| Variant Zapper | |
|---|---|
 Amitie's blue-frame Variant Zapper (left) and Kyrie's red-frame Variant Zapper (right) | |
| Device profile | |
| Other names | Variant Unit (movie) |
| Master | Amitie Florian Kyrie Florian Nanoha Takamachi (movie) |
| Classification | |
| Magic system | Formula Eltria |
| Type | Device-like equipment |
| Handling | Weapon |
| Production | |
| Japanese name | ヴァリアントザッパー (Varianto Zappā) |
| First app. | Gears of Destiny |
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Variant Zapper (ヴァリアントザッパー Varianto Zappā) is the variable weapon used by Amitie Florian and Kyrie Florian first introduced in the portable continuity. Amitie's is blue and light blue in color, whereas Kyrie's is red and pink.
Name[]
Variant Zapper is the name used in The Gears of Destiny and the adaptation in INNOCENT. However, it appears to be only suitable for its gun form, i.e. Zapper. Particularly in INNOCENT, "Blue Frame" (ブルーフレーム Burū Furēmu) and "Red Frame" (レッドフレーム Reddo Furēmu) are the canonical terms to distinguish Amitie's and Kyrie's Zappers.
In the movie continuity, the general name for this variable weapon (with a new basic "core unit" form) is instead Variant Unit (ヴァリアントユニット Varianto Yunitto). In Reflection manga, however, its name tends to be Variant Zapper again, with other forms becoming its other modes.
Appearances[]
Alternate continuities[]
Variant Zapper appears primarily alongside Amitie and Kyrie in the portable continuity as their three-form weapons.
In the Brave Duel continuity, it is adapted as their Brave Duel Devices (see Variant Zapper). No change in basic design is noted, but extra designs are added as upgraded forms (e.g. Variant Zapper II's three equivalent forms).
In the movie continuity, Variant Unit appears in Reflection, Reflection manga and Detonation as their equipment, with new designs and a wider variety of forms, including but not limited to the redesigned version of those three original forms. Such weapons are known as Variant Arms (ヴァリアントアームズ Varianto Āmuzu).[1] Besides, a spare Variant Core possessed by Amitie is given to Nanoha Takamachi near the end of Reflection for the integration with her Barrier Jacket and Fortress System.
Forms[]
| Forms | Portable continuity (Variant Zapper) |
Movie continuity (Variant Unit) |
|---|---|---|
| Variant Core (ヴァリアントコア Varianto Koa) |
N/A | Takes the form of a button-like artefact similar to the usual standby form of a Device. Such core unit is the base of a Variant Unit, capable of turning into different tools with metals or inorganic matters as materials.[2] |
| Zapper (ザッパー Zappā) |
The default gun form, in pairs. Despite its size, it is capable of rapid sequential firing like machine gun. | Officially Variant Zapper (ヴァリアントザッパー Varianto Zappā), it takes the form of a handgun (with new design) and can fire various types of bullets, such as light bullets for threatening purpose, high-speed solid bullets that can penetrate metals or concretes, energy bullets that can penetrate magical defenses etc.[3] |
| Finest Cannon (ファイネストカノン Fainesuto Kanon) |
N/A | Takes the form of a larger shotgun, it is a form for the purpose of firing more powerful bullets than Zapper's. It contains a firing mechanism for armor-piercing explosive bullets and grenade bullets.[3] |
| Gatling Blaster (ガトリングブラスター Gatoringu Burasutā) |
N/A | Takes the form of a multi-gun rotary cannon that can fire large quantities of energy-coated metal bullets. It is also set with a mechanism to fire rocket bullets.[3]
Also known as Gatling Mode in Reflection manga (ch.1). |
| Fencer (フェンサー Fensā) |
Takes the form of one-handed blade, in pairs. | Officially Variant Fencer (ヴァリアントフェンサー Varianto Fensā), it takes the form of a one-handed blade (with new design).
Also known as Variant Zapper Fencer Mode in Reflection manga (ch.1). |
| Heavy Edge (ヘヴィエッジ Hevi Ejji) |
Takes the form of a two-handed sword, similar to a claymore. | Takes the form of a large solid sword (with new design). |
| Shot Primer (ショットプライマー Shotto Puraimā) |
N/A | Takes the form of a handle with trigger. It is originally designed as a multi-purpose tool for welding, breaking, drilling etc., but can also be used as a low-power shock gun. |
Functions[]
| Upgrade | Description |
|---|---|
| One-Hand Mode | In the portable continuity, Variant Zapper can be used in the "one-hand mode", which is applicable to both Zapper and Fencer, in a way similar to Cross Mirage. The combination of one Zapper and one Fencer is also possible. |
| Overblast | In the scenario of The Gears of Destiny, Amitie has displayed once the Overblast (オバーブラスト Obāburasto) function of her Variant Zapper. In exchange for substantially boosted power, the body of the Zapper is also damaged. |
Additionally, Kyrie's red-frame Zapper (gun form) is superior to Amitie's blue-frame Zapper in rapid sequential firing.[4]