Memory Shrine: An Alice McCoy Fanshrine

Theories

There are many interesting theories floating about revolving around Alice's past and I felt that they were a necessary componet that needed to be addressed in this shrine.

Since Alice McCoy was seen in the real world and even made physical contact with the Tamers the majority of fans have assumed that she was, of course, a living breathing girl. However there are many who beg to differ with this theory.

In the series we see the different scientists being interviewed about the D-Reaper. During an interview Rob (Dolphin) McCoy is shown with his grandson and only his grandson, while trying to stress the importance of children. Yet later on we see him holding a picture and in this picture Alice is clearly shown. Upon his face at the time of seeing the picture there is a wistful expression and a tad bit of grief as well. One could assume that perhaps the child pictured there is no longer around or perhaps living.

In the picture Alice is seen smiling, wearing a black and white baseball tee, and blue hair ribbons. Yet when she appears to the Tamers she is dressed in a black dress, does not crack a smile (to them), is wearing black hair ribbons, and mentions nothing of her grandfather's involvement to Henry/Lee. The two personalities, in so much as we can infer, seem to contradict each other. So the theory goes that at some point in time Alice passed away. Whether due to sickness or an accident of some sort one can only speculate. If Alice had passed away as many believe this would explain the radical difference in personality and dressage as seen in the series. It would also explain how at the end of the episode she just disappears into thin air as well. There are those of course who just believe she was contacted by the Digimon Soverign because of her relation to Rob/Dolphin and the monster makers, signifying that she is in fact alive and well.

My opinion:
I am inclined to believe that Alice was in fact deceased at the point in time when she met with the Tamers and delivered Dobermon to them. However I am open to the oposing theory as well. Go figure. Both theories are excellent fuel for thought really ^^

Spoiler Alert!
The Digimon shorts published in Wickid magazine attempted to give Alice's character some backstory. It is explained in these short comics that Alice was involved in some early experiments of her Grandfather's involving the Digital World. During one such experiment she was accidently transported to the Digital World and her Grandfather was unable to retreive her. Unlike Ryo who wandered the Digital World, Alice was found and raised by the Digimon Soverign.

Digimon Tamers executive producer Chiaki J. Konaka released his own theories on Alice's background. He contemplated that Alice had in fact passed on prior to the series and what was seen by the Tamers was her ghost. Alas, there is nothing in the anime series or manga to confirm or deny this. Konaka himself states that these are just his speculations and not fact.

Possible Backstory of Alice McCoy
by Chiaki J. Konaka; Digimon Tamers Executive Producer.
Alice McCoy is a sort of guest character who appears in Episode 44: The Messenger.She is Dobermon's partner.

Every year, a magazine published by Shuueisha Books holds a Digimon Design Contest. The first prize winner was to be introduced into the series, and this year, Dobermon was chosen.

Dobermon is a poised, elegant Digimon. As I tried to figure out how to weave him into the drama, I was inspired with the idea of making him a messenger and a conduit for the Sovereigns, as they give power to the tamers and digimon in the real world.

What sort of partner would this digimon have...?

The image that rose to my mind was a young girl in gothic clothing.

Alice is the granddaughter of "Dolphin", aka Professor Rob McCoy, leader of the "Wild Bunch". Brought to life by actress Yuka Imai, she became a unique, individualistic young girl unlike any of the other digimon tamers.

The following is my own personal thoughts, not necessarily canonical or correct, but...

There is a scene in which Dolphin looks at a framed picture of his granddaughter, and calls out her name. Although it is unusual in Japan to carry around pictures of loved ones, it was my understanding that it was quite natural for westerners to take photos of family members with them on vacation. I had not imbued that scene with any special meaning.

In the framed picture, Alice shows an innocent, child-like smile. But Dolphin (played by Mr. Masami Kikuchi in the Japanese) called out to Alice with great feeling in his voice.

As I listened to the recorded dialogue, I got a strange feeling... that perhaps, long before the story of Digimon Tamers had started, Alice had left this world.

Mind you, this is just my own imagination.

An intersting point to note is that the producers of the Digimon strips featured in the UK's Wicked magazine make reference to Konaka's theory as well. In one strip Alice herself comments that she is no longer sure if she is even alive anymore. For more information on Konaka or to view more recent updates by him please refer to the Digimon Tamers Resources link found in the links section, or by clicking here

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