Vs. Dragon Ninja - stage boss
- Sly Spy - stage boss and small cameo
- Trio The Punch: Never Forget Me... - regular enemy
- Tumble Pop - regular enemy
- Fighter's History - final boss
- Fighter's History Dynamite - final boss / playable character
- Heracles no Eikou IV: Kamigami-kara no Okurimono - small cameo
- Joe & Mac Returns - regular enemy
- Street Hoop - small cameo
- Fighter's History: Mizoguchi Kiki Ippatsu!!- sub-boss / playable character
- Hoops - small cameo
- Garou Densetsu vs. Fighter's History Dynamite - boss character
- Windjammers 2 - small cameo
Sprites
Never Forget Me...
Gallery
Trivia
- Karnov was reportedly modeled after one of Data East's head directors named Koji Jimbo, signed in various games staff rolls as JIMBOLOHU.
- Karnov as he appears in the Karnov's Revenge series have been inspired by Abdulah the Butcher, resembling his appearance, and possibly also by Heart from Fist of the North Star.
- There is a character in Shantae and the Pirate's Curse simply called the Warrior who appears to be a reference to Karnov.